10 THINGS A CHAP CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT | ESSENTIALS FOR THE MODERN GENTLEMAN 

I have never felt such a strong alignment in terms of style and general attitude towards life with another person until I discovered this channel. This is truly exceptional!

As a book addict, I totally agreed on the books (and most everything else). I always have a book in my backpack. And enjoy reading at work during my break, in the train and during my stay on airports. (And at home of course). Reading about 3 books a month in average.

The one extra item that I would add has to be a victorinox pocket knife

Great list. I would have to add 2 more. My pocket New Testament and rosary. I couldn’t help think about your comment of having to update your list because you have items to add. The fact is, we’ll never be satisfied with our “list” until we realize we were made to love God (Jesus Christ).

Perfection. I love videos like this and I’m female. I watch thinking of my son and son-in-law. I love classic and traditional styles. I agree with everything you brought up from beginning to end. It’s in my blood to love this subject. From your hat to the outdoors, it feels good to know what we enjoy. Thank you so much for sharing your style. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only who likes knowing about these things and implementing them in my life.

Thank you for the video! Might I make a list? 1. My cell phone. I may be an aspiring gentleman, but I'm still gen Z. (Barely, but indeed, I am.) 2. My wardrobe. I figured I'd cheat by combining my entire wardrobe into one category. If I were to pick one garment, it would be my thrifted, navy blue, peak-lapel suit from an Italian luxury brand. 3. My electric razor. Some men like the process of a classic shave. I am not one of those men. I find that a quality electric razor gets the job done enough, even if it's not as good as a classic wet shave. 4. Givenchy's Gentlemen Only. A classic fragrance! A close second for me is Givenchy's Pi. 5. My tea set. I have a black and gold tea set that I'm quite fond of. Hosting a friend for a formal afternoon tea? I use it. Having a bit of nice tea with my family on a day at home? I use it. Is it late at night and I need my tea fix? I use it. It's a shockingly versatile thing to have for a tea lover like me. 6. Bluetooth earbuds. I often find myself listening to RU-vid videos such as this while out in public. These are thus a must. 7. Silky-satin bedsheets and a pillowcase. Once I went, I never looked back. The same goes for pajamas. 8. Emily Post's Centennial Edition. Should I ever have an etiquette question that needs answered, Emily Post is usually there to the rescue. I especially like this book due to its emphasis on politeness, kindness, and non-snobbery without undue burden on the reader due to expected, excessive generosity or illogical, old, draconian rules. This is something I've found other etiquette books to struggle with. 9. My cribbage board. I have a lovely board from House of Cribbage, and I use it all the time to play with my family and friends. There are no games that come close to me as the real "beautiful game": cribbage. Fun fact: Cribbage is the only game legal to play in English pubs for money. (At least, so I've been told online.) 10. My stationary. I have blank sheets, custom thank-you notes with a top hat design, wax seals and a wax stamp with the exact same top hat symbol, and social cards with, guess what, the top hat design. I like to think of it as my personal logo.

Being a left hander, I have enjoyed various ones over the years, but have never felt completely comfortable with a fountain pen. I have had a couple of Mont Blanc ball points which are excellent, but for feel, I have never ever been able to get past the use of a Parker Jotter. A peasant, I know, but I love them.

I am also a fan of Leuchtturm 1917 and a fountain pen. I find in those times when I think I have nothing to journal the physical act of using these superb tools encourages me to do so. In fact, my habit these days is to open the journal before the laptop. Another great presentation.

I also couldn’t live without the Somerset countryside. Riding my road bike on a dry mild day is just pure joy for me. Truly one of the most magnificent places to live in the U.K. 🚴🏻 👍🏻

Something I often ponder. We are only here around 4,000 weeks !!

Hello Ash, Speaking about whiskey, I want recommend The Arran 10yo. It's an affordable single malt and it's quite enjoyable due to the fact that it's non chill filtered and very smooth. Also, I do agree that nature is quite important for the body and mind. Take care!

One of my favorite channels, thank you Ash for sharing your style and common sense. Here are my 3 essentials: 1. Barbour Tartan wax jacket, same style that James Bond (Daniel Craig) wore in a recent film; 2. G.H. Bass weejin black leather penny loafers (dresses up jeans, dresses down a business suit); and 3. My signature scent: Polo Green (some find it "too masculine" to which I say "that's the point").

I love that bag and it will be my next purchase. Thank you for all that you do Ash!

Hi Ash, thank you for dragging me out of the indifferent gutter. I can’t say that I will ever be at your level but I will raise my personal bar.

Outstanding Sir!

I've been following you for about a year. I often enjoy the subjects you present and your perspective on going through life. Well done.

I love the flat cap as well. They look sharp with many types of dress. The big plus for me is it covers my balding head nicely. Thank you for all your advice.

Just ordered one of the Kaweco pens in a gorgeous pearl color. Very curious to see how I like it. Thanks for the reccomendation. And that last tip. Truly important.

A gentleman’s pocket knife is an essential I couldn’t line without. There are many very classy ones out there from traditional to modern. Worth some research and a video.

Air, food, water, shelter, love. Curious what the other 5 will be.

A great Top 10 List for A Great Chap.

A good list, Ash. It demonstrates how choices change. I, too, if I look back at the start of my journey, I had different items and things I no longer use, etc. All part of the great journey we chaps are on. Many thanks for the video.

Dear fine Sir. I was months in a slump. Today I watched this video and all of a sudden i started to prepared my clothes for work tomorrow. Shining shoes, ironing shirt, etc. You are a gentleman. Kind and eloquent. Thanks for this spark. Military and british class for life

It has been quite a long time since I have watched your videos. The purchase of a new home in the city ( a vast change from the farming village where my wife and I have lived for 17 years) has filled the last months with activities that seem to take up one's time and leaves very little relaxation for viewing your Sartorial guide. Fortunately I've had a moment to watch this one program and had a smile while watching your list of things you cannot live without. I counted the ones that I have acquired and agree with several of your choices. A flat cap in tweed has become my go to hat on my morning dog walks. I found my pea coat (purchased at a thrift shop 15 years ago) and found that I could still fit in it even though I wear my Beaufort jacket most of the time. I do keep a journal though it is done on a MacBook Pro because of thirty some years of working with my hands in a factory. Last but not least, I've begun a search for a good whiskey whether it be bourbon or scotch. A wee sip in the evening is not a bad thing to look forward to after a long day. Thanks for sharing your pleasures so I can see that I too find some things essential.

“Chap Nirvana” is an ever evolving journey filled with many twists and turns. There are simply too many wonderful (and absolutely terrible) items in our world that can accompany us on the journey and help define us as chaps. As for whiskey, drink what you like( I’m with you, the light stuff is my favorite). Whiskeys have unfortunately become this thing that gents use to put their hyper masculinity on display. I speak of what I know considering I was a bartender in a whiskey and cigar bar for most of my 20’s (the good old days of smoking in bars). Every night I would serve up some of the finest whiskeys to prancing peacocks. Funny enough, I’d see more than half of them cringe or choke as they tried to persuade themselves they were polished and suave for drinking something they thought they should drink. Stay stylish Ash! Keep up the amazing content, you are immensely appreciated by many of us 👊.

Good morning Ash Your Saturday morning videos are part of my weekend routine now. Run, Coffee, Chaps Guide. Things I can't live without🤔? A decent par of trainers. Running centres me. I am not a fragrance guy, nor can I aspire to own a high-end time piece. I cannot type quickly enough, so I am a prolific note taker, nothing fancy but I find the process much more versatile. I insist on students taking notes, as an electronic device can fail, and your work is lost. My go-to jacket this winter has been my Wested Leather "Last crusade" jacket which is smart, rugged and versatile. Maybe not for wear with a suit, but fro your general "cutting about" it is a signature garment (plus I can use it as a bike jacket). To tote my daily gear around, I currently use a 1942 MkVII gas mask bag retro-fitted with a leather strap (by me). It is convenient as it has internal dividers suitable for a phone/ notepad/ spare hearing aid batteries/ gloves/ hat etc... As I have commented previously, I'm a practical outdoorsy guy who can also wield a spanner (or 3). I look forward to your next offering *salutes

I must say that I agree with most of your prefferences. The one that made me think though is your statement about having a "signature perfume". Admittedly, I used to be like that. However, in more recent years, as my wardrobe has been growing, I have come to the conclusion that I want to be able to choose my perfume, not only depending on what season it is. My clothes, the colours I will choose, the soap I will use to shave, even my mood, all may play a role on what perfume I will put on. I do enjoy this variety thoroughly. I could not care less if my scent will announce my presence in a room, before people will get a chance to see me.

Just found your channel, and your energy is very calming, for some reason.

Thank you for posting these videos. One thing that I cannot live without is a fast motorcycle. everything else is up for grabs. I do like the flat cap. Got a nice navy blue one from "Hatman." A US Navy watchcap goes well with the peacoat (I wore those on the DD547, USS Cowell) . Keep on rockin'.

Wow a real Gentleman . I especially liked the end comments that things are only items and although we my treasure them our memories are just as important. Great advice on the items mentioned I will be sharing this and now watching other videos by this gentleman.

One thing I always carry around with me is a Swiss Army knife. I have several and tend to go for the smaller ones without a huge number of blades and attachments. A single blade and a scissors attachment covers most needs. If I am honest, I mostly use it as a letter opener because I hate opening letters with my thumb or forefinger. I was given my first one for my eighth birthday and still have the scar.

the pea coat is my favourite in the winter,bought it for £15 in a charity shop,100% wool,what a bargain!

Thank you for your brilliant walk through of essential things. I do have to say that I have a similar approach but a bit more techie. The book is substituted with a Kindle with a lovely case from Clever books (Manor Bindery), the notebook is an Leichtturm Outlines in green, complemented with a fountain pen. The ReMarkable 2 is instead of the computer and I usually carry a folded A4 as a PocketMod. I am seen in quite casual clothes and with a blue shoulder bag in leather and canvas from Chapman. Oh! My whisky of choice is at the moment an Talisker 1991 that I love to just sit and sip and ponder upon life. I wish you all a lovely Eastern!

I have to have a watch. I don't mind which one, though I've a preference for mechanical watches, since my first watch as a child was a manually wound Timex. I also wear Channel fragrances and find that they are good value and quality. A pair of nicely broken in, Loake 1880 brogue boots in suede, are another item that I adore. I have spent a lot on whisky but I also enjoy cheaper brands such as Chivas Regal, which incidentally was the brand that James Bond drank in the novels. I'm also partial to Suntory Toki. The important thing is always how it tastes to you and, a good blend is often better than a poor single malt. Another item is my small Swiss Army knife with aluminium handles that I take everywhere. I also always travel with a pair of Japanese beard / moustache scissors for personal grooming.

I really like a fisher space pen, because i like to write in any kind of Situation ;)

Just Subscribed. This is good stuff that alot of young men these days never get taught. Being a man that has a bit of refinement goes a long ways.

Very interesting, I'm sure the pipe holds a good honourable mention on the list

Many thanks Ash, I really got to get in the habit of making notes in a journal to plan my week, especially with exercise and diet, as now the "New Year Resolution" Workout plan, though started off fantastically, is starting to become a bit lax. What was almost a regimental routine in Jan, Feb and a few weeks of March, is now something I skip on a regular basis. I need something to physically write down on a day-to-day basis to track my exercise, food intake, my weight and perhaps a few words of encouragement to keep going, as right now, the morning after a curry that could have fed two, half a bottle of Red, a stiff double of Scotch and about 3 days without doing a full exercise routine. I really do need to get back on track. I had a weight-loss goal of about 7 pounds on Jan 1st till the early stages of summer, I'm about 3 pounds shy, not bad and not really good lol.

I have a casual vintage Fedora that has a cotton sweat band. It can be rolled up and placed inside my bag. I often take it with me as I travel because it is just as practical as my flat cap. It is also alot more versatile than my other Fedoras for this reason.

I totally agree about a wristwatch. Regardless of what model or brand, it conveys to others that time is important to you. It shows that you have a punctuality principle.. And it also conveys that you prefer others NOT waist your time. BTW, I would add to the personal hygiene department a body lotion/moisturizer (especially in the Autumn/Winter) and a sunscreen for the Spring and Summer... You MUST take care of your skin. To that point, a shaving balm too. Daily shaving can be brutal on your skin

All wonderful. Thanks for your tipps! PS: unbotton the jacket when sitting down 😅

My preference for fragrances have been either Yves Saint Laurent for more daily drivers like their new and short-lived bleu electrique, and for more special occasions i have Xerjoff Naxos possibly my favorite in the niche fragrances

Ash told them what to do. And they did!

As a Bookseller, I’m delighted to hear you advocate reading .

Thanks for keeping it real 👍 OUT

you are an absolute GEM to this world , please keep up the excellent work . love from chicago illinois USA 🇺🇸

Great video as always. This year so far I have gravitated towards Polo green original as my goto signature scent. It’s a lovely fragrance and I can’t do without it. Antaeus is also my goto. My clothing is my AB submariner sweater. Amazing garment.

Good morning :) fantastic tie and shirt combination 👔

My turn (not all things are material though) : 1. My faith 2. My Beloved better half (wife) who loves and supports me 3. Of course my wedding ring 4. My wonderful dog 5. My cell phone (sadly life is nowadays glued to it) 6.. My sartorial wardrobe that gives me joy 7. My late father's seiko watch (sentimental) 8. My Waterman fountain pen 9. My workout equipment to keep me in shape 10. My kindle (yes I prefer real books by a long stretch but when it comes to carrying the kindle is lightweight) Honorable mention (11/12/13): GG, Elegant Oxford & Chap's Guide 😊

For me the take away is that each chap can parse out his must haves as he sees fit. Ash’s choices are helpful in so far as they allow us to galvanize our own thoughts.

Another great video Ash. Will try the whisky

Shackleton with ice, perfect choice for a polar expedition. 😀

you're like a father I wish I had

Interesting video. I'm a 28-year US Navy veteran, so I am very accustomed to being covered. Now over ten years retired, I inherited several flat caps from my father, and I love wearing them. And of course, I remove my cover/hat when I go inside in a public place. Seeing a man wear a hat indoors annoys me, but I've learned to avoid saying so.

11. Can't live without the Chap's Guide.

Very enjoyable video Ash, great list 👍

Chanel Antaeus is also one of my favorites! One of those "old school" fragrances that is still relevant today. A must have for fragrance enthusiasts.

Ash, thanks for sharing, sorry i am still not sure about wearing formal shirt and tie in the woods My current daily watches are the Casio Oak in bright yellow for summer and Hamilton Kaki Murph as a much more interesting and cheaper option to the Tudor Ranger Glad to see the comeback of the pea coat, i love mine from PWC (Made in UK)

Loved the video Ash! I’m currently on the hunt for a good flat cap to add to my list of things I need. I also find that my go to fragrance is Taylor of Old Bond Streets Tobacco Leaf aftershave (and deodorant). I really like the fact that TOBS deodorant doesn’t have aluminum in it, much like many American deodorants seem to have. This is by far my favorite channel!

I like this idea of a journal. I went ahead and (from ebay) bought a Kaweco sport pen and looking at journals now for it to go with. Trying to get more local made paper here in the U.S.. Thinking of what I'm reading right now, it might be nice to jot down notes from the book and day. On a side note... if you want to make a little more from this, as you are mentioning specific brands that you like and use... I don't think there would anything wrong with seeing if you could get affiliate links so that you could perhaps benefit monetarily from it. I don't know if that's a bit more than you want to do... but it would probably help you. Thanks so much for your videos!

I totally agree brilliant channel I have learnt so much from it...thanks Ash

Thanks for the great videos and information Ash. Always a source of inspiration to start the day. I just bought the G. F. Trumper deodorant on your recommendation. Looking forward to trying it out.

Thank you so much for the info on the journals.

Great choices

The Flat Cap is the utility out/in fielder of all time. It does it all...in style.

Hear's to the flat cap!

Ignore the comments about blended whisky. Earlier the drink was brandy, then whisky blends were introduced to mimic brandy when the grape crop failed. Malt whisky is more of a modern marketing phenomena.

Always great info, I started up an old habit which I thoroughly enjoy, cigar smoking, your thoughts.

Great video Ash. Glad to see your must have items. I probably wear my flat cap more than my fedora. I too enjoy being in the woods and a good read. Keep up the good work cheers Ron

Great list. Btw, the color scheme you’re wearing today is top notch. Whiskey? If you haven’t tried Glenfiddich you should. It’s aged in old sherry barrels which give it a subtle, brandy-like tang no other whiskey has. And carrying a worthy pocket knife is a good idea. I’ve got my eye on a Civivi with a Damascus blade for my birthday. This brand gets GREAT reviews. For a signature scent? In winter I like Quorum. Its combination of wood and a clean, sharp leather note makes me feel like I’m in Connery’s DB5. For summer, Paco Rabanne. Chet Baker wore it.

Loved this video! Picked up a fountain pen after watching!

To add to the list , my Swiss army knife

Lacking a Webly 45.

Beautiful statue in the background

I gotta agree with the Datejust, great choice. Wear it with a suit, wear it with business casual and on down.

100% agree on the Shackleton whiskey, first taste for me was not good and then it just became an acquired taste that is so good. Sadly due to health issues it's off limits now.

Really like the channel and content…Shackleton was Irish 😉

I have carried a NutSac 15 bag for the past few years; I never leave the house without it. In that bag are a graph paper tablet and pens. I also have an ex-Navy Pea cost coat - which I did not wear this winter We had an unusually mild winter in Chicago (which is where the NutSac bags are made).

I love my Buzz Rickson BR11554 pea coat. It’s a reproduction from the 1910s that the U.S. Navy issued to petty officers. It has thick melton wool and corduroy lined pockets. It wasn’t cheap but it’ll last a lifetime.

Always get great enjoyment from watching your content and the good or the bad of it does lead me on a shopping spree at times, the good of course I dress sharper the bad I may need a second job to cover the buying part ( sarcasm here)

Ten excellent points but the bonus point was just ace- couldn't agree more. Wholeheartedly agree with all the points although fountain pens tend to piss me off, as much as I want to love them (mine NEVER work when I need them). A curiously appealing little series of videos, thanks Ash! (The OP in your configuration is perhaps one of the best watches out there, imo)

18:35 "I love reading. Fiction is great if you want entertainment. Non-fiction delivers the best learning experience. If you're somebody who just loves fiction why not make a pact with yourself to do fiction, non-fiction, fiction every other. That way you'll definitely develop further along that on that journey to chap nirvana." Er, literature anyone? Art for art's sake, as an end in itself (beautiful prose and poetry) -- never mind the "learning" one can acquire through truly great literature, which deals with the universals of the human condition within the particulars of a microcosm. Novels, poetry, plays, short stories read properly will teach you as much as any non-fiction work and be far more enjoyable.

Well said about the P coat.

I enjoy your work Ash.

Great video dear Ash. I think there's a mistake in the title (foer) 😎

Good video Ash

Ash another great video. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter weekend. I will consider your point regarding the bag and put it on my to buy list. Excellent points made. I'm glad I have already implemented a few of these in my own life.

This was great video as usual, and as good as it was, my favorite part came at the end when you talked about the importance of appreciating all those non-tangible gifts we receive every day of our lives. Thanks, Ash.

Hey Ash! Just wanted to drop by and say a big THANK YOU for the fragrance recommendation! I tried Antaeus and it's AMAZING! The scent is so beautiful and totally fits my vibe. I've been getting tons of compliments and it's all thanks to you! My favorite perfume used to be Kenzo Air, but it has been discontinued for many years now, and I've been practically orphaned without finding a worthy replacement. Not anymore. Your taste in fragrances is on point, and I'm so grateful you shared this gem with us. Keep those recommendations coming, please. Thanks again Leo from Brazil

My fragrance of choice is Chanel Boy. Boy was the lover of Coco Chanel. Who sadly died. She formulated this fragrance to mark him.. Boy by chanel.. beautiful.

great video as always. I'm a fan

Anteaus is an incredible fragrance same as Dunhill edition. My summer frag is Allure Sport.

Rolex Submariner is an awesome watch but hardly the zombie apocalypse watch. The Seiko Marine Master 300 is incredibly tough and it’s size makes it a good knuckle duster also.

Hello Ash: Thank you for such a thoughtful video. Your final words struck a chord with me. I am 64 and I have entered what we in my country call "the last lap", my wife is quite ill and I don't think we have much time left together. Inspite our limited budget we travelled quite often and have wonderful memories. That is the ONLY thing we can take with us; the rest is just ornament. Our last cat died a month ago and if we had the choice of having her back for another 13 years or 10 million pounds, we will have her in the blink of an eye. Changing the subject, although I am not a Rolex fan the model you chose is most beautiful Rolex I have ever seen, so sober and elegant; in fact, I have a Japanese watch that resembles it a lot, what it makes it nicer is the fact that cost me 200 dollars! Who said you need lots of money to look stylish? (LOL).

NutSac! Developed and made in my hometown! 🌲💚🌲

Great presentation! Like you, my favorite hat is a flat cap or newsboy cap. I think I might purchase the deodorant you spoke about and perhaps a nice pen. Such a positive show. Thank you!

I recall from one of your videos that you would pick Explorer over your Submariner; and now Datejust over them all 🙂 I have to say I agree with choosing Explorer over Submariner as I tend to wear it more than my submariner. I don't have a datejust to know how it would feel.

Here from REAL MEN STYLE 👏🏼

Dalwhinnie 15 years, is a default must.

I enjoyed the last article on your EDC (if I may call It such a thing - is it really a year?) and I bought the fountain pen you recommend 😮. Many thanks, sir. Hope it’s not too late to wish you a happy Easter. 🎉🎉🎉🎉