Dietz Lanterns.

Founded in New York in 1840 by Mr. Robert Edwin Dietz.  The Dietz Co. manufactures kerosene lanterns, commonly known as hurricane lanterns. Given this name be cause they can safely be used in hurricane weather.  If you venture to any antique market, 90% of the lanterns you will see are Dietz.  Unfortunately Dietz moved all their production, including the original equipment to Hong Kong in 1956, then to China in 1988.  Their lanterns are still in production and are made on the original machines,  They are super affordable, and its great to have one put away in case of a emergency, Lee Valley has the No. 80 for $20.  It really is a beautiful lantern for that price.  Two Christmas' ago, my Wife and I were at Black Creek Pioneer Village for the "Christmas By Lamplight" and got to witness the whole village lit by these all night long.  Simply beautiful!

There are three typical kinds of lantern construction.

Cold Blast Lanterns:
Takes in air through side tubes and the globe plate. A "Cold Blast" Lantern has a white flame and twice the volume of light. With modern fuels they can be used inside or out.

Hot Blast Lanterns:
Takes in air through openings in the base. Air ascends through the globe and is heated by the flame and produces a steady yellow flame.  A Hot Blast Lantern and is good for use indoors.

Dead flame lanterns:
Have no forced draft but the rising heat of the flame pulls fresh air in through the bottom holes.

Damn Yak Dry Goods Co. Tote.

A couple weeks ago, I was commissioned to make a custom tote/purse.  I was sent a picture of the general size that she wanted, and left it up to me from there.  The entire body of the tote is 5 OZ tooling leather for a rugged bag that will stand the test of time.  the tote was hand dyed and stitched with artificial sinew.  The bottom of the tote was boxed and riveted, and the handles are waxed 6oz tooling leather.  The inside of one grip has a built in Sam Browne Button key holder, as the tote was is almost 22" deep and keys would be easily lost!  It turned out beautifully and will really weather well! Can't wait to see it in a year!

1940's Singer 96K41.

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to have scooped up this 1940 Singer industrial sewing machine. This hefty piece of steel will be my new go to for canvas and wool, as well as hopefully some leather goods.  It chugged away like a locomotive as soon as I pressed on the treadle after powering it up.  The owner said his Dad had owned it since at least the 50's and hemmed many a pants on it.  They were cleaning house and just wanted it gone.  Gladly! The folks at Leatherworker.net and Bob at Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines have been exceptionally kind in providing info and great deals on parts for setting it up to handle leather and Canvas.  While not designed for leather it should be able to handle up to 10oz of leather.  And using the Google machine I was able to find both parts manual, and instructions for this machine.  Stay tuned for some fine looking goods made on this bad boy!


Here is the operating manual for the 96K10, 96K12, and 96k16. Which is the closest I could find online.

Damn Yak Dry Goods At Klaxon Howl.

 For those who are in the Toronto downtown core, take some time and stop by this tucked away shop down a small lane way north of Manning and Queen.  Klaxon howl, a staple of Toronto Men's wear, is now carrying Damn Yak Dry Goods Co. Leather products.  Owner Matt Robinson has been operating Klaxon Howl since 2005.  Along with fantastic vintage Military and other historical work wear, there is also the Klaxon Howl's private label.  With their great fitting detailed Japanese selvage denim, to their "Uncle Sam" plaid pull over, Klaxon does not cease to provide the city of Toronto with high quality wears.   Damn Yak Dry Goods will have both styles of wallets avalible, along with new Key fobs, and some great 6 oz tooling leather double wrap bracelets.  This is the store every man needs to experience, to awaken his masculine roots.  Whether looking for some heavy leather boots that your grandpa would have built his home in, or a unique twist on the staple chambray shirt, Klaxon Howl can deliver timeless, effortless and functional style with that lost feeling of nostalgia.

Klaxon Howl

694B Queen St. West

Toronto, Ont
647.436.6628

The Adventures of Tintin - Weta Workshop Statues

Some people might know I am big Tintin fan, and being so I am super excited about this years film release. If you are big Tintin fan, check these out.  Weta Workshop based in New Zealand are making these Tintin and Captain Haddock Statues based on the movie .  Each one is hand painted and finished. I am loving the detailing of the clothing and shoes! Amazing! The Tintin statue comes with a snowy statue as well.  Each are numbered and being made in limited number with a price tag of around $200.  If anyone want to pre-order one of theTintin's for me shoot me a email and I will give you my delivery address!

Megafaun - "Kaufmans's Ballad"

The best way you could describe Megafaun is experimental Americana. It touches on traditional folk, Coltrane style Jazz tapestries, and southern rock.  Quite a mix. Meeting is 1997, and forming Megafaun in 2006,  brothers Brad Cook and Phil Cook , and Joe Westerlund hail from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. "Kaufman's Ballad" is probably my top Megafaun tune.  Great road trip music.

The Friends Of Algonquin Park Trail Books.

At every trail head in Algonquin, there is a small guide book to the sites and interesting facts you might encounter along your hike.  Put out by The Friends Of Algonquin Park, these books included a small simple map of the hike, some great illustrations by Howard Coneybeare, as well as historical info of the park going as deep as how the land was created, and the Eco system it holds.  You can purchase the entire collection and have it deliver to your home from The Friends Of Algonquin Park website, and plan your trip in advace.  They are great short reads,  in beautiful little books.  Definitely a great Algonquin souvenir!  My favorite hike is Hemlock Bluff Trail, It has some stunning looks out in the winter time.

What is your favorite hike in Algonquin?