Simple Living

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...

Evaluating New Linux Distros for My Revived Rig Out with the Old: Lubuntu 17.10 I’m evaluating new Linux distros for my revived Linux rig. The old Lubuntu 17.10 was fantastic but has become obsolete. I was unimpressed with Lubuntu 20.04 LTS, as it seems the mindset of Linux has evolved to accommodate increasingly more powerful computers. Now, a minimum of a dual-core CPU and 2 GB of RAM is required. The HP i3-4010u with 8 GB of RAM is just slightly above those minimum standards. 1. Lubuntu 20.04 LTS I’ve been a longtime Lubuntu user and fan. My absolute favorite has been Lubuntu 17, followed by 18.04 LTS, so I was expecting the same experience with 20.04. However, I was disappointed. The system felt laggy and unresponsive, coming off as bloated. It took 15 seconds for Firefox to open, and the loading of pages took even longer. I found this unacceptable, especially considering that Lubuntu 17 was lightning fast on the same machine with less RAM. Ultimately, I threw in the towel and inst...

Overview of My HP 15f-10dx Why a Cheap Laptop? I've owned several laptops in my lifetime, and the HP 15f-010dx was a budget choice at around $399 back in 2014. I never really spent much on laptops, as I wasn't into gaming or anything computationally intensive. However, I found Windows 8 to be horrible on this slow machine. The i3-4010u CPU was sufficient for my needs, but the operating system felt sluggish. The main feature going for it was the 'touchscreen,' which surprisingly turned out to be very useful. Specs CPU: i3-4010u RAM: 8 GB (original factory was 4 GB) - DDR3 1600mhz SODIMM Storage: 500 GB HDD (upgraded to 256 GB SSD) OS: Windows 8.1 (swapped to Linux Mint) How to Enter BIOS To access the BIOS, start the laptop and immediately click the ESC key. This will show the Boot Up Menu, and you can press F10 to enter BIOS. Battery Drain When Powered Off The battery drain I experienced is not due to the Linux OS but likely a setting in the BIOS. I've been te...

Overview of Adidas Stan Smiths I recently picked up a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths for under $40, and after a full week of wear, I'm quite pleased with them. They have a thick leather upper and tongue, paired with a rubber sole, giving them a classic look that feels reminiscent of oxford dress shoes. Although I'm still breaking them in, I can already tell these shoes have a lot of potential. Sizing I opted for a size 9.5, and while they are snug, I anticipate that they will stretch out a bit, making them perfect for me. If you plan to wear them infrequently, consider sizing up, as breaking them in can take some time. Most people recommend going up a size for Stan Smiths, which I usually do, especially since my right foot is slightly wider. Style These shoes are a timeless classic with a sleek profile that fits almost any outfit. They have a narrower profile similar to Converse All-Stars but are easier to slip on than chunkier options like Adidas Superstars. They also serve as a g...

Comparing Adidas Stan Smith and Superstar When it comes to classic Adidas shoes, the Stan Smith and Superstar are two popular contenders. While both have roots in sports—tennis for the Stan Smith and basketball for the Superstar—they've largely transitioned to fashion staples. Below, I’ll compare and rate these shoes across several categories. Style Stan Smith: Both shoes are casual and versatile, complementing most outfits. The Stan Smith pairs well with slimmer or regular-cut clothing, making it a great match for shorts. In contrast, the Superstar feels chunkier and tends to suit baggier styles, particularly jeans. Comfort Superstar: The plush inner lining of the Superstars makes them incredibly comfortable. They broke in quickly, requiring only a day of wear. The Stan Smiths, however, have been a different story; they’re still causing some discomfort after a week, particularly on my right foot. For longer outings or standing for extended periods, I’d definitely choose the Supers...

My Watch Trinity for 2021 In 2021, my watch collection centers around three key pieces: a chronograph, a field watch, and a smartwatch. While I own watches with more prestigious backgrounds, these three have consistently captured my wrist time and will be my go-to options for the foreseeable future. Key Features of My Watch Trinity Chronograph This watch combines functionality with style, offering the classic features of a chronograph along with a timeless design. It’s perfect for those moments when I need precision timing, whether it’s timing an event or simply appreciating its aesthetic. Field Watch Known for its rugged durability and practicality, the field watch is versatile enough for outdoor adventures and everyday wear. Its clean dial and readability make it an ideal companion for both casual outings and more demanding environments. Smartwatch This piece brings technology to my collection, providing notifications, fitness tracking, and other modern features that enhance my daily...

Review: Malibu Rum Black While it may not be a true Cuba Libre (Rum and Coke) due to the lack of garnish, Malibu Rum Black has proven to be a decent option. The coconut flavor is quite pronounced, making it enjoyable both on the rocks and mixed with cola. A suggested ratio of one part cola to two parts rum works well, adding a nice balance to the drink. Purchase Experience I picked up Malibu Rum Black for $10, a steal for a spirit. Though I'm generally partial to dark rums from Bacardi, I found Malibu to be a reasonable alternative. A Bit of History It's interesting to note that Malibu Rum is technically not a true rum; it’s more of a liqueur with rum. Originally marketed as Coco Rico, the brand was revived by the inventor of Bailey’s, who rebranded it as Malibu. Update: 2/14/21 I've been enjoying Malibu Rum on the rocks lately. Its sweetness is quite noticeable, which makes it a bit indulgent. Interestingly, I find that a dram of whisky is even more appealing after having ...

Review: Armani AR0585 Chronograph on Leather Strap There’s something timeless about a chronograph on a good leather strap, and the Armani AR0585 is no exception. While this watch originally comes on a heavy steel bracelet that can be tough to wear for extended periods, switching to a leather strap transforms the experience. Comfort and Wearability The weight of the AR0585 can be cumbersome, especially with the solid bracelet that lacks micro-adjustments, making it challenging to find the perfect fit. However, once I switched to a leather strap, many of those issues were alleviated. The leather not only lightens the overall feel but also adds a level of comfort that makes it much easier to wear for longer periods. Aesthetic Appeal Switching to a leather strap gives the Armani a strikingly good look, resembling more of an aviator-style flieger watch. This change enhances its versatility, allowing it to pair beautifully with various outfits, from casual to slightly more formal. Nostalgia ...

Exploring New Whiskies: A Gift from a Friend It’s always a pleasure to receive thoughtful gifts, especially when they introduce me to new flavors in whisky. Recently, a friend surprised me with a box set featuring three intriguing whiskies that cater to my preference for peaty malts. Here’s a closer look at the offerings: The Whisky Lineup Caol Ila 12 Region: Islay Notes: Known for its role in the Johnnie Walker blend, Caol Ila is celebrated for its smoky profile and subtle sweetness. This whisky often features a blend of peat smoke and light floral notes, making it a great introduction to Islay malts. Clynelish 14 Region: Highland Notes: Another component of the Johnnie Walker blend, Clynelish 14 is recognized for its waxy texture and fruity characteristics. It often presents notes of citrus, honey, and a hint of brine, which can be quite refreshing compared to its peaty counterparts. Talisker 10 Region: Isle of Skye Notes: The first one I opened, Talisker 10, has pleasantly sur...

Side-by-Side Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy S8+ Recently, I acquired a Samsung Galaxy S8+ from a friend who was upgrading their phone. After using it for a few days, I realized that the S8+ could easily replace my older Galaxy Note 4 for streaming movies and overall media consumption. Before I part with the Note 4, I wanted to do a side-by-side comparison to highlight the differences and improvements. Specifications Overview Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Specs Screen: 5.7” (1440 x 2560 pixels) ~515 ppi - 60 Hz Processor: Snapdragon 805 (28 nm) RAM: 3 GB Storage: 32 GB (expandable via microSD up to 256 GB) Battery: 3220 mAh (removable) Camera: 16 MP (rear), 3.7 MP (front) Weight: 6.21 oz Port: microUSB Samsung Galaxy S8+ Specs Screen: 6.2” (1440 x 2960 pixels) ~529 ppi - 60 Hz Processor: Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) / Exynos 8895 (10 nm) depending on region RAM: 4 GB Storage: 64 GB (expandable via microSD up to 256 GB) Battery: 3500 mAh Camera: 12 MP (rear), 8 MP...