Mobile – Versatile – Vital
I ask, for the second review in a row, “What the heck is this?” I work on a construction site, probably one of the least fountain pen-friendly environments out there. And yet, here I am with the Faber-Castell Loom, one of the most well-regarded fountain pens in the sub-$50 range. This, along with the TWSBI Eco, is considered to be among the best writers for bottled-ink beginners. Let’s see if this steel-tipped Bavarian can stand in the world of steel-toed boots.
What the heck is this? A near-$800 watch on a backwater, budget-focused review site? That’s right – In a first for Journeywind Junk, I’ll be tiptoeing into the world of high-end timepieces. Here to tempt me with its fit and finish is the Longines Conquest V.H.P., a high-accuracy quartz watch from the fabled horologists of Switzerland. Let’s see if the quality of this rarified Alpine air is all it’s cracked up to be.
If you’ve ever typed “Best Dress Watches” into your browser, chances are you’ve run across the Orient Bambino. It appears on just about every such video and list I’ve come across, especially in the Under-$200 field. Still, I resisted the purchasing urge for a long time. I work in construction, with next to no need for a dress watch. Thankfully, curiosity won out in the end. Here’s my review of the Orient Bambino Automatic.
What do you know of “The West?” Before moving from Wisconsin to New Mexico, the extent of my knowledge came from playing “The Oregon Trail.” Now, as my time in this area draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the region and its ethos. But that’s not what you’re here for, is it? Instead, let’s take a look at an interesting little pocket knife: Quiet Carry’s serendipitously named modern slipjoint, “The West.”
If you’re like me, you own more pens than you need. My two favorites at the moment are the TiScribe Bolt from Urban Survival Gear (reviewed here) and the Retrakt from Karas Kustoms. Apart from their full-metal frames, these would seem to be fairly dissimilar pieces. But, guess what? They take the same ink refills.
“Warning: Pretentious, Ponderous Philosophy Ahead.” Thus reads the intro to my review of the Invicta Pro Diver, a $50 watch with $5,000 branding. It’s a small, shouty timepiece desperate to convince you of its status as a luxury item. But just how good (or bad) is it, really? I embarked on mental quest to answer this very question. And, quite frankly, part of me wishes I hadn’t.
Journeywind Junk 