Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?

Post by tedmiston » Tue, Feb 21, 2017, 1:52 AM UTC

artimaeis wrote: post #668

mdip wrote: post #374

It took me about a second to think of Dixon Ticonderoga pencils. These are the perfect nexus of good and cheap. These things have the critical features one looks for in a writing instrument, my favorite of which is that I can put it in my electric pencil sharpener and the lead never snaps just prior to the point at which it becomes sharp. And these guys finally figured out something useful to do with that pink, rubbe…

The Ticonderoga is a wonderful workhorse of wood cased pencils. As you've pointed out their lead is sturdy and their price is almost unbeatable for the performance. Possibly the only downside is they're no longer made in the USA and I feel like their overall quality has suffered since the move to China and Mexico. If you're willing to explore pricier options there are so many excellent wood case pencils to be had! Th…

Post by tedmiston » Tue, Feb 21, 2017, 2:02 AM UTC

mdip wrote: post #829

Steel_Phoenix wrote: post #645

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'll take that one farther. I've been obsessed for 25 years with their 2 1/2 pencil. The hardness seems just right to me to make a nice line, and they rarely need sharpening. There's also something analog and low quality about their graphite. It's got little hard scratchy chunks in it that I find oddly satisfying.

I get it - it's one of the reasons I don't really get excited about some of the higher end pencils (and why I avoid most mechanical pencils) -- the graphite feel is silky smooth, almost feeling like writing with a ball-point, but I am accustomed to the way the pencils I'm used to feel on paper. It's just one of those things, I guess. I think of it this way -- I buy the cheapest coffee beans on the market because when…

Post by TheGrassyKnoll » Tue, Feb 21, 2017, 2:08 AM UTC

nicpottier wrote: post #463

Ortlieb messenger bag: https://www.ortlieb.com/en/Messenger%20Bag/ Have had one for over 10 years now, used it for bike commuting in Seattle, motorcycle commuting in Rwanda and a grocery shopping in Ecuador. It is pretty much indestructible, to the point that I wonder how they can afford to make it. The velcro is starting to stick less now but otherwise it is perfect and that seems repairable. Gaggia Coffee Deluxe &…

Post by tedmiston » Tue, Feb 21, 2017, 2:13 AM UTC

nailer wrote: post #326

kampsduac wrote: post #165

I really enjoy my aeropress ( https://aerobie.com/product/aeropress/ ) coffee press. The modern take on a French press, price, and availability on Amazon made me realize anybody can have a great idea, print it in plastic, and sell it to people - arriving two days later. Plus the coffee that comes out is dope.

It's really not a take on a French press. An aero press imparts flavour through forcing water through the grounds, a French press imparts favour trough immersion then you push down to remove the grounds.

Post by tedmiston » Tue, Feb 21, 2017, 2:22 AM UTC

teamonkey wrote: post #820

PascLeRasc wrote: post #737

Any coffee addict like me knows that some methods of brewing are impossible before you've had a cup. The AeroPress understands this and is really simple to use, and makes amazing coffee. Everyone in my family has one and some other method as well, like a Mokapot or French press, but for the first cup in the morning it's Aeropress every time. I also love Papermate Sharpwriter pencils. They feel so comfortable to hold,…

Every part of the Aeropress is well designed, not just because it's a clever way of making good coffee, but the way it all stacks neatly in a tower, how easy it is to clean. The stirrer is flanged and of the perfect length just not to touch the filter paper.