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The Mehlville: A Super Designey Dual-Compartment Carabiner

By Rain Noe - August 13, 2018

in Tools & Craft

The James Brand is a Portland, Oregon-based group of designers who create modern, minimalist knives and tools.

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They also make this dual-compartment carabiner called the Mehlville that caught my eye. It's machined from a single piece of aluminum and uses stainless steel for the hardware. Look at the amount of thought and attention to detail that went into this thing:

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It looks to be a lifetime product, and it better be--the darn thing is sixty bucks! #covet

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Zach W

6 years ago

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It looks a lot like the Black Diamond carabiner..... except the Black Diamond one is way better designed, stronger, has better function, and cost 1/2 the price........ hipster accessories are getting out of control.

https://www.rei.com/product/899005/black-diamond-magnetron-gridlock-belay-locking-carabiner

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- amunta nul
  
  Zach W
  
  6 years ago
  
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  That black diamond thing is absolutely HIDEOUS though, looks like a melted carbiner. Strength isn't an issue for an EDC product like this, it's a glorified keychain ffs. Regarding the price, they do relatively low volume with high quality materials and machining, some people like buying good looking, quality products that will last a lifetime. Hipster accessories out of control, or inept critics out of control, I wonder?
  
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  - Zach W
    
    amunta nul
    
    6 years ago
    
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    It's almost funny that you are defending (in your own words) "a glorified keychain" that cost over $60......almost.
    
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- amunta nul
  
  Zach W
  
  6 years ago
  
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  It won't let me reply to your other comment so I'll comment here.
  
  Yes, it's a glorified keychain. Believe it or not but premium products exist in the free market and this product will sell well.
  
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  - Salmon Nortje
    
    amunta nul
    
    6 years ago
    
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    Yes its probably not as strong as the black diamond and its rather expensive but daaaamn it looks good! For me at least, that justifies the price.
    
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  - Zach W
    
    amunta nul
    
    6 years ago
    
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    So this is a premium product? Made from basic 6063 Aluminum in China? That's interesting.... How about their knives? With a D2 Steel blade and 6AL4V Titanium handle ALL MADE IN CHINA, there is nothing premium about these items either.
    
    You should buy the 1 ft piece of rope they sell for $25. It's $0.10 worth of basic nylon rope tied in a super premium knot. Amazing detail in the way it's tied. Super high-end. If you want to attach it to something you'll have to untie and re-tie it yourself. Another innovative product the world needs, a short piece of rope. Can't wait to see the next amazing product these guys come up with! Super innovative. Wish I thought of that idea.
    
    You should also buy the "premium" knife they sell for $300 with a butter smooth metal handle, no grip or texture at all. Also made from basic metal parts in China. I know when I'm using my outdoor knife I want the handle to be as smooth and slippery as possible. Great design idea. Maybe there is a reason Gerber, SOG and Benchmade don't make a knife with a smooth handle? Probably a bad design feature.....
    
    James brand is founded by photographers and outdoor people, not designers or knife-makers. They've done a great job of selling you the idea of looking "rugged and cool" with basic materials. The company is trying to take advantage of millennials with disposable income who are easily influenced by pretty product pictures and don't take the time to actually research what they are buying. They just "buy it because it looks cool" (literally a comment on this page).
    
    I expected a more honest product review from Core77 instead of just blindly pushing whatever silly product this company can spit out and take pretty pics of. Just because it "looks cool" does not make it a good product.
    
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Michael DiTullo

6 years ago

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I love this little product. Ryan over at James is crushing it!

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- Zach W
  
  Michael DiTullo
  
  6 years ago
  
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  I'm curious how you know who the designer is?
  Their website doesn't list anyone by the name of Ryan that works there.
  Thanks.
  
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  - amunta nul
    
    Zach W
    
    6 years ago
    
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    1Z
    
    A quick google search will inform you that Ryan is the cofounder of the james brand, and a designer for Nike.
    
    I don't understand your hatred against products "that look cool" and the power of a successful marketing campaign. I also don't understand the amount of energy you have expended to try to prove whatever strange point you're trying to prove at the cost of looking like an @##hole.
    
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