{09.14.12} Gear

 

Six-pack of engraved notecards, $26 at Club Monaco

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This week, Club Monaco launched a project celebrating American craftsmanship based on special products commissioned for their fall men's line. First up, Mr. Ted Harrington of Terrapin Stationers. One of the few engraved stationers still operating in the US, the Manhattan-based company has been in business since 1913 and has become a favorite of the style set. Not just for their excellent work, but for their cheeky, modern sensibility. Harrington himself isn't afraid to print a little profanity. We recently caught up with him to get his thoughts on the importance of putting pen to paper and what a 21st century guy should look for when shopping for stationery.

 
 
In an age of all this digital communication,
why should you still hand write notes?

It's the best way to get someones attention. It's meaningful and it's a pretty good sign of character. In my case, it says that I am a character. I like to think of our engraved card sets like these as entry-level. Spend twenty bucks, write some notes, and watch what happens. The response will be amazing.

So what does personalized stationery
say about a man?

That you're rich and have manners ... I'm kidding. I think that it says you're grown up. That you have taste. It's also a smart investment. The die is made once, but it can be used over and over. If it has a classic font, a 25-year-old can use it through his 50's and 60's.

 
Why is it customary to draw that little
line through your last name?

It lets the recipient know that this is an informal note. It's just TED. Not TED HARRINGTON. I once heard a former employee tell someone, "It's something that rich people do to prove they have manners." Of course, that's why he is a former employee.

And what should a guy keep in mind when he's looking for some personalized stationery?

A simple, classic font. I like a white or bone card with some tooth. A great size is 4.25 x 6.25 and for personal use, I like a V-Flap envelope. You don't need to go all fancy with a liner or anything. Black, blue, brown or grey are great choices.

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    Terrapin maintains a vast archive of half a century's worth of custom stationery and business cards at their New York headquarters.
 
 
 
 
 

{09.14.12}

 

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