A few months ago I came across a link for Best Made Company, whose founder “saw the need for a better axe.” From Best Made Company’s website, it isn’t clear if the company actually makes anything though they do point out they have “partnered with one of America’s oldest and most esteemed axe makers” (on some of the product description pages “Council Tool” is listed as the forger). So why all the hype? As far I can tell, the decoration of the axe handles, with their bright bold colors, is the only reason these tools received any attention online.
There was also a bit of criticism and debate ranging from the cost of the axes to the whether a woodsman would actually use this tool.
Regarding the price, some of the criticism was unfair. A good felling axe cost money. Critics online pointed to axes like Fiskars, Estwings and other consumer-grade (if that’s even a fair label) models that ranged in price from $25-50. But it’s an apple/orange comparison. These Home Depot tools aren’t the same quality and they aren’t even the same type of axe.
Two companies that make quality axes are Gränsfors Bruks and Wetterling and their prices for comparable axes are pretty much in line with Best Made Company prices (a Wetterling 30″, 3 lb. Swedish Felling Axe sells for $157 vs. a Best Made Company 35″, 4lb. “Unfinished” American Felling Axe sells for $158).
However, it is the “decorated” axes that bother me. And again, it has less to do with price and more to do with purpose.
The cost of the “Courage” American Felling Axe is $275. A markup of over $100 to stain the base of the handle orange and have the word “COURAGE” stamped. It’s a beautiful piece of art. But that’s it. It’s no longer a tool. It’s intent has been co-opted by its beauty. If the axe is not being used as an axe and instead is adorning someone’s wall, how is it any different than a painting or some other museum showpiece that remains behind a velvet rope only to be observed (in some ways, the marketing-speak about the axes on the Best Made Company website make me think of an oversized SUV, which is advertised as being able to tackle any and all terrains but the harshest conditions it ever sees is a traffic jam during rush hour).
So what does this have to do with Designer Toothpicks? Well, I had completely forgotten about the axes until I saw Christopher Jarrat’s bright and shiny (and equally beautiful) slingshots. Price? Only $95. For some reason, I could see someone buying this and maybe shooting a couple rocks before this museum-piece gets put high on a shelf as some future heirloom item. But like the axe, it’s art (though at least Jarrat doesn’t pretend that these slingshots are anything more or less than art).
Anyway, I wanted to get in on this “let’s take something completely functional, paint it, create some narrative around it, and significantly mark-up the price” moment. And in that vein, I offer my limited edition Designer Toothpicks.
Enjoy all your old classic favorites in one complete set: Bold Blue, Little Boy Blue, Ambiguous Green, Mustard Yellow, Pentagram Orange, Fire Engine Red, Quinn’s Old Favorite Pink, Kewl White, and back by popular demand, the Ritch Black/Kewl White combo toothpick!
Each toothpick is meticulously hand-painted, signed and numbered. Limited edition of 20.
