5 Favorites from Brett McKay of The Art of Manliness
Originally Published 3/24/2011. Top Photo Credit: Gunnar Bangsmoen
Sure it’s just stuff. But stuff can make life easier and more enjoyable. Every so often we ask one of our favorite people to rattle off their five favorite things. This is the stuff they’d grab if the house was burning down.
Brett McKay of the incredibly popular website The Art of Manliness provides us with his favorite five this time around. Guaranteed they’ll be picks that men of any generation would favor, as well as help us all, as Brett puts it, “revive the lost art of manliness.”
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#1 Dad’s Game Warden Belt
“My dad worked as a state game warden in New Mexico and a Federal Game Warden for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That belt is 25 years old. He gave it to me when I was in high school and I’ve been wearing it ever since. “
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#2 Vintage 1950s Woolrich Hunting Jacket
“I’ve always wanted a buffalo plaid hunting jacket. Found mine on eBay for $50. It’s in perfect condition.”
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#3 Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots
“I’ve got the originals. Got them back in 2009 when they first came out.“
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#4 Grandpa’s Schick Safety Razor
“I’ve been clean shaven for the most part. I’ll grow out a mustache every now and then.“
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#5 Custom Suit from A Tailored Suit
“The process of getting a custom suit with Tony from A Tailored Suit was impressive. You go to the website, build your suit using his easy to use order form, and after you submit your order Tony actually calls you and gives you a style consult on the phone. He’ll ask what you plan on wearing the suit for. He’ll give you input on fabric selection based on your hair and skin tone. Tony’s goal is to get you the best possible outcome. Got the suit back and it fit like a glove.”
Learn more about reviving the lost art of manliness at ArtofManliness.com. Also find AoM on Facebook & Twitter.
Brett is The Man!
I’ve been scouting ebay for a buffalo plaid hunters jacket for a bit now. The 1000 miles are still on my list (along with the Thatcher from the Gentlemen series), but I just picked up the Allen Edmonds Bayfield boot during the 25% off endless sale last week and I am really happy with them. Excellent leather and fit. I may order the 3E and return the E width ones that I purchased (still coming to terms with the fact that I apparently have hobbit feet). I can’t wait to beat the hell out of them though. They are only going to get better with age.
I love the Art of Manliness. Great content and Brett is very accessible and friendly.
I love my father’s Case XX pocket knife canoe pattern.
This article actually has me reflecting a lot on the things I own. One of my friends once said, “When I have more possessions than will fit in my car, I start feeling like I’ve gotten too materialistic.” That has really stuck with me and I’ve found myself paring down the things I feel are “indispensable.”
As a result, pretty much everything I care the most about would fit in the trunk of a car. Its had a tremendous impact on how I view my possessions.
My Masonic ring, I’m the 4th or 5th wearer.
You should bring back the 5 favorites, Joe. These were always fun to read!
I have to concur on the 1000 Mile Boots: I’ve had mine for about a year and a half, and they are worth every cent. FYI though, the pic you are using up above is of the women’s version (men’s have four pairs of eyelets below the speed hooks).
“Dad’s Game Warden Belt”. Reminds me of when I was 9 my grandfather died. My mother asked if I wanted his WWII bomber jacket from when he served in the Pacific. I was 9. And stupid. I said “no”. Kick myself five times a year for that.
Whether you want it or not, if a relatives stuff is offered, take it!! You’ll regret it otherwise.
This inspired me to buy a vintage navy Woolrich parka on Ebay for $20.
One of these days I’m gong to try out an old school safety razor like that.
I love #4, I use a DE Schick razor almost daily!