Grant Stone Diesel Boot

Horween Tan Essex
70% complete
False.Idle.Warship
Worn about 2 years
Open Thunderdome 2023-2024
Photos
Reviews

Stupid value, deep joy

Grant Stone is like myself, Eurasian in origin. In my case, Shanghainese & Bosnian Serb. Especially in this environment, people have not been particularly welcoming of the Sino aspect of my parentage, so I feel a kind of kinship to the experience of being dismissed, diminished & devalued because of where I come from. See gyw social media reactions to GS if you don't know what I mean. From classical fencing among black walnuts (the Academy hasn't shared the pics yet or those would have been my submission tbh) to gatherimg lion's mane in the Pinebush bog swamp, the Essex tannage on this last starts gloriously & with purpose, burnishes these Diesels into trusty companions. People stop me on the street to make conversation about the flash of color (new fencers, yay!). Hard enough as an introvert in this incredibly loud world to make new friends. What a cheat code that my footwear can do it for me. While all things are temporary, my time with these lovelies has reinforced the ethos of being where your feet are, living the day you have the best you can. Literally my only regrets are not spending more time become a better photographer / never shooting them w the sweet glass they really deserve. Next Dome, I will do better.
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over 1 year ago
Specs

Maker

Grant Stone

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Model

Diesel Boot

Leather

Horween Tan EssexMade for Grant Stone
Similar to Horween English Tan Essex

Last

Leo Last

Leo Last: 10.5D

Sole

Micro Stud Rubber SoleMade for Grant Stone

Purchased from

Grant Stone

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Order info

Cost: 195 USD

More about this item

Replaced damaged block heel with taller (+1.5mm) dogger heel stack, added Dale's leatherworks waxed boar kilties, Guarded Goods Illini burgundy Latigo laces, both from the labor day sale. Replaced by leopard laces when GG laces gave up the ghost on last day of shooting. Three brushes, single conditioning.
Q&A

Why did you choose this item?

When my banger Blbrd MTO's failed to materialize in time, I had to scramble to find a replacement pair. While I had my eye on these lowly b-grade samples, they languished unwanted d unloved on Grant Stone site for the weeks leading up to the Thunderdome open. In my own life, I take waste product from dairy farms to turn into spirits & upcycle bamboo chopsticks & fallen trees into knife / sword grips & scales, axe handles (& wood willing, earphone cups). People seem to be really put off by the honey-apricot of what I now considered to be absolutely marvelous leather. So I had to take a chance.

What was the ordering process?

Purchased from Grant StoneTotal cost: 195 USD

Extremely smooth, as always with GS.

Awards
Open Thunderdome Starter2023-2024 Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome Open Edition
  • Apprentice ScholarAwarded for sharing knowledge about the item
  • Aging JourneymanAwarded for documenting this item's aging