12 More Expensive Products Worth Every Penny

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While it isn’t a universal correlation, there’s a reason that “you get what you pay for” is a common saying; that is, an item’s price often corresponds to its quality. Since the prices of luxury goods are often inflated by things like perceived brand cachet or status, though, here’s our list of 12 more expensive products that we think are worth every penny (and the reasons why we like them)!

Note: This post is 100% not sponsored. This is all just based on our personal experiences with things that we bought with our own money.

12 (More) Expensive Products Worth The Money

Why “more?” Well, we made a list of expensive products back in 2017, and we thought of sharing a new lineup that fans of classic, high-quality items would enjoy learning about.

1. Bespoke Shoes

The first expensive item worth the money is a pair of bespoke shoes. If it’s not your first time here on our website, chances are you’ve already invested in a quality pair of men’s dress shoes.

In the beginning, spending $300 on a pair of shoes may seem like a lot, but once you’ve climbed that mountain, you start wondering, “Well, what more will I get if I spend $500, $600, $700, or $800?” And then, you invest in more brands.

Maybe you buy shoes from Crockett & Jones or Edward Green or a brand like Carmina. Or if you don’t like the English style. Maybe you go with something from Stefano Bemer or something more Hungarian-looking like a Heinrich Dinkelacker boot.

Raphael having his shoe details taken by a bespoke shoemaker
If you like good craftsmanship and great fit on your shoes, then bespoke is for you.

Maybe you’ve even acquired a made-to-order shoe that cost more than a thousand dollars. At that point, you get a high level of craftsmanship, you get exactly the look that you want, and if you don’t have problem feet, that’s great.

However, as a clotheshorse, you will certainly enjoy the experience of working with a craftsman, designing a shoe, looking at the design, getting inspiration from pictures and videos, and coming up with something truly unique to you.

Not only will the fit be superior, especially with a loafer shoe, but you can also choose the leather, the waste treatment, and little details like the shape of the brogueing. On top of that, you become a supporter of the crafts, and that is awesome.

Bespoke leather broguing
With bespoke shoes, you can choose the details on the leather.

How much does it cost? Well, it depends. It’s probably hard to find bespoke or custom shoes under a thousand dollars, and you have to make compromises. Under $2,000, you can find maybe very few. If you go above that, you can spend all the way up to ten thousand or more dollars if you choose to go with really expensive alligator skins, for example.

2. A Camel-Hair Polo Coat

A polo coat made of camel hair typically has a unique style. Typically, it has peak lapels, patch pockets with flaps, a half belt in the back, a seam on the sleeve cuffs, and a single-center vent. It also has this natural camel hair-colored, caramel, beige-y look that really stands out from the gray, black, and navy overcoats, and it works extremely well with any kind of brown tone.

There was a time when Ralph Lauren was pretty much the only one where you could find a coat like that. Today, there are many other places where you can pick up one of those coats. Or, of course, you can have it made bespoke. That being said, many of them are not actually made of real camel hair but of other wool.

Raphael walking outdoors in a tan camel hair coat paired with suede burgundy gloves and burgundy scarf.
A camel hair coat typically has peak lapels, patch pockets with flaps, a half belt in the back, a seam on the sleeve cuffs, and a single-center vent.

So, why should you go with camel hair versus wool? Camel hair is a different material. It’s rather soft but also extremely warm. And it has a different texture than a wool fabric has, generally. It also ages differently than wool, especially on the edges of the sleeves, for example.

You can pick one up from Ralph Lauren for about $2,500, O’Connell’s has one for $1,500, and for 10% more, you get one at Ben Silver.

If you’re interested in more overcoats discussion and how you go about buying one, we have an in-depth guide for you.

3. Creed Green Irish Tweed Fragrance

It’s really hard to pick a cologne that works for all gentlemen because it’s a personal thing. That being said, Green Irish Tweed from Creed really comes close to it. And everyone in our office liked it. On the one, it’s a woody and earthy scent. On the other hand, it’s quite bright. We’ve called it a classic fragrance, and in our review, we also found that it’s worth it. 

In my book, it’s more of a fall-winter scent. But, I could definitely see it also being worn in the summer. I find it appropriate for the office, for evening occasions, or social occasions. On my skin, it lasts about six to eight hours, which I think is pretty good. Sometimes, my wife even comes the next day, and she can still smell that I put on Green Irish Tweed the night before.

Green Irish Tweed was established in 1985 to the public and quickly became a crowd favorite.
Creed’s Green Irish Tweed was established in 1985 to the public and quickly became a crowd favorite.

It’s a classic and mature scent that starts at an expensive $300 for just 50 milliliters. Of course, that’s just the retail price, and you may be able to find it for less, but be aware of fake scents out there.

4. A Cashmere Scarf (of Proper Size)

The fourth expensive item worth investing in is a high-quality cashmere scarf with the right length and size for a gentleman to be worn with his clothes.

I know you can find pashmina or cashmere scarfs at street vendors in New York for $5. But, obviously, that’s not what I’m talking about here. A quality cashmere scarf has long staples that are rather thin, making it very soft on your skin, but it also doesn’t peel right away as cheaper cashmere would.

At Fort Belvedere, we sourced our cashmere mostly from Mongolia, and each hair is between 14 and 6 and a half microns thick, about 35 to 50-millimeter long. That’s about one and a half to two inches.

A close up of Herringbone Cashmere Scarf in Mustard Yellow and Grey - Fort Belvedere
The cashmere used on Fort Belvedere’s scarves is mostly sourced from Mongolia. (Herringbone Cashmere Scarf in Mustard Yellow and Grey – Fort Belvedere)

Of course, the color or pattern you get is up to you. I found that subtle classic patterns like herringbone or a houndstooth are great. Also, solid scarves work well, especially with lots of patterned overcoats.

Currently, my favorite cashmere scarves are probably some burnt orange ones or mustard yellow ones mixed with gray. They go well with a navy overcoat with black, gray, or brown, and they’re different but not too vibrant.

Raphael wearing a herringbone Cashmere Scarf in Grey Orange and tan overcoat.
The Herringbone Cashmere Scarf in Grey Orange goes well with a navy overcoat with black, gray, or brown.

We also paid great attention to the right width and length. So, it covers my entire v-neck. It keeps my neck warm without being bulky. A Fort Belvedere scarf retails for $195. You can also spend a lot more on a scarf from Hermes or Burberry, for example.

Naturally, there are so many other companies that make high-quality cashmere scarves. But, keep in mind, once you go considerably under $200, you probably compromise somewhere when it comes to quality.

5. A Quality Office Chair

Most gentlemen who work in an office environment spend a considerable time sitting over the course of a day. A low-quality desk chair won’t just feel cheap and be uncomfortable to sit in, but it also doesn’t provide you the support you need, and it will hurt your body in the long term.

The problem with some designer chairs is that they’re all sizzle and no steak. You get a cool shape, and you get bold colors and certain gimmicks, but, ultimately, it’s not ergonomically designed and not good for you.

This office chair may be stylish, but it's not ergonomic!
This office chair may be stylish, but it’s not ergonomic!

In our office, we trust a brand that has been synonymous with high-quality office furniture for decades, and that’s Herman Miller. Personally, I’ve been using their Aeron chair ever since I started getting lower back pain from sitting on a bad chair. It comes in three different sizes based on your height and weight. You can make all the adjustments that you need. It’s comfortable, and it has an iconic design.

Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair in Black
Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair in Black

I really like the adjustable lumbar support and the mesh fabric that keeps your body temperature at a comfortable level; versus with other chairs, I regularly overheat. Overall, I can adjust it in ten different ways, and it retails for around $1,400 when it’s all decked out. I know that’s not cheap, but your back will thank you for it.

You also get a 12-year warranty, which is pretty impressive, that covers parts and labor. If you want to spend a little less, maybe you find a used chair that’s still in pretty good shape, typically. You can go with Herman Miller’s Mirra 2, which we also have in our office, and we’re very happy with it.

 6. A Leather Chesterfield Sofa

Frankly, in your home, one of the easiest ways to get that classic gentleman look is to add a leather Chesterfield sofa. Not all Chesterfields are alike. But how can you distinguish quality from crap?

6.1. Notice the wood frame

First of all, quality Chesterfield sofas are built on a solid wood frame. Particularly, a solid hardwood that is kiln-dried, meaning the moisture has been basically sucked out because it was dried at higher temperatures, and that means the frame won’t twist over time and make your furniture look awkward or uneven. Typically, solid maple or beech wood is used, but any type of hardwood will do.

Raphael enjoying a glass of champagne in a black tie outfit while sitting comfortably on a Chesterfield sofa
Raphael enjoying a glass of champagne on a Chesterfield sofa with a solid hardwood frame.

Now, buyer beware. I noticed many companies saying they have hardwood frames or kiln-dried hardwood frames. But, when you look at it, it’s actually kiln-dried hardwood made into plywood. That’s not what you want. You want the real hardwood.

6.2. It should have deep tufting

Next up, the best Chesterfields have a really deep tufting. Lots of cheaper ones have very shallow tufting. That’s one of the best ways how you can spot a quality one from an inferior one. 

When it comes to sitting on a piece of furniture, comfort is king, of course. And the higher-end manufacturers offer a larger variety of different foams and different comfort levels because different leathers have different stiffness. And so, they need to be combined with different foams to get that perfect feeling when you sit down on it.

To sit comfortably for a long time, you want to use the traditional way of using metal coils underneath the foam that are hand-tied in eight different spots. You want each coil to be individually hand-tied from the furniture maker and not get a hand-tied coil pad that is pre-made and just ships in from China.

Tufting on a Chesterfield Sofa
A good quality Chesterfield sofa would have deep tufting.

Also, note that many inexpensive Chesterfields come only with a tufted bag and tufted sides but with individual non-tufted seat cushions. While tufting is expensive and just using individual cushions is just a lot more price aggressive.

Personally, I find a tufted seed bench to be a lot more attractive. In my book, the tufted seat should be comfortable and soft. Sometimes, they’re built into the couch, and there’s not enough foam, and you can’t specify how soft you want it, And that’s not something that I would enjoy or buy.

Another very important aspect of the Chesterfield is, of course, the leather. Yes, you can go with fabric. But, for the classic gentleman look, I find leather to be your best choice. That being said, a top-grain, inland-dyed, hand-stained leather that is waxed with an open pore is my first choice.

A Leather Chesterfield Sofa
While you could definitely opt for a fabric Chesterfield sofa, a leather one is more classic and stylish.

That kind of leather is a lot more expensive because it’s uncorrected, it’s not sanded, it’s not bonded leather. A high-end super soft, and supple top-grain leather that is completely unprotected will not last longer than a lower-grade leather with a protective finish, but it feels a lot better, and when I sit in it, I really enjoy that.

If you get unprotected leather, just make sure you don’t expose it to sunlight because it will fade a lot more quickly than something that’s protected, for example. Also, if you have kids, pets, or eat on your sofa, maybe you get something that works with your lifestyle.

I’ve looked at many trustable companies. In the US, I find that Hancock & Moore provide a superior product. That’s what I, personally, have right now in my house, and that’s also what I’d order again. The one we have right now is close to 20 years old, and it’s still in great shape. It sits comfortably, and it’s just a fantastic Chesterfield-looking sofa.

Hancock & Moore Chesterfield sofa website listing; They're expensive products, but you'll get your money's worth!
They’re expensive products, but you’ll get your money’s worth!

They’re expensive. Their retail price is, typically, anywhere between $14,000 and $25,000. But, in that industry, getting 50% off, even at your regular dealer, is normal, so the real street price is more between $7,000 and $12,000, depending on the grade of letter you choose.

Hancock & Moore selects their hides, so they all match on the entire couch. Sometimes, with other companies, you may get couches with different colors because the leather came from different dye lots, and that’s not something I, personally, like.

7. A Japanese or German Chef’s Knife

Even though cooking was, historically, not a classic gentlemanly pursuit, the modern gentleman often embraces it. And, of course, as a home chef, you require quality tools.

If there were just one knife I had, it would be the chef’s knife. Originally, it was designed to slice things into disjoint meats, but now, it has become a universal kitchen tool. No matter if you cut beef, if you slice carrots or mince garlic, it will do the job.

Two chef knives laid on top of a chopping board.
Two of Raphael’s favorite knives.

I’ve tried chef knives from many different companies and, basically, my two favorites are Japanese blades and German blades.

Japanese Knives

Typically, Japanese knives are made out of thinner, layered steel sharpened at an angle of around 16 degrees. The steel is often harder, which means it takes longer for the blade to get dull, but it’s also more tricky and harder to sharpen. That’s why I have my knife sharpened by a professional.

Raphael's Japanese Knife
A great knife for precision cutting.

It’s ideal for precision cutting, and while the steel is harder and keeps the edge longer, it’s also not stainless, and you have to take care of your knife, meaning just keep it dry and don’t wash it and just let it sit there so rust can form. Generally, I like the lightweight and the responsiveness of Japanese knives. They’re just a joy to work with.

German Knives

On the other hand, German knives are, generally, a little thicker. They also have a great knife-making tradition, and they’re sharpened at a 20-degree angle. They’re typically made from softer steel, which means you have to sharpen them more often. But it’s less likely to chip when you, maybe, drop it.

I find it more suitable for heavy-duty work and work with bones because I don’t have to be afraid if the knife chips, which is a concern when I use the Japanese knives. Personally, I also prefer the German boning knives over the Japanese ones because they’re really nice and flexible, but not too flexible. They get the job done with minimum waste.

Raphael showing his German knife
You can get the Wüsthof Knife for $160.

What I recommend, maybe, a Shun Premier 8-inch chef’s knife retails for $225, or you get something German like from Wüsthof for about $160. And then, there’s my favorite boning knife. It’s from Zwilling J. A. Henckels. It’s about $130 and it’s fantastic.

Some people like to have the same look in their knife block. I would rather have the best tool for each job. So, I use different knives from different brands based on what I like.

8. Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender

The eighth item worth its money, not just for gentlemen, is a Vitamix blender. You can make salsa dips, vinaigrettes, or other types of sauces. It’s good for drinks like daiquiris or smoothies. It’s also great for purees and, particularly, soups. Why? Well, you get a super creamy texture without adding any actual cream or other fats. You can even make homemade flours and nut butters, and much more.

They have a few different models, but they’re all very similar. Some have some pre-programmed settings, and others don’t. But they’re all very powerful, and you can find those large 64-ounce canisters. Best of all, when I’m done with it, I just add water and dish soap, put in a lid, and let it run, and then, I just pour it out, and it’s clean.

Raphael using the Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender
The Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender is a great kitchen tool for making shakes, daiquiris, dips, sauces, and a lot more.

It comes with a seven-year warranty and, supposedly, they only have two people employed in their warranty department, which says a lot about that kind of product and the quality.

Raphael cleaning his Vitamix Blender
The Vitamix Blender is also very easy to clean – you just need water and dish soap!

It feels very rugged and built to last, but it also should be because it costs almost $600 and a substitute canister costs $100, which seems ridiculous because it’s mostly plastic with a few metal parts. But, at the end of the day, they know they have a quality product that does what it should, and they price it for the value of the consumer.

9. A Stainless-Steel Rolex Sports Watch

In our book, a gentleman’s wristwatch is a highly personal thing. It depends on your personal style, lifestyle, surroundings, job, and how you want to be perceived.

Personally, I’m not attracted to Rolex watches, in general. However, for many men, Rolex is a great buy, if not the best buy, when it comes to sports watches. Why is that? We explain it in our Rolex Watch guide.

In a nutshell, Rolex produces consistently popular watches with a wide appeal that comes with a social cachet. If you buy the right watch, you can bet that it will increase in value over time, and you can buy a watch today at retail price and sell it, probably, 10 years down the line for the same price or more.

At the time of writing, a stainless steel Rolex Datejust costs about $8,000. You can also find the Rolex Cellini line, which is more a traditional dress watch that is really expensive at a retail of $20,000 or more. But, you can find them relatively inexpensively on the used market, for example. So, the Cellini is not a Rolex watch that I would consider to be an investment watch

If Rolex is not your thing, you can check out JLC Reverso, which may be more of interest to you. People may also think of the Patek Philippe Calatrava, the Nautilus, and so forth. Indeed, the holy trinity makes great watches, but we won’t cover them here today.

If you want to learn how to pronounce watch brand names correctly, though, we have a guide for that, which you might find enjoyable.

10. A Selection Of Evening Bow Ties

At the time of writing, many people around the world are still locked down, and the idea of a Black Tie or White Tie evening may seem enticing, but it seems too far away to really enjoy it. At the Gentleman’s Gazette, we always look at things long-term, so we know that once all of this is over, we’ll have time to enjoy formal dinner parties again.

Most men will be able to get away with a single black bow tie that they can wear over and over again. But, as a clotheshorse, it’s really nice to change the look of your tuxedo based on the material you use, whether it’s a velvet or satin silk or a grosgrain wide-ribbed.

Raphael wearing a velvet dinner jacket, tuxedo shirt, black velvet bow tie, white boutonniere, charcoal trousers, and dark green Albert slippers.
Black bow ties will come in handy on formal dinner occasions. (Single End Silk Velvet Bow Tie In Black – Fort Belvedere)

Of course, you can also change the shape: a big butterfly, a small batwing, maybe a diamond shape. There’s just lots of nuance in an ensemble that is, typically, dominated by rules and dress codes. It’s just an opportunity for you to shine on a personal level.

A quality men’s black bow tie will always be sized to exactly your neck size. There won’t be any adjusters, and it can be single-ended, or it can be double-ended.

What’s the difference between spending over a hundred dollars on a Fort Belvedere evening bow tie and something you can maybe find on Amazon for under $20? Again, it’s the quality. The luster you get from our silk, the feel, and the stiffness is just way superior to the stuff you get for under $20. Also, the ability to match it to the lapel of your tuxedo is really nice.

You also don’t have any clunky straps so that you can work with wing collars, and it’s just really nice, at the end of the day, to be able to untie the bow tie. And being able to tie it yourself gives you the opportunity to add a personal note to your Black Tie outfit.

11. Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth

Next up is an item that’s relatively expensive, but that even people on a budget can afford, which is red sweet vermouth from Carpano Antica Formula.

It’s a vermouth that has a stronger character profile and a kick of vanilla. There’s a citrusy, clove-y note and a rich, sweet body that will really upgrade any cocktail that uses red or sweet vermouth. Combining flavors creates somewhat of a unique tasting sensation that most people appreciate.

Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth and other liquors
Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth

Why is this so good and worth the money? Again, it’s about the quality. It starts with the ingredients. They use white wine grapes from the Puglia region of Sicily. They also use high-quality vanilla beans from Madagascar, New Guinea, or Tahiti. The production is centuries old, and so, they really understand how to extract the botanicals for the best flavor appeal.

It upgrades any Negroni, Americano, or Manhattan, whatever else you drink. A 1-liter bottle retails for $35 in the US, but for most people, a smaller 375-milliliter bottle for $17.50 will be money well spent, even though the per-unit cost is higher, if you don’t use vermouth, it may go off, and you just have to pour it all out.

12. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

Speaking of making drinks, another quality item, and the last in today’s list of expensive products is maraschino cherries from Luxardo. They cost about $20 for a small 400-gram jar, but these are sour cherries that are nicely sweet. You can even use the syrup sometimes in cocktails for decorative, for flavor purposes.

In my opinion, they’re just so much better than the typical red cherry that you get. They don’t have a pit, they don’t have a stem, and they’re just what you find in high-quality cocktails and bars across the globe. 

A bottle of Luxardo Maraschino Cherries along with other cocktail items
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries – sour but nicely sweet.

Of course, you can also use them for desserts or in your ice cream, but for cocktails, they’re just second to none.

Outfit Rundown

I’m wearing a blazer outfit. The jacket is from Isaia and I think I may exchange the buttons for some mother of pearl buttons. The shirt I’m wearing today was the first quality shirt

Raphael wearing an Isaia blazer.
Raphael wearing an Isaia blazer.
Knit Tie in Chartreuse Green Silk

Fort Belvedere

Knit Tie in Chartreuse Green Silk – Fort Belvedere

White Linen Pocket Square with Navy Blue Handrolled X Stitch - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

White Linen Pocket Square with Navy Blue Handrolled X Stitch – Fort Belvedere

Monkey Fist Knot Cufflinks - 925 Sterling Silver Platinum Plated - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Monkey Fist Knot Cufflinks – 925 Sterling Silver Platinum Plated – Fort Belvedere

Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Dark Brown and Beige Fil d'Ecosse Cotton - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Dark Brown and Beige Fil d'Ecosse Cotton – Fort Belvedere

I bought it in 2003 at a second-hand store. It was new then, but it opened up my eyes to quality shirting. Its blue- and white-striped works well with a blazer. I’m combining it with a chartreuse green knit tie from Fort Belvedere, which you can find in our shop here. It’s paired with a blue and white pocket square with cross stitches along the edges, all hand-rolled likewise from Fort Belvedere, and it picks up the colors of the shirt. The pants are an interesting greenish color that picks up the chartreuse tone with a light blue windowpane. They were made for me by Tom James years ago.

I like that the blue works well with my star sapphire ring, which is white gold and that harmonizes well with my platinum-plated cufflinks, which are monkey fist knots from Fort Belvedere, which you can also find in our shop, just like these shadow stripe socks. The brown base works well with the pants as well as with the shoes. And it just ties it all together. On my feet, I’m wearing a pair of single-monk straps from Alton in Paris, which have a handmade custom patina, which was made on a crust leather.

What are some expensive products that you think are worth the money? Please share with us in the comments below.

Reader Comments

  1. Interesting selection. A big mistake, though, on the Carpano Vermouth chapter: Puglia is a region in its own right, as is Sicily. Stating that Puglia is a region of Sicily is like stating that California is a state of Texas.
    The white wines used in this excellent vermouth come from three different regions: Romagna, Puglia and Sicily.

  2. Agreed on spending a bit more for the chef knife you want. German ones are typically thicker and softer than their eastern cousins because the continental cuisines typically have more bone to deal with, along with lots of root vegetables that can be tough on a very thin and hard blade. Personally, I prefer the German style for the full bolster (I use a proper pinch grip, and the full bolster feels better against my middle finger in extended cutting jobs). I have a 10″ one for big bone-in hams and melons, and a 6″ one for just about everything else. That being said, I also do have a Japanese style one for specific tasks. And while cheap knives can sometimes be great, having a nice knife often does make a big difference in enjoyment of use. All a cook really needs is a good chef knife, but a serrated knife and a paring knife sure do come in handy.

    I’m also of the “not everything in the block matches” camp. To me, a block with all matching cutlery just says “I got this whole set on sale at wherever, and I don’t even know half of what’s in it”. A mismatched set tells me that the cook in question put that particular knife in there for a reason, and grabs it often. Having said that, mine has more J.A. Henckels Pro S than anything, just because I like it, but it’s joined by everything from a Rapala fillet knife to a Bob Dozier hunting knife. Speaking of which, a very quality hunting knife with a razor-sharp edge around 3-4″ long is the best steak knife a person can use.

    As for the office chair, I sit on a stool when I’m not at my standing desk. Go read Galen Cranz’s “The Chair” sometime.

    1. Cuffs on trousers should be 1 1/4” or 1 1/2“ not what you have. I also would not wear that green tie—maybe a light blue or blue paisley, any shade of red, a gold or yellow tie

  3. Where appropriate, money spent on the right firearm can make all the difference.

    1. ^^^ this, too. While I’m all for decent utility guns at whatever price point a person needs them to be (like a Mossberg 500), springing for something nice makes a HUGE difference.

    2. Yes ! I use a 50 cal muzzleloader that I built. My other gun is a M1 Garand, but being 6’6″ it makes a good size for me

      1. I’m a Winchester Model 70 man through and through (preferably Super Grade), but a properly tuned M1 is a lovely thing to shoot. Meeting you halfway, my preferred Model 70 chambering is .30-06.

  4. My two cents for Warther chef’s knives. Made out of CPM® S35VN Steel from Crucible Industries, they hold a durable edge (58-61 HRC) and are resistant to chipping. Engine turned blade gives it a distinctive look and they have a nice heft in hand. Lifetime free sharpening in factory or by mail. At $132 for a 9″ blade, they will last a lifetime. Made in Dover, Ohio United States.

  5. Yes ! I use a 50 cal muzzleloader that I built. My other gun is a M1 Garand, but being 6’6″ it makes a good size for me

  6. I remember the Sunday magazine Parade when I was young .Cary Grant was featured discussing clothes . I never forgot his admonition ; shoes are the most important part of your wardrobe , never spare expense . I never quite got the knack of punctuation but his advice is golden !!! ;?”

  7. I applaud and endorse your listing of a camel’s hair overcoat. Alas, with my complexion, it looks just absolutely ghastly on me (and a gentleman should know when this is so). So I’ve had to go without.

    1. Agreed. While I don’t have an overcoat in camel, I’ll never be without a camelhair sport coat. Sorry you don’t get to join in on the awesomeness.

    2. I was looking for this item in camel. However, I found one that was camel hair, but it was died a dark grey. I found it on poshmark. Warmest overcoat I’ve ever worn. It may be worth the effort to look for one in another color for yourself.

  8. For the record, Puglia is not in Sicily. Puglia is the heel of Italia, not the ball.

  9. I just happened to be reviewing your latest video when my wife walked into the room when you were reviewing the Blander came on and my wife wanted to see it again, as a result I’m purchasing it. Thanks I’m out $549. plus tax for mother’s day.

  10. I think that you gentlemen are “expensive products (products of your upbringing) worth the money.” :-)

  11. Entertainingly & esoteric as usual- my thoughts-
    SHOES- money on bespoke shoes? Nah, a blown out ankle or foot surgery can make a pair of beloved and comfortable pair worth nothing….i DO however suggest finding proper sole inserts to stay invigorated daily :^) (fiddle-waisted bespoke shoes or spade soles ARE gorgeous, admittedly)
    POLO COAT- camel color- not on me, gimme a navy peacoat. Choose your own animal hair or synthetic fiber.
    FRAGRANCE- CGIT, solid choice (i love the smell too) but to me a signature scent is meant to change and not necessarily meant to be expensive- the MOST personal of daily choices i feel (today is Versace Man Eau Fraiche and Versace Pour Homme layered)
    SCARF- having been smitten w Bell’s Palsy, my neck needs winter protection and a range of scarves is necessary w different thicknesses and warmth…
    CHAIRS/SOFA’s- only in the den or cabin does a man have a say…the rest is up to the designer…usually in cahoots w the MRS…
    KNIVES- go w America’s Test Kitchen choices- or go grab the Ka-Bar out of your camping gear, slide it into the knife block and smile everytime u use it :^)
    BLENDER- i have my grandmother’s mustard yellow GE from the 60’s…vintage and vivacious still to this day. But i get the point, quality is king.
    WATCHES- a solid financial choice in SS Rolex, but my vintage Seiko 7002 with the bezel removed ala Marlon Brando’s GMT in Apocalypse Now and a silicon band is 365 Simplicity to me
    TIES- i eschew them in my encore career, but whatever is in the closet will do. If not, oh well. My evening party days are over, unless you care to retire to MY patio where seersucker and silk are satisfactory attire w loafers or sandals…life is less formal 99% of my time. That one percent of the time i spend with my 1% friends, c’est la vie, take me as i am, however i will follow the club/event clothing requirements w personal flair..

    Thanks for taking the time Sven and team…something to ponder as the time passes.
    Cheers to all for continued health and happiness

  12. I was raised with a grandfather who staunchly believed that the best products were always worth their cost and if you couldn’t afford the item, you saved up for it.

  13. In my experience the country of manufacture of a knife is not as important as the company. I have several brands but my favorite chefs knife is my Chef’s Choice (not a great name). I had the harness measured and it was Rockwell C 60, a couple of points higher than my German knife. It has great balance and the less than smooth handle surface is good for grip.

    1. Very true. As long as it’s got good design, halfway decent steel, and a proper heat treat, it’ll do the job, whether it’s from Tennessee or Taiwan.

  14. Funny you should mention Antica Formula. I just purchased a case, as it is one of the best and most unique vermouths I have ever had.

    For watches, I prefer the Seamaster Planet Ocean.

    A must-have knife is a 6 to 7in boning knife. Many are unfamiliar with these, but the long and thin blade makes cuts other knives cannot manage. I use it processing meat after hunting, and your local butcher is guaranteed to use a few.

    One other must-have is a ceramic knife, such as from Kyocera, which I use exclusively to cut tomatos. The blade will stay sharp indefinitely, provided you take proper care of the blade, and not use it for cutting hard objects.

    Just my opinions…

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