Whittling Basics

Whittling is pretty much as ancient as humans and has provided a means for expression both artistic and functional. Whether it is for meditative reasons or that you are just looking to kill some time, whittling is one of the cheapest and most accessible hobbies one can find. All you need is wood, a knife, and a little bit of inspiration on what to make. In this episode of D-I-Why Not? presented by Leatherman, our friend James shows us some of the basics in starting your first whittling project.

Tips as You Whittle:
1. Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast
2. The Best Second Chance is a Good First Chance
3. Patience Now Saves Pain Later

How to Sart a Camfire

From staying warm, cooking food, or even just hanging out and enjoy company, building a campfire is an essential part of any outdoor adventure. No need to be fumbling into the darkness trying to get one going anymore because, in this episode of D-I-Why Not? in collaboration with Leatherman, we share some simple tips into building your own fire…with only one match.

How to Vanlife
Foster Huntington

Foster Huntington is a social media savant. This 24-year-old, with over 200,000 followers on Instagram, was born and raised just outside Portland, Oregon, and found himself doing concept design for Ralph Lauren in NYC after college. After getting a book deal with Harper Collins based on his successful blog "The Burning House," he quit his job, bought a VW 4X4 van, and has spent the last year exploring the Southwest. Now living in his van and directing social media for Patagonia, he divides his time between hitting the road in search of new terrain and camping in friends' driveways in Ventura. An apt pupil of van life, Foster shares how to camp in your van in this edition of Korduroy's D-I-Why Not?

Beer Bottle Pint Glass

Did you know that 2/3 of all PET plastic (soft drink, water bottles, etc) that are put in the recycler end up in the landfills and our oceans? There's a reason for the phrase Reduce, Reuse, Recycle... in that order. Here's a great way to reuse your glass beer and water bottles in just a few simple steps with easy-to-find materials.

Knots for a Day at the Beach

In this episode of D-I-Why Not? aka DIY-Knot presented by Leatherman, Kit and J.R. teach us a few useful knots to help improve a day at the beach. Learning a few simple knots like the Bowline, Clinch, Slip, Square and Tautline is never a bad idea. Who knows when your knot tying skills may save the day.

Change A Tire

Having some basic knowledge of your car can keep you out of trouble while on the road. And with more and more people spending time in their vehicles, being familiar with how to change your tire is an essential part of automobile know-how.

In this episode of D-I-Why Not? supported by Leatherman, our friends Kit, J.R. and their little yellow bus Sunshine, walk us through the simple steps of putting on your spare in hopes of preventing any wasted time waiting for a little roadside help.

Topo Map Wallet

A topography map is an essential tool for backcountry navigation. However, after the trip, it's just an attractive piece of paper. The waterproof and tear-resistant practicalities that got you back home can be used to create a durable, unique wallet that commemorates your adventure.

Just print out the template (DOWNLOAD HERE - http://bit.ly/topo-template) provided and tape the four sheets of paper together. Cut along the dotted lines and fold along the solid ones. In under ten minutes, you've got yourself a homemade souvenir that you can keep or give to a loved one.

Bring back some backcountry bliss, even while you're running errands!

Oil Change

Here at Korduroy, we've been itching to add a series that encompasses all sorts of practical how-to's outside of our surfing roots. Behold the birth of "D-I-Why Not?" a series about cool stuff you can tackle yourself.

In the first episode, we look at oil changing because it's easy, saves money, and is the first step towards learning how to care for your mechanical steed.

While old VW buses are generally easier to work on, changing your oil is pretty basic on almost all automobiles. The only obstruction you may find on a more recent car is an "aerodynamic" sheet of metal or plastic under the engine protecting it from the weather. However, they are made to be removed and are usually held on by just a few bolts.

Before giving it a go, be sure to check your car's manual for the oil type and weight as well as the size of its drain plug which will help you determine the size of wrench you will need. Your local auto parts store will likely help you look up your car and give you the proper filter.

Starting From Seed

While the idea of growing food in your backyard is really appealing, if you factor in your time and expenses, those veggies could end up costing you more than organic produce at the store. One way to alleviate the costs of veggies is to start them from seeds. Seeds are much cheaper than starter plants and often grow larger and absorb more nutrients because their roots aren't coiled in the bottom of starter containers. In this episode of D-I-Why Not?, we explore how to start your veggies and herbs from seed in the most cost and time-efficient ways possible.

Urban Harvesting

If you begin to look at your surroundings through a different lens, you may begin to see a surplus of unused goods, pushed aside to wither away. As the saying goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure."

In this episode of D-I-Why Not?, our friend and owner of Urt (urturt.com), Dougie Mann searches around the neighborhood for a few basic goods that when combined, can make a quick gift for a friend or loved one in a pinch.

*Note: Korduroy does not condone stealing. Please use your best judgment whenever you are harvesting through urban areas. We chose two items that are in abundance and that grow back quickly.

Urban Harvesting

Ryan Tatar has made a name for himself with his lo-fi photographs using expired or cross-processed film that depicts simpler times. Originally from Michigan, he now resides in San Francisco and is busy with international photo exhibitions and editorial and advertising clients when not working at one of the most well-known computer companies in the world. In this episode of D-I-Why Not?, Ryan breaks down the basics of analog photography while on a road trip with Cyrus Sutton and Foster Huntington last summer.

Flip Flop Pedalin’

Aussie traveler Matt Whitehead (korduroy.tv/shows/surf-sufficient/travel-guide-matt-whitehead) spends a healthy amount of his time getting from one destination to another by riding his bike. In order to make his journey a bit more efficient, Matt utilizes his own version of a clip in petal, using flip-flops. Instead of having to change into a pedal-specific bike shoe, Matt simply slides his bare feet into his comfy sandals which are already secured onto the pedal and off he goes.

Run Your Car on Veg Oil

James Nestor could easily be in the running for the real “Most Interesting Man in the World”. Aside from his staples of writing and surfing near his home in San Francisco, James can be found freediving for abalone or flying to some exotic land to research ancient traditions of getting high.

James is also interested in efficient and cheap options for transportation. He converted his ’77 Mercedes 300D to run on waste vegetable oil, which he gets for free from local restaurants around his home in San Francisco. In this episode of D-I-Why Not?, Mr. Nestor shows us basics behind his setup which allows him to drive for free.