still cuts the mustard

I was using this last week. In fact, there probably aren't many weeks when I don't. It's invaluable for when you're preparing presentations that involve foamboard, or when you're installing graphics for an exhibition, say.

And it's got me pondering about the longevity of it's presence in my list of essential equipment. Because I bought this scalpel handle when I was an art student. And it's been with me ever since. 

Who would have thought it? Because at the time (and, yes, I know it was a long time ago), the most important tools of the trade were the Rotring Rapidograph and Letraset. Those and your trusty type rule.

All swept away by the Apple Mac, of course. And I suspect that designers of a certain age go misty eyed when recalling their first Mac. So much so, that they seem to never want to let them go. Just in the last couple of months I've seen the Mac Classic reborn both as a studio clock and as a radio.

But what of today's design students? What single piece of equipment will you still be using in 30 years time?

Comments

[Jonathon Yule]

My trusty cork backed, steel ruler and mechanical pencil

[Marlo]

I will always have a tight grip on my mechanical pencil. Also an old type ruler from my grandfather (a printer and architect) - but that's more sentiment than necessity.

Of course I love my shiny new Wacom tablet, but in 30 years who knows.

[Josh]

I will still have my mom's old rapidiographs from art school as well as her old film camera.

[Tom Harle]

I think I'll go with my swann-morton as well. I've had it all through uni and it's the one thing away from the mac that I consistently use. I still need to get hold of a decent ruler, hopefully that will last a while too.

[Dave]

Swann-Morton are one of those companies that only make one thing, but if anyone ever buys a scalpel it's made by Swann-Morton. Like Rabonne Chesterman rulers... etc...