Art Supplies
UpCrate Art Subscription Box Review: A Monthly Surprise for Creative Hands
We opened three UpCrate boxes to see whether this Germany-based art subscription delivers useful supplies, tutorials, and value for a modest monthly price.
Independent reviews
Product Reviews and Buying Guides – 433 / 805
From everyday tech and home products to lifestyle and specialist gear, each review focuses on practical use, strengths, limitations, and who the product suits.
Everyday Carry
The Urban Get-Out-Of-Trouble EDC Kit: 10 Compact Essentials Worth Carrying
A carefully planned everyday carry kit built around the Maxpedition Pico pouch, combining emergency power, tools, light, and repair supplies in a package light enough to forget about.
Outdoor Gear
7 Pieces of Urban Outdoor Gear That Work in Both Worlds
Seven jackets, packs, bottle caps, and gloves tested in the Lake District that move easily between city streets and wild terrain.
Fountain Pen Inks
Van Dieman's Bay of Fires: A Bordeaux Red With a Green Sheen Worth Trying
A handcrafted small-batch fountain pen ink from Tasmania with unusual shading, gentle sheen, and straightforward everyday behavior.
Wallets
Vargo Titanium Hinge Wallet Review: Sleek Minimalism With a Leather Catch
A titanium minimalist wallet with smart dual-pocket design and solid everyday function, held back by low-grade leather and stitching at a $50 price point.
Bags & EDC
Vault Case Backpack: A Modular Bag System That Adapts to Almost Anything
The Vault Case Backpack extends the modular Vault Case system into a secure, carry-on-friendly platform built around hook-and-loop inserts.
Fountain Pens
Vazir Geometry Fountain Pen Review: Art Deco Style at a Sensible Price
A closer look at the Vazir Geometry, an art deco-inspired resin fountain pen with a black steel Jowo nib, cartridge-converter filling, and a $135 price tag.
Fountain Pens
Vazir Horizon Fountain Pen Review: A $99 Oversized Pen That Punches Above Its Price
An oversized resin fountain pen with a striking sunset-inspired material, comfortable grip, and smooth broad nib at an accessible price.
Fountain Pens
Vazir Lizard Skin Dark Blue: A Textured Celluloid Fountain Pen With Real Character
A closer look at the Vazir Lizard Skin fountain pen in the new dark blue finish, covering its celluloid patterning, JoWo nib options, writing performance, and whether the $110 price makes sense.
Fountain Pens
Vazir Lizard Skin Fountain Pen Review: Celluloid Charm with a Hand-Engraved Nib
A well-priced celluloid fountain pen from Vazir with real character, a comfortable medium-large grip, and an optional hand-engraved stainless steel nib.
Fountain Pens
Vazir Meteor Shower Review: A Handcrafted Indian Fountain Pen With a Stunning Engraved Nib
A celluloid fountain pen handcrafted in India, with a hand engraved Jowo nib option that makes the package genuinely special for the price.
Fountain Pens
Venustas Black Tie Review: An Italian Piston Filler With Real Character
A handmade Italian acrylic piston filler with slanted-angle design, a large ink capacity, and a beautifully tuned stainless steel nib, priced at 369 euros.
Everyday Carry Knives
Vero Axon vs Vero Synapse XL: Two Knives Worth a Close Look
A side-by-side comparison of the Vero Axon and Synapse XL, covering steel, lock styles, detent feel, ergonomics, and which one fits your carry.
Backpacks
Vessel Prime X 2.0 Backpack Review: A Polished 20L Everyday Carry Bag
A sleek 20-liter everyday backpack packed with hidden pockets, magnetic touches, and serious padding, with a couple of trade-offs to weigh before buying.
Footwear
Vessi Weekend Sneaker Review: The 100% Waterproof Shoe That Works Year-Round
A knitted waterproof sneaker that stays cool in summer heat and warm in winter snow, and might just replace your boots entirely.
Everyday Carry
Vice Hardware F1 Wallet Review: A Snapback Wallet Built Like a Race Car
A CNC aluminum wallet with pivoting titanium arms, a quick switch plate system, and a design unlike anything else on the market.
Everyday Carry
Victorinox 1897 Heritage Edition Replica vs Spartan: Two Swiss Army Knives, Two Very Different Missions
A limited edition replica of the original 1897 Swiss Officer's Knife, and the affordable Spartan that still carries the same tool set 125 years later.
Everyday Carry
Victorinox Companion Collection: Four Bladeless-Friendly EDC Picks Worth a Look
A new Companion range from Victorinox brings three Alox models and one traditional red knife aimed at package opening, travel, and everyday carry.
EDC & Tools
Victorinox Swiss Tool X Deal: A Rare Discount on a Premium Multi-Tool Kit
The Victorinox Swiss Tool X with leather sheath and bit kit is selling at a discount lower than we have seen before. Here is what you get and who should grab it.
Multitools
Victorinox Swiss Tool X vs Spirit X: Which Multitool Should You Choose?
A tool-by-tool comparison of Victorinox's two flagship multitools, covering size, weight, build quality, scissors, screwdrivers, and which one suits different carry styles.
Running Shoes
The 11 Most Used Running Shoes of 2025, Ranked by Runners
From the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 to the runaway winner Adidas Evo SL, here are the running shoes runners actually trained and raced in most this year.
EDC Wallets
Vikinger Leather Goods Valor Wallet Review: Handcrafted German EDC Leather
A handcrafted snap wallet made from koala leather in Germany, with three pockets for cards, coins, and cash. Here is how it performs day to day.
Everyday Carry
Vintage-Inspired Everyday Carry: 14 Modern Re-imaginings of Classic Gear
Walnut charging hubs, brass compasses, waterproof sneakers and slipjoint knives: classic designs reworked with modern materials and technology.
Multi-tools
Viperade VAC 7 Review: A 16-in-1 Multi-tool with Great Tool Access and One Annoying Flaw
The Viperade VAC 7 packs a locking blade, wood saw, and back-lock tool bank into a slim frame, but the pocket clip placement may give you pause before buying.
Stationery
Viral Japanese Stationery Worth the Hype: 10 Items Readers Keep Watching
From a heat-activated squishy eraser to binder designs that flip both ways, these are the Japanese stationery items that keep earning views and real-world purchases.
Art Supplies
5 Viral Art Supplies Worth the Hype: Hands-On Tested
From a futuristic silicone brush cleaner to watercolor ground that turns any surface into paintable paper, here's how the most talked-about art supplies actually perform.
Fountain Pens
Visconti Comedia Trio Review: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso Under $200
Three resin fountain pens named for Dante's Divine Comedy bring Visconti's design language to a friendlier price point. Here is how they write, feel, and compare.
Fountain Pens
Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age Review: A Lava-Resin Grail Fountain Pen
A close look at the Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age, a fountain pen made from basaltic lava resin with bronze trim and an 18k rose gold nib.
Fountain Pens
Visconti Homo Sapiens Carbon Moiré Review: A Limited Edition Forged Carbon Fountain Pen
A limited edition of 226 units that combines forged carbon fiber and gold leaf, with a titanium-trimmed Homo Sapiens body and an 18k gold nib.
Fountain Pens
Visconti Mirage Mythos Review: A Thoughtful Reimagining of an Entry-Level Icon
Visconti's revised Mirage Mythos refines the brand's most affordable fountain pen with nicer resin, a better clip, and a magnetic cap. Here is what works and what to consider before buying.