I found myself backing up into odd corners while I tried to take a picture in the store. I had carried only the 70-200mm lens on me that day, and the space in the store wasn’t forgiving of this choice. “Is your camera a Canon or Nikon?” Mark, the owner, asked. I told him that I had a Nikon, and Mark disappeared to the back, came back and handed me a 35mm lens loan. “We’re a full service store,” Mark said with a smile.
My fascination with American-made menswear led me to discover a diamond mine in the North End: Ball and Buck. While trying to locate a specific leather dressing for my 1000 Mile Boots I stumbled upon Ball in Buck, which opened their brick and mortar store earlier this year. I resolved to check out the store the first chance I get. I wear my boots rough, and I figured that applying dressing sooner rather than later would be prudent.
Several trips later I still find myself impressed with the selection that they offer. I get the vague feeling that the company are mind readers. Though I had originally came for just leather dressing the company carries brands that I had read about and was interested in exploring further: Apolis, Barrett Alley, Makr and Tellason to name a few. They had Taylor Stitch shirts and a collection of Randolph Engineering sunglasses. They have their own line of clothing starting with their pocket tees. And everything in the store is 100% made in America. It’s a constant struggle to keep my spending in check when I step foot into Ball and Buck.
Many of the photos around the store are actually the owner Mark’s family members.
Barrett Alley leather goods. Wallets, bracelets and a sunglass case. Some of the Valerie bracelets has a bone button, others vintage metal.
The Devilish wallet is especially nice. All hand stitched in Texas using high quality leathers and antique fabrics from different eras, the wallets are constructed to age beautifully. I would be hard pressed to walk away if Ball and Buck had the shell cordovan version of the devilish wallet.
Denim from different companies. Some selvedge, all quality. I’m just starting to develop an appreciation for raw denim. Tellason’s White Oak Cone Mills denim smells wonderful. Very smoky. I picked up a pair of Tellasons about two months ago and they’re aging nicely. I’m getting a little honeycombing around the knees, and the awesome smell is still present. The Tellasons have a leather patch made by Tanner Goods.
Ball and Buck pocket tees and a WM. J. Mills and Co. cargo bag.
Lum-Tec watches. The owner of Lum-Tec is stands by his watches. The dials are ridiculously bright.
Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots next to Montana Pitch Blend leather care products. These ones are made with Horween’s chromexcel leather.
Makr Farm Rucksack.
Lodge Co. belts.
Otis James ties and bowties.
Walk Over shoes and Red Wing boots on an awesome chest. Also, a random sneaker on the far left of the picture.
I ended up buying a Taylor Stitch shirt this time around. Hard to say no when the whole store is 20% off for Father’s Day. Ball and Buck is also hosting an event this Saturday. I’m debating whether I should sleep in between my night shifts or to go and suffer the consequences.
