It’s been a while since I’ve had a decent umbrella. For those long time readers, you’ll recall that I have a track record of treating umbrellae poorly. After trashing my last LV Monogram umbrella, I took it back to the LV store for repairs and they insisted I present a receipt in order for them to look at it.

Now, in fairness to the folks at the Louis Vuitton store in Vancouver, I don’t think the issue was whether the umbrella was authentic or not – just that they wanted to be sure the umbrella was purchased at their store. At $500 a pop, and considering this treatment, the immediate thought that comes to mind is that Louis Vuitton (owned by LVMH) is the K-Mart of the new Millennium – and I ain’t having it, no blue light specials for me.

Rather than go through the Spanish inquisition, I wrote LV off, walked accross the street and dropped a nickel on a Hermes brolly. Only hours later, I was convinced by a tactical genius (bedmate) that the umbrella was too feminine for me. So I gave it up (to her) and never spoke of the matter (until now.)

A few months back, I came accross Sruli Recht‘s creation, the Umbster, on the Coolbuzz site (HERE) – I was immediately taken by its aesthetic. The design of a brass knuckle, integrated into the handle? Geez – all they’re missing is a built in sword – then it would be the ultimate protective implement.

Would you rather be wet or cold (as in dead)? The Umbuster is one tough umbrella that wants to make sure that you are safe from not only rain but a host of other difficulties that await you on the mean streets. The handle of this concept umbrella is designed as a brass knuckle. It is so formidable a weapon that the Victorian Police has classified it as a Class 5 weapon, requiring a license for possession. Also the knuckle design makes it kinda easier to grip the umbrella. So if you are going on a dirty errand on a wet and windy night, Umbuster is one companion that you’d surely want by your side.

An excerpt from the product description does as much justice to the product as holding it in my hands.

Each handle is individually CNC cut in a 5 hour process by the enduring Mr Liu.
The umbrella itself is provided by the good Guy de Jean of France.
And finally packaged in the boxes designed with the good Snorri Már Snorrason here in Reykjavik Proper.

I wonder, was Mr. Recht a Mr. ‘Q’ in a previous life? It strikes me that supplying the likes of Mr. Bond would be right up his alley, but I digress. The acquisition was a no brainer. Another nickel later (about 250 Euros), and a couple weeks later, I have my Umbster, and I’m one happy camper.

Thank you, Mr. Recht!