While this list is not exhaustive, there are many things a
man always needs to have. I would be glad to hear what you think should be
added to the list.
1. Bible
The Bible is the absolute must for
all real men. I don’t mean one hidden on the shelf with your copy of Edgar
Allen Poe books you will never read. I mean a well read, highly utilized,
Bible. Psalm 119:11 KJV: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not
sin against thee. God’s Word is the instruction manual for the life of men. As
God should be front and center in our life, and be the basis for all things we
do, it is vital that we spend time in His Word. While this list is in no
particular order, The Bible is the one exception. It is the #1 and highest
priority item you must own as a true man. Lifeway has an excellent selection to
choose from: Lifeway
2. Pocket Knife
Quite possibly the most utilized
tool you will ever use. Mine is part of my Every Day Carry (EDC). I can’t even
count how many times I have been asked if I have a knife. I use mine literally
daily for one reason or another. Knives can be a very personal choice, so I
won’t even begin to tell you which knife to carry. However, I will tell you to
invest a few dollars and buy a knife you want to keep forever, and maybe even
pass down to your son (or daughter.) Now I am old school, and as such prefer a
good old-fashioned Case Knife. Like one of my former customers used to say,
“wide open as a case knife.”: Case Knives
3. Good Writing Pen
Again, mine is part of my EDC. Multiple
times a day (weekends included) I need my pen. Now I could say you need to go
buy a $1,000 Montblanc fountain pen, but that is just ridiculous. I don’t care
what style pen you like. Spend a few extra $$ and get a pen that didn’t come in
a pack of 12. Rollerball, ballpoint, gel pen, or my personal favorite fountain pen.
I carry a Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen. I really enjoy writing with the
fountain pen, and it adds a bit of sophistication if you will. Pilot
Fountain Pen
4. Tools
While you don’t need a rolling
toolbox full of every tool known to man. As a man, you should have a good set
of tools for around the house and minor car repairs. We will discuss later some
of the skills every man should know, and tools will be a part of it. Hammer,
wrenches, socket set, screwdrivers, tape measure, oil filter wrench, and more.
These are all basic tools you, as a man, should be familiar with. Not only that,
you should know what to do with them. I am no expert on the use of tools.
However, when my wife says, “you can make that, right.” I usually can. On the
flip slide, I am quite envious of those who work on cars. I am good with some basics
but should take the time to learn more about the mechanics of my vehicles.
Spend a little extra and get a good set that will last. Household
Tool Sets
5. A Comfortable Pair of Casual Shoes
We spend a lot of time on our
feet. Why should we do it with pain? Instead of going to Walmart to pick out
the cheapest pair of shoes on the rack. Take your time and find THAT shoe. You
know the one that you just kind of melt into, and your feet sing with comfort.
Just remember, most likely, this is going to be a shoe you have on for extended
periods of time. I have cycled through several styles over the years. Clarks
and Rockport both make some high-quality comfortable shoes. However, I just bought
a pair of Sketchers Delson Camben Sneakers. I know, I know the name says
sneaker, and I’m talking about casual shoes. Let me just say, this will be my
casual shoe for the foreseeable future. Check them out: Sketchers
6. A Suit That Fits Properly
No, you don’t have to wear it
every day. However, all men should have at least one suit that fits properly.
One you can wear to weddings, special events, a fancy night out with your wife,
or to a funeral. Ultimately, the color is your personal choice. However, may I
recommend a version of Black or Navy Blue. Both can be used in any of the
events mentioned above. It doesn’t have to be tailored as many men’s stores
will do alterations for free when you purchase the suit. The big thing here is
the fit. The right fitting suit makes the man some would say! How do I know if
it fits? Let’s ask the expert Antonio Centeno, Real Men Real Style founder, Marine,
Husband, and Father. Ask Antonio
7. Safety Razor
Bet you didn’t expect this one. I
know you are used to shaving with your new 47 blade disposable razor. However,
let me just tell you the Wet Shave with a safety razor is an experience. Not
only does it force you to slow down and take your time. Your face will be smoother
than ever. Throw in the hot towel, and it’s like a trip to the Man Spa. Even
better yet, the replacement blades are super cheap, 100 blades for $9 in some
cases. We will go into more detail later about the Wet Shave experience. In the
meantime, go ahead and get that safety razor in hand. Safety
Razors
8. Fun Socks
Life is serious, but that doesn’t
mean our socks have to be. The allure of fun socks is widely varied. You can
support your favorite team, support Downs Syndrome heroes as President George
H.W. Bush did, or just add a touch of color to your wardrobe. I remember working
for a company who had a pretty buttoned up dress code (shirt and tie every day.)
Whenever, we had big meetings, our VP of Sales would send out a memo stating, “no
white socks unless you are wearing white pants.” Good news, he never said we couldn’t
wear red socks with anything! The whimsy of fun socks just makes things a
little happier. Let’s be honest, if a U.S. President can wear fun socks, so can
you. Fun
Socks
9. Grill
I’m not saying you must be a grill
master or anything like that. The grill offers some unique opportunities. Of
course, the most important is throwing a big hunk of meat on there and enjoying
the improved flavor that comes from a grill. The grill also offers another
chance to hang out with friends. Standing around the grill drinking a root beer
is a great way to build stronger friendships. I’m am quite partial to old-school
charcoal grilling / smoking. It takes more time, but it is time well spent. I
will confess, I do own both charcoal and gas grill as sometimes time is not on
my side. The amount you spend is up to you entirely. You could go all out with
a Green Egg or Kamado for $1,000 or, like me, buy a Char-Griller for less than
$200. By the way, I would put my Char-Griller up against the others any day. I
make a mean brisket if I do say so myself. Grills
10. Craft Root Beer
For many years, I could take root
beer or leave it. The off the grocery store shelf root beer such as Barq’s or
Mug just really didn’t overly attract me. Then one day I found an article on
craft root beers, and everything changed. These are small batch root beers made
with real cane sugar, and they are so good. Different than any root beer you’ve
probably ever had. Most of them use old recipes dating back to early 1900’s in
some cases. Each offers its own distinct flavor. I am constantly on the lookout
for a new one to experience. My absolute favorite by far, Virgil’s Root Beer.
Followed by Abita (nonalcoholic) and Uncle Scott’s (hard to find). Virgil’s Locator
11. A Full Size Umbrella
A gentleman is always prepared.
That includes not letting your lady get soaking wet in the rain because you
only have a folding umbrella big enough to cover your noggin’. Maybe you spend
a couple extra $$ and get one without a brand logo on it. This is an essential
tool that should always be in your vehicle. You sure don’t want to get caught
in a torrential downpour wearing the proper fitting suit from above. Quite
honestly, it will add an air of sophistication to your look (see pic below.) Oh
yeah, not a bad weapon if you ever needed it! Tote’s
Wooden Handle
12. A Watch
I must admit. For years, I just
used my cell phone as my watch. Boy was I missing out. Whatever you call it,
watch, chronograph, timepiece, pocket watch, chronometer, ticker, or wristwatch
there is just something about a good old-fashioned analog watch. Now my second
admission, I have 5 now. I have my go to watch, a Citizen Eco Drive. Also, I
have 2 geared more for a particular style, and 1 that is more rugged looking and multi-function.
Lastly, I have a Bulova watch that is more of an heirloom that I don’t wear
anymore. No need to go crazy and spend $17,000 for a Rolex Daytona. Just find a
good quality watch that suits your personal style. As they are right on your
wrist (or pocket), you will always have the right time. Citizen Watches
13. Chore Coat
You know the coat. The one you
aren’t afraid to get dirty. The one that can take a beating and stay together.
The one that gets you through those cold weather outdoor chores. Every guy
needs that coat. Pick one with tougher materials such as canvas or fire hose
material since it will be abused. Got some paint on it? Who cares. That’s what
it is for. This coat affords you the opportunity to keep your other coats in
pristine shape without worry of working in them. Make sure it fits loosely enough
to allow for layering during those really cold days. I’m a big fan of the Fire
Hose material from Duluth Trading. Check them out.
Fire Hose Coats
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