Happy New Year

For us 2010 was magical. The shop opened in the Reestraat after a few months of hard work. Soon people knew where to find us and the great Red Wing Shoes. The blog is visited by an increasing number of people and we are honored with your positive feedback. Thank you for visiting us.

We wish you a very happy 2011. Have fun tonight and see you next year!

Oro-Iginal Eames Chair

Last week we had the honor of meeting a photographer with a very special chair in his possession. Check out this Eames Lounge Chair. It is upholstered in Oro-Iginal leather from Red Wing's S.B. Foot Tannery. This oil-tanned, caramel-colored leather is my favorite: it's the same as my precious 877's and the Loggers that are high on my wish list. Thanks Pim van Ingen for the picture!

MS&Co. Denim Sleeves

This cool brand MS&Co. from Oregon have produced a new line of sleeves for your favorite accessories, made with premium American 13.5 oz. selvage denim from Cone Mills. My enthusiasm is so huge it is lost in translation. Included in the collection are covers for iPhones, iPads, field notes, sunglasses and passports. All products are lined with 100% melton wool. Everything is made in the USA.

The MS&Co. website informs you that their next adventure will be BBQ sauce! I love the sense of humor. Can not wait to see more and test out their stuff. The loafer socks also look good. Might come in handy for your Wabasha oxfords in spring.

(via Selectism)

Sami Knife Exhibition

The Saint-Étienne International Design Biennale 2010 presented an exhibition called the "Sami Knife II". Our friends from Denim Demon are Sami so this made me curious. The purpose of the exhibition was to bring attention to the current situation and future of the Sami knife, called "leuku" (Finnish) or stuorniibi (Sami) which means "big knife".

The result is a great collection of both modern and classic designs of this type of knife. Participating designers flew in from places as varied as Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Switserland, the Netherlands as well as the United Kingdom. Both contemporary and old fashioned designs look incredible. Interestingly, a lot of designers have found inspiration in their own culture. An overview can be seen here.

(images and info via Designboom)

List of stuff

As a man I always have some basic stuff available for immediate use. I carry these around in my jeans pockets or in my Duluth Pack. A few examples are my Zippo, a Leatherman pocket knife and my Apple charger. When I visit my family during the holidays I always tend to forget that I might need something extra. Also I have a hard time making up a list of stuff that I would like to receive as a gift.

A Time To Get has come to the rescue and created a list of very cool stuff that you - hell yeah - want to have. One item on the list is the black vintage WWII Zippo pictured above. This is love at first sight. Check the complete list here.

Tenue de Nîmes Website

Just before Christmas our friends from Tenue de Nîmes released their new website. The design by Anothercompany is refreshing and it adds a lot of functionality. The blog and online store are both an integrated part of the online denim domain. Every product features a detailed description by one of the founders of TdN. A great personal touch to the website I must say. Check it out here.

Have a nice Christmas!

Custom Iron Ranger

Traction is the magic word in bad weather conditions. The Iron Ranger with its Nitrile Cork outsole is not famous for performing in icy weather. The outsole is flexible, oil resistant and performs very well in urban areas and wet conditions. It is not the first shoe we would recommend as suitable for hiking or icy conditions.

Unless of course you are customizing your boots. One of our customers insisted on using his Iron Ranger Amber Harness for the snowy weather. He went to our cobbler and he attached an extra piece for traction on the outsole. Not a very subtle sight, but it is functional. How do you like this? Would you customize your Red Wing Shoes?

Model A Bag

W Durable Goods is a small company owned by Daniel Wright. He is based in Forth Worth, Texas. For over 5 years he has been making goods that live up to his company's name. This Model A bag is his signature bag. Each one is made from 30 oz. canvas, which is derived from transport bags that were used for carrying parts for building Bailey Bridges. Ideal for carrying my lunch or my smaller bits and pieces.

Extra Rugged Boot Laces

Laces are decoration for some, and necessity for others. Fact is that a combination might be the best option. This Extra Rugged Boot Lace or "replace-a-lace" by Sierra Lace will give you something to talk about with your friends. They are guaranteed to outlast your boots. They will not outlast mine but at least I can ask a replacement if they do not.

The package contains 144 inches of lace and four permanent lifetime tips. You cut the lace to the right length, heat-shrink the tips and you're all set. The best solution however might be to tie a small knot and burn the end. Hook me up with info if you know the company that could supply our shop. In the meanwhile you will have to get them via McGuckin Hardware. (via Menno - Tenue de Nîmes)

Lada Niva

When we left Tenue de Nîmes after work yesterday a small four-wheel drive parked in front of the store. Impressed by the small size and cool look I instantly fell in love. It was a Lada Niva. My phone was not able to take a proper picture in the dark, but it did look amazing. 

The Niva was first built in 1977 and it is still in production. The 1.6L or 1.7L engine might seem small for a jeep type vehicle, but it is light-weight and therefore powerful enough to get you through the mud. The army green one on the picture is one of the best colorways. (image via About.com)

Buzz Rickson's C.P.O. Shirt

Wool flannel is good winter wear. It does not itch, it feels soft to the skin and it is warm. Most common shirts and jackets are made from plaid fabrics. I like it, but sometimes you want something more basic than the urban logger look.

Japanese brand Buzz Rickson's is famous for their reproductions of workwear and army classics from the "middle part of the 20th century". This reproduced type CPO shirt was standard issue to Chief Petty Officers of the US Navy. The price tag may scare you (€218), but you definitely want some of this brand in your wardrobe. No tree for Christmas this year.

TAKE 5 10th Anniv. Denim Collabs

One of Asia's best denim shops is TAKE 5. This shop with its large assortment of premium denims celebrates its 10th birthday this year. They will do a staggering number of 10 collaborations with denim brands. HB released some pictures of the collaborations with Pure Blue Japan, Momotaro and Samurai Jeans. The models shown in the pics are 16 oz. Samurai S710XX, a PBJ XX005 SLIM CUT and our favorite the 15.7 oz. 0701 Slim from Momotaro. (via Hypebeast)

Russian Snowmobile

This cool snowmobile is made by a retired man from Kirov in Russia. I already found this a few weeks ago, but I completely forgot about it. We've had a lot of snow recently and Amsterdam has turned into one big ice rink today. You can imagine why I thought of it.

The machine was made from scrap and powered by an old Yamaha engine. The big wheel is a very distinctive feature. It is actually really light because of this and it is said to perform well on fresh snow. The gear shift lever is the coolest part, made from an old Coca-Cola souvenir. (via English Russia)

Archival Clothing Musette

Check out this Plain Musette from Archival Clothing. This type of bag is normally used in cycling to give food or drinks to racers. They grab the bag, hang it around their neck and take out the contents before discarding it.

I find it very useful when I'm out and about without my scout pack but carry a little more than the pockets of my jacket can hold. The version from Archival clothing closes with a snap button and has a short 41" fixed shoulder strap. It is made from waxed cotton with military-grade cotton webbing. It also fits my iPad. Wow. Available here in dark brown, navy, grey and tan for $40,-.

Carhartt U.S. Classics

Reworking old products to update them with a contemporary fit is a good thing. It saves you the effort of going to the tailor and taking the risk of him messing up your idea of a good fit. Carhartt Europe is releasing a new series of their own American classics. As expected with updated fits and new colors. This a good follow up on the September release of the US Limited series.

Not sure when, in what quantities and for what price because detailed release information is missing. I thought well f*ck that, the products look good and I want to show some. I really dig the chore coat and the overalls in denim and cotton duck. No other option than to keep our eyes open and cycle past the Carhartt store every day on your way to Red Wing Shoes Amsterdam.

Elian Bicycles

We cycle a lot in Holland. "More bicycles than people" is what we tend to say in Amsterdam. You would assume we would be masters at building them. The craftsmanship is actually hard to find if you look at the common Dutch manufacturers.

Elian does it differently. Based in the city of Utrecht in Holland, they build frames with their bare hands. They produce beautifully simple bicycles and there is an option to customize. The frames look rock-solid and have a distinctive look. The rear fork tubes cross the vertical tube to be welded on the horizontal tube. Sounds complicated but take a look at the pics and you will understand.

"Everything is possible as long as it meets our standards." I love this expression of expertise.

(info and pictures via Joachim Baan - www.anothercompany.org)

Gil Evgren

Pin-up art is a well known form of commercial art. It usually depicts an idealized version of a sexually attractive woman. I have always loved the pin up art and its many forms and shapes. Quite some friends of mine have a pin up tattoo on their body. My brother will soon join the pin up club and I am searching for the ideal design for myself. During my research I have come across a lot of artists and I will show you a few more in the coming months.

Gil Evgren is one of the best - if not THE BEST - and most loved pin up artist who ever lived. Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota he started out studying architecture. Soon he realised that he loved painting more so he moved to Chicago to study at the American Academy of Art instead. He started drawing pin ups in 1937 for publishing company Louis F. Dow. Seven years later he moved to Brown and Bigelow who payed him $1000 dollar per pin up. A lot of money, especially in those days.

Evgren would later branch out to other commercial forms of art, for example ads for Coca Cola and others. He is famous for his oil paintings of his "girl next door" pin ups, often in situations that blow up their skirts "accidentally". Check his website for more inspiration.

Museum Of Useful Things

Form and function is one of my favorite subjects. It is the combination of something looking neat while still being exceptionally functional. Had I been able to draw, there would have been no other option but to become an industrial designer.

When browsing the Swurdin blog, I came across a post about a Mason Bag. We have similar ones from Heritage Leather Company, so of course I was curious to find out where it came from. I ended up on the wonderful website of the Museum Of Useful Things.

Almost a shame it's not an actual shop where you can touch the products. They have a collection of well-designed and useful stuff. Everything you need to carry, affix, clean, read, write, hold, measure, organize and assist yourself with is there. Maybe you need a Crown Butcher' s Twine or the C-Clamp Camera Tripod? The prices are affordable, so check out the website and have a look for yourself.

Eat Dust Denim Jacket

Finding a well designed denim jacket is harder than it seems. Aside from the classics, you know there are very few contemporary interpretations that can blow you away. This Heavy Duty Worker Jacket from Eat Dust did just that with me.

It is made from heavy 13.25 oz. Japanese selvage denim. It features 2 hip pockets and one breast pocket which all feature the signature Z-Bar stitching. This a clear reference to their motorcycles as it resembles a type of handlebar. Not to be missed are the blue corduroy collar, the faded copper buttons and the extra button hole. Apparently for decoration, it was placed lopsided between the first and second functional button holes.

The brand itself is quite unknown and it is hard to find some proper background information on it. It seems be from Belgium and started by biker enthusiasts who share a passion, not only for bikes but also for denim and proper garments. Their blog does not reveal much but their webshop is online.

This post will get a follow-up if I can find out more.. (via SpeedSeekers)

Denim Demon Aquavit

A good drink is something I enjoy and it is the same with Anton and Oskar of Denim Demon. Next to their great denims, the news has just been released that they produced their own Schnapps. The Denim Demon Aquavit is brewed in collaboration with Buustamon, Sweden's smallest mountain distillery. Only 72 bottles in both small and big size are available.

Where can place my I order?

Ultimate Denim Boot

No, this is not a pair of Red Wing Shoes made of denim. Neither is this a collaboration with a big, fellow American brand. This is just the ideal 6" Moc for rigid or raw denim. The Hawthorne Abilene Roughout (8173) is most vulnerable to indigo bleeding. Wear them under your new denim and they will slowly turn blue.

Most people would find this scary, but to the denim enthusiast it is more like a sign his boots are aging, are getting more character. The bleeding will create blue spots on the upper and will create a unique look over time. This Moc comes with the standard gold/tan laces. Try the black laces as pictured or leather laces if you can find them in the right size.

1966 Triumph Bonneville

'Keep dreaming' is what I thought when I saw this baby. This clean looking 1966 Triumph Bonneville is actually for sale. Alas, I've not enough money in my account, but I did want to share this beauty. What instantly grabbed my attention is the double exhaust and low seating. Too bad the gold paintjob/decals are a bit too shiny. See the original post on Southsiders for more information.

Smith & Wesson Tactical Pen

I found this article on "tactical pens". Personally I do not need a pen for a self-defense tool, but I did like the designs. They were very clean, heavy and industrial. My favorite is the Tactical and Police Pen by gun manufacturer Smith&Wesson. It is 15.5 cm long and made from T-6061 Aircraft grade Aluminium. Not sure what it weighs but it is strong and light. It costs only $23 dollars. (imagges via GearPatrol and FusionGear)

Mocs in the Snow

It is only the 4th of December and Amsterdam is covered in white. We are enjoying ourselves with hot chocolate, cakes from the Queen of Tarts and lots of boots. The whole Reestraat is turning into a ski slope but that does not scare our clientele.

The ideal boots for this kind of weather are the Mocs with Vibram outsole. This thick black outsole can plough through any terrain. This proves that looking cool and having traction is no problem at all. We have them in Briar Oil Slick (dark brown) and Oro-iginal for € 259.90.

Gränsfors Bruks

Gränsfors Bruks is a small family owned company based in Sweden about 340 km north of Stockholm. Since 1902 they have produced the finest quality axes and crowbars. A subsidiary operates in South Carolina since 1986. GB produces a wide variety of axes, log building tools and replicas of old axes. In the United States they also produce safety apparel and equipment for loggers. The philosophy behind this brand is fascinating.

The axeforge in Sweden is open every workday of the week and they even have a real axe museum which is open 7 days a week. Visitors can participate in special courses in forging, log building and grinding. If you are interested in going into the woods, you can alway read the AXE Book. Then you will at least know what axe is ideal for your intended purpose. Thanks Paolo Bellini for sharing!

Language of the Robe

In this book Robert Kapoun, a collector and expert, takes you on a tour through the history of the Indian trade blanket. Language of the Robe shares a lot of background information. It includes nice photography and illustrations. The word "blanket" almost sounds inferior when you read the book. Not only a good read for collectors, but it can also be a source of inspiration for graphic artists and photographers.

Mark Mahoney

Last Tuesday my new tattoo was completed, and once the redness is gone I will show you my new ink. For now I'm happy to share the baddest badass I ever came across in tattooing. This guy probably has more narcotics in his body than tattoos on his skin but holy shit, what an artist..

Mark Mahoney has a style that I can't quite put my finger on.. I guess he likes to tattoo in fine lines and with insane precision. Take a look at the video that apparently has something to do with Yves Saint Laurent(probably the shirt and trousers he is wearing) but to me is so much more about his life as a tattoo artist.