What’s your “white whale”?

[KeganThunder]

For me personally I’d love to get my hands on a pair of Ol’ Shanks engineer boots from Japan one day. Preferably in a reddish brown vegtan horsehide. I love how beautifully simple the design is. True works of art imo. The fact that they’re expensive (rightfully so) and don’t take orders internationally keep them out of my reach for now. What’s yours?

 

[Edward]

For me it's a wool flannel that's genetically modified so moths will no more damage or touch it than they do 100% polyester.

 

[TLW '90]

WC Russell plantation series birdshooters that are now discontinued.

 

[TacoBael]

For me personally I’d love to get my hands on a pair of Ol’ Shanks engineer boots from Japan one day. Preferably in a reddish brown vegtan horsehide. I love how beautifully simple the design is. True works of art imo. The fact that they’re expensive (rightfully so) and don’t take orders internationally keep them out of my reach for now. What’s yours?

A pair of ol' Shanks is it for me as well. I was in Japan and contacted Suzuki Masuya while I was in Tokyo. He mentioned they were having a trunk show in Shibuya the day after I was leaving Tokyo. I thought another opportunity might present itself to purchase some later in my trip, but it didn't, as it seems he will only take orders through trunk shows. They have proven to be the only item I have obsessed over that I have not found any avenue to get my hands on. I wish I had stayed in Tokyo an extra day for that trunk show and, have been kicking myself in the *** since.

I got to handle one singular boot they had on display at the Jelado store I was at. I have had a few Clinch engineers (I was told by the staff that Minoru from Clinch actually manufactures 'ol Shanks for Suzuki) and the construction is similar, but a bit less robust, less heavy. Of similar quality and finishing though. They were very beautiful and as you said, simple, in person. Finesse and restraint in the build with arresting curves and angles.

Considering beauty of design, These, Role Clubs and Clinch are my 3 top tier engineer designs, and I think these and Role Clubs 1940 last are tied at the top for me. I'm lucky to live close enough to Brian that I've been able to have him make a few for me. But these Ol' Shanks, man. Hopefully someday we will both have a pair.

 

[KeganThunder]

A pair of ol' Shanks is it for me as well. I was in Japan and contacted Suzuki Masuya while I was in Tokyo. He mentioned they were having a trunk show in Shibuya the day after I was leaving Tokyo. I thought another opportunity might present itself to purchase some later in my trip, but it didn't, as it seems he will only take orders through trunk shows. They have proven to be the only item I have obsessed over that I have not found any avenue to get my hands on. I wish I had stayed in Tokyo an extra day for that trunk show and, have been kicking myself in the *** since.

I got to handle one singular boot they had on display at the Jelado store I was at. I have had a few Clinch engineers (I was told by the staff that Minoru from Clinch actually manufactures 'ol Shanks for Suzuki) and the construction is similar, but a bit less robust, less heavy. Of similar quality and finishing though. They were very beautiful and as you said, simple, in person. Finesse and restraint in the build with arresting curves and angles.

Considering beauty of design, These, Role Clubs and Clinch are my 3 top tier engineer designs, and I think these and Role Clubs 1940 last are tied at the top for me. I'm lucky to live close enough to Brian that I've been able to have him make a few for me. But these Ol' Shanks, man. Hopefully someday we will both have a pair.

Thanks for sharing! I’m jealous you got to hold one

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

I'm not going to tell you specifically what it is. There's already competition that seemed to come out of nowhere. I will tell you that it is a British hunting jacket that originally sold for around $250 (A LOT at the time), that maintained that price tag (including on the estate market) until around Covid, and then it shot up to $750-1200 and has remained there. I can't figure it out, and I'm done trying. My best guess was that it showed up in some hipster blog/pop-up store and miraculously generated folklore interest. Rather frustrating, but it's my own fault. Hindsight making $250 not seem too exorbitant when the going rate is now 3Xs that.

 

[dncnexus]

I have been lucky enough to grab much of what I want (specifically a good amount of Clinch/Unsung/Role Club boots). I think the thing I really want currently is the Clinch Cowboy boots. Very difficult to find, but hopefully should re-release soon and I hope to grab a pair. Would be my last (don't we all say that) pair of boots I would want for a long while

 

[Edward]

I'm not going to tell you specifically what it is. There's already competition that seemed to come out of nowhere. I will tell you that it is a British hunting jacket that originally sold for around $250 (A LOT at the time), that maintained that price tag (including on the estate market) until around Covid, and then it shot up to $750-1200 and has remained there. I can't figure it out, and I'm done trying. My best guess was that it showed up in some hipster blog/pop-up store and miraculously generated folklore interest. Rather frustrating, but it's my own fault. Hindsight making $250 not seem too exorbitant when the going rate is now 3Xs that.

I had that experience with a USAF N2A about a decade ago. $300 seemed a lot for a good one and I hesitated.... six months later it was double that for a tatty one with lots of UV damage.

 

[Bfd70]

My real white whale is lasting happiness with any garment.

 

[Edward]

My real white whale is lasting happiness with any garment.

For that to be perfect for me, "all" I need is for the garment to be something I live, that fits well..... and never stops being available new so I can wear and enjoy without the "this is irreplaceable" ****les.