Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 40 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
Stuff That Doesn’t Need Changing
I got to thinking about this while I was placing my Parker Jotter pen in my sleeve pocket on my uniform shirt. The Jotter has been around since 1954, and it’s still my favorite pen. I can buy a four-pack on Amazon for $21.58 with any color and style of refill I want for minimal cost.
I have a few very nice, expensive pens Mrs Tex bought for me, but I always grab the Parker pen. It’s like some of those animals that are basically prehistoric but function so well that no evolution is needed (I’m thinking of alligators and snakes).
I’d also nominate the model 1911 handgun for a place in the same category, although there are a lot of them with changes from the original design, some minor and some major. What else fits in this category? (And I get it put up a 1911 pic).
Possibly a mousetrap?
Seems like the more they change, the more they stay the same.
Red Solo cup . . .
Ma Duce .50 cal machine gun.
Pushrod V8? I struggled with the post title – maybe it should have been “Evolution Not Required”.
I call it “timeless design”. Especially where a product can stand on its own over the long term in a market susceptible to fashions and trends and such.
Examples include:
The Volkswagen Beetle.
Levi’s jeans.
Converse high tops.
The top three electric guitar models (Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul) were introduced in the early 50’s and haven’t changed substantially since. (…And they plug into vacuum tube amps, which also haven’t changed substantially.)
The Hammond Organ (1935 to 1975, simulations after that).
Cursive
Cracker Jack, Tootsie Rolls, Kool-Aid, Band-Aids, record players (although there have been some advances, it’s still a needle on vinyl)
Gotta pick an iconic model of turntable. Perhaps a Thorens TD 124 or TD 125?
Also, Klipschorn speakers; introduced in 1946, and still in production.
Love this topic. In about my late 30s, I got tired of accumulating stuff and rebuying stuff. So, I rid myself of most non-essentials and replaced the essentials with simple items that would last. A few examples below:
Chemex Coffee Maker
Invented by a chemist in 1947, it’s a glass beaker. You put in a filter, coffee grounds, and hot water. You get out a perfect cup of coffee. Done. For one cup at a time, get a Hario V60.
Zippo Lighter
Released in 1933, the Zippo gained massive popularity among servicemen in World War II. It worked in the wind, the rain, and was difficult to break, even in battle.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Created to survive life on US Navy battleships, it gained popularity in homes in the 1930s.
Maglite
Bright, reliable flashlight that doubles as an attitude adjuster.
I don’t like the Jotter, because it’s too narrow at the end. A Pelikan ballpoint is far more ergonomic, and no newer. And it uses the same refills
A slinky.
A good night’s sleep.
Was 1952 when my aunt Billie had a 2-piece glass coffee maker for the stovetop. But I think it wasn’t a Chemex.
And I have two of those flashlights – just in case, you know?
Mrs. O’Shea.
That’s a nice Zippo. It has been changed, though – now you can buy electronic inserts, USB rechargeable. They still have the distinctive sound when opened, but I’m not sure about the sound of the ignition sequence. Probably not a bad idea when traveling, when you can’t always have butane access, but that also means they lack the ineffable petrochemical perfume.
I have about 30, I think. This is my favorite (not my picture) and I never let it leave the house. Not a slimline guy but had to have it.
In a parallel universe the other Me is probably collecting Ronson Vu-Lites with clear plastic tanks that have a small fishing hook floating in the fluid. Although I do have one of these.
Do you have a UNIVAC story to go with it?
I was born in Bradford, PA, where the Zippo company was, and still is. Zippo bought a local (and somewhat famous) pocket knife factory — Case XX knives — and they remain in business today. I think they survive by being privately owned and thus not subject to stock purchase raids. Now Zippo lighters and Case knives are mostly collectibles, and they have a nice factory store and museum in Bradford. There is a summer swap meet and reunion that lets the collectors buy and sell on a busy weekend.
Zippo lighters are guaranteed for life, no matter what happens to them. If you run over it you can send it to their repair shop and they will return it as a functional lighter. It may not be beautiful, but it will work. If you go to the Zippo store and museum on a weekday, you can watch their workers restore broken lighters.
I actually like some of the newer designs that are a bit easier to set. Still the same basic idea though.
As far as pens go, a veteran’s website clued me into the benefits of the Skilcraft US Government pen This has been the go-to pen for the US military for decades. @jon probably used these on his sub just like my dad used them to stand watches on his carrier. I’m buying them for all of the vets in my family or workplace. It’s simple, reliable, and well-designed. It’s also made by a factory that employs the legally blind.
Buying a new pen today.
Unexpected.
When the Mrs was flying for FedEx she brought me Zippos from Hard Rock Cafes all over the world. A handful have the butane insert for cigars but mostly they sit in a display case. The cool thing is whether they have Dubai or Singapore engraved on them, they all have “made in Bradford PA” on the bottom. I’ve always wondered how many of them she had unknowingly transported there in the first place. I’ve sent back at least one to have repaired. As much as the butane inserts are nice, the original insert with flints and the striker wheel is a very cool timeless design.
1964 Mustang
The Bill of Rights
I prefer to use my AG-7, AKA Space Pen . . .
I second the KitchenAid mixer.
The Minimoog synthesizer. Every synth using subtractive synthesis (i.e. waveform selection from an oscillator – digital or analog – that is subsequently modified by filters, etc.) since follows that same general pattern.
Got my Dad a Case pocket knife for Father’s Day when I was 18 or so.
Every pen was Skilcraft. Forgot all about those!
My grandmother gave a Case knife to my dad the day I was born.
Somehow he broke the large blade off, but replaced it with another Case blade. It kept a very good edge and Dad sharpened it, and then stropped it. He never used it until unless he was castrating livestock; that was the only job it was used for.