The Dignified Man’s Survival Kit
Helping Men Survive the 2nd Week of June
Every week here at The Dignified Devil, we spend a lot of time thinking about how we can help the modern man survive the modern world. This week of course is no different. Today we explore the apps, the tools, the gadgets and the books that will enlighten the modern man as he navigates his way through his week. These are the things that are worth a man’s time, money, attention and space in his Junk Drawer.
The Essential
Aftershave
By Prospector Co. Peary and Henson
We are ever searching for masculine solutions to wellness and skincare. Today we bring you Prospector Co., purveyors of fine goods branded with the spirit of the American explorer. Each item is paired with a notable adventurer, blending history and modernity in commendable fashion. For an introduction, we recommend Perry and Henson Aftershave; christened after the intrepid explorers who first set foot on the North Pole in 1909. The icy blue color foretells the fresh chill and sudden bite of this excellent aftershave. For best results, apply after shaving and present you clean, smooth face for her approval; thank us later.
Available: blackbirdballard.com
Price: $18.00
The Accessory
Modern Man iPhone Wallet
By Kenton Sorenson USA
Quality material, simple design, experienced craftsmanship. The qualities defining your iPhone are now available in a durable, vegetable-tanned leather wallet. The hand-made uniqueness of the highest quality leather is a trademark of every Kenton Sorenson product and this wallet is no exception. Holding your iPhone, a few cards, and little folding money, the simple elegance of this wallet makes all the right statements about the dignity of the man carrying it. The price reflects the quality, the quality reflects the craftsmanship, and the craftsmanship reflects the excellence of the American Heartland. Beautiful.
Available: Kentonsorenson.com
Price: $140.00
The Book
CardBoard Gods
By Josh Wilker
Perhaps the first iteration of meta-fandom, most men reminisce fondly over the days spent collecting the cards of their childhood sports heroes. Josh Wilker’s 2010 novel crafts the narrative of his adolescence through the simple magic of a baseball card collection. Fans and casual observers alike will find Wilker’s storytelling captivating and illuminating. Men of a certain age will feel they are reading their own childhood yarn.
Available: Amazon.com
Price: $20.00
The Film
The Color of Money
Directed by Martin Scorsese
The criminally-underappreciated follow-up to the 1961 classic The Hustler, Martin Scorsese’s The Color of Money warrants inclusion in any best-sequel-ever debate. Newman reprises his role as the iconic Fast Eddie Felson, the erstwhile best money game pool player in the world. The humanity and frailty Newman achieves in the film is among the best work of his illustrious career. A young and brash Tom Cruise plays his foil with near perfection, hinting at the talent he has rarely fully shown since. The title sequence alone is worth the price of admission.
Available: Amazon.com
Price: $12.00
The Gadget
Ultra Retro BoomCase
By The BoomCase Store
For a few years in the 1980s there was nothing cooler than the image of the urban warrior armed with his ghetto blaster strutting down the mean streets of NYC. The shabby vintage styling of this boom box disguised as a suitcase is Elvis meets Death of a Salesman meets the Beastie Boys; whatever that means. It is cool, it is vintage, it is a conversation-starter.
Details: Self Powered, Portable Suitcase Stereo system for your iPod/iPhone or any device with a headphone jack. 10+ hours on a single charge (Charger Included), can also be plugged in.
Available: theboomcase.com
Price: $595.00
The Tool
Hermetus Bottle Opener & Resealer
Made in Germany
A bottle opener that reseals an opened bottle. The bud-light-in-a-can-crowd can move on now. Oversized craft beers are all the rage, but for many, the larger size makes it a beer not meant for a single sitting. The handy gadget solves the problem and preserves the just-opened quality of your favorite brew. Also works well for that drunken moment when you decided to have another, only you really can’t drink another; assuming you have enough wits about you to reseal it before that final face-plant of the night. Fits neatly in your pocket and requires virtually no maintenance, just as we like it.
Available: Kaufman-Mercantile.com
Price: $8.70
The Color of Money is in my top 10 for sure!