Made By Hand - Cut Brooklyn

In this 10 minute atmospheric short film Joel Bukiewicz of Cut Brooklyn delves into his personal philosophy on what 'handmade' means, how he arrived at knife making, what it takes for a 'skill' to become an 'art'. Quite a touching film that had me wishing I was working in my garage studio and not at my computer... Created by the folks at Made by Hand a new short film series "celebrating the people who make things by hand — sustainably, locally, and with a love for their craft."

Visit Cut Brooklyn for a selection of available knives from Joel.

Best Bottle Opener Ever

As you'll see below, this post is about just one thing. One single item that is so good, so sexy, so functional that it deserves it's very own post. I'm talking about MAKR's (aaaaamazing) key-shaped bottle opener. Made from brass and priced at just $11 this little Made in the USA object is perfect for everyone, not just hipster dudes. Seriously, I just bought one for myself so I no longer have to ask strangers to "pop my cap" with their lighters/whatever misc object is around for the job, and because it's so small and sleek looking... Cheers!

The Mountains are Calling...

I recently received the Flashman American Felling Axe as a wedding gift from my best friend. I'm not sure whether to hang it on the wall or go chop wood. I suppose that's part of the beauty of it. It's exists in limbo between the perfect design object and man's best wooden and steel friend.

Best Made Company creates heirloom quality axes and wilderness accessories. They are guided by a love of simplicity and respect for these tools that embody both survival and productivity. In honor of these admirable virtues Best Made Co. paints their axes.

"A well made axe — the oldest and most invaluable tool known to mankind — could not only function as a lifeline in the wilderness, but at home it could be a magnificent window into that wilderness and inspire people to reconnect with their hands, craft, and nature." Peter Buchanon-Smith, owner of Best Made

Designer Q&A: Graf & Lantz

Join us as we sit down with the founders of Los Angeles based bag and accessory company Graf & Lantz for a quick Q&A.

Founders: Holger Graf and Daniel Lantz

Website: www.graf-lantz.com

Favorite thing about LA?

Holger: The weather.

Daniel: LA is too big to have one favorite thing! But if I have to choose, its the diversity.

What do you make?

A line of bags and home goods made from felt and other natural materials.

How long have you been in business?

3 years

What inspired you to start your line?

Independent thought, quality workmanship and natural textiles.

Why is Graf&Lantz special?

We design and manufacture everything in our design studio right here in Los Angeles.

Anything notable?

We are currently in Henri Bendel! In general Graf & Lantz has had great support from the press and we've recently appeared in Real Simple and People, and we are going to be in Lucky and WWD soon.