Archive for the ‘review’ Category

Everbest black moc toe derby (coustesy of www.everbest.com.sg)

For quite sometimes, my choice of footwear lies in a single brand called Mario Minardi, which have proven to be reliable, stylish yet affordable option.

However the Minardi has a tendency to follow trends hence there are occasion, like recently when I find their lines is no more suitable to my taste and preference which is usually falls along the line of rather conservative style, namely oxford and derby.

And it was such conditions that I took a chance on a brand called Everbest.

Everbest for the better part is a well known entry level brand who offers generous collection of shoes with affordable price. Those who frequently visit one of the major malls in Jakarta, will undoubtedly found themselves at least once in one of their store. And whilst it is obvious that the quality of this machine made shoes is far from perfect, it is acceptable by my standard.

And by my standard means a reasonably beautiful shape, a decent quality of leather and reliable stitch.

My first try felt on the a black calf moc toe derby, the outer sole was rubber whilst the inside resemblance oilskin. The stitches are of the decent quality, and is obviously machine made, run tidily along the shoe frame.

Needless to say the shoe are very comfortable, I’m wearing size EUR 42 (UK 8), and finding one is  not an hassle, and feels just right. The leather is very flexible,  even daily wear will leave a very minimum stretch mark on the bending area, which is something to be applauded. And while initially, I intended to use the shoes for formal occasions only I now found my self wear the shoes in daily basis. So far, I am very pleased to say that I’m happy and satisfied with the shoes.

If I have any complain, it will be on the rubber outer sole. And while admittedly this sole are reliable, and flexible to sustain daily abuse of tarmac or gravel, it lacks the elegance of leather sole. Same thing goes with the inner sole, the oilskin, is reliable and easy to maintain, but then again, it lacks the flexibility, and comfort of the leather.

Its fixable though, albeit it might cost you a quarter of the pair itself. My suggestion is simply bring your shoes to the cobbler after approx 1 year of usage, and ask them to replace the oilskin, with leather inner sole,  which is guarantee to be more comfy and sweat absorbent. At this point, you can ask them to fix and scuffle and add some patch on the rubber sole, should it is needed.  Combine this with fortnightly polish, your shoes should be walk worthy for years to come.

As of this very moment. I’m writing this note using my cheap $9 pen, Hongkong made, probably fake, fountain pen that I get from Pasar Baru

 The overal body is rather heavy, probably twice as heavy as  my other pen “Parker”, and the nib is beautifully ornamented with an arch of golden line.

 Looking at the combination of build and price, it is almost certain that this pen is of the less credible breeding,

 Yet, strangely enough, I found that this pen helps me writing with more ease compared to my Parker.

 There were some subtle differences of course, one that immediately caught my attention as a beginner fountain pen user.

 First the smoothness of its movement as the ink flowed smoothly through the tip to the paper, there is  undeniable sense of smoothness. Little effort made to ensure that every stroke is remain consistent,

 Secondly, the weight. As I carefully stroking the pen, I realized  that the extra weight as compared to the lighter Parker helps stabilize my movement.

 Thirdly, the amount of ink that run through the vein of the pen. Overflowed, I found that using this pen one must very consistent with the cursive, since the movement of the tip up from the surface and down the surface will definitely create an unequal mark of intensity that leaves your letters to have different shade of color.

 I have not encountered such character with my Parker

 I guess, depending on your writing style, this can either be advantages or disadvantages

 On thing for certain though, the way the pen maintain its consistency is more assuming than the Parker.

 If someone ask me, which one that I like most, as of now, I cant answered it. Both are equally new to me, It will takes perhaps months to find the real difference and equally decide which one is the best for me.