The James Brand produces beautiful, functional knives made with premium materials, a minimalist design aesthetic, and clear attention to detail. Based in Portland, Oregon, they were founded in 2016 by former industrial designer Ryan Coulter. A knife carrier since his childhood, (given to him by his father), Ryan truly believes that knives are tools, and an important part of the modern, minimal, everyday carry. “The knife you carry says something about you. You carry it to solve problems in the now… “. Check out their website, & see more on Facebook & Instagram.

Products are also available at Gallantry & Huckberry

Read the in-depth interview with founder Ryan Coulter on Gear Patrol.

Images courtesy of The James Brand.

Based in Portland, Oregon, Grovemade started out 8 years ago in the summer of 2009 by like-minded entrepreneurs, Joe Mansfield & Ken Tomita. At the time no business plan existed, but simply a goal to “make cool stuff and have fun doing it”.

What started out as a company making bamboo iPhone cases, now resides in a 5000 square ft former auto repair shop in the Central Eastside Industrial District, nine blocks from the Willamette River. The company still makes iPhone cases, but has also expanded to creating a whole line of desk accessories (iMac / Macbook risers, mouse & trackpad effects, lamps, sound systems co-designed by Joey Roth), and personal accessories (wallets, keyrings, belts, knives, watches + watchbands). Their product line has grown organically & consistently, always focused on their ethos, “Find What Matters”.

You can see more of their great stuff on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest.

Images courtesy of Grovemade.