Someone Finally Made a White Leather Sneaker Worthy of the Hype

In 2020, a YouTuber named Weston Kay, who goes by the handle Rose Anvil, cut apart over a dozen shoes in an effort to crown the “world’s best white sneaker.”

While the Capri from upstart Koio performed admirably among iconic shoes like the Adidas Stan Smith and Common Projects Achilles Low, there was still plenty of room for improvement, Kay deduced, including the use of chrome-tanned leather.

Years later, the YouTuber, who now counts over a million subscribers to his channel, took it upon himself to address his concerns directly.

The Koio x Rose Anvil Triple White Capri is a new collaboration between Kay and Koio that doesn’t just represent the best shoe in the brand’s quickly expanding catalog but one ready to go toe to toe with the best white sneakers money can buy.

Koio

A sneaker should be a “sneaker”

Kay connected with Koio cofounder and CEO Johannes Quodt about creating a shoe together. After testing a few ideas and building a few prototypes, the two settled on building the best “true” leather sneaker possible.

By their definition, Kay and Quodt determined that a “true” sneaker should use actual sneaker-making techniques. In contrast, many high-end leather sneakers — including those that have historically earned high marks from Kay — borrow insole and welt techniques from boot and dress shoe construction.

This Groundbreaking EDC Blade Could Change the Knife Industry Forever

So, it makes sense that a brand like Magpul — a firearms accessory manufacturer specializing in pioneering injection-molded plastics — would tackle and perfect this tech.

What’s the big difference? Magpul’s MIM process has improved on the tech in two crucial ways. First, the brand has reduced production costs below those of traditional blade-making processes. Second, Magpul appears to have sidestepped the quality issues of other MIM steels.

In this case, the resulting steel, MVN35, is functionally identical to CPM S35VN (one of the most lauded EDC knife steels around). It’s also cheaper and faster to make. Best of all, Magpul has chosen to pass the savings on to the customer.

Blade HQ

More than just a blade

The MIM blade is, obviously, major news. But this knife has a lot of other bits to get excited about, too.

For one, it’s flipper-deployed and has a built-in friction-reduction system, offering smooth and speedy operation. Second, it boasts a premium polymer handle with dual full-length steel liners, granting the handle high strength and a sturdy grip. Third, it has a specialty Lug Lock explicitly designed to interface securely with the blade.

If all goes as promised, this game-changing EDC knife might set a new industry standard.

This New Chronograph Channels One of Rolex’s Most Legendary Watches

The definitive version is the Everose Gold reference 116595RBOW, which was first introduced in 2018 with an SRP of $96,900. These days, buying one on the secondary market will run you well over $400,000.

Enter Zenith.

Zenith

The new Zenith Chronomaster Sport Rainbow mimics much of what people love about the Rolex Rainbow Daytona, but there are some key differences.

Let’s start with what’s similar. Like the Rolex, Zenith’s Rainbow boasts a precious metal case and bracelet, opting for 18k white gold. Also, like later models of the Rolex, the Zenith features a black dial with baguette-cut sapphires in various colors for the indices. It also, of course, features a gem-set bezel with rainbow-colored sapphires.

But Zenith takes a different approach to the rainbow bezel than Rolex, and one that I believe is superior. On the Rolex, the colors of the sapphire seem to bleed into one another, creating an almost gradient effect. The Zenith has clear delineations in its colors. There are ten colors on the bezel, with each shade being represented by four sapphires. Every fifth gem on the bezel is not a sapphire, but a diamond, and they serve a purpose.

Here’s What Happens When The Mad Scientists at Spyderco Do a Gentleman’s Knife

Spyderco is known in the EDC world for its exceptionally high-quality cutting tools and unique designs. More often than not, their offerings combine those two aspects.

One of the brand’s latest releases, the Spyderco Essenza, continues that trend. It combines these brand hallmarks with an unusual style, a gentleman’s knife, and I love it for all its quirkiness.

Spyderco

Design evolution

The Spyderco Essenza is based on the Raven Knives Design CHNOPS, which Fox Knives produces. However, there are some distinct differences between the original version and this new one.

The biggest change is that the Essenza swaps the original’s flipper deployment for Sypderco’s signature ambidextrous thumb hole.

It’s a design choice that serves a twofold purpose. First, it makes the silhouette far more unique, courtesy of its thumb-hole hump. Second, it makes the design unmistakably a Spyderco knife.

This Under-the-Radar Super Steel EDC Knife Sports a Unique Lock

If subtlety is an art, the folks at Zero Tolerance, Kershaw’s upscale sister brand, appear to be artists. To kick off 2025, the brand has quietly unveiled a pair of exceptional knives.

One of the two, the Zero Tolerance 0044, is especially exciting. It is understatedly gorgeous and utilizes a locking mechanism the brand has never employed before.

Zero Tolerance

Looks can be deceiving

There’s nothing particularly flashy about the 0044. In fact, it’s quite minimalist. But therein lies its true beauty.

While it doesn’t look showy, the materials and craftsmanship speak for themselves. For starters, the S45VN super steel drop-point blade has a gorgeous finish. It pairs beautifully with the titanium ceramic bead-blasted handle. Furthermore, the brand has shaved away some of the material inside the handle to keep it light without affecting its appearance.

Its two parts are mated by a lightning-quick KVT ball-bearing pivot. Since it’s a flipper without an assisted opening mechanism, that smoothness is essential.

This Simple, Strong Feature Is Taking Over the EDC Knife World. I Have the Receipts

Numerous proprietary designs — meaning they are the sole property of a particular brand or designer — have also emerged over the years. Spyderco’s legendary Compression lock, for instance, combines the concepts of a liner lock and a back lock and is, as a result, stronger and more reliable than either.

However, Spyderco’s Compression Lock technology patent expired in 2021. While the brand still owns the name, other makers and designers can now utilize the technology. This likely led to the recent influx of button-lock knives, which typically rely on the same overall concept as the Compression Lock.

CRKT

How button locks work

Just as Spyderco’s Compression Lock borrowed from and capitalized on Michael Walker’s liner lock, button locks (less commonly known as plunge locks) borrowed from and capitalized on the Compression Lock. Furthermore, the way they function is both remarkably simple and impressively ingenious.

When a button-lock knife is opened, a small piece of metal (sometimes called a tensioner) — such as a springed liner (as in the Compression Lock), a tensioned bar or another piece — slots into place at the base of the deployed blade. This small, strong piece of metal exerts a force on the blade, utilizing pressure to keep it from folding back into the handle.

Tudor Just Launched the Perfect Sequel to Last Year’s Hottest Chronograph

It features the same five-link Jubilee-style bracelet and micro-adjustable T-Fit clasp and the same MT5813 manufacture calibre, which is COSC-certified and boasts both a column wheel and vertical clutch for its chronograph mechanism.

Also, like the pink version, the Flamingo Blue Chrono features a 41mm stainless steel case, a black aluminum tachymetric bezel insert, black subdials, white snowflake hands and indices and a white date window at six o’clock. It even features the same red accents on the tip of the chronograph seconds hand and water resistance text. Literally, the only difference between the watches is their dial color.

Tudor

Pricing and Availability

The Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue has the same SRP as the Black Bay Chrono Pink at $5,875. It also looks like it will have the same rarity as its rosy-hued sibling.

Like the Black Bay Chrono Pink, the Flamingo Blue is not available to purchase online — you’ll have to test your luck at your local boutique or AD, and I’m sure the watches will be strictly allocated. I can’t say for sure if it will be as hyped as the pink version from last year, but it’s going to be close.

Nintendo Just Confirmed and Teased the New Switch 2: Here’s What You Need to Know Right Now

Though many expected Nintendo to reveal official news about the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 sometime this week, the famed-Japanese gamemnaker still managed to surprise the internet by dropping its first official images of the hotly anticipated successor the to the original Nintendo Switch along with a brief gameplay footage and a few scant points of clarification around the system’s compatibility and future news reveal schedule. 

Here are the key takeaways you need to know about the Switch 2 so far.

This Probably Isn’t How Nintendo Originally Imagined Revealing the Switch 2

Nintendo

The original Nintendo Switch will go down as one of the most successful video game systems ever created.

Right out of the starting gate in 2017, original Nintendo Switch was clearly a runaway success. According to Statisa.com, the company’s U.S. revenue jumped by more than $5.5 billion in 2018 thanks to the Switch’s launch and revenue continued to grow annually for the next three years, reaching a high of ~15.9 billion in 2021.

By 2023, the system had been crowned the best-selling console in the US for five years in a row. More than a year later, it became the second best selling video game console of all-time, beaten only by the Sony PlayStation 2.

It’s also easily Nintendo’s best-selling home console of all time, although the handheld DS has technically shipped more units.

Needless to say, it’s highly doubtful that Nintendo really planned all along to officially reveal the Switch’s long-anticipated successor to the world via a 2:21 long first-look Youtube trailer, though in many ways, the move it does feel very 2025.

This Is the Most Surprising Tool Watch I’ve Seen in Some Time

The Not-So-Good Surprises

The most disappointing thing about this watch, by far, is the bezel. It looks like a dive bezel with elapsed time markings, and the watch has 300m of water resistance and a screw-down crown. For all intents and purposes, the Ultra-Chron Carbon is a dive watch, so I assumed the bezel rotated like a dive bezel.

Imagine my disappointment when I received the watch only to discover the bezel is fixed.

This effectively makes the bezel a big tease. Sure, it looks good, but it serves no function. I continually wanted to rotate it while wearing the watch and was constantly disappointed when I remembered I couldn’t. Not only that, but the non-carbon version of the Ultra-Chron, which was just released in 2022, does have a rotating bezel. What gives, Longines?

Photo by Johnny Brayson for Gear Patrol

The bezel is also quite large and is made of titanium with an aluminum insert. If the bezel is going to be functionless, I’d prefer to at least see it made of carbon to increase the carbon content of the watch. With the caseback, crown, bezel and even buckle all being made of titanium, it’s really just the mid-case of the watch that’s made of carbon. I’d frankly like to see more of the high-tech material for a watch with “Carbon” in its name.

The Rarest Play of the NFL Season Wasn’t Even In a Game

There are rules prohibiting logos and messages on helmets, the uniform, uniform undergarments, footwear, and even sideline towels. These rules dictate that nothing is allowed to appear without explicit approval from the league office. 

Then there are Articles 7 and 8 in the rulebook, which read more like blanket provisions designed to stem players attempting to use games as a promotional platform.

As Article 7 explicitly states, “Throughout the period on game-day that a player is visible to the stadium and television audience (including in pregame warm-ups, in the bench area, and during postgame interviews in the locker room or on the field), players are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or orally promoting equipment, apparel, or other items that carry commercial names or logos/identifications of companies, unless such commercial identification has been approved in advance by the League office.”

Article 8 is a similarly worded provision that prevents players from “wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration” unless – wait for it – the league approves them.

Amazon

Some forms of personal messages are strictly prohibited altogether, including “political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns.”

You’ve Never Seen Handle ‘Scales’ Like This on an EDC Knife Before

Yes, the handles look fishy, but they’re precision-machined out of ultralight, durable aluminum, contoured for comfort and even have a durable, long-lasting finish.

Kershaw

Nothing fishy here

There’s a lot more to love about this knife than just its bizarre handle. For instance, it’s made in the USA, so you can count on quality craftsmanship.

It also boasts a reliable, easy-to-maintain 14C28N steel blade. In addition to that hardworking blade, it has a SpeedSafe assisted flipper deployment — one of Kershaw’s hallmark mechanisms — a Tip-Lock for added security, a liner lock for security in use and a convenient pocket clip.

Yes, this knife looks like a novelty, but its design, craftsmanship and material quality make it stand out far beyond its status as a playful oddity.

This Waterproof Ultralight Fabric Might Be the Best Outdoor Innovation in Years

But here’s the real kicker: Big Agnes managed this without any “intentionally added” PFAS chemicals (this tricky wording is necessary, as, unfortunately, PFAS are found in almost everything, even the human bloodstream, so they’re impossible to completely avoid). It also uses no DWR (or similar) treatments or coatings. Thus, it’s much more environmentally friendly than its chemical-laden predecessors.

The lack of DWR has another additional benefit. Since the fabric doesn’t rely on coatings, it never needs to be re-waterproofed. It will stay just as waterproof on day one as it will on day one thousand.

Big Agnes

Future-facing technology

Big Agnes is a camping brand, so it makes sense that it has first applied this technology to a collection of camping tents. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it applied to the brand’s other offerings, such as sleeping bags, backpacks, and even apparel.

It could be a real game-changer for the brand, especially if it can be made breathable. If Big Agnes can utilize HyperBead fabric in ultralight, incredibly durable, and entirely waterproof jackets without forever chemicals, it might mark a sea change across the entire outdoor industry.

Did the MoonSwatch Influence Omega’s Latest Speedmaster?

Most of that reduced heft is courtesy of a new movement. Whereas previous Speedy Moonphases were powered by the Cal. 9904 automatic, the new version gets a manually wound Cal. 9914. Another thinning factor: the water resistance has been halved from 100m to 50m, the latter being the same rating as the Moonwatch and perfectly acceptable for this type of watch.

The bracelet has been updated to the “Nixon” style giving it a greater taper, a retro striated clasp with toolless micro-adjustment, and five rows of links with the two narrow links sporting a mirror-polished finish.

There are sapphire crystals front and back, ceramic tachymeter bezels with enamel markings and 18K white gold hands and indices. But the most obvious change is the dials, which are now made of meteorite. This meteorite plate is PVD-coated on the black version of the watch and galvanic-coated on the gray version. Unlike the meteorite of the moonphase display, the dial meteorite did not originate on the moon, but it still looks tremendous.

Omega

Pricing and Availability

These new Speedmaster Moonphase watches are undeniably cool. The more compact size, upgraded bracelets and hand-wound movements are all welcome upgrades in my book, and as I’ve said before, I love the use of meteorite — especially lunar meteorite — on a Speedmaster, as it directly connects the ultimate space watch to the final frontier.

Regarding the addition of the dual moonphase, I’m not so sure I’m in favor of it. It’s an interesting complication, and it looks especially unique with the lunar meteorite moons, but I also think it looks a bit out of balance.

Swatch Just Quietly Addressed My Biggest Beef with the MoonSwatch

Eleven different color options are available, each featuring a core base color along with a pop of contrasting color in the form of stitching and official OMEGA x Swatch, MoonSwatch, and Speedmaster logos on either strap piece. Mercifully, the branding also looks more subtle than the stock strap, if only because the logos appear smaller. 

The various color pairings are clearly designed to match the bold color palettes of the current MoonSwatch family. Still, I can imagine more than a few fun alternative watch and strap combinations for anyone looking for a more adventurous look. 

Like the stock strap, the rubber version features a matching Bioceramic loop and closes via Velcro, which may still frustrate some who rightfully take issue with how Velcro tends to age.

Swatch

In terms of texture and feel, the top of the strap features a pattern that’s supposed to resemble the look and feel of a space suit. The back of the strap also features another fun texture easter egg that nods to the moon’s craters.

The strap attaches via a handy quick-release system and comes with a specialized tool to simplify the band-swapping process. And arguably most importantly, it’s available in five different sizes, ranging from small to XL. 

The Most Iconic EDC Knife Ever Gets an Opulent, Handcrafted Makeover

Buck Knives’ 110 Folding Hunter dates back over 60 years, making it one of the longest-running folding knife designs. It’s also instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with the EDC and knifemaking space. If it isn’t the most iconic pocket knife of all time, it’s definitely close.

That means any novel iteration of this knife is worth a look, especially for knife nerds. But the latest version, the Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter January 2025 edition from the brand’s Buck of the Month program, is extra special for numerous reasons.

Buck

Reimagining an icon

The standard Buck 110 Folding Hunter, which sells for $65, has a 420HC steel blade, ebony handle, brass bolsters and a back lock. It’s a respectable knife by EDC and outdoor standards and, as mentioned, has been a staple of the industry for decades.

This new version, however, features some pretty serious material upgrades. The 420HC blade, for instance, has been swapped for S35VN, one of the most popular and reliable mid-to-high-end steels (it’s used in folders from Kizer, OKC, Spyderco, Civivi and others).

Furthermore, the ebony wood handle scales have been exchanged for a contoured, machine-textured Richlite. This composite material is similar to ebony but is much more durable. It’s also commonly used to manufacture architecture, furniture, and musical instruments.

This Affordable Automatic Chronograph Will Scratch Your Daytona Itch

Pricing and Availability

Tissot has quietly been putting together a pretty stellar roster of affordable mechanical and automatic chronographs, including the PRX Chrono integrated sports watch, the dressy Telemeter 1938, and the ’70s motorsports-inspired PR516 Mechanical and Heritage 1973.

For my money, the new PR516 Automatic Chronograph is the best of the bunch. It’s well-sized at 41mm, practical with its sapphire crystal and high water resistance, and best of all, it looks the business.

Tissot

Yes, it looks a lot like a modern Rolex Daytona, but that’s a good thing. The Daytona is gorgeous but unobtainable for most people, so I have no issue with a far more affordable watch from a reputable brand taking some stylistic cues from it. I love the choice of blue instead of black for the panda scheme, too, as I’m more of a blue panda guy — I think it’s a very attractive and massively underutilized color scheme in the industry.

Now, let’s talk price, which should please most people. This watch costs $2,050. That is a damn good bargain, placing it a full $1,700 below the blue panda Longines Conquest Chronograph, which is arguably the next rung up on the ladder of more affordable Daytona alternatives.

Tesla’s New Model Y Takes the ‘Cyber’ Look Mainstream, Minus One Key Design Choice

After a long stream of leaks, Tesla has officially revealed the new edition of the Tesla Model Y, often referred to as its ‘Juniper’ codename, at least for the Chinese and Australian markets, though a U.S. release is surely eminent, too. The news confirms many rumors that have swirled around the first significant update to the vehicle since it initially launched in 2020. 

The nonchalant reveal process marks a dramatically different tact for Tesla compared to the scene of last year’s “WeRobot” Cybercab unveiling or the now somewhat infamous shenanigans of the Cybertruck reveal five years earlier. And yet, the new Model Y is a much bigger deal for the brand and the automotive world, at least in the near term.

That’s because the Y is not only Tesla’s most popular model but has also long topped charts as the best-selling EV worldwide. Some automotive analytics groups have even crowned the Y as the best-selling car in the world, at least in 2023. 

Here’s a rundown of the significant changes in the newly revealed Tesla Y for 2025 that we know about so far.

Its Updated Look Clearly Takes Cues from Tesla’s ‘Cyber’ Vehicles

Tesla

Tesla says the new Model Y is “completely redesigned,” though you’d be forgiven for thinking that at least some of the car remains the same, especially the sides.

One of CRKT’s Best-Selling EDC Knives Gets a Major Lock Upgrade

Have it your way

The new versions of these knives differ not only in the button lock but also in the blade and handle material choices.

The knives are available in D2 or 14C28N steel. While either option makes for a solid, hardworking knife, D2 is better for those who prefer edge retention, whereas 14C28N offers better toughness and corrosion resistance.

CRKT

Both knives are also offered with either G10 or Micarta handle scales. Like the steels, these materials are relatively comparable, so your pick will likely come down to personal preference.

They also both retain the legendary IKBS ball-bearing pivot system, ensuring that — regardless of which variant you choose — they’ll open quickly and reliably every time you use them.

Did Omega Just Quietly Debut the Ultimate Speedmaster?

The Omega Speedmaster‘s status as an iconic watch is unquestioned. Holding the distinction of being the first watch worn on the moon tends to have that effect.

Omega certainly knows this, too, which is why the brand offers countless versions of the Moonwatch today in a variety of materials and colors. Still, most people, when it comes down to it, tend to prefer the classic Speedy: a black-on-black dial with a stainless steel asymmetric case and bracelet.

For those who want that iconic Moonwatch look but a feel that’s quite a bit more special, Omega has quietly just debuted the watch for you.

Known by the reference number 311.90.42.30.99.002, Omega’s latest Speedy is perhaps the ultimate expression of the Moonwatch — and one of the best examples of the “quiet luxury” trend I’ve ever seen in a watch.

Omega

Nothing But the Best

At a quick glance, this new Speedy looks like your standard Moonwatch. It has the classic asymmetric case and a three-link bracelet, both made of silver-colored metal, a black tachymeter bezel and a black-on-black dial. But it doesn’t take too much investigation to see that this is far more special than the entry-level Speedy.

Let’s start with the dial. The deep black color is the result of onyx, which Omega uses in two layers here to create the classic stepped dial. Next, we have meteorite subdials. This material is probably overused in the industry at this point, but I’ve always felt it belongs on a Speedy, the definitive space watch, more than any other watch. What’s more, the meteorite used here is from a lunar meteorite, directly tying this Moonwatch to the moon.