Every week there are dozens of new and exciting pieces of gear. But are they actually worth buying? Trust the team at Cool Material to help you find the latest and greatest releases in a recurring column: What We’re Buying.
Oakywood Wooden Monitor Stand
“I needed a monitor stand to use for WFH, and wanted something attractive and low-on-the-radar. Oakywood’s solid walnut monitor stand has a nice matte finish and can even manage to hold my decade-old and very heavy 27″ iMac. It’s been a stalwart over the past several months, and it doesn’t look like something I picked up at Staples.” Buy: $119
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Allbirds Tree Runners
Allbirds seemed to be all the rage. But I hesitated getting them. I am, after all, a sneaker junkie. Even at my age, I am always on the hunt for good shoes. I have lately been trying to find a pair that I can easily slip on with jeans. After seeing a few people wearing the Allbirds Tree Runners I decided to give them a shot. The simplicity of the shoe runs counter to what I usually buy. But this was a good choice. They are super comfy and they’ve slowly moved up my shoe ranks to #1. Without knowing it, I’m wearing these every day. And they are made with breezy eucalyptus trees. Who can’t get behind that? Buy: $98
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San Lotano Requiem Habano Cigars by AJ Fernandez
“With only a precious few weeks of summer left I have found myself wanting to smoke something strong and time-consuming so I have an excuse to spend some leisure time outside. This cigar isn’t a new release, but it is what I turn to when I am looking for something bold and spicy, yet balanced. Bonus points for it being a perfect complement to a warm evening. I prefer the torpedo size, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any vitola.” Learn More
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The Chef's Press
“When it comes to personal purchases, there are few things other than allocated bottles of whiskey I’d recommend purchasing more than one of at a time, but I’ll make an exception for Bruce Hill’s Chef Press. I originally stumbled onto the Chef’s Press from a Kenji Lopez-Alt video about either grilled cheese or crispy fish skin cooking (I can’t remember). But I was so inspired that I purchased a couple of these trowel/spatula/weight combination cooking utensils because KLA always has great recommendations. I tell you what, this particular piece of equipment did not disappoint and has become a staple in my kitchen ever since. Whether you want the perfect crust on a grilled/melt sandwich, a burger, or a crispy-skinned piece of fish, all you have to do is set a Chef’s Press (or three) on top to make it possible.” Buy: $14
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Hoka Men's Clifton 8
“I’ve been training for a half marathon the past few weeks and decided to invest in a fresh pair of kicks. I had been sporting last year’s Hoka Clifton Edge, which sported a flared-out heel that took some getting used to. I decided to stick with Hoka but opted for the simpler Clifton 8. These running shoes are a more traditional shape but offer the same patented Hoka cushion with a soft, light midsole and breathable upper. I’ve only taken them out for a week or so but I’m loving the smooth, supportive strides.” Buy: $130
– John A. Paradiso, Managing Editor
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Xikar Xi2 Cigar Cutter
“I’ve been enjoying a lot of cigars this summer and haven’t been able to find my cutter for quite a few months. So I’ve been butchering my cigars with a pair of scissors assuming my cutter would resurface at some point. It didn’t. I finally bought a new one and went with the same model I had previously. The Xikar Xi2 cutter is perfect. Sharp, reliable, compact, sleek, and fun to fidget with as well.” Buy: $42
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