Simple Living

My Experience with a Daiso Foldable Backpack I’ve been on the lookout for a foldable backpack, considering brands like Osprey , but I wasn’t ready to spend $30 or more. Instead, I found a Foldable Backpack from Daiso for just $4 . I needed something lightweight to carry a water bottle and some snacks while out and about, and this bag seemed perfect for that! Pros and Cons of the Daiso Backpack Initial Impressions For $4 , you definitely get an ultralight bag made of thin material with weaker zippers. It’s crucial to treat it gently; if you do, it’ll serve its purpose. However, the instruction tag warns against moisture, so it’s not water-resistant and could easily soak through. Plenty of Pockets The bag features: A main compartment A smaller compartment that it folds back into Two side mesh pouches for small water bottles A small hanging pocket within the main compartment The pockets are quite useful, although I wouldn’t risk putting anything valuable in the side mesh pockets; I ju

Alox vs. Cellidor: My Experience with Victorinox Swiss Army Knives Having owned and used both Alox and Cellidor Victorinox Swiss Army knives, I've come to appreciate the unique characteristics of each. These materials define the handles, or scales, of the knives, leading to differences in durability, weight, and aesthetics. Understanding Alox and Cellidor Alox Material : Alox stands for Aluminum Oxide , a metal finish that has been used in military-issued Soldier knives for the Swiss Army since the 1960s, continuing until around 2008. Victorinox has also produced civilian versions, such as the Pioneer Alox , which is a near-exact replica of the Soldier with the addition of a keyring. Durability : The metallic scales offer increased resistance to impact and chemicals compared to plastic, making them a robust choice for rugged use. Cellidor Material : Cellidor refers to the plastic scales used on many Victorinox civilian knife models, most famously recognized by their iconic red co

Farewell to My Apple Watch: A Transition Back to Traditional Timepieces After four years of faithful service, my Apple Watch Series 2 in Space Grey Aluminum (42mm) has finally succumbed. I bought it new when it was first released in April 2017, and while I appreciated its features, I'm surprisingly relieved that it has died. This unexpected freedom allows me to reconnect with my traditional quartz and mechanical watches. Embracing Analog Again Lately, I’ve been enjoying my Victorinox INOX for most days, which combines durability and style. When I need something lightweight, my Swatch has been my go-to option. I also feel a renewed excitement for my G-Shocks , which are now getting the attention they deserve during workouts and hikes. Considering Repair Options Update - 5/22/21 I checked the Apple Service website and discovered that an out-of-warranty battery replacement would cost $79 . Given that a newer Model 3 is just double the price, I’ve decided that repairing the battery

Excited to Welcome My First Limited Edition Swiss Army Knife I’ve finally taken the plunge and picked up my first Limited Edition Swiss Army Knife : the Aqua Blue Alox Pioneer . Released as part of the 2020 annual colors edition, I found it at a particularly good price, and I couldn't resist. Shifting Focus in My Collection I’ve decided to halt my collecting for the remainder of 2021 , with the exception of possibly picking up another Limited Edition, such as the 2021 Alox Pioneer X . With over half a billion Swiss Army Knives produced as of 2017, there’s really no need to chase after common models. Instead, I want to focus on the uniqueness of Limited Editions that stand out in my collection. Impressions of the Main Blade The main blade on the Alox Pioneer is the most substantial one I've yet to experience among my Swiss Army Knives. I own several models, from the svelte 58mm Classic to the 111mm Trekker , but the 93mm Alox stands out as a beefy contender. The blade features

Addition of Yamazaki 12 Year Single Malt Whisky to My Collection I’m thrilled to share that I was able to pick up a bottle of Yamazaki 12 Year Single Malt Whisky from Suntory ! This whisky has a rich history and a reputation for being one of the finest expressions of Japanese whisky. A Shift in Perception I remember hearing that this whisky used to sell for a fraction of what it costs today—comparable to the price of Johnnie Walker Black Label . It’s fascinating to see how the perception and market value of Yamazaki have changed over the years. I’ve had the chance to taste it several times, and I’ve been on the lookout for a bottle for quite some time. Waiting for the Right Moment I received this bottle as a gift, so I’m planning to wait for a special occasion to truly savor it. There’s something about enjoying a high-quality whisky that makes the experience all the more memorable. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a gathering with friends, I’ll make sure to choose a moment that

Reflecting on a Decade with the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - One Hand Trekker I recently realized that I purchased my Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - One Hand Trekker from Amazon back in 2011 , making it a decade old! Despite the time that has passed, it still looks and feels brand new, as I’ve barely used it. The Need for a Locking Blade The Trekker was an essential purchase for me, especially after a nasty accident with a regular 91mm Swiss Army Knife. While multitasking on a hike, I accidentally sliced my hand quite badly. Fortunately, I managed to apply first aid and avoid a trip to the hospital, but it definitely highlighted the need for a safer option. The 111mm Trekker not only offers a locking blade for added safety but also maintains the trusted quality of the Victorinox brand. In hindsight, I wish I had gone for the non-serrated version . However, I’m satisfied with the standard serrated option, especially since I picked it up for just $31 back in 2011. Nowadays, the Trekk

Finding the Ideal Urban EDC: The Victorinox Climber After experimenting with various Swiss Army Knife models, I've concluded that the Victorinox Climber is the ideal choice for my urban EDC needs. Portability, weight, and a good pair of scissors are the three key factors I consider when selecting a Swiss Army Knife for everyday carry. Here are a few other contenders I considered: Compact : Lacks an awl and a second blade. Super Tinker : Features a Phillips head instead of a corkscrew. Pioneer X : Has no bottom-side tools and an awl instead of a second blade. Tools of the Climber Large Blade Small Blade Can Opener Bottle Opener Scissors Awl/Reamer Corkscrew Tweezers Toothpick Weight and Portability Considerations While models like the Huntsman and Explorer offer a wide array of tools, the extra weight—about half an ounce more for the Huntsman—can make a noticeable difference in pocket carry. In an urban setting, I’ve found that the wood saw, while handy, isn't essential for m

Restarting My Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Collection for 2021 I'm excited to restart my Victorinox Swiss Army Knife collection for 2021! I've recently acquired an Alox Cadet and have a Huntsman and Climber on the way. My focus will be on a few select models, emphasizing Alox for its durability and aesthetics, while the plastic scale models will serve utility roles, stored at the office, home, and in various bags. Current Collection Swiss Champ Red // 2011 // Collectible Trekker Black // 2011 // BOB bag Huntsman Silver Tech // 2016 // EDC rotation Black // 1979-1985 // Hiking Bag Cadet Alox Silver // EDC rotation Climber Black // 1979-1985 // Collectible Traveler // 1979-1985 // Collectible Hoffritz // 1985-1990 // Collectible Ruby // 1992-2005 // EDC rotation Camper Red // 1999-2005 // Collectible Spartan Red // 2009-2011 // Car Red // 2009-2011 // Office Ruby/Sapphire // 2009-2011 // Messenger Bag Classic Classic // First Aid Classic Lite // Collectible With the Huntsman a

EDC Essentials for March 2021 I’m usually with my messenger bag that includes more items, like first aid, bottled water, and some snacks. But if I’m on foot around town, this is usually what I have in my pockets along with my keys and a Kingston 8GB USB drive. I’ll likely add a Bic lighter to make for a more complete basic tool set. Possibly a small bit of paracord wrapped in a keychain. Current Items iPhone 11 Ballpoint pen Victorinox Cadet Swiss Army Knife Leather wallet  

Commemorating the Wild Year with a Victorinox Alox Cadet A Wild Year The past 12 months have been the wildest of my life, and even that is an understatement. To commemorate the COVID-19 years and remind myself of how crazy it’s been, I picked up a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - Alox - Cadet. A Design That Captivates I've always wanted an Alox model ever since I purchased the Alox 8GB USB drive and found the all-metal design truly breathtaking. There is a certain feeling of assurance in its durability when you hold it in your hands, and while it’s smaller than my Spartan, it weighs about the same. Trusty Companion - Spartan My trusty Spartan has been by my side for several years, and unfortunately, it has begun to show its age, with the plastic scales warping and coming undone. While I have several other Spartans, I wanted to opt for an Alox as my everyday carry, as I anticipate this will last longer and not require more regular replacement, although my Spartan has been with me for a

Discovering Dean & Deluca in Waikiki A Hidden Gem There are several Dean & Delucas in Waikiki, and I stumbled upon one of them in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. It's fairly tiny, featuring just three tables outside, and this location seems more like a coffee shop with a narrow selection of coffee, teas, and typical matching accessories like coffee mugs, cookies, and jams. A Different Experience It's nothing like the larger Dean & Delucas I'm used to, which are more of an upscale grocer, akin to a fancier Trader Joe's. Nonetheless, this visit provided a nice respite, and the iced Americano was good.  

Reflecting on the Victorinox USB Drive A Functional Aesthetic I acquired the Swiss Army Victorinox USB Drive in Green Alox several years ago and found it both useful as a storage device and appealing in its aesthetic design. However, I have since relegated it to a storage container, as I now have drives with much larger capacities and faster USB 3.0 speeds. A Discontinued Classic This particular Alox model has since been discontinued, and to my surprise, these now sell for more than I originally paid for it, hovering near $50 to $70 for pre-owned versions. I'm assuming this price increase stems more from a collectible standpoint. While it still functions well as a USB drive, and 8 GB is more than sufficient storage capacity for most non-media files, I have no use for it, and perhaps it's time to part with it. Considering the Next Step While the Victorinox USB drive is beautiful in both design and function, there are other items I would prefer. I'm considering using the fund

A Short Vacation in Honolulu Exploring a Familiar Place Prices were cheap, so I decided to take a break and went to Honolulu for a short vacation. I've been here several times before, both for work and play. This time, I was amazed at how empty the whole place felt. The downside was that there wasn't much to do other than eat, drink, and sleep. Soothing Sights and Sounds I took in the sights, and it was actually quite soothing to sit outside my balcony and listen to the ocean waves. The calming sound of the surf was a perfect backdrop to my relaxation. A Trusty Companion During this trip, the Victorinox INOX proved to be a keeper. Aside from its tendency to get a few sand particles lodged between the bezel and the crystal, it has been the perfect watch for the beach. Its durability and functionality made it an ideal companion for my vacation.

Coffee Weekends and Literature Enjoying a Cappuccino Back to coffee weekends with a good book. I’m currently enjoying a cappuccino while reading Sakhalin Island by Anton Chekhov. I bought the book a while ago and have been casually reading a few pages at a time. So far, I’m maybe a quarter of the way through it. Chekhov's Stark Observations Chekhov is already on the island and visiting the various settlements. His descriptions of the inhabitants and their conditions are quite stark and consistent, resembling a business report but infused with a novelist's flair through his social commentary. The Temptation of Speed Reading I could speed-read through the book, which I have done with others in the past just to "say" I've read them. However, I believe that amassing a great quantity of books read is not equivalent to a more deliberate reading of a few books or even just one. Setting Reading Goals I’ll aim to make it halfway through or to a meaningful part by this sum