An_Alone_Wolf

An_Alone_Wolf t1_j20ld9f wrote

Rubbermaid commercial for sure. I go with the Hygen which allows for swappable microfiber heads. I buy the cleansers I use for wood or tile in bulk then mix them up in commercial spray bottles, spray generously, mop, and then wash the head. They've lasted years so far.

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An_Alone_Wolf t1_j11z4hg wrote

Not much, particularly with the knives from those links. I don't really do anything for mine other than dry them right after use and wash them right after cutting something like lemon or onion. I'll occasionally use some barkeeper's friend to shine them up, usually when I sharpen them, and then give them some oil. That's about it. There's no rust, not even much patina after a year of daily use. The first carbon steel knife I had was more sensitive, it got discolored in just a few minutes after cutting an onion, but bk's friend easily removed that.

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An_Alone_Wolf t1_j0wrijz wrote

I know you said you're leaning towards western style, but you can still get something very close to that with Japanese craftsmanship. I highly recommend something made from carbon steel. It gets and stays much sharper than stainless, and is easier to sharpen. Here are 2 examples. I have 2 Skai Takayuki knives, one larger and one smaller, and will likely never need to buy another knife.

https://www.chuboknives.com/collections/gyutou/products/akira-saku-blue-2-funayuki-180mm

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https://www.chuboknives.com/collections/gyutou/products/sakai-takayuki-homura-guren-wa-gyutou-225mm-8-8

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An_Alone_Wolf t1_iwm5lyl wrote

OP didn't say "dress up," he said "hang in a business setting" in California where he's currently wearing Brooks sneakers. He also mentioned walking 5+ miles in a day. Blundstones would satisfy those conditions for around $200. Allen Edmonds is overpriced garbage. The Higgins Mill wouldn't be up to the challenge of the amount of walking OP does and are priced at $475. OP would have busted shoes, sore feet, and no money very quickly. Your comment is bad and you should feel bad.

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An_Alone_Wolf t1_ivzfffj wrote

I've tried Birks at times when I was willing to look past the fact that they're hideous. My gripe with them is with the rough, suede-like texture of the footbed. It starts to get stinky and slimy pretty quick. I only wear sandals with a smooth leather footbed now, and I sort of see why Germans wear socks with theirs.

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An_Alone_Wolf t1_ivmcic1 wrote

I think there's likely a big difference between their premium lines and other lines. I have some Mountain Lights that are doing ok for hiking after a few years, although I've found Zamberlan to be superior. But for Danner's less premium lines, I've been really disappointed. A pair of Bull Run workboots only lasted a couple of months. I demolished a pair of Pub Garden boots in one day laying down some simple stepping stones in the yard. And I had a pair of Vertigo hiking boots that were totally unstable on slightly rough terrain and twisted my ankle. So I'm done with Danner, sorry to say.

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An_Alone_Wolf t1_iu5ftxo wrote

For hard floors, I have been really impressed by my Makita cordless vac. It's awesome. For carpet, there is nothing better than a plug-in Miele, there is no good cordless vac for carpet, don't even try.

EDIT: I have 2 Siberian Huskies, so I know what I'm talking about here :)

I forgot to mention Festool shop vacs. Not cordless, but excellent machines.

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An_Alone_Wolf t1_iti8uwj wrote

Check out Dupray, a European brand. I got the Home model in 2018 and it's still doing well, and has lots of attachments. I've been very disappointed with Bissell and Shark products in the past and would not buy them again. The exception being the Bissell Green Machine big ol' carpet cleaner which has actually lasted. But that's top of the line Bissell so it BETTER last! :)

EDIT: At a glance, the Dupray Home looks comparable to the Enviromate Viva someone mentioned earlier, but for 1/3 the price. I'm sure the EV is a notch above, but I've been pleased with the Dupray, which is definitely a few notches above Bissell.

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