Custom-made Bottle Opener

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It seems almost improper to expend words on an object so unadorned. Fashioned out of a standard thirteen millimetre hex stainless steel rod, this bottle opener was handcrafted by @_lindaneo and my father-in-law in the industrial suburbs of Zurich.

The bottle opener comes across as highly functional, yet effortlessly put together. The sturdy stainless steel shaft that is routinely used at my father-in-law’s machine manufacturing workshop provides a neat grip thanks to its hexagonal shape. Its angled tooth, chiselled a fifth way down its body, provides adequate leverage to pivot open a bottle cap. And the iron-chromium’s corrosion resistance will ensure that the hardware lasts a lifetime. In some ways, it seems oddly over-engineered, but somehow, a sense of no-frills utility prevails.

There are more obtainable openers out there in deceptively similar designs, often in more ornate colours. But this one, with my initials crookedly etched by hand on its surface, is piece-unique and wholly mine.

Rimowa Topas Cabin

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In 1937, a fire at the Rimowa’s Cologne factory destroyed almost everything but its raw aluminium material stock. Left with chiefly the soft metal to work with, the company experimented with different ways to use aluminium despite its ductility. Over time, this resulted in the sculpting of vertical grooves into the metal to strengthen the shell surface and give structural rigidity to the suitcase chassis. Rimowa characterised well the spirit of a ‘Mittelstandunternehmen’ (SME) in the mid-20th century. With a flagship product born out of necessity and circumstance, the company remained nimble in times of adversity and innovated to its gain.

Looking for a trusty and robust carry-on suitcase, I selected the silver-coloured Topas. Silver seemed appropriate with it being the natural colour of the storied aluminium metal. Other coloured versions would reveal their true colour over time anyway, with the cases bleeding silver in the gorges of their scratches. The suitcase rolls smoothly and is highly functional. Closing the shell does not require the tedious wrapping of its circumference with a zipper. Instead, the hardshell exterior allows for a dual-lock clip closure that simplifies the effort into a single fluid motion. Rimowa has retained much of its early heritage by making all its aluminium cases in its Cologne workshops. And as elemental as its design inception was, I believe enduring it will be also.

Apple iPhone SE

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When the iPhone 5 was first released in 2012, it was arguably the most beautiful smartphone to have been produced. My friend @julian described his slate coloured variant as “holding perfection in his hands”. And after seeing it in the flesh, I was resigned to agreement. This 7mm block of aluminium was a practice in both inventive modernisation and confident restraint. The chamfered edges, flat build, and rounded corners were a manufacturing chef d’oeuvre. So when Apple announced the iPhone SE in 2016, I was overjoyed. 

The SE essentially packs the improved internals of the newer iPhone 6S into the compact body of an iPhone 5S. We live in the chaotic infant stages of the information age where apps are constantly wrestling for our attention. The 4-inch screen taunts me less to be preoccupied with a two-dimensional display. My most used apps on the phone are Telegram, Spotify, Podcasts, and Safari. Which highlights how the SE serves the function of being first a communication tool, followed by a digital audio player, and only then a visual media device. There might be a day when a notchless edge-to-edge screen becomes irresistible, but for now, I am enchanted by this slab of space grey aluminium. 

Carmina Simpson Oxford

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When my final pair of dress shoes from a trite luxury brand gave way, I knew it was time to look for a pair of quality shoes. I first read about Spanish brand Carmina in Parisian Gentleman’s nicely compiled 2013 review of shoe brands and, given that they had just opened their first store outside of Europe in Singapore, decided that a visit was in order. 

I was greeted by friendly Carmina team member Vivek at the store and he happily explained to me the different models and options available from the hundred and fifty year old brand. I wanted something foundational and opted for classic black oxfords in the beautiful Simpson last. The hand-made shoe feels sturdy with its Goodyear welted construction, yet maintains a slim profile thanks to the sleek silhouette of the Simpson last. The calfskin leather is sufficiently thick to buttress the shoe upper, but is still supple enough to adapt to the shape of the foot. 

Carmina does an outstanding job with its aftersales service and I try to visit the store fortnightly to have my shoes waxed and buffed. Vivek is always accommodating and I enjoy our casual chats about the store and new arrivals. The visits to the store have become somewhat of a routine and this agglomerated package of product and service has proven hard to displace.

MMMG Cardholder

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Situated in Seoul’s lively Itaewon district, MILLIMETER MILLIGRAM’s concept store houses diverse design items from hand-made furniture to recycled backpacks. I found this sleek black cardholder among a wide array of small leather goods neatly laid out on a table in the store basement. 

The uniquely folded zig-zagged structure of the cardholder subtly combines the natural textures of suede and grain leather on a single surface. There is ample room for cards in the main compartment and a handy side vent works well as a makeshift berth for loose cash. Made out of a single hexagonal piece of leather, the cardholder essentially comes into existence with three simple folds. There seems to be nothing ancillary about it and the only adornments it wears are the four letters ‘MMMG’ debossed on its underside. 

I hardly carry cash around and have come to prefer cardholders to bi-fold wallets. This one fits nicely in a one-handed grip and has its place in my EDC.

Shure SE535

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First released in 2010, these ruby wonders are still a treasure. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming and the soundstage spacious. But where these compact in-ears really sing are the treble and mids. Even without an amplifier, the clarity of the sound reveals details in the most familiar of songs that were previously missed. They are accurate without being too scientific – still lending a bit of fun to the hearer. The fit isn’t perfect, but they fit me well enough with the medium-sized foam tips. And short of going full custom with some JH13’s, these are arguably the choice universal fit IEMs for us mortals out there