American Beauty or Festivus Shopping

Thinking back it is the objects that reflect America that inspired a real sense of patriotism.  My brother’s Camillus knife, given to him when he joined the Cub Scouts, a wooden kazoo hand made in Woodstock, NY, the large painting I saw being made by a cool neighbor which hung on the stairway, all lend themselves to giving meaning to a place and in turn give you a sense of place, no matter how small.

So, instead of griping about WalMart this year, I will instead offer alternatives.  The main theme being, well made American Products, sadly Schrade, the makers of Camillus knives is no longer with us, they are with the Chinese now. But luckily there is a strong custom knife-making business in America.  I’ll show off a few and then present some other items that instill a sense of pride.

Filet Knives made in Wyoming, MN.  Reasonably priced for custom work and they would make anyone that loves fishing smile for days.

The Gambler will bring you back to a time of dusty saloons and hearty appetites during the gold rush days.  Mel Pardue from Repton, Alabama treats knives like jewelry.

Speaking of jewelry take a look at the Ravenette by Van Barnett from Reno, NV.  Damascus blade, gold inlays, the works.

Correctly hailing from Damascus, OR Raymond Coon provides an elegant and more traditional approach with this drop point hunting knife.

I realize that giving knives in some cultures is seen as a sign of aggression, but personally, some of the nicest gifts I have received were knives, so you may want to consider it.

Now onto some other Americana-themed presents, all made in America:

Custom fireplace screens, made to fit!  Elegant and not too showy, perfect for a turn of the century home.

Barnwood Furniture made in rural PA and sold in NYC.  Old world look with modern day functionality.

Soy Wax Candles by EB Candles.  I recently tried some soy candles and enjoyed the clean burn and clean smell.

Guitar Amps, I haven’t tried Green Amps out but I like their style.

Hand made moccasins and shoes the baby ones are adorable.

Yellowstone Furniture offers some very rustic pieces.  I like them because they use dead timber to create with.

Traditional Shaker Furniture made by Vermonters!  There is something about the simplicity of Shaker pieces that really speaks to me.

Well, that’s enough for now, you get the idea, rather than searching for the lowest price on mass-manufactured goods that will surely disappoint, consider starting a new family tradition of heirloom giving.

Peace.