Xcelite Shearcutter and Pliers

Xcelite S2K 2-Piece Shearcutter and Pliers Set

"Originating from a tiny metalworking company in 1921 (Park Metalware of Orchard Park, NewYork), the Xcelite® brand of precision hand tools has been a favorite of service technicians for over 75 years. It is now known throughout the electronics industry for its full line of high quality precision screwdrivers, nutdrivers, pliers, cutters, interchangeable-blade sets, specialized tools and kits.  This is the most popular all-purpose miniature electronic flush cutter and needle-nose pliers."  Thanks to the fascinating Alloy-Artifacts for information on Park Metalware, Ed.

Nalgene Water Bottle

NALGENE Tritan 1-Quart Narrow Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle,Slate Blue

"Back in 1949, a Rochester, New York chemist named Emanuel Goldberg developed the first plastic pipette holder. Along with three workers, he began the Nalge Company in a small building at 625 South Goodman Street.  For years Goldberg and his growing team developed the Nalgene line of state-of-the-art polyethylene laboratory equipment: centrifuge bottles, filter units, storage tanks.  Obviously, it wasn’t the kind of stuff you toss into your backpack for a weekend in the woods.  But there were rumors floating around … stories about scientists taking the smaller, more convenient bottles out of the lab and using them on hikes and excursions.  By the 1970s this “unofficial” use for Nalgene bottles caught the eye of Marsh Hyman (President of the Nalge Company in Rochester, New York).  Marsh had a son who was in the Boy Scouts. He and his fellow Scouts used Nalgene lab bottles on the trail. They were perfect as water bottles; for storing powdered drinks and pancake mix; and for carrying matches and shampoo and snacks and all sorts of camping supplies. When he learned about these great new uses for his lab bottles, Marsh Hyman went to the Nalge Specialty Department with a mission: “Spread the word to outdoorspeople all over! Tell them about this new line of high-quality camping equipment.”"
Also check out the 1970's original Nalgene 32 oz HDPE Wide Mouth Loop Top Water Bottle - In Your Choice of Colors. Or for adult beverages Nalgene Bottle, Ethyl Alcohol, 500mL (Pack of 6).

Zippo Lighter

Zippo Street Chrome Pocket Lighter

"Zippo was founded in Bradford, Pennsylvania in 1932 by George G. Blaisdell. The Zippo timeline begins in the early 1930s, at the Bradford Country Club in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Mr. Blaisdell watched a friend awkwardly using a cumbersome Austrian-made lighter. The lighter worked well, even in the wind, due to the design of the chimney. But its appearance was utilitarian. Its use required two hands, and its thin metal surface dented easily.

He decided to refashion the Austrian lighter in the fall of 1932. Mr. Blaisdell fabricated a rectangular case and attached the top of the lighter to the case with a hinge. He retained the chimney design which protected the flame under adverse conditions. The result was a lighter that looked good and was easy to operate. The first lighter, currently displayed at the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, was produced in early 1933.

World War II had a profound effect on Zippo. Upon America’s entry in the war, Zippo ceased production of lighters for consumer markets and dedicated all manufacturing to the U.S. military. The military initiative led to the production of the steel-case Zippo with black “crackle” finish.

Starting in the mid-50s, date codes were stamped on the bottom of every Zippo lighter. The original purpose was for quality control, but the codes have since become an invaluable tool for collectors."

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

Lodge Logic L10SK3 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet

The Lodge Manufacturing Company was founded by Joseph Lodge in 1896 in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.  It is still a family owned business.  Great for bacon.

American Apparel T-shirt

American Apparel Unisex Fine Jersey Short Sleeve V-Neck X-Small-green

American Apparel is a super-hip vertically-integrated clothing company located in downtown Los Angeles, California.  They make great clothes for kids, women, and men.  Dov Charney, the founder, has been selling t-shirts since he was in high school.  His company has grown into the largest garment factory in the US and has stores in over 20 countries.   

Pendleton Blanket

Pendleton Yosemite National Park Full Blanket

Pendleton Woolen Mills operates the last woolen mills in the United States.  The manufacturing of Indian blankets at the mill in Pendleton, Oregon dates to 1895.  The current company was started in 1909 by the Bishop brothers:  Clarence, Roy, and Chauncey.  Pendleton still makes Indian blankets, for example, Pendleton Blanket: Chief Joseph Robe - Dark Green.   

Filson Packer Hat

  

Filson Tin Cloth Packer Hat

This hat is great in the rain.  C. C. Filson started his eponymous company in 1897 in Seattle, Washington to supply the Great Klondike Gold Rush.  Check out the Cruiser Jacket and Mackinaw Cap among their other items still made in Seattle.  The cap reminds me of Elmer Fudd... really Robin Williams impression of the wabbit hunter.