Category: Anarchist’s Gift Guide

Day 13: Blundstone Original Chelsea Boots

The only better (by which I mean long-lasting and uber comfy) boots I’ve ever had were Cole Haans with Nike Air insoles. They were of course discontinued before I could stock up. For the last decade or so, I’ve sworn by the Blundstone 510 – the original in black. I was seduced a year ago (or was it two?) by a “fashionable” version (#2343) with a blue sole and blue stitching…but I can’t seem to break those in – too many painful blisters. They’re supposed to be the same as the 500 series, just “prettier”; they are not the same. So I keep coming back to my 510s. And while they’re arguably a little pricey (though I’d pay more for good boots – worth it!), if I amortize the $200 cost over the five years each pair has lasted, they’re a great buy.

– Fitz

Day 12: Aqua Net Extra Super Hold

This is a must-have if you have socket chisels – especially if you remove the handle from time to time. Once the handle won’t stay in anymore, spray the wood that goes into the socket, pop it in place then whack the handle top upside down on your bench.

This super-sticky hairspray will keep it in place until you knock it against the edge of the bench the next time you need the handle to come out (I only need to spray mine every few months, and I take my handles out a lot to maneuver the business end of the chisel into small places).

Also, when 1980s hair comes back in style, you will be prepared.

– Fitz

Day 11: Milwaukee 50-piece General Purpose Utility Blades

We use utility knives all the time around here, and they get dull quickly. There is little more frustrating than trying to cut with a dull blade – plus it’s dangerous. But it’s a pain to go searching for that pack of blades you know is in the shop somewhere. Or fighting with a blade dispenser that is bockety (we’re looking at you, Stanley). That’s why we default to the Milwaukee blade pack. It’s easy to get a new one out of the dispenser, and the dispenser is large enough to hang on the wall. Also, it’s red, so it’s fairly easy to spot even if it’s in the bottom of your tool chest.

– Fitz

Day 9: Infinity Stamps

If you want a fantastic logo stamp, contact Infinity Stamps. The company’s designers will create a stamp for you based on a sketch or whatever else you have, or you can send a vector file. Infinity is fast and great to deal with. Chris has three (or it is four?) stamps from them, and I have two. They are excellent.

– Fitz