KSK Commando Smock

My search for a good smock has continued since my previous posts in February. The SAS smock I wanted is hard to come by and since then I came across some other good ones. The KSK Commando Smock is one I found in my collection of Japanese literature. It features a 2-way zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, 2-much pockets and comes in various sizes. This type of jacket looks so much better than all the designer reproductions. The only thing might be the sizing. Increase your beer intake if you want to have this slim fitted. It costs 75 pounds on RawVintage.

Wooden Crutches

Lately I have been enjoying hunting for all things vintage more and more. It started a few years ago with a focus on vintage Ray-Bans and my Omega watch. This old hobby has grown into an Ebay addiction looking for watches, denim, jewellery, jackets and old army stuff.

Just now I found these old army crutches from the 40's. Buy them and you are able to break a leg and still look cool. I am joking around, but you have to agree contemporary crutches are hideous. Isn't there a designer who can do something about it? In the meanwhile you can buy them at Apothecary Zero as interior decoration.

Volkswagen 166

Having a car in Amsterdam can be a real pain in the *ss. Sometimes it seems a boat would be more useful in the summer months. No traffic jams along the canals and a lot of fun during Queensday. A bit of both would come in handy though.

This type 166 "Schwimmwagen" was used by the Germans in WWII. It is the most mass-produced amphibious vehicle ever. The design looks like an army bath tub on wheels. Really cool. The black colorway seen above is way better than the camouflage. (Pictures via Serious Wheels)

SAS Windproof Smock

The good thing about having a blog is that when you post something new, we instantly receive messages from friends and followers providing us with suggestions and comments. Soon after my post about the Arktis Smock I received an e-mail from our friend Paolo pointing out a smock which he thinks is even better. Thanks for sharing!

I had therefore had no other choice than to show you the Special Air Service Windproof Smock in Olive Green and Plain Desert Tan. This smock is issued to each member of the famous SAS regiment. As the name implies it is windproof, made from a dense Oxford weave cloth. This weave allows the cotton fibres to swell when wet, which helps the water repellent finish in keeping you dry. It is currently out of stock, but it's worth waiting for. Made by SAS in Lancaster, England.

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.

WW2 Ski Mittens

In my childhood I really enjoyed my mittens. I had a pair that was attached by a cord. This cord would go through your sleeves and made sure you would not loose them. I needed this badly because I always lost everything.

What to do if you still like mittens but do not want to look like a child? For $25 you can buy this pair of vintage WW2 Ski Mittens. It comes with a metal adjustment buckle and the inside of the palms are made of leather. It looks cool and kinda matches my cameraman jacket.

Temple Bags "Made in America"

In warehouses full of military stuff TB searches for materials that can be re-purposed. Combined with good quality leather and their own hardware they create handmade bags that are amazing. Bags for traveling, Ipads, weekenders, accessories - they have it all. Temple Bags are made in Los Angeles, California. Check out this video "Made in America" about their production process.

(via Selectism.com)

Canvas Military Scout Pack

Two days ago I was running some errands in the city when I stumbled upon this Scout pack. Some random guy was riding his bicycle, hardly looking like the fashion-minded type, but he carried this pack on his back. It looked so good I decided to ask him where he found it. His answer was somewhat strange in that he said it was from a friend of his and then asked me if I wanted to buy it! As I'm a bit broke at the moment, I had to say no, but apparently he was in the same predicament, and offered me the pack for €10,- ! It may sound a bit dubious but I couldn't say no to that!

It has some markings on it claiming to be made in Germany and a model described as 'Kurz Mod.1'. I couldn't find a thing about on the net so I wonder if anybody knows something about this pack. Let me know if you do.

Paracord Watchband

Paracord or 550 cord was originally used as a suspension cord in WWII for parachutes. Once in the field, paratroopers found it useful for many other tasks.

Now many soldiers have a braided bracelet made from paracord as well watchbands that they can unravel if needed in certain circumstances. There are many tutorials on how to make one yourself, or you can always buy one from these guys where they claim to give you back a free bracelet when you used it in an emergency situation!

I only like accessories if there is a certain functionality to it, more than just fashion. Not that I am the kind of guy getting into these sort of situations, but you never know! MacGyver eat your heart out...

Army Desk

A good part of the interior of our Red Wing Shoes store consists of vintage tools and stuff we sourced ourselves. Joachim and I drove all around the country to pick up nice stuff from all kinds of places: from the wide plains of the Dutch polders to the antique shops in Wisconsin and Minnesota, no place was safe from us at the beginning of June.

One of the cool things we came across was a military crate / portable table. Two chairs and a table were tightly packed in the crate. It was painted in an unusual light green color. We found it at a military dump that even had a MIG airplane on its property. It was a bit too big for my balcony..

Anyway, I like this military theme for the office or house as well. This Swedish Military Officers desk is ideal to stuff your belongings in. The other field table is also really nice. Both items are listed on Coleman's Military Surplus. (via A Time To Get)

Mercedes Benz 280 GE

Who is joining me to the beach?