NEWS: The Gentleman's Guide to Equipment

As a smoker a Zippo is indispensable but there are a few points:

There is really only one size, the slim model was made to be marketed to women and has no place on a "Gentleman's Guide" list.

Second, for a non-smoker who only has occasional use for a lighter, a Zippo is a poor choice. The lighter fluid naturally evaporates even when it's not being used, so after a month or so of carrying it around without using it, when you finally need it, it probably won't work.

I'm a semi-former smoker (7 weeks or so), so I still have my Zippo. And I like the smaller version. Mine's engraved.

That was more of a joke than anything, but the part about it running out of fluid even when you're not using it, that's totally true.

aye, well, nothing's perfect. And I don't like those mini butane torches that throw out a blue flame, hot enough to melt anything in my pockets.

I'm with you there, even looking at them in the gas station makes me feel like a crack head.

Well, I suppose I could just suggest everybody swipe a box of matches from a hotel

Classy.

I don't think I'm that classy

Nice list. I think I've gotten some great ideas for upcoming birthdays and/or Christmas.

i really like uncrate for manly type shopping.

oh, and i got my spork at rei, and it has a little carabiner on it. nice touch.

Missed this when it was posted. Good article, but I would add:

Self-defense tool
The self-defense tool is whatever you are comfortable carrying, that you can use to defend yourself. Self-defense is not just for the ladies! Scientific studies show that gentlemen can also find themselves in situations where their life and/or well-being, or the life/well-being of a compatriot, is threatened. Some gentlemen may feel embarrassed about carrying an item for self-defense--that others might view such a man as being either overly macho or, conversely, less of a man for not being prepared to defend himself barehanded.

The answer to this concern is discretion. Discretion is the mark of a true gentleman, and is the first rule of self-defense. Discretion applies to one's choices in self-defense as much as it does in any other aspect of one's life. One should never engage in braggadocio with regards to the items one may be carrying in order to ward off misfortune.

The second rule of carrying an item for self-defense is to be familiar with the item's use. No matter what you choose to carry, you should practice with it regularly so that you will be able to draw and use it when called upon.

Of course, the primary form of self-defense requires no "draw" at all: training and practice in unarmed combat. When one is looking for an introduction to martial arts, one should generally avoid courses and schools which promise "easy" self-defense. Self-defense is not easy. Look for schools and courses which emphasize sparring. Consider traditional western boxing; while limited in its techniques, it has a heavy emphasis on throwing and receiving real blows.

Chemical sprays may be the best all-around option. Mace and pepper sprays are easily concealed, offer the ability to defend oneself at range and/or when one has been injured already (throwing a punch requires strength; squeezing a trigger or spray-top does not), and are legal pretty much everywhere. On the downside, they are not always effective, and often not effective for very long. Make sure that your chemical spray actually sprays, and be aware of how far it sprays before dispersing too much to have good effect.

Tasers and stun guns are decent options, but come with a number of caveats. They tend to be fairly concealable, especially models marketed for personal defense. However, as a general rule, a taser or stun gun isn't as effective as it is portrayed in popular media. It generally takes 5-10 seconds of continuous current to fully disable an assailant for any useful period of time, though the initial shock can be startling enough to force some assailants to cease their attack. Heavy clothing can reduce or even negate the effectiveness of an electroshock weapon. Taser darts can miss, and electroshock weapons are susceptible to breakage from hard impacts. On the plus side, you don't have to be as precise with a taser as with a chemical spray.

Knives may be the most questionable self-defense option, though they do have a few advantages. On the plus side, knives are useful in a variety of situations that may or may not involve self-defense. They are highly portable and concealable, legal in most places so long as you're actually carrying a knife and not a broadsword, and in experienced hands they are undoubtedly effective. They are, however, frequently lethal, and are only helpful for self-defense if used with lethal intent (that doesn't mean you need to go for the throat every time, but it does mean that you can't stab someone just a little bit and expect them to run away). Folding knives are the easiest to carry and, with practice, are almost as quick to ready as a fixed blade. Practice folding and unfolding your knife, but not in public--that's just unseemly.

Guns are the most controversial self-defense option. They are illegal to carry, or to carry concealed, in many places. They draw negative attention due to their controversial nature. They can breed overconfidence. However, they are arguably the most effective option in terms of their ability to stop an assailant. Like knives, they are lethal and should be treated as such. And like every other option for self-defense, they require familiarity and frequent practice to be effective.

The final rule of self-defense for gentlemen is a repetition of the first: exercise discretion in all things. Carrying an item for self-defense is not an excuse to take the less well-lit path on the way home. Be aware of where you're going; not only will you be safer, you will be less likely to get in trouble for walking into an airport carting around your own personal arsenal.

Fuck. They also have brass tankards, and thermometer and compass cufflinks.

I prefer to improvise with a tube of binaca. One shot to the eyes and you should have time to remove yourself.

now i can be a gentleman!

That's awesome. I think more people need to follow this list too.
And you're bit about the fountain pen reminded me, that I need a new one. A "Friend" ruined mine and I've still never forgiven them. There's just something elquent about using a foutain pen, and it makes writing, even for the dyslexic like me, something to enjoy.

Yes, but also a lady.

Great list, I really need a good bag and have drooled over many of the saddleback , however funds are not available so I'll stick with my cheap nylon briefcase for now. It does its job.I'll be finding a cheap fountain pen soon, I do not think I've ever written with one.

I suggest you start with something like this.

http://duluthpack.com/

Sorry, been a rough couple of weeks. But yes, I found these exact pens at the Office supply store, it was a 3 pack with Purple, Black and Blue. I put the Black in my Bag, took the Blue to work for times when my signature matters and I gave the purple to my wifey-poo (which gave me odd bonus points with her).

Wow, I like these, good price's too.

Proof positive that Gentlemanliness can lead to good places

For the lumberjack's gentleman.

I'll vouch for their stuff - I've taken one of their Duluth packs canoeing and it did swell.