HP Limited Edition Calculator
You don't have to be that old to remember when calculators were cool — and now you can celebrate that bygone era with an HP Limited Edition Calculator ($80). While its landscape layout is slightly less revolutionary than it was 30 years ago when it launched, the 12c — its official name — is still a handsomely retro tool featuring a 10 character display, a RPN entry-system logic, over 120 built-in functions, 20 memory registers, a unique production number laser-etched on the back, a special, limited-edition gift box, and, for the financial gurus in the crowd, is good for use in CFP and CFA certification exams. [via]
Rotring 600 Drafting Pencil
When you're in a creative groove, you don't need anything breaking your flow — and that goes double for your writing utensil. The Rotring 600 Drafting Pencil ($33) is a Japan-only dream with a nearly-perfect weight and feel, an all metal brass body with knurled grip and lead grade indicator, a fixed 4 mm sleeve, a clip, and an eraser under the top cap. Also available in silver.
Reclaimed Timber Desk Caddy
Go beyond the simple pen cup and add a piece of rustic flair to your office environment with a Reclaimed Timber Desk Caddy ($45). Made from antique reclaimed fir timbers, coated in a non-toxic finish, and sporting a number of differently-sized holes, these simple organizers are ready to hold all your most-used tools, big or small.
Pen Type-A
Love Hi-Tec-C pens but not so enthusiastic about their pedestrian plastic housings? Let the Pen Type-A ($50) come to your rescue. Milled and turned from a solid block of 304 stainless steel, this unique writing instrument supports both Pilot Hi-Tec-C and G-Tec-C Cartridges in a variety of colors and widths, as well as a finish that is made to outlast your desire to hand write anything and a nifty storage sleeve that doubles as a ruler.
Socks by Mack Weldon
So comfortable customers routinely claim they’re “walking on clouds” thanks to the cushioned footbed. The No Shows ($14.50/2 pack) have a “no slip grip” that stays put in low cut summer shoes, while the crew length styles actually stay up if you want them to. Get one or get them all - the Sock Drawer ($135) includes 16 pairs. But do get them soon, because like all things Mack Weldon makes, these are in high demand (and insanely comfortable).
Industrial Strength Organizer
Whether you need a hardcore holder for your tools or are just trying to add a little shop class flair to your desk, the Industrial Strength Organizer ($50) has your back. Made from steel that's brushed to a bare shine and finished with varnish, this six-pound station features six separate compartments of varying size, as well as felt feet to protect less-industrial surfaces.
Craft Design Technology
Unless you've spent a lot of time in Japan, odds are you haven't heard of Craft Design Technology ($3-$120). But you have now, right? Makers of high-quality office goods like memo pads, pens, pencils, notebooks, and some insanely awesome scissors, their stuff is an easy way to set your boring cubicle apart from the rest of the herd — no red stapler in sight.
Bulletproof Clipboard
Whether you work in a super rugged environment or just want a more effective sheild than your fourth wife, the Bulletproof Clipboard ($45) should serve you well. Made from a slab of Level II body armor, this crazy clipboard can stop 9mm rounds dead in their tracks, and is also useful for, you know, holding paper.
Our thanks to Gillette for sponsoring our Gear articles this month.
Turtle Pens
We're pretty sure this is the first time we've heard the phrase "turtle head" used in a positive, non-gross way. Turtle Pens (£30-£35; roughly $50-$60) eschew the typical addicting push-top design for a unique, patented "SNAPback" design that has the user pull the rear casing of the pen back, letting it recoil to expose the nib, which is centered in a bit of extendable casing the company has dubbed the Turtle Head. Available in black, white, green, or orange, each pen also comes in a sturdy stainless steel storage canister that looks like it might be good for more than just holding a writing instrument. [Thanks, Brad]
Arwey Notebooks
Whether you're buying a gift for a notorious note keeper or just looking to upgrade from your current Moleskine, Arwey Notebooks ($8-$20) are a good choice. Available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and colors, these trusty 'books feature niceties like magnetic locks, elastic bands, pen holders, interior pockets, perforated pages, writing and sketching guides, in addition to being made from paper milled from managed forests — enter the code UNCRATE at checkout for a tidy 50% discount.
Carbon Fiber Business Cards
Show off your business' materials acumen with Carbon Fiber Business Cards ($TBA). These cards are made from thin, lightweight real carbon fiber that provides a depth not seen with traditional card stock, and imbed your graphics under a layer of epoxy coating, keeping them from scratching or wearing off, and thus extending the lifetime of your promotional investment. As a bonus, they might also match your high-end "corporate" vehicle.
Our thanks to Gillette for sponsoring our Gear articles this month.
Cards of Wood
Get your message across while keeping Mother nature in mind with Cards of Wood ($41 and up). Made from 100% natural, sustainable wood, these bookmarks, postcards, envelopes, stationery, business, greeting and holiday cards are ready to help you communicate without waste.
Journal Bandolier
Deck out your favorite notebook Chewwy-style with the Journal Bandolier ($17). Handmade using reclaimed rubber and elastic, this simple strap is two inches wide, able to fit notebooks over five inches wide, and offers seven loops for holding pencils, pens, erasers, markers, knives, or whatever else your creative endeavors demand.
