The Facing Page

Design, Culture and Style from Vancouver

Category: We Use

13 May 2013

Braun Calculator Re-Release

by Connor Keller

Braun Calculator

Exciting news for anyone who either (a) loves Braun and Dieter Rams designs or (b) loves their iPhone calculator so much they’d like the physical version of it as well – Braun have recently signalled their intention to re-release the BNE0001 calculator. While the calculator may be a slightly outdated piece of desktop stationary, this particular version is worth picking up purely for its design value as well as sentimental enjoyment for those who grew up using Braun products. The original was released in 1987 when Braun was more directly involved in production of electronics and homewares. It’s also the calculator which, as many Braun products have done before it, inspired a piece of Apple design: the calculator app on the iPhone. More news on the release when dates and costs come in.

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10 May 2013

I Love Ugly Bison Watch

by Connor Keller

For those into minimalist designed accessories, New Zealand brand I Love Ugly may have hit the nail on the head when it comes to the watch. Putting their own special and often eccentric take on classic pieces, this watch features an exceptionally clean dial design, accented nicely with a single ‘plus’ logo. The underlying mechanism of the watch is a quartz movement, the casing is stainless steel, and the watch is water resistant. This bison leather strap makes a particularly nice finish on the watch, it would go nicely peeking out from under oxford shirt cuffs as well as on its own with a t-shirt or similar. With an excellent price point, this is definitely a watch worth investigating. They’re in stock now in the Hypebeast online shop.

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9 May 2013

Kuumba at Haven

by Connor Keller

Haven, one of Canada’s highest profile menswear shops (see their recent interview on Hypebeast) have recently done all of us a massive favor and brought Japan’s Kuumba to the North American market. For almost twenty years now, Kuumba have been crafting aromatic incense from various natural and artificial scents to produce some of the best smelling incenses I’ve come across. Haven now carries the whole gamut of Kuumba scents, including interesting options like Jamaican Night, Lick Me All Over, Hollaback and Obama, alongside more traditional choices like Fig and French Vanilla. Each option comes in packs of 15, and can be burnt in either the home or the workplace to keep your space smelling amazing. They’re available now via Haven’s online store or through any of Haven’s brick and mortar locations.

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9 April 2013

Red Rooster Trading Co Camano Coffee Mill

by Addi Perkins


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One of the keys to a great cup of coffee is how you grind the beans. Although the required grind varies depending on your brewing method, it is important to have a consistent ground size. Blade grinders can’t give you this, and although you can have your coffee shop pre-grind your beans, this reduces the length of the time the coffee retains its prime flavour for. Your best solution is a burr grinder. While a blade grinder essentially just cuts and chops the beans, a burr grinder actually grinds them producing a uniform ground size. However, where a typical blade grinder might cost around $20, a standard burr grinder can easily run you upwards of $100. But if you’re willing to put in a bit of elbow grease, a hand powered burr grinder can be had for much less. Among these, I recommend Red Rooster Trading Co.’s Camano Coffee Mill.

The Camano uses a high-quality conical burr grinding mechanism to pulverize your beans into an even and consistent grind. The build-quality of the grinder is excellent. The metalwork and fittings feel firm with no give. Indeed some of the fittings are a touch too tight out of the box, although I’m happy to report they are breaking in with use. The grind size is adjustable, allowing you to switch from a fine espresso grind to a coarser grind with ease. Coffee is loaded into a metal hopper large enough to make several cups of coffee in one go before coming out the bottom into an attached glass jar. A metal and wood hand crank powers the grinder and although it isn’t a chore, you certainly notice the effort required for grinding. I actually enjoy the effort that goes into grinding my coffee. To me, hand-grinding my coffee has a rustic charm which fits well with my aesthetic sense in general. I enjoy the care I take in making a cup of coffee and so this extra effort only adds to the experience for me.

You can find the Camano Coffee Mill online or at Old Faithful Shop in Vancouver.

- AP

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7 April 2013

Duralex 5.4 oz Picardie Tumbler

by Addi Perkins

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For the last few months I had been hunting for a versatile set of glassware. I wanted something that could be used for beer, wine, juice, water and coffee. I was well stocked in whisky glasses but my rag-tag collection of tumblers, mugs and wine glasses left something to be seriously desired. To be fair, it is tricky to find a glass that can be used to for a number of different drinks as not only does the size have to be just so, but the style has to be right. I mean, if you had a espresso-sized martini glass you’d feel a bit strange actually putting espresso into it. So I hunted and hunted until one day I took note of the beautiful glass tumblers that Revolver Coffee uses. They seemed perfect. Elegantly styled, and well-sized. I asked after them and to my delight discovered that Revolver sold them. I bought 6.

Duralex’s Picardie tumblers come in a variety of sizes, but for my money the 5.4 ounce version is the best. It’s an excellent mid-range size that doesn’t dwarf a dram of whisky or restrain a measure of beer. I use mine every morning for coffee and every night for a whisky or an aperitif. The tumblers are made in France from Duralex’s tempered glass. I’ve dropped mine on my tiled kitchen floor without any chipping or cracking. The design of the tumbler is clean and elegant and, as their provenance suggests, reminiscent of a Parisian cafe. For me, they are the perfect multi-use glass. I’ve been tempted to grab a second set in a slightly larger size to hold those large summer drinks, but in the meantime everything is going into the 5.4 ounce glasses. You can track down your own set at Revolver Coffee or online at Duralex’s store.

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26 March 2013

Midori Traveler’s Notebook – Passport Sized STAR Edition

by Connor Keller

A while back I wrote a post singing the praises of the Midori Traveler’s Notebook – my personal choice for a day-to-day planner and notebook. I focused mostly on the larger version, but it’s worth noting that Midori also offer a passport-sized Traveler’s notebook which is perfect for all your paper needs when travelling abroad. For the brand’s 5th anniversary, Midori teamed up with the Hong Kong based ferry company “STAR” to produce an entire range of anniversary products with a STAR EDITION twist. This iteration on the traveler’s notebook is cut from an elegant camel coloured leather which I think would age the best of any of their current offerings and comes bound with an emerald elastic rather than the usual brown or black. As with any Midori notebook, it also comes in a cotton dust bag and carton box, but the packaging surprises don’t end there. The paper that comes with the STAR EDITION includes a brief history of the STAR ferry line, a ferry route map and, conveniently (assuming you’re based in Hong Kong or planning on popping over in the next year) a ticket for the ferry, embarking at Victoria Harbour, which is valid until December 31 2013. There’s also a spare maroon elastic, which I think might go quite nicely with the camel leather – and as always, the entire package is made in Japan. If you haven’t got a great leather day-to-day notebook, this is definitely a great way to get into one. The notebook is available on the Midori (Miscellaneous) online store, while supplies last.

- CK

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17 January 2013

LUNNE Tumbler

by Connor Keller

In 2012, Meghan Lunne took her studio art education from Oberlin College as well as inspiration from her home base in San Francisco and released LUNNE. Inspired by the basics of her life including her dog’s coat, the natural messiness of life and the subtle grays and blues from the San Francisco sky, Lunne has created a line of one-of-a-kind tumblers in blues, whites and grays. It’s an immediately approachable and beautiful take on pottery which will hopefully provide Lunne a platform from which to spring forward. These tumblers vary between 3-4 inches tall and roughly 2-2.5 inches across and are completely food and drink safe. They’re available now from Joinery NYC, and we look forward very much to seeing what comes in from Lunne next.

- CK

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23 November 2012

WTAPS Incense

by Connor Keller

For me, the scent of a space is one of the most important parts of putting a space together well. WTAPS incense is one of a few scents that I find appropriate to fill pretty well any space with. Like the Inventory Items candles and some of the Baxter of California candles, the WTAPS incenses provide a room-filling, relaxing and perfectly balanced smell. One burn will fill a room or two with a great smell without ever being overwhelming or overpowering. The scent is relaxing and enjoyable. As with previous seasons, not only does the incense smell brilliant, but the packaging is almost worth the price in itself. Well worth keeping around for a pen-case or holding other incense, the WTAPS’ ability to thinking through all facets of its products is well illustrated here. The incense is available at Haven or through End.

- CK

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22 April 2012

Tanner Goods Cardholder

by Addi Perkins

My esteemed colleague here at the Facing Page recently wrote about his love for the Truman Minimalist Wallet. It is a beautiful piece but I would like to make the case for an alternative wallet. For years I carried wallets with endless nooks and crannies in which I could tuck useless cards in the off-chance that they might come in handy in some unforeseen and highly improbably situation (if only I could prove that as I licensed pleasure craft operator I am due my free coffee after only 8 stamps and so forth). But all I got was a fat wallet and a sore back from being canted over to one side all the time. With this in mind, I finally downsized and upgraded to Tanner Goods‘ Cardholder. I’ve never regretted the decision.

Tanner Goods is a Portland, Oregon based atelier that makes a wide range of leather wallets, belts and other items. The cardholder is crafted from from bridle stitched Horween’s Chromexcel leather and as a result is amazingly durable. I selected the oxblood dye variant and it has worn in beautifully. The leather has become supple and rich and the patina has deepened. I also am a fan of the bill fold on the back of the wallet that allows for quick access to cash while keeping it safely held. I’ve carried this wallet in Canada, the US, Europe and the UK and the bill fold accommodates all sizes of currency. I’ve been so impressed with the build-quality and design of this piece that I’ve added a few other Tanner Goods’ items to my (incredibly long) wish-list: their standard belt in a dark Havana dye with a brass buckle (which would nicely compliment my much-loved Deadstock Swedish Army Belt) and the tan sunglass case, as my standard issue American Optics case is slowing dying. I’ll be sure to visit the Tanner Goods store when I’m next in Portland. But perhaps I’ll leave my wallet outside; it could be too dangerous to bring it in.

- AP

Images: tannergoods.com and Alexander Perkins

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26 March 2012

Filson Rutland Medium Duffle Bag

by Addi Perkins

 

When I’m travelling, I find myself pulled in two directions as far as my luggage goes. Part of me wants something capacious and functional; a backpack perhaps. However, another part of me wants something that looks good; a vintage leather suitcase. Recently, I’ve been using an aged leather doctor bag for all my travelling. It is small enough to fit into carry-on when flying but large enough for two weeks away if packing is done carefully and frugally. Unfortunately though, it isn’t always the most comfortable bag to walk with for a long distance, and sometimes you just need more space. So I’ve been hunting for a new bag and in Filson’s Rutland Duffle Bag, I’m pretty sure I’ve found it.

The Rutland is a medium sized duffle bag built from a heavy twill and leather. This particular model is accented with Sebago leather and comes only in tan, which is fine with me as I think it looks great. It is just over two feet long and slightly over a foot wide and deep. I’ve had the pleasure of looking the bag over at Filson’s flagship store in Seattle and it strikes a perfect balance between capacity and portability. The leather on tan combination gives the bag the rugged yet stylish look that I’m looking for – it’s the sort of bag that makes me want to drive a Land Rover to Tierra del Fuego, take the Eurostar from London to Paris and canoe down a forgotten river in a mountain valley. To me this desire to use it is key to an excellent piece of equipment. While the US$325 price tag is steep, Filson is known for their exceptional build-quality and I imagine that this bag will last for a quite a long time and will only get better looking with age.

- AP

Photos: filson.com

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