Flair and the edge of utility


When does something stop being useful and just looks good? Doing it with flair isn't the answer if the flourish takes away from the utility.

An earlier version of this post appeared
on my gadgets and gizmos blog, teknologi.

I bought a new Leatherman Charge TTi. I went all out and got the 40 bit extension and the bit driver extension.

I don't intend to replace my classic Leatherman, even though Adam Savage has one for every one of his tool boxes. It's just with my tool pouch update I wanted a Leatherman for both my #1 and #2 tool pouches. I have an extra large new pouch that I haven't broken in yet, and I've tracked down a black (I don't do BEIGE) stagehand's tool vest for when I need to carry everything except the really heavy stuff.

I'm resurrecting my former tool pouch as the "new" #1. My old number one is now #2 and still lives in the side pocket of my computer case. My old number two is now #3 and still lives on my belt.

At least, when I am wearing pants.

I'll admit it, there is something that appeals to me about the idea of Batman's utility belt. But I have discovered that too many things on the belt make your trousers fall down. I don't object, but the people I am around do. That is why I with with the minimalist #3 in the first place. And I am not athletic enough to be swinging a mini-grappling hook, even if they could manufacture one. And the smoke grenades, those are right out. I'd probably sit on them at the wrong time.

I'm still thinking about other pouches to add items as I need them, but usually #2 and #3 are enough. Well, maybe I could use some paracord and a few other things.

Still, the Leatherman Charge TTi has taught me something about how useful a tool can be. Sometimes.

See, the whole idea behind the original Leatherman wasn't that it was the "perfect" tool for the job, but that in a pinch it was good enough to substitute for a variety of tools. It didn't fit your hand right and the balance was off, but it would work. A twist here and there and the tool was ready.

The very thing that I thought would appeal to me most, the multiple bits (and the ability to use standard 1/4" bits) is the thing that crosses the edge of utility into nuisance. Changing the bits adds about two or three steps. Carrying the bit driver extender and one bit holder makes the elastic sided holster an even tighter fit. Adding the other two bit holders means an extra pouch on the belt.

Even without the bits, pulling the Charge TTi from it's included holster is often a two hand job.

Somewhere the Leatherman crossed from utility to flourish and I am pretty sure it was because of the bits. Having to keep up with and changing the bits makes the Charge TTi less useful than it's predecessor.

And what does this have to do with Paganism?

Well, some of us (not mentioning any names) might, just might, be hooked on the flair instead of the function. I won't mention the dozen or so pendents I hardly ever wear. More than that if you count my old crosses. That still leaves the seven or so I do wear.

And there are the Pagans who wear ritual garb all the time, apparently to get reactions from the "normal" people around them.

I'm not saying that some flair isn't useful, after all, I do some myself. I AM saying that it should be done with restraint and ALWAYS towards the goal. Like washing your hands before cooking a meal. You don't need to go though a full bio-decontamination, but your hands should be clean. In spellcraft, a little unusual will go a long way, especially if it actually is unusual.

Flair and bling for the sake of flourish just seems like wasted effort.

Posted: Thu - October 1, 2009 at 08:12 AM
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