Metal objects that facilitate our rituals forever.

The older I’ve gotten, the more I value things that will last and maybe even outlast me. This often impacts the material and constuction I am looking for. Often, i find myself looking for metals, as that is the ‘golden’ (haha) standard for durability.

Construction wise, simple is almost always better. Though, the more seperate components, the easier it is to replace only a single part. Further, it can be valuable to look at the connections and joints, as that is where the most stress occurs (apart from any parts that actually does work, like a blade).

Most often though, this is just a feeling we have when we pick up something. Alone the heft and sounds it makes when moved, can be a very accurate indicator of all these things.

When I pick up a tool (broad definition) it is whispering to me, reassuring me, that it can be a partner in rituals and routines. The fact that it is sturdy and will last, is confirming how it will cement its role in my life, and how I can count on it for years on end.

Razor sharp image. Pentax K2, Macro lens, Expired Gold 200

My personal metal objects

This is the objects that support my rituals. Do we have any overlap?

• Double edged safety razor.
• Moka pot.
• Vintage Camera.
• Wine- and bottle opener.
• Citus squeezer
• Cast iron pans and pots.
• Manual coffee grinder.
• Weights for lifting.
• Hurricane lanterns.
• Fountain pens.
• So so so many hand tools. Stanley Fatmax Extreme, Knipex Cobra pliers, Klein Electricians Snippers .. and so on.

All of these metal objects support me in small rituals and routines in my everyday life. Some are only used a few times a year, some are used multiple times per week.

Rituals

I might just be a hipster inside, but I feel that there has been a resurgence in these types of objects because you can depend on them and their function. Sure, it is being marketed as ‘manly’, but I think more their (rising?) popularity is due to the more and more frequent changes in our lives and livelihoods. I can lose my job, but my coffee grinder will be there nonetheless. New laws and regulations can change our lives, but my cast iron pans will be there to witness the changes with me. They can support me in creating a routine in a world that changes so rapidly. The solid permanence of these objects provide a grounding in a changing world.

I think we all crave small rituals. For many people coffee brewing is more than just consumption. It is something more. Something where value is derived from not only the end-product but also the process. And I really think this extends to many other objects.

Materials

As an exercise, I made this little table for examining the materials i surround myself with. The idea is not to say that wood is best (but it often is). But rather to just think about qualities I (generally) value in materials (in the context of rituals).

Not all materials are in this table. But more importantly, not all columns are in this table. Some aspects are more important in certain scenarios, like if you have an infant, maybe ‘chance of shattering into a dangerous mess’ is higher on the list. Or if you are a poor college student, you factor ‘price’ above all else. But I am me. And I think that these factors best align with myself and with the rituals I perform. Such as coffee making, beard shaving, photo taking and so on.