I wasn’t always a neat freak. I can’t remember dusting or vacuuming my first apartment. If I’m being honest, the real catalyst in caring was getting a dog. Upon finding out that our precious rescue mutt had a significant chunk of husky DNA, the need for a vacuum with enough power to leave no stray white hairs behind became very clear. Trust me, it’s a significant challenge. 

The biggest lesson I’ve learned when it comes to keeping the floors clean is that not all vacuums are created equally. We’ve broken a few vacuums figuring out what works for our house’s needs, and still haven’t quite landed on the right match. I thought I’d take you along on the hunt to find the perfect vacuum.

Here’s a breakdown of what to look for when choosing the best vacuum cleaner for your home:

1. Reliability. It needs to be built to last, not built to break. I’ve made my mistake grabbing the cheapest option at the cheapest store and I won’t go down that route again.
2. Approachable price point. With the understanding that you don’t address the first desire without a cash investment, I’m also not looking to break the bank.
3. Four-wheel drive. Okay, that’s not what they might call it, but I’m looking for a vacuum that isn’t afraid of any terrain. I live in an old house, which means a few variations of wood (in different conditions, too) and a handful of rugs that will need attention too. Let’s not forget the couch and other pieces of furniture, too.

Today’s selections are all coming from the heavy-hitting and innovative team behind Roborock, a company dedicated to shaking up the way we clean our homes by integrating cutting-edge technology into our daily chores. Their goal? To “improve people’s lives with distinctive products”. Well, let’s get to improving!

Roborock Dyad Pro Combo

The first choice on the list is exciting as it’s the newest to hit the market, and with a handful of stand-out features and functions that put it in the next class of home vacuums. When choosing the best vacuum cleaner for your home, this shoots to the top of the list.

Roborock ensures that you’re prepared for any and all terrains as the Dyad carries not one but five distinct tools to equip you for whatever is in front of you. They’re all about “total cleanliness”, and take it a step beyond most competitors by offering a vacuum that is just as comfortable in wet conditions as it is on dry surfaces. This is a big appeal! The days of your disgusting garage shop vacuum are numbered, if you play your cards right.

Here are some of the stand-out features that shine brightest to me:

• Roborock’s five-in-one approach to vacuuming. We know that not one size fits all for a vacuum in general, so it makes sense that the approach would apply to the Dyad Pro Combo’s five-in-one combo. You can look forward to using the Multi-Surface Brush, Motorized Mini-Brush, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, and Wet Dry Vacuum without having to switch plugs. The Motorized Mini-Brush is your go-to for the bed, couch, or surfaces that aren’t the wide-open floor. I’m also intrigued by the Crevice Tool, which makes hard-to-reach places a non-issue (and converts into the Dust Tool, taking care of similarly hard-to-reach places that gather dust around us.
  
• The Dyad is a high-powered vacuum, but the real key to success is the consistency of power. You can clean better and more effectively in one go with a consistent 20N of force from onset to hitting the wall. The Pro Combo has also been well-rated for outstanding suction, so these two forces in action together are unstoppable for any mess. Afraid of TOO much power? The Dyad has a built-in Smart Sensor that understands just how serious of a mess it’s faced with and adjusts accordingly to do the job.
  
• Cleaning up after cleaning up is a major pain, but important to maintain the longevity of your trusted tools. Roborock’s newest offering is armed with a RevoBrush Self-Cleaning & Drying System, which takes the worry out of maintenance and keeps your vacuum up to speed at a high level. The cleaning system is innovative in its ability to dry itself quicker than most other offerings out on the market using a self-contained heat technology, which in turn prevents nasty odors that grow in damp situations.

• It’s easy! There’s no need to worry about long-term maintenance, as the short-term maintenance takes care of itself and any pressing question you might have about use or care will likely be answered in your own palm, using Roborock’s complementary mobile app that ties into the Dyad Pro Combo. You can use the app to address water levels, check in on the internal maintenance, and even set voice alerts and more.
  
• The Dyad is an investment piece, coming in for sale on their website for $699. If you’re intrigued and want to give it a spin on your own messages, you’d be smart to take advantage of Next Luxury’s partner link for a little bit of savings.

Roborock Dyad Pro

The predecessor to the Pro Combo, Roborock’s Dyad Pro is the mid-tier option from the innovative company. You can count on a lot of the great features found in the Pro Combo, with the main exception being the absence of the five-in-one combo element. When it comes to choosing the best vacuum cleaner for your home on a budget, this still makes for a solid option. You’ll still have access to the self-cleaning features, as well as the proprietary mobile app for easy use. I think my favorite retained feature would have to be the dry and wet combo.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect from the Dyad Pro, which promises a “clean sweep of all messes”:

• DyadPowerTM System
• 17,000Pa Suction Power
• Improved Edge-to-edge Cleaning
• DirTect Smart Sensor
• RevoBrush Self-Cleaning and Self-Drying
• Auto Cleaning Solution Dispenser
• App Connectivity & Voice Alert

Roborock’s Dyad Pro is priced at $449 and available for sale. I think this is a solid option for users with general vacuuming needs, but I think I would still spring a little higher to get the five-in-one tech because there are more hard-to-reach places than you’d think, right?

Roborock Original Dyad

Roborock’s initial use of their proprietary Dyadpower technology was in the original Dyad vacuum, which hit the market around the start of 2022. What was their motivation in entering the scene, you ask?

“We set out to tackle some unresolved pain points in the wet-dry vacuum space like poor edge cleaning, weak pick-up, and maneuverability issues, and we achieved that and more with Roborock Dyad,” said Richard Chang, CEO of Roborock. “Dyad is the only dual roller motor, multi-roller wet and dry vacuum that cleans edge-to-edge to eliminate messes in one sweep. This multi-use product has the capability to remove everything from dirty water to encrusted dirt seamlessly in a single cleaning session.”

The original Dyad, like its next generation, is priced at $449. A great offering, but again, given the strong need to scoop up dog hair in every corner of the house, I’m still going with the Pro Combo.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Vacuum Cleaner for Your Home

Choosing the best vacuum cleaner for your home doesn’t have to suck. Like most things, you just have to know what you’re looking for and what you need the tool to do. There’s a tool for every job, right? Hopefully, you find yours.

To help you score a bargain this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, here is a selection of the best deals and savings to be had over the holiday shopping season.

Deals on Watches

Looking at your phone to check the time is boring. It’s a digital display that only differs depending on how many notifications you’ve been ignoring all day, oh, and whatever photo you have displayed. Why not exchange the pocket dive for a quick flick of the wrist? Treat yourself to a brand-new timepiece – a brand new watch. With so many options available, Next Luxury has a comprehensive selection for Black Friday shoppers.

• New Users save 50% off subscriptions with Watch Gang – The number one watch subscription service in the world is offering new customers a fantastic deal. Sign up now and receive a whopping 50% off Black and Plantium tier subscriptions.
• Up to 20% off Timex men’s watches – A great collection of watches is on offer via Khol’s.
• 50% off Bulova Chronograph Classic Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch 42mm – This is a great offer from Macy’s and one of the only chances you’ll have to snap up a Bulova for this price. 
• Up to 68% off men’s watches under $1000 via Jomashop – One of the Internet’s biggest and best watch sellers, Jomashop has numerous deals, including 68% off a host of big brand names including Tissot, Seiko, and Longines.

Deals on Men’s Grooming 

There was a time not long ago when men’s grooming consisted of a quick splash of aftershave and a comb of your hair before heading out. Not anymore. Men’s grooming has become a multi-million dollar industry as men have realized there’s nothing wrong with going the extra mile to look the goods. Whether that’s hair care, skin care, or any other type of grooming, looking after yourself is now a priority. Here are our best online sales picks for grooming deals this Black Friday. 

• Schick Hydro Sensitive Razor for Men for $16.71 – Save $5.28 on this great razor set that will keep your face as smooth as a baby’s bottom. 
• 30% off Kiehl’s Ultimate Shave Collection – Save $14.40 and get all the goodies you need with this great shave set from Kiehl’s.
• Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 from $48 – This might not be something you need, but your partner is sure to be impressed if you get her this hair dryer and hot air brush from Revlon. Choose from three different versions and save up to 31%.
• John Varvatos Vintage Men’s Cologne for $86.40 – Smell good with this discounted fragrance from John Varvatos. 

Deals on TVs

4K, UHD, 8K, OLED, QLED, MICRO LED? What does it all mean, and what’s the best bang for your buck? Well, in the age of confusing jargon and TV terminology, we’ve done the homework to tell you where you can find your dream TV on the cheap.

• Save $110 on this TLC 55″ 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV – If you just need something small for the caravan or shed, this great option from TLC will have you covered. Awesome Black Friday deal. 
• Save $270 on this Samsung 75″ LED 4K UHD Smart TV – What a bargain! This new Samsung 2022 model does everything you want. 
• Save $730 on this LG 48″ OLED 4K UHS Smart TV – You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than this. LG coming through with the goods on this gold-standard OLED television. 
• Save $1,000 on this Samsung 65” Neo QLED 4K Smart TV – This is an incredible deal from Samsung. This brilliant smart TV is 4K, comes with Quantum Matrix Technology for the perfect picture, and a Neo Quantum Processor that gets the job done. This is a. multi-sensory TV that is off the chain. For more great deals from Samsung check out their website here. 

Deals on Laptops

Whether you’re working from home or still going into the office, every respectable man needs a quality laptop for productivity on the go. When your smartphone can’t cope, and that tablet is just too cumbersome, these are the best deals on laptops Next Luxury could find.

• Save $100 on the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 – This is the lowest price this high-tech laptop has ever been at. Coming with an AMD Ryzen 5 4680U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD, this is great for work or play.
• Up to 50% off Dell laptops – Dell is offering a whole range of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals from its new XPS laptops to the Inspiron range. Plus, get no interest financing if paid full within 12 months on purchases over $499.
• Up to 70% off Lenovo laptops – Save up to 70% on select doorbuster sales with Lenovo as they gear up for the biggest shopping weekend event of the year. With eCoupons listed for the Yoga, Legion, and their classic ThinkPad, there’s something for everyone here.

Deals on Gaming

Currently, in flux, the gaming world is heading to bigger and better things. There are deals a plenty this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, from PC Master Race superiority to lightning-fast SSD technology inside the next-generation consoles.

Whether you’re thinking of picking up the latest tech or grabbing a bargain on previous-gen classics, these are the best deals we’ve found so far. 

Nintendo

The home of Mario, and all your childhood gaming memories, Nintendo has taken the world by storm with its hybrid portable console. Here are the best deals we could find for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch lite.

• Nintendo Switch Holiday Bundle for $300 – The Nintendo Switch (Neon Blue/Neon Red Joy-Con) + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Download) + 3 month Nintendo Switch Online membership is available from Best Buy for only $299. Plus price match guarantee.
• Save $20 on select Nintendo Switch games – A whole host of top titles will be selling for just $39.99 at a variety of retailers. Games include two different Zelda titles, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and more. 

Xbox

Xbox, not gonna lie; your naming system is super confusing. So far there aren’t any good deals for the Series S and X, but if you’re after games and accessories, check out Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy for discounted titles.

• Seagate Storage Expansion Card for $189.99 – This expansion card comes with 1TB of memory and a saving of $30. 
• Astro A40 TR Wired Gaming Headset With MixAmp Pro TR for $179.99 – Save $70 on this first-class headset that comes with an open-back headset featuring a swappable precision mic and customizable Speaker Tags.

PlayStation

Getting hold of a PlayStation 5 is a much easier task these days, with plenty of retailers gearing up for a big Black Friday. While there aren’t many solid deals out yet for the console, Walmart does have a few tasty tidbits as you’ll discover below. 

• Save $202.40 on a PlayStation 5 Games Bundle – You get the PS5, one controller, and three games (The Last of Us Remastered, God of War, and Spiderman Miles Morales) for just $879.99. You can also get a PS5 console on its own for just $695.50, which is a saving of $225.37.
• Deathloop Deluxe Edition on PlayStation 5 for $18.98 – A great title with an involving plot. 
• Madden NFL 23 on PlayStation 5 + Exclusive LIMITED Steelbook for $40 – Save a whopping $29.99 on everyone’s favorite football game. 

PC Building

We will keep this one straightforward since there are so many parts to PC Building.

• Save $105 on a Razor Huntsman Elite Keyboard – Need a new keyboard? You can’t go past Razor’s Huntsman Elite Keyboard which simply has it all. This keyboard has Razer Purple mechanical switches that deliver fast, responsive operation as you enter in-game commands. It’s gaming heaven. 
• Best Buy has everything under the sun for your next PC build or upgrade. Check out their deals on components and accessories.

Deals on Cell Phones

Flip phones, Z-phones, dual-screen phones, and brand new iPhones; from the return of the Motorola Razr to the advent of 5G technology, 2022 has been the year of the phone.

There is a cellular phone for literally everyone with so many new releases from all your favorite brands and tech giants. Next Luxury has found a deal that will keep you talking and texting no matter your use case. Word of advice: every mobile provider offers its own unique deals, so it’s worth checking out the likes of AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and USCellular and seeing what’s on offer. 

Apple iPhone 14

Apple just launched the iPhone 14 series promising a phone for everyone. With so many phones on offer from the Californian tech giant, here are the best deals we could find from Cupertino.

• Best Buy discounts on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro have arrived.

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung is doing some pretty wild things in the phone market. Whether it’s their journey of rediscovery with flip phones or pioneering technology of dual-screen phones, whatever it is, Samsung has plenty of deals this November. 

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 – Trade in for a discount. When you trade in your eligible device, you can grab the Galaxy Z Fold 4 for just $619.99, which is a saving of $1300.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – 
• Trade in for a discount. When you trade in your eligible device, you can grab the Galaxy Z Fold 4 for just $619.99, which is a saving of $1300.

Deals on Electronics & Gear

Now since it is still relatively early in the month, we didn’t want to get too specific with our rundown of Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts. With electronics including so much more than these days, we’ve done a round-up of tablets, iPads, cameras, headphones, and smartwatches for you to check out.

Tablets

Tablets, yes, we know Apple has cornered the market, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t alternatives. Check out these discounts on tablets, not called iPads.

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra – Save $100 on this 14.6″ 128GB tablet that’s the ideal size for lounging in bed & reading a book, watching your favorite TV show, playing games, or checking work emails. 

iPads

iPads. Now we’re talking. Whether it’s the regular, the Mini, the Air, or the Pro, Apple has a discounted iPad for you.

• 2022 Apple iPad Air – Save $79 on this 10″ 64GB Apple iPad that’s powered by Apple’s M1 chip with Neural Engine. 

Cameras

Cameras are having a tough go these days, thanks to smartphones. With digital camera sales dropping, there’s even more of a reason to get back behind the lens of the real thing. Here are some epic deals on all things photography.

• Nikon Z5 – For those dipping their toes into photography, the Nikon Z5 Mirrorless Camera is a great place to start. The $300 saving is also a fantastic Black Friday deal. 
• Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III – Olympus always delivers and this camera is no exception. It comes with an electronic shutter, DCI and UHD  4K recording, and several shooting modes. All this and more for just $899.99
• Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 – A great gift for your other half, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is an easy-to-use polaroid camera in purple. This deal also includes 10 packs of Instax film. Just $59.95.

Headphones

Headphones are starting to cut the cord. With True Wireless becoming a standard in the market, outside of Audiophiles, everyone wants a quality pair of earbuds for on-the-go. From Sennheiser to Apple to JBL, there are so many options and discounts available for audio lovers.

• Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones – These were $200, now just $99 for these stylish Beats headphones with 40 hours of playback time that’s compatible with both iOS and Android.
• Apple AirPods Pro True Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Save $50 on these 1st generation earbuds from Apple. Just $199.99 via Target. 
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds – Not a fan of the Apple machine? These earbuds from Bose are just as good and feature world-class noise canceling technology as well as being sweat and weatherproof. Pay $199. a saving of $80.
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-the-Ear Headphones – Did someone say bargain? That’s exactly what these $199.98 (normally $399.98) headphones from Sennheiser are. They deliver crisp sound while the Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music from anywhere.
• Apple AirPods Max – We are all about Apple and can’t recommend these headphones enough. It’s like an AirPod but on a bigger scale with even better sound quality. Available in silver, pink, and green for just $449.99. 

Smartwatches

Every brand and his dog has a smartwatch. So here are the best deals we could find for all of them.

• Save $89 on an Apple Watch Series 8 – It might not sound like a great deal, but getting a discount on an Apple product is like finding a needle in a haystack.
• Save $100 on a Fitbit Sense 2 Advanced Health and Fitness Smartwatch – For those who like to combine fitness with style, Fitbit is selling its Sense 2 smartwatch for just $199.95.
• Save $110 on a Samsung Galaxy Watch4 – This great piece of tech is one of Samsung’s most advanced watches with more features than you can poke a stick at.

Deals on Streaming Services

Whether you’re a cord-cutter or just an entertainment junkie, streaming services have unlocked a whole new world of content. Since Netflix paved the way almost every major media conglomerate has gotten involved, with new streaming services including Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Peacock, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, and more. There isn’t much-going discount-wise from any streaming giants. But if we hear anything, we’ll be sure to let you know.

Deals on Fashion

For most people, it’s all about electronic deals, but for those who are more into their fashion, the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are fantastic. Whether you’re looking for a new jacket, statement piece, suit, or backpack, every big-name brand and fashion retailer offers incredible deals over this period. We’ve gathered some of our favorites below for the fashion-forward man.

Labels

These are some of our favorite brands and the great discounts they are providing.

• Everlane – Save 30% off sweaters and outerwear.
• Levis – Buy 2 or more and get 30% off your total order. 
• Nike – Need a new pair of kicks? Nike has you covered with 40% off this Black Friday.
• Percival – Where do you start? You can save up to 50% off during Percival’s sales on everything from coats and sweatshirts to workshirts and long sleeve t-shirts. You’re sure to find something that fits the bill.
• Taylor Snitch – Save 20% off everything on Taylor Snith’s website. 
• Todd Snyder – Anyone with even a little fashion smarts knows Todd Snyder is the shit, so when they are offering massive discounts there are no excuses for not getting involved.

Online Stores

If you’d rather browse a wide range of clothing staples and accessories, there are the online stores offering the best deals.

• ASOS kicks off with a huge number of deals on Black Friday that continue through to Cyber Monday. Over 850 brands will be discounted during the four days so you’re sure to find something that fits.
• Far Fetch has everything including clothes, shoes, and accessories up for grabs as part of its Black Friday sales.
• Kohl’s has started its Black Friday deals. They run until Friday, November 26. For extra convenience, you can order online and pick up your purchase for free in store.
• Matches Fashion – Save up to a massive 70% from designer brands including Thom Browne, Burberry, Gucci, and more.
• Urban Outfitters – The hipster favorite is offering some great sales across the board.

When Do Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales Start and End?

Coming right after Thanksgiving, 2022s Black Friday starts on November 25, with Cyber Monday deals coming up the rear on November 28.

Luckily in this age of the internet, we don’t need to wait until stores open to score a discount. We don’t even need to wait for Monday to hit up online-only deals. But, we still need to know when and where it’s happening.

So, with hundreds and thousands of online retailers participating, here’s when your favorite stores will be dropping their prices.

• Amazon is running a Black Friday deals week from November 22 to Black Friday itself. We expect the sales to continue after that until Cyber Monday. 
• Best Buy has already started its Black Friday Deals, although Cyber Monday deals haven’t appeared just yet. For the complete rundown of shopping events, check out their FAQ for dates and shopping hours.
• Home Depot kicked off its deals on November 11, with everything from appliances to home decor. The last time we checked there were over 13,000 deals to be had on HomeDepot.com.
• Lowes has a bunch of deals across appliances and smart home technology. See what bargains you can get this year at Lowes.
• Macy’s Black Friday special sale is now live, with hundreds of deals to be had for under $20. There’s a handy countdown for you to keep track of on their website.
• Nordstrom has plenty of great deals for those looking to update their wardrobe or splash out on some new home design items. All the top brands are on offer at reduced prices so get involved now.
• Target is offering a bunch of deals this week for Black Friday.
• Walmart is the home of everything and anything. So with that comes some epic deals across all our categories. Check them all out right now on their website. 

It’s important to pick a trustworthy brand when it comes to skateboards. Most companies provide a complete board or a custom job. A complete board is ready to hit the road with a unique design. For a custom job, the rider gets to choose the length of the board, the style, bearings, wheels, trucks, graphic designs, and, most importantly, decks. 

These innovative skateboard brands offer boards for all types of situations. Professional riders are looking for a board to help them dominate the competition. Some riders want to spend their day at the skatepark trying out their trick moves. At the same time, many skaters are just looking for a fun way to get around. Skateboarding provides a fun and healthy mode of transportation that can turn into a day of tricks. Here’s a guide to finding the perfect board. 

1. Birdhouse

Birdhouse Skateboard

Birdhouse co-founder Tony Hawk is one of the most famous and influential skaters. He co-founded the company with Per Welinder in 1992. As Tony Hawk became a skateboarding icon, the brand grew alongside him.

Birdhouse offers high-quality skateboards for all occasions, including street and vertical. They also have the best skateboard deck designs that are out of this world. Birdhouse is possibly the greatest skateboard brand of all time, thanks in no part to co-founder Tony Hawk.

2. Girl

Girl Skateboards

Girl Skateboards are known for their unique girl’s bathroom logo. That logo alone is worth buying a Girl skateboard. However, they have many more incredible designs that make every other rider jealous.

The seven-ply maple wood boards feature the best quality decks, bearings, and designs. Customers can choose between a custom-made board or a complete one ready to hit the road. Girl Skateboards are genuinely one of the best brands in skateboarding in the world.

3. Plan B

Plan B Skateboards

In 1991, Mike Ternasky founded the original Plan B Skateboards. Sadly, he died in 1994, and the brand went defunct. That changed in 2005 when former members Danny Way and Colin McKay reestablished the brand.

It quickly became the top skateboard brand in the world. The company provides incredible decks, designs, wheels, and more. The unique graphic designs and fantastic artwork are hallmarks of Plan B. 

4. Toy Machine

Toy Machine Skateboard

Since its founding in 1993, Toy Machine has become an international phenomenon. They offer excellent quality and wicked designs. The company knows how important a board is to the rider. Toy Machine skateboards offer a wide range of boards, sizes, and designs and even have skateboards perfect for kids.

There are a ton of sweet skateboards that are ready to roll out the door. Customers can also build a customized board using the company’s parts and accessories. Great for street skating. 

5. Almost 

Almost Skateboards

In 2003, influential skateboarders Rodney Mullen and Daewon Song founded Almost Skateboards. The brand has since become synonymous with skateboarding. Anyone looking for the perfect board will find everything they need at Almost.

The 7-ply and 8-ply boards use carbon fiber material and an eco-friendly resin epoxy glue. Almost has a wide range of sweet boards with epic designs perfect for all types of skateboarding. The brand also provides a custom option with the highest quality decks, bearings, wheels, and trucks. 

6. Darkstar

Darkstar Skateboards

Darkstar Skateboards is one of the most popular brands today. Their boards are available through the company or at Walmart. Customers can choose a complete board or customize their own with high-quality decks, wheels, and bearings.

Darkstar boards are ideal for young kids just starting out. The brand is also known for featuring the best graphic designs in the industry. The brand works with other artists to create limited edition boards, including Joe King and Luke Pelletier. Darkstar also features Felix the Cat on several boards. 

7. Element 

Element Skateboard

When it comes to skateboards there’s only one element that matters, Element Skateboards. The company offers the highest quality customized skateboards with the best decks, bearings, trucks, and designs. It’s impossible to go wrong with an Element skateboard.

They also feature a wide range of complete boards that are perfect for all elements, pun intended. The brand is best known for its iconic symbol featuring the four elements; fire, wind, water, and earth. 

8. Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton

In 1854, Louis Vuitton founded the iconic fashion brand Louis Vuitton. It would go on to become one of the most famous brand names in the world. They offer the very best clothing, bags, shoes, watches, and other accessories.

The renowned brand has recently decided to get into the skateboard game. These boards feature unique Louis Vuttion designs and styles. The brand has added high-quality complete skateboards to its collection. 

9. Creature

Creature Skateboards

NHS, Inc. was founded in 1973, making it one of the oldest skateboard companies. NHS distributes several popular brands, including Creature Skateboards. Creature Skateboards is known for its horrifying and incredible designs that feature monsters, the paranormal, and the supernatural.

The brand offers complete boards that are ready for the skateparks. These boards include mind-blowing designs, with Creature skateboard also offering custom-made boards with the very best decks, bearings, wheels, and trucks. A great skateboard brand for skaters to invest in. 

10. Blind

Blind Skateboards

For years, Blind Skateboards featured the grim reaper logo. At times, the grim reaper can be terrifying. As Blind proves, the grim reaper can also be funny. The brand features several funny, cool, and incredible graphic designs that all those who love skating will dig.

The designs complement the complete boards that are ideal for all conditions. At the same time, the customized boards include the very best accessories. You can’t go wrong with a Blind skateboard. 

11. Santa Cruz Skateboards

Santa Cruz Skateboards

In 1973, three friends, Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman from Santa Cruz, California, decided to launch NHS, Inc. Eventually, they opened the beloved Santa Cruz Skateboards. The popular company is one of the oldest skateboard brands in the world and is popular with professional skaters.

Customers can choose between getting a complete board or a custom board. Santa Cruz Skateboards has everything for the perfect board, including decks, bearings, and trucks. Each board also has a unique feature, Everslick, which places the design beneath a layer of plastic. 

12. Zero

Zero Skateboards

Some skaters want the perfect board to pull off tricks at the skatepark. Other times, they just want to go cruising down the streets. Luckily, Zero Skateboards has a wide range of impressive boards for all environments.

Jamie Thomas began the company in 1996 as a clothing line before it became the number one skateboard brand. Zero Skateboards custom boards feature the best quality decks and accessories. The brand built a reputation for having the coolest designs on the market. Anyone looking to steal the show needs to stop by Zero Skateboards. 

13. Flip

Flip Skateboards

Flip Skateboards is one of the most popular brands worldwide. The company started in the UK during the 90s but moved to the US during the skate boom. They established themselves as one of the top-tier brands by offering the very best quality skateboards.

They provide complete boards with unique designs that every skater wants. Flip also features a custom option and offers the best quality decks, bearings, and trucks. Flip is easily one of the top brands today.

14. Baker

Baker Skateboards

Everyone has a different riding style that sets them apart from the rest. Baker Skateboards has the perfect boards for professional skateboarders and casual riders. Baker features incredible boards made from Canadian Maple with creative and fun designs.

However, these skateboards won’t break the bank. They have everything from complete boards to customizable boards with quality decks, bearings, wheels, and trucks. It’s impossible to go wrong with Baker Skateboards. 

15. Alien

Alien Workshop

Alien Workshop is quickly becoming a popular brand in the industry. They’re not as big as the other skateboard companies, but they’re making a significant impact. Alien is perfect for anyone that loves to skateboard and the paranormal.

The brand features the coolest and out-of-this-world designs. Alien has an impressive range of complete boards featuring the brand’s paranormal artwork. Of course, customers can always build a customized board with all the accessories needed. 

16. Antihero

Antihero Skateboards

Antihero Skateboards will connect riders with the perfect board. The brand has had its ups and downs since its launch in the 90s. However, it’s now one of the most consistent brands in the world.

Antihero boasts an impressive lineup of complete boards that include mind-bending designs. They also offer customization for the rider looking for a one-of-a-kind board. Antihero has all the best decks, bearings, trucks, and wheels to make the perfect board with the most extraordinary designs. 

17. Globe

Globe Skateboards

Globe Skateboards has riders covered in boards, accessories, and even clothing. The company is a well-respected skateboarding brand and the ideal place for riders looking for their skateboard soul mate.

The Australian brand will help riders customize the perfect board with all the best parts and accessories. Plus, they feature iconic and mind-blowing designs that’ll make every rider the envy of the skatepark. Globe also has a wide range of cruisers and longboards ready to hit the pavement. 

18. Krooked

Krooked Skateboarding

Most skateboard brands offer a series of bold, cool, and mind-bending designs. However, Krooked Skateboards went in a different direction. Krooked has some of the most unique, creative, silly, and fun skate deck designs. They’re perfect for the rider looking for something out of the box.

Krooked quickly made a name for itself by having the best designs, highest quality decks, and accessories. They’re one of the best skateboard brands around the globe. 

19. Sector 9 

Sector 9 Skateboards

Sector 9 Skateboards has all kinds of boards for downhill cruising, casual street riding, or pulling off tricks at the park. They also offer an impressive roaster of complete boards featuring simple yet creative designs.

It’s impossible to go wrong with a Sector 9 custom board. Riders can choose from a wide range of quality decks, trucks, wheels, and bearings. Plus, the brand sells clothing and apparel to complete the outfit. 

20. Jart

Jart Skateboards

Skateboard brands are shifting their focus to eco-friendly materials to provide the highest quality boards. Jart Skateboards are changing the industry with its sweet-looking eco-friendly boards. The boards consist of USA rock-hard maple wood from controlled forests.

Customers can choose between the phenomenal complete boards or a custom job. Jart provides all the parts needed to make a beautiful custom board, including bearings, trucks, and the highest-quality decks.

21. Powell Peralta

Powell Peralta Skateboards

In 1978, Stacy Peralta and George Powell launched Powell Peralta Skateboards. As one of the oldest brands, they’ve provided riders with the most outstanding collection of complete boards for decades. They also customize boards with the best quality decks in the world.

Powell Peralta is best known for the lightweight board The Flight Deck made using epoxy-infused glue. They also have every part and accessory to make it the definitive custom board.

22. Chocolate Skateboards

Chocolate Skateboards

After the enormous success of Girl Skateboards, Mike Carrol decided to launch a second band, Chocolate Skateboards. They expanded upon Girl Skateboards but also went in different directions with designs. They specialize in simple yet creative and funny artwork.

Riders looking for the perfect board will find it at Chocolate Skateboards. They can choose from a fantastic selection of complete boards or customize one to their liking. Chocolate has all the best decks, bearings, and other parts to create an ideal board. 

23. Primitive 

Primitive Skateboards

Primitive Skateboards aren’t as old as some of the other brands featured, but they’ve already made an enormous impact on the skating scene. It started as a small skate and apparel shop before it expanded into skateboards in 2014. The company continues to grow as they offer the best boards on the market.

Skaters looking for the perfect custom board will find everything they need at Primitive. They promise the best quality accessories, parts, and apparel. On the other hand, the complete boards included the highest quality materials and stunning designs. 

24. enjoi

enjoi Skateboards

In 2000, Randy Mullen and Marc Johnson got together to launch enjoi. The brand is famous for its eye-catching panda logo, that’s one of a kind. The brand focuses on funny, unique, and creative designs featuring WWE wrestlers Roddy Piper, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock.

enjoi is also the perfect place to get a flawless custom board. They have every part and accessory to create a custom board the rider will be proud to own. 

25. Habitat

Habitat Skateboards

Habitat Skateboards has the very best quality boards for all riders. The company launched in 1999 and remains an industry leader. Habitat offers a wide range of complete boards perfect for the whole family. Plus, they have the very best custom-made boards with excellent quality decks, bearings, and trucks.

Habitat is one of the few eco-friendly brands on the market. They use water-based glue, hemp, cork, and bamboo to make their breathtaking boards. 

26. Zoo York

Zoo York Skateboards

Skateboarding has always been massively popular on the West Coast of the United States. However, companies from the UK and Australia have a global impact nowadays. So too are places on the East Coast, like New York, which are starting to grab attention.

Zoo York started out in a dirty Lower Manhattan warehouse. It’s now one of the top brands in the world making fantastic skateboard decks. They offer the best complete boards or custom jobs. In addition, they have an impressive clothing line for cruising, competing, or doing tricks. 

27. DGK

DGK

DGK, or Dirty Ghetto Kids, is quickly becoming one of the most popular brands on the market. They don’t just offer the best boards but also include hoodies, pants, and other apparel. That all goes perfectly with the sweet and slick skateboards.

DGK provides a remarkable collection of complete boards that’ll make Lamborghini drivers jealous. They also offer customized boards with the highest quality bearings, trucks, and decks. 

Investing in a proper storage space must be your top priority. After all, it becomes our duty to preserve such treasures and protect them for future generations. With this article, we have put together the leading storage solutions that will keep your vinyl records safe and sound. Let’s check them out!

When you carry a pocket knife, you’re unlikely to ever exhaust its uses. It can save you time in everyday tasks, and it could potentially save your life. At the end of the day, if you’re going to choose just one tool for everyday carry, it should be a pocket knife.

One minor disclaimer – these are all things you can do with a simple folding pocket knife. You don’t need a multitool, and you don’t need some oversized Crocodile Dundee-esque bayonet. 

It’s amazing what you can accomplish with the simplest of tools. For example, you could…

1. Open a Bottle

When you find yourself with a bottle in your hand and no bottle opener in sight, don’t panic. Any knife blade can be used to pop the top. But before you do that, you should probably watch a tutorial on how to open a bottle with a knife (there are several good ones on YouTube) to avoid damaging your blade or slicing your hand. 

2. Whittle Something

Someday you’re going to be an old man, and you’ll need to know how to whittle, ideally while sitting in a rocking chair on your front porch. In all seriousness, whittling is something of a lost art. It’s an enjoyable skill and a fun way to pass the time. 

3. Slice Up Some Fruit

Your handy dandy pocket knife will always be there when you need to slice and dice some fruits and veggies. You can use your knife to whip up a fruit salad, get into that watermelon at your family picnic, or simply slice hunks of apple and eat them right off the blade like a boss. 

4. Sharpen Your Pencil

Whether you’re an avid sketcher or you simply use a pencil for jotting down notes and shopping lists, sooner or later you’re going to need to sharpen that baby up. Using your pocket knife is certainly a more ruggedly satisfying way to sharpen your writing utensil than sticking it in a pencil sharpener. 

5. Open a Package

Honestly, this is probably the thing that most knife users use their knives for most often. A pocket knife is perfect for opening those pesky Amazon packages that show up at your doorstep every day (who keeps ordering this stuff, anyway?) It’s also the ideal tool for opening heavier-duty boxes and breaking them down. 

6. Spread Toppings

Plop some peanut butter on your toast. Schmear some cream cheese on a bagel. Your pocket knife is great for all of the above. Just make sure you clean it beforehand. And afterward.

7. Remove Staples

You might need to remove staples for any number of reasons, and the right tool isn’t always handy. Fortunately, your pocket knife will do the job just fine, whether you need to remedy a misplaced staple from your staple gun or have to pry out those big metal staples that sometimes hold boxes together.

8. Clean Car Battery Terminals

Before you jump-start your car, use your knife blade to remove the crusty corrosion that builds up on the terminals. Use caution, as the corrosive materials that cause that residue can also ruin your clothes and damage anything they come in contact with. 

9. Break Down Some Kindling

Getting a fire going is an important skill to have, whether you’re in a survival situation or on a leisurely camping trip. Doing so requires small twigs and sticks for kindling. A pocket knife is a good tool for breaking down pieces of kindling, and can also be used to shave small bits of wood from a larger log if necessary. 

10. Cut Rope

You never know when you might be required to cut a rope or cord. Climbers often need to cut loose a line that has become tangled, and if you’re camping or hiking you may have to cut sections of rope to make a shelter, affix a tarp or make a clothesline. 

11. Open Clamshell Packaging

We all know how frustrating it can be to open items that come in plastic clamshell packaging. Before you have a meltdown a la Larry David, take a few deep breaths and reach for your handy pocket knife. 

12. Remove a Splinter

Getting a splinter is no fun, but it happens to us all. When it does, you’ll want to get that little bugger out as quickly as possible. You can always use a pocket knife to help get a splinter out of your hand. But first, sterilize your knife if possible using alcohol or a lighter to make sure it’s safe. 

13. Trim Loose Threads

You know those mysterious stray threads that appear out of nowhere on sweaters and shirts? Who knows where they come from, but a sharp pocket knife will remove them quickly and easily. That’s better than pulling on them and making them worse.

14. Fend Off a Wild Animal

Anything can happen out in the wilderness. Animals seldom intentionally attack humans, but if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you may need to defend yourself. A pocket knife isn’t exactly the ideal implement to ward off a ravenous beast like a bear, but if it’s all you have, you may have to make do. This guy defended himself from a grizzly bear with nothing but a pocket knife with a two-inch blade and lived to tell the tale. 

15. Cut Zip Ties

Once they’re all cinched up, zip ties are basically impossible to remove without cutting them. We’re not mad about that, of course – that’s kind of the whole point of zip ties – but you’ll want your pocket knife if you ever have to remove one. 

16. Open Letters

A few decades ago, this might have been the most common use for your pocket knife. These days, letter writing is something of a lost art, but if you’re still a fan of this old-fashioned mode of communication, then your knife will be handy for opening up your correspondence. Sadly, you can’t cut open a text message. 

17. Cut Someone Free in an Emergency

You may someday find yourself in a car accident in which you need to free yourself or someone close to you by cutting the seatbelt. There have also been a few cases in which dogs have been saved by their owners’ quick thinking and ability to quickly cut their leash with a pocket knife. 

18. Go Fish

Fishermen always find plenty of uses for their pocket knives, from trimming tangled lines to cutting bait. In the event that you actually catch some fish – sorry, of course, you’ll catch fish – a good sharp knife will also be useful for gutting and filleting your catch. 

19. Cut Off Clothing Tags

When you get to work and realize you forgot to gut the tag off your new jacket, you’ll be glad to have your pocket knife within reach. It’s good for removing the itchy tag from the collar too. 

20. Prune Your Plants

Most plants need a little pruning every now and then to keep them happy and healthy. Your pocket knife is an ideal tool when your house plants need a haircut, or your garden veggies are ready for harvest. You can use it for lightly trimming trees and shrubs too, but a saw is better for more substantial branches. 

21. Open a Wine Bottle

Few things are more frustrating than trying to remove the cork from a bottle of wine without a corkscrew. It can be done with a pocket knife, though there’s a certain knack to inserting the blade and working the cork out with a wiggly-twisty motion. 

22. Cut a New Hole in Your Belt

Hey, it happens to the best of us. That belt you’ve owned since you were 20 years old might start to feel a little snug, and you may eventually reach the last hole and need to make a new one. There’s no shame in it. Just reach for your pocket knife and create a new hole so you can walk around without feeling like you’re being squeezed in. 

23. Unscrew a Screw

Naturally, a screwdriver is a tool you’d rather use to tighten or loosen a screw. But in a pinch, your pocket knife will do the job. Just be careful not to accidentally snap off the tip of your blade. Knives aren’t really designed for hard twisting, and the steel they’re made of (especially if it’s carbon steel) can be brittle. 

24. Make a Sling or Tourniquet

If you or someone you’re with sustains a serious injury far from the nearest medical care, you may need to fashion a makeshift sling or tourniquet. Ripping a piece of cloth isn’t always as easy as it looks on TV, so you’ll be glad you decided to bring your pocket knife. 

25. Start a Fire

A knife is endlessly useful in a survival situation. Most knives that have steel blades will create a spark if you strike them against a Ferro rod, making them reliable fire-starting tools. Use the flat spine of the blade to avoid dulling the sharp edge. 

26. Make a Drainage Hole

When you buy plants, they often come in plastic pots that don’t have any drainage holes. That’s not going to be good for your plant’s roots in the long run, but you can use a pocket knife to cut holes in the bottom so that water can drain through. 

27. Peel a Sticker Off

I don’t know about you, but one of my biggest pet peeves is a sticker that won’t peel off without ripping and leaving a mess of shredded paper and sticky glue behind. Luckily, you can remove a sticker from almost any object by placing the blade flat against the surface and working it gradually underneath the sticker. 

28. Make a Cut Line

Sometimes you need to cut a piece of wood, but don’t have a pencil handy to mark where the cut needs to be. If you have a knife in your pocket, you can use it to score the wood and create a cut line. Problem solved!

29. Cut and Strip Wire

A pocket knife is an electrician’s best friend. It’s a perfect tool for stripping the plastic jacket off the ends of a wire before hooking it to the breaker, outlet, or switch. In the absence of proper wire cutters, a knife can also be used to cut wire, though you may find that using it this way repeatedly will dull the blade, so it’s best not to make a habit of it. 

30. Shotgun a Beer

After you’ve done all the jobs listed above, you can probably use a cold one. Personally, I’d rather savor a craft beer slowly, but if you’re in the mood to slam one back like a drunken college frat boy, you can always use your pocket knife to create the hole in the can necessary to shotgun a brewski. Cheers!

But some knives are different. If you can wade through all the average, uninspiring knives on the market, you’ll find some that are beautifully crafted, uniquely designed, and truly exceptional.

Luckily for you, we’ve gone through the trouble of doing all the searching for you. What we’ve found are some of the most unique pocket knives available today.

But for those of us who aren’t hardened assassins, throwing knives are more often used for competitive sport, or for backyard knife throwing with friends. No matter how you choose to put your throwing knives to use, it’s important that you do two things: 

1. Learn how to use a throwing knife safely.
2. Get a set of good-quality throwing knives. 

That first thing is really, really important, and if you’re new to throwing knives, it’s a good idea to find someone more experienced who can show you the ropes. As for getting a good set of knives, you may want to consider the following 10.

When it comes to pocket knives, I’ve seen it all. I spent years in a career where having the biggest, baddest tactical knife was a rite of passage. More than once, there’s been a lot on the line where a great pocket knife bailed me out.

When I left that career, I started transitioning my style and EDC gear to a more smart casual, mature aesthetic. Big burly knives, carbon fiber accessories, and matte black finishes stopped appealing to me.

In the process, I grew an affinity for French-made folders. To be quite honest (and admittedly unfair), I had no idea that so many great knives came from France. When I got the chance to take the French-made Deejo pocket knife for a test drive, I jumped at the chance.

While I got a free product, you’ll get an honest assessment of a luxe, highly-customizable pocket knife. Keep reading to find out how this knife fared.

Ordering My Deejo

Most companies that send me products to review seem to grab something off the shelf, check it over quickly, and ship it out. Not Deejo.

One of the things I instantly liked about Deejo as a company is that they let me shop for my knife the exact way anyone else would. Creating a knife with Deejo is an experience, not the type of soulless “add to cart” and “checkout” online shopping that I’m accustomed to.

When you land on Deejo’s homepage, the drop-down menu holds a lot of choices. Essentially, almost all of those choices lead to the same basic knife, but in several variations. Try customizing your own knife here.

You’ll have choices between metal finishes, wood species, and three sizes. You’ll also get to choose between blade designs, which Deejo refers to as “tattoos.”

Tattoo is a fair description. Most of these designs would look just as at home in a sleeve as they do on a blade.

They have nautical themes, animals, motorcycles, guitars, sports, and a myriad of other choices. While some of them are busy, none of them appear hokey or cheesy. Even the guy downhill skiing somehow looks cool on the side of a knife blade.

Several of these tattoos resonated with me. I went back and forth between a few designs, and ultimately, I chose one that was the most sentimental to me (I’ll explain later) in the 37g size. I went with a mirror polish as well, as I felt the contrast between the shiny blade and the matte engraving would tattle on Deejo if the production wasn’t spot-on.

Once I chose the design, I was able to select the wood accent for the handle. I didn’t want some ordinary, stock knife, so I went with an olive wood handle to match some of my other pieces.

You can see how your design is developing in the 3D design tool, and I was becoming very impressed with what I saw.

Deejo also offers engraving. Of course, I had to go for it. I wasn’t going to cheap out now. I felt that I needed to put Deejo’s options to the test to see what they could create. So, I personalized my knife with a saying that means a lot to me and wrapped up my purchase.

Shipping

If you can’t already tell, this review won’t just cover the knife, but also what it’s like to work with Deejo as a company.

I custom ordered a knife that I knew was coming from France, so I didn’t expect to see it anytime soon. The website states that knives ship within 48 hours, but I thought there might be some grey area for custom orders.

I don’t know if Deejo gave me special attention, but this knife was on my doorstep way before I expected it.

From the time I finalized my order to the time I had it in hand was a matter of days.

It came well-protected in a very sleek black gift box. It was so secure, in fact, that it was initially challenging to remove the knife to check it out. A few seconds of struggle and it was free, mine for the reviewing.

First Impressions

When this knife arrived so quickly, I was skeptical about the level of finish. After all, I went with a detailed design, engraving, and a custom wood handle. How could a company throw all of that together and have it on my doorstep within a few days? Quality would be lacking, I was sure.

That simply wasn’t the case. The craftsmanship was outstanding.

Weight vs. Length

The first thing I noticed was that it was light. Oh, so light. It weighs just 37 grams, making it lighter than any of my other knives. It was even lighter than my Opinel No. 6, which I started carrying to save weight.

It could be easy for a knifemaker to create a tiny knife and call it lightweight, but that’s not what Deejo does. The 37g is the largest pocket knife that Deejo offers, and it’s not small by any stretch. The closed length is around 4.25 inches, while the overall opened length is just over 8 inches.

That impressed me. I knew the dimensions when I ordered the knife, but comparing its heft to its size in person allowed me to appreciate the design that much more.

The Laser Etching

The laser etching was clean, crisp, and smooth. I know, that sounds like a beer commercial, but there’s no better way to describe this work. The design I finally chose was a bar of music notes, with a large treble clef in the middle.

My grandfather was a fantastic clarinet player, and he kept a plastic treble clef hanging from a suction cup on his sliding patio door. This design was perfect for sentimental reasons, but it also features tons of curves and twists, so I knew it would put the engraver to the test. It passed with flying colors.

The Engraving

I don’t know what goes into engraving this particular grade of stainless steel, but I imagine it’s easy to botch. I had my grandfather’s favorite phrase, “You Win Some, You Lose Some,” engraved on the liner lock, and it came out absolutely perfect. Clean, well proportioned, and it seems deeper than the laser etching, though I can’t say that for sure.

The Handle

The olive wood handle looked great. If you don’t have an olive wood handled knife in your collection, do yourself a favor and start shopping for one. I absolutely love this wood, and Deejo’s take on it did it justice. For such a small sliver of wood, it feels natural and rugged while also being refined.

For Transparency’s Sake

I want to be very transparent. There was one aspect of my initial impression that I didn’t entirely love, but I’ll wait to explain that. Given my penchant for being hard to please, the Deejo was already off to an excellent start.

Living with the Deejo Knife

I’ll be frank with you, right off the bat. I don’t carry the Deejo often. It’s not because it’s a lousy knife to carry. There’s no design flaw that keeps it from clipping to my left front pocket. It’s actually quite the opposite.

This knife is beautiful. It’s too damn nice to tuck in the pocket of my ragged old Levi’s. Remember, it wasn’t that long ago that I was clipping tactical, automatic knives to my pants pocket. To me, this knife belongs in plain sight. It needs to be where I can see it and appreciate it. It sits on my desk where I can enjoy it and use it several times a day.

When I do carry it, it’s because it fits the occasion. Whether it’s a date night with my wife, or I’m wearing a nice jacket, I carry it when it can really top off my style.

This is no ordinary knife; its stunning looks make it the perfect gift. It’s not too expensive either – see prices here.

The Steel

The Deejo uses Z40C13 stainless steel for their blades. A little research shows that this particular grade of stainless steel is a bit of a French thing. Other very well regarded French knife makers use Z40C13. All I can say for it is that it came sharp right out of the box, though I did hone it quickly. It’s been two months of daily use, and it maintains a very sharp edge.

The Pocket Clip

The pocket clip is very sturdy. In fact, it can be challenging to slide it over the pocket stitching of a pair of jeans. But that’s with good reason. Deejo states that much of the knife’s structural integrity comes from the pocket clip. I believe it; it’s burly.

With that said, the overall thickness is still noticeably less than my next thinnest knife — and that one doesn’t have a pocket clip.

The Blade Lock

It does feature a liner lock, and quite a good one at that. With the blade open, the thick stainless bar snaps right into place, chocking the blade open with almost zero play. In fact, the only play you really experience appears to be more a result of the Deejo’s overall thickness (or lack thereof), though it’s hardly noticeable at all.

Opening the Deejo

There isn’t a thumb stud or flipper lever on the Deejo. While that might seem like a drawback, opening this knife like a tough guy would just detract from its style and refinement. While you can open it with a flat thumb on the side of the knife, it opens quite nicely with two hands, like a gentleman would open a knife.

A Gentleman’s Knife

That’s who this knife is for, after all: a gentleman. While we all love our manly pursuits, this knife doesn’t belong field dressing game or cutting lashing for a makeshift camp.

In my opinion, it belongs in the inner pocket of a blazer or sport coat. It belongs in a briefcase pocket. In my case, it belongs on the desk of a writer and editor.

That’s not to say this isn’t a capable pocket knife. It’s just not the one to reach for when prying open a paint can. If you’re concerned about self-defense, as long as you have the capacity to open it with two hands, it could buy you some time to get away.

Deejo knows this isn’t the typical EDC-style knife. According to their own FAQs, it’s not a heavy-duty design. It’s meant for cutting meat, peeling and slicing fruit, and opening letters and packages.

Honestly, with the amount of Amazon packages I’m getting lately, it buys me at least a few seconds of feeling like a refined gentleman every time I use it to cut one open.

The Complaints

I’ve done a fair bit of gushing over this knife, so it’s important to me that you understand where the Deejo and I didn’t see eye-to-eye.

Remember that one moan I mentioned during my first impression? Here it is: the Deejo takes some getting used to in-hand. The minimalist design makes it very thin, and you’re not going to get a natural grip on it right away. I’m better acquainted with this knife now, so I’m over the awkward phase, but it does take a bit of getting used to.

My biggest complaint rears its head when the knife is in the closed position. The handle groove that the blade stores in is flat, and it’s almost 2mm wide. With the knife closed, the end of the blade rests on the wood handle, and it has enough room to wiggle and rub the blade edge against the wood.

My concern is this will dull the blade. A small v-groove instead of the flat bottom would solve this entirely. With that said, the Deejo still maintains an excellent edge.

Overall Impression

Initially, I had some concern that choosing such a sentimental design and engraving would somehow distort my view of this knife. I thought maybe I should’ve gone with something more basic to allow myself to give a perfectly unbiased review. But then I realized, that’s what makes these knives so special.

Deejo does an incredible job of personalizing a knife. Even if you choose a basic model from their collection, the designs are so abundant that you can certainly find one to represent yourself. But it’s in building custom knives that Deejo really shines.

The Deejo knife makes one of the best, most thoughtful gifts that I can think of. The amount of thought and consideration that goes into creating the perfect knife for someone says it all. But, couple it with an innovative design and quality construction, and you have the ideal present.

It’ll be a cold day in hell before I give up my Deejo. I would certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a minimalist-design pocket knife with a bit of flair.

Shop Here

Customized water bottles and flasks for the modern man should be a high priority purchase, both for providing personal utility and promoting environmental awareness. Up to 23% of plastic water bottle packaging ends up in the landfill every year, adding strain to the landfill crisis. Intentional or not, owning a reusable bottle helps to reduce this issue tenfold.

Environmentally conscious water bottle options such as reusable flasks support the businesses that care the most about our planet, while also providing the convenience of a temperature controlled beverage wherever you go.

The Thermoflask and Hydro Flask are two such companies, each offering specialized and fully customizable bottles for both hot and cold liquids. Ideal for hikers, travelers, outdoorsmen, and more, vacuum sealed flasks are an intelligent investment for any kind of adventure.

What Are Vacuum Insulated Water Bottles?

Contrary to popular belief, hot water bottles and vacuum insulation bottles are actually two separate things.

Vacuum insulation technology supports beverage temperature regulation by preventing liquids from transferring heat or cold in three ways: By radiation, through convection, or via conduction.

1. First, a silver or stainless steel coating on the interior portion of the flask removes the possibility of temperatures radiating out of the bottle and escaping the liquid.
2. Secondly, the empty space or vacuum between the double walls of the flask reduce the possibility of heat moving by convection.
3. Finally, the thin layers that make up the interior chamber of the bottle keep both hot and cold liquids from escaping through conduction, reinforced by the exterior casing that add even more insulation to the bottle.

This dynamic water bottle design is not a new technology. In fact, Scottish scientist Sir James Dewar created its first prototype in 1892. Now over a century later and available worldwide, companies such as Thermoflask and Hydro Flask have perfected the vacuum insulated bottle, adding a host of new developments and benefits.

Quick Comparison

While the outward appearance of these water bottles is visually unique, the internal features of Thermoflask and Hydro Flask containers are very similar.

Thermoflask:

• Vacuum insulation technology
• 18/8 food grade stainless steel exterior
• Free of BPAs
• Double insulated wall design to prevent perspiration
• Keeps beverages temperature controlled: up to 24 hours for cold drinks and 12 hours for hot
• Offers a limited lifetime warranty for flasks
• Offers 18, 24, 40, and 64 ounce sizes

Hydro Flask:

• Uses double-walled TempShield technology (vacuum insulation)
• Insulation for beverages up to 24 hours cold and 6 hours hot
• 18/8 stainless steel (rust resistant and shatterproof)
• Creation of custom bottles through the MyHydro program
• Unique optional accessories
• Bottle sizes ranging from 12 to 64 ounces
• Large variety of lid designs, including some for especially for kids

Both of these water bottles have the same basic function, yet achieve some surprisingly different results.

Thermoflask: Creating The Perfect Storm

Achieving a surge of popularity at the turn of the decade, Thermoflask products are some of the most ergonomically sound and highly sought after water bottles on the market today.

Each Thermoflask sports a rugged stainless steel exterior coupled with several lid options for drinking. Package deals include limited built-in accessories for sipping, storing, and securing the bottle.

Almost all Thermoflask models come with a convenient lid handle, which can be extremely helpful for individuals who prefer to carry or clip their bottles while on the move. Their perspiration-resistant coating ensures your cold drinks stay cold for 24 hours, while your hot drinks stay heated for a solid 12.

Thermoflask bottles come in a limited group of colors, with some of the most popular being:

• Black
• White
• Capri
• Cobalt
• Plum

The paint is secured to the body of the flask using a powerful adhesive, meaning that dropping your water bottle on the trail won’t scratch or peel the color unless the blow was particularly forceful.

One of the best selling points of the Thermoflask is its universal lid design, meaning that any newly purchased lid is capable of fitting on any sized water bottle. Chug mouths and built-in straw tops are available in select online bundles. What’s more, these lids are leak proof and scent-free, meaning that your drinks won’t taste like plastic powders or accidently spill on your nice new boots.

• Buy the Thermoflask on Amazon

The Hydro Flask: Drastic Times Call For Drastic Bottles

Established inside a small building in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask has been leading the search for high performance insulation products since its founding in 2009.

Like Thermoflasks, the Hydro Flask is composed of 18/8 stainless steel, is BPA free, and comes with a specialized type of vacuum insulation technology that maintains the temperature viability of all drinks. However, the Hydro Flask heat insulation time is half that of Thermoflask, only insulating for 6 hours as opposed to Thermoflask’s 12 hours.

If Thermoflask’s bottle paint is strong, the Hydro Flask’s proprietary powder coat is even stronger. Adding extra grip and perspiration protection, this material was engineered with long treks and hikes in mind. The paint is extremely durable and built for even the most rugged adventures, including 14 colors like:

• Tangelo
• Raspberry
• Sage
• Pacific
• Cobalt
• Kiwi
• Citron

According to the Hydro Flask official website, the number of colors, lids, body sizes, and bottle boots offered can create over 183,456 unique combinations. Your adventures — and your creativity — are encouraged to run wild.

• Buy the Hydro Flask on Amazon

Which Is Better – Thermoflask Or Hydro Flask?

When it comes to performance, both Hydro Flask and Thermoflask bottles are able to keep cold liquids at an optimal temperature for 24 hours. However, Thermoflask bottles are capable of maintaining hot liquids for 12 hours, compared to Hydro Flask’s 6-hour limit.

What’s more, customization options are much more limited for Thermoflasks, and even a little underwhelming. Universal lids are certainly helpful, but when faced with the limitless customizable options available through Hydro Flask’s MyHydro Program, they pale in comparison.

In the end, the decision of which type of vacuum sealed water bottle is better is largely up to your individual needs. Those who need a bottle with more customization options and lids styles may prefer the streamlined look of the Hydro Flask. Need to keep your drinks piping hot? The Thermoflask’s 12-hour insulation timeframe is perfect for anything you need.

Whatever flask you choose to invest in, be sure that your temperate regulated water bottle serves both your needs and your lifestyle in the best ways possible.

Compare the prices of both below:

• Check latest Thermoflask price on Amazon
• Check latest Hydro Flask price on Amazon

Initially serving the armed forces and law enforcement circles by creating the best equipment available they would gain a solid global reputation. New designs and developments would be received well by the market as the business would grow.

Over the next 15 years, Maxpedition would expand its reach and capabilities. The creation of the AGR (Advanced Gear Research) line and Entity Series in recent years would be a significant asset for the company. The Entity Series is Maxpedition’s foray into the concealed carry market, producing low-profile gear for which there is high demand.

Aside from superior design, factors like manufacturing, quality control, material selection, etc. differentiate Maxpedition. Since the customers are who keep them in business, the company has always had a strong connection with them.

Always taking into account their needs, users have the chance to influence what is made directly. Since customers can provide direct feedback and quality advice, Maxpedition can produce pieces that are more of what the end users need.

In the market for a new EDC bag but want to make sure it is quality? If the mission statement of Maxpedition has any bearing, you would be looking at high-quality gear based on in-house designs by a company which strives to provide customers with world-class service and support while being ethically and socially responsible.

Our experience with Maxpedition products has been extremely positive, and we enjoy what we have seen. Take a look below for more on what we thought of Maxpedition.

Quick Highlights:

Riftblade CCW-Enabled Backpack 30L

• Forward-cinching, padded and load-bearing waist for comfort
• Laser cut AT.achement LA.ttice S.ystem (ATLAS) surfaces for modular additions
• Mid-sized zippered frameless pack
• Quick release yoke-style straps
• Top shoulder strap compression load lifter
• Adjustable sternum strap
• Quadruple side and bottom adjustable compression straps
• Loop-lined middle compartment
• Lockable main interior compartment
• Numerous internal organization compartments
• Hydration reservoir also fits up to 15” laptop
• Protective front foam padded valuable pocket
• Two-way access fully loop-lined rear CCW compartment
• Double-sided hook security lockout strip
• 30L volume (1831 cu. In.)
• 11” x 11” x 19” dimensions
• 1000-Denier water and abrasion resistant ballistic nylon fabric
• 500-Denier Hex Ripstop water and abrasion resistant ballistic nylon fabric
• Triple polyurethane coated construction
• High tensile strength nylon webbing and composite thread
• #AS-100 high grade closed cell foam padding
• Internal seams taped and finished
• Double stitched, bar tacked and circular bar tacked (or Box-and-X) stress points
• YKK high strength zippers and tracks
• UTX-Duraflex nylon buckles with minimal sound
• Teflon fabric protection

Entity 19 CCW-Enabled Backpack 19L

• Dual expandable bottle holders
• Smallest backpack of the Entity series
• YKK zippers with positive grip pulls
• Dedicated CCW compartment with Security Lockout Strip
• 500-Denier nylon hybrid heather fabric
• Water-resistant and grime-resistant triple polyurethane coating
• Quick closure magnetic wings on exterior
• Reinforced MOLLE/PALS attachment points
• Shapeshift webbing
• Concealable and detachable drawbridge straps
• UTX-Duraflex nylon buckles
• Fray-resistant Gossamer mesh
• 420-Denier nylon liner with greyscale interior
• Comfortable nylon seatbelt webbing
• Dedicated 13” laptop sleeve
• Double stitched, bar tacked and circular bar tacked (or Box-and-X) stress points
• Numerous organizational compartments
• Loop-lined interior wall for additional modular accessories
• 19L Volume (1160 Cu. In.)
• 11” x 9” x 17” dimensions
• AS-100 high grade closed-cell foam padding
• Finished and taped internal seams

Maxpedition Riftblade CCW-Enabled Backpack 30L Review

Are you looking for a backpack that you can use when you travel? The 30L Riftblade from Maxpedition is a very versatile option that will be large enough for all of your needs. It is a tactical backpack that is designed with a much larger size, and it is actually about 30 percent larger than its predecessors. To create this top of the line backpack, heavy-duty materials and high-quality parts were used in the construction of the bag.

The straps are reinforced so that they can hold a heavier load. The zippers are designed with YKK grips to help you use them whenever you need. The bag is also made out of a durable nylon material and for extra support when carrying the backpack; there is even a waist cinch that you can easily adjust.

The compression straps of the backpack are designed to be adjusted so that they are always secure when you need them to be. If you do not need the waist belt on, it can easily be removed and stored in your luggage. There is also a hydration reservoir that can be used to store water when you need it, or it can be used as a laptop sleeve because it can fit a laptop that is up to 15 inches.

Depending on the amount of space you need for your trip, there should be quite enough space to use in all of the pockets. In fact, the main pocket in the backpack is designed to be locked so that everything remains secure.

In addition, there is ample padding in the system that you can use to secure your items without an issue. This bag comes in grey, tan, and black, so if you are unsure of the color that you want, there are ample options to choose from.

Maxpedition Entity 19 CCW-Enabled Backpack 19L Review

Looking for a backpack that looks great on your back and is also large enough to carry a laptop that is 13 inches in size? Well, if you are in search of such a backpack, then this Entity 19 is a great option to consider. It has very ergonomic straps that are comfortable to use, and they have quick-release buckles that make them easier to adjust when you need.

The main compartment is big enough to hold a 13-inch laptop with ease, and it is even designed with a drawbridge strap for additional security. There is also a magnetic wing on the outside that can easily be tucked away instead of fully closing the compartment.

On both sides of the backpack, there is a water bottle holder that comes with a zipper garage to keep your bottle secure. These pockets can easily be expanded to make room for larger bottles, which can be useful when you need to take the bag for a long walk.

Inside the bag, there are a bevy of additional pockets that will be useful to you, especially if you are interested in carrying some of your personal belongings in the bags. The mesh is also designed to be extra durable with fray-resistant gossamer, and the webbing on the handle at the top is even made using shape-shift webbing that is easy on your hands.

This backpack is a soft grey color that is made out of a nylon and polyester combination that is designed to last for quite a while. The material has been coated for water resistance, and internally, the pockets are foam padded to prevent damage to a laptop or another device in the bag. Available in both ash and charcoal, this is a great option for any student who needs a place to carry their things.