‘Tis almost Grads and Dads season, that special time of year to celebrate your pops and to honor your academic achievements. Graduation dates span over the course of several weeks, depending on the school. June 20th marks the first day of summer and Father’s Day falls the following day on June 21st. Coincidence? We think not.

It’s basically an entire season of festivities. But don’t worry, we have plenty of gift ideas including luxury jewelry for men, unique gift ideas, and gifts for the man who has everything. We share some of our favorite William Henry picks as well as other innovative brands.

For the Dad Who Golfs

Made with anodized aerospace-grade titanium billet, the Pebble D2-3 is one of those unique gift ideas for men that he’ll really appreciate. Does dad really need another set of clubs? The answer is a hard no, ask mom. Opt for the Pebble! The size of the chamfered hole gives you more control during use by giving your thumb a resting point. 

The true masterpiece is the fragment of 100,000-year-old fossil coral inlaid into the Pebble. Yes, you read that right. A 100,000-year-old fossil coral. Hey, if your dad is a history buff, this is an excellent gift idea too.

For the Dad Who Needs Some TLC

Skincare is vital. If it isn’t part of your daily route, pencil it into your growing to-do list. There are more damaging factors than ever: sun exposure, pollution, light from computer screens and phone screens. Although it’s often overlooked, men's skincare is a must. 

The Sisley-Paris All Day All Year anti-aging cream is a suitable luxury gift idea for him/her. An anti-aging cream is a good starting point but you could even add a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer.

For the Dad Who Travels

Whether it’s on business or with the family, buy your jet-setting father something he can utilize every time he flies. A RIMOWA suitcase is iconic and meant to last a lifetime, much like the handcrafted pieces here at William Henry. 

The aluminum suitcase is lightweight and perfect to take as a carry on for a business trip or vacation since it should fit into most airplane overhead storage bins. RIMOWA makes a great gift idea for dads on the go.

For the Dad Who Has Everything

What about gifts for the man who has everything? Buy him a stunning set of cufflinks that he can wear for all occasions: dinner date, church, or a random Tuesday in the office. Cufflinks are also a great gift idea for the fashionable dad. 

The meticulously sculpted Ripple CL-Turq cufflinks make a statement without being obnoxious. The skeletal sterling silver cages entrap the natural turquoise creating an eye-catching display of color and lines. The Ripple cufflinks are bold and adventurous. These elegant cufflinks breathe life into every outfit. 

For the Grad Who Got a Job

Your grad deserves to sign that fresh job contract with a fountain pen made to last a lifetime. The Mokume Gane technique used on the body of the Cabernet F8-1 calls for careful craftsmanship to forge multiple layers of metal. 

You’ll be writing meeting notes with your Cabernet, but everyone in the office will take notes on your fountain pen. This is a momentous occasion. Sign in style. 

For the Grad Who Blings

Rose gold luxury jewelry for men is all the rage, but you’ve never seen it like this. The Bandon bracelet comes with smooth beads of grey jasper paired with rose gold accents such as the solid 18K rose gold center bead. 

Bandon is made to be worn, made to stand the test of time, made to be the gift that keeps on giving. Your grad can give it to their grad. They can give it to their grad. You get the picture. William Henry has multiple options when it comes to luxury jewelry for men including a variety of pendant necklaces.

For the Grad Who Loves Music

Alexa, is there a sleek speaker with Google Assistant capabilities? Why yes. You can find the Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 Speaker with Google Assistant at Neiman Marcus. 

The brass speaker almost looks like a tiny robot with its angular, polished, and modern features. Speakers will become part of your grad’s daily life because they’re so convenient and easy to use; they connect to their phone making listening to music, podcasts, and the like that much easier. 

For the Grad Who Has Everything

Some people are simply hard to shop for. In this case, you can choose classic luxury gift ideas for him. Gucci’s Star Eye Candle looks like art and smells good to boot. If you don’t know what to get, buy this. 

The Damask rose scent sets a romantic mood while the candle looks luxurious and cool all on its own, just sitting in the corner. Reuse and wash the porcelain jar after you’re done with the candle to function as a decorative piece. Now that’s a gift we can get behind.

Whether they’re a world-class traveler or a guy who has everything, there’s a gift for each dad and grad in your life. William Henry creates jewelry, pocket knives, money clips, and other handcrafted gifts meant to endure for years to come. 

Our elevated items are timeless and created with unparalleled craftsmanship. We use uniquely sourced materials such as woolly mammoth bone, black diamonds, and meteorite. There’s a story behind every piece before it becomes yours. After that, you are the narrator. 

Being a hero isn’t a quality you’re born with. It’s something you acquire over the years and decades of experience building relationships and developing a legacy. Every person undergoes a period of growth, renewal, and evolution that will eventually lead to heroic achievements. 

In today’s ever-changing world, the archetype for the heroic and fearless man is being subverted by a more refined, reflective, and complex man who is strong enough to hold convictions, feel emotion, and appreciate the finer things in life.

The Embodiment Of Strength and Sophistication

One motion picture action hero we can all categorically support is Vin Diesel, the leading star of the Fast & Furious franchise, Chronicles of Riddick, xXx, and the new Bloodshot movie, Valiant Comics’ first foray into the cinematic universe. In his latest high-octane flick, Diesel plays Roy Garrison, a biotech killing machine who would make the Terminator run the other way.

Diesel’s tough-guy persona is undercut with a resounding emotional resonance when you find out that Garrison has been programmed for revenge by the government to avenge his wife’s death. The killer is simply an implanted memory designed for Bloodshot to kill whoever his masters want. Beneath the action hero veneer lies a story about hope, freedom, and loss.

Diesel is the perfect embodiment of the renaissance man with an edge who can tap into uncharted waters in the action hero canon. His penchant for developing thoughtful characters has earned him enormous success. He’s continuing the Fast & Furious legacy in May 2020 with the tenth installment. Even more impressive, Diesel stars and produced the new Fast & Furious and Bloodshot movies.

In The Home Issue (Issue 168) of Flaunt magazine, Vin Diesel dons William Henry’s Noir and Gentis pieces from William Henry’s bracelet collection for his front-page promotional spread. From the flashy shirtless poses to ones where he’s effortlessly rocking a business casual suit, Diesel embodies the true spirit of William Henry luxury jewelry and the contemporary man who embraces passion and fashion. 

Speaking on his overall philosophy in life, Diesel told Flaunt, “The best version of myself has always been just a pure message of love. I really, really, really, really, really, really believe that. At my core. Maybe because I was a bouncer in New York City, I don’t have to front to be tough. And because of that, I have more freedom to be - loving? If that makes any sense.”

Speaking on the film, Diesel notes the complexity of the Bloodshot movie by saying “it’s a film that speaks to the quintessential soldier or soldier’s plight. Maybe that’s why this character’s been the military favorite superhero, because they so identify with going out and being a machine, then come back and feel discarded or unappreciated.”

Bloodshot is just one of a long line of movies where Diesel has attempted and succeeded to infuse emotional nuance and the classic action hero fix of explosions and intense car chase scenes needed to propel the multi-million dollar cinematic adaptation into stardom.

On his Fast & Furious character, Dom Toretto, Diesel reflects on how different it is “to monitor a character’s progression over a decade and how much to incorporate your own evolution.” As a father of three children, Diesel has elevated the father archetype to include more nuance and fragility as seen through his heartfelt social media posts.

As a writer, director, producer, and all-around leading man, Diesel remains humble to his New York roots coming from an artistic and bohemian household. His head-spinning worldwide success never shrouded his commitment to family and love. Beneath the abs of steel and gravely vocal timbre lies a thoughtful and introspective man who isn’t afraid of change, evolution, and emotion.

The outdated image of a hero wearing dusty cowboy boots or a thick leather jacket and chains has evolved with the advent of a personalized and luxurious jewelry industry full of options for any sensibility. Male fashion now embraces the last frontier: jewelry for men. Men are eschewing all outdated preconceptions in favor of taking risks and cementing an aesthetic image while still being masculine.

William Henry And The Evolution Of Masculinity

William Henry is thrilled to have our exotic bracelets showcased on Flaunt’s glossy fashion and culture magazine. Like Diesel, we’re doing our part to innovate upon existing men’s fashion accessories and pocket knives. Our wide range of luxury and legacy products reflects the changing landscape of what it means to be a man.

William Henry provides the modern warrior with a unique line of luxury jewelry and pocket knives forged in a metal shop in rural Oregon. Fire, resilience, and painstaking precision characterize every William Henry creation. We’re not scared to showcase our passion and love for the craft of engraving, carving, and jewelry and pocket knife-making.

In reality, jewelry making and artistry have always been a part of the evolution of man. From neanderthals who crafted jewelry by stringing together animal bone and shells to modern-day artisans who utilize ancient steelworking techniques and 3D design software, jewelry-making is in our blood. As a form of artistic and fashionable expression, our jewelry and pocket knives offer an exquisite form and function.

Exotic Materials, Evocative Designs

If a sleek and colorful William Henry bracelet is good enough for Vin Diesel, it’s good enough for the everyday man. You don’t have to save the world from nefarious villains on the daily. Being a devoted father, husband, son, or friend is all it takes to earn the cache needed to don a Willian Henry piece.

No longer are men relegated to buying clunky, bare, and uninspired pieces of metal as jewelry. William Henry incorporates exotic and responsibly source materials such as fossil mammoth tooth and dinosaur bone, meteorite, and hand-forged Damascus steel. We’re not afraid to show off our artistic, bold, and often colorful designs.

William Henry’s evocative designs are handcrafted by master artisans who spend countless hours refining every inch and groove of a pen, pocket knife, necklace, or another jewelry item for men. Explore a more intimate, confident, and daring side of your personality with William Henry’s striking pieces meant to stand the test of time.

Legacy Jewelry & Pocket Knives

William Henry’s evocative jewelry designs are just one part of the equation. Explore our luxury pocket knife collections for the ultimate in utility, strength, and art. Pocket knives are no longer a measure of protection against an unforgiving world, but a sign of taste and wisdom. Owning a William Henry pocket knife is more than a formality, but a fashion statement. Express your joie de vivre with William Henry’s luxury jewelry and pocket knives.

Damascus steel knife owners know all too well the glory and appeal of the intricate and distinctive Damascus pattern. Rippling and flowing water current-inspired patterns adorn each hand-forged billet. Ancient and modern blacksmiths share a passion for hand-forging this remarkable type of steel.

From its Medieval roots to its use by the modern gentleman, hand-forged Damascus steel has been a treasured commodity and life essential. Learn all about the origins of this ancient steel-making technique, the process used to make its breathtaking patterns, and how to preserve Damascus steel’s legacy and original luster.

VIDEO: William Henry Founder Matt Conable Explains Hand-Forged Damascus Steel

What Is Damascus Steel?

Damascus steel refers to a type of steel that originated in India and became popular in sword-making from 300 BC to 1700 AD. Originally called wootz steel, Damascus steel’s unique patterns of banding and mottling remind collectors of flowing water.

Damascus steel was beloved for its toughness and resistance against shattering, while still being able to be honed to a sharp and cutting edge. Damascus steel is made from several types of steel welded together to form a billet.

Damascus steel’s patterns vary depending on how an artisan works with the billet. The Damascus billet is extended and folded until the desired number of layers is formed. Billets can be forged with hundreds of layers for a distinctive look.

Today, the ancient art of Damascus steel making is a lost art form only practiced by a small number of dedicated artisans who aim to keep the legacy alive. Master blacksmiths from around the world innovate upon these ancient techniques with their own artistic touches and modern technology.

Damascus steel has earned a cult reputation among knife enthusiasts. Its mythology has been bolstered when it is compared to the fictional Valyrian steel in Game of Thrones by the author himself. Renowned for its strength and sharpness, Damascus is the ultimate tactical tool.

How Is Damascus Steel Made?

Damascus steel is only produced by a few artisans committed to keeping the tradition going. Damascus steel pocket knives can take up to two years to produce. During the months or years-long process, more than 30 artisans and about 800 individual operations result in a collaborative work of art and function.

To begin the Damascus steel-making process, artisans must select the materials to forge. During the forging process, sheets of different grades of steel are heated, welded, and fashioned into pieces to be heated and welded again and again into a billet. 

Master smiths use tools such as an anvil, a hot enough forge, and a power hammer to construct their pieces. Forgers typically use two steel grades to create a stunning contrast when polished. Forgers will use high-carbon steel and other metals to create alternating dark and bright patterns.

How Strong Is Damascus Steel?

Damascus steel is prized for its beauty and strength. Its resilience, however, depends upon the quality of its materials and the forging process used. Professional forging ensures the blade is free of cracks, voids, delamination, or other irregularities.

While not the strongest metal on the blade market, high-end Damascus steel is strong and durable enough to serve almost any purpose. Modern metal alloys are impressively strong and able to withstand harsh conditions.

There are also different types of Damascus steel that differ in strength. Carbon Damascus, for instance, is soft to work with but becomes stronger than stainless steel when hardened. Stainless Damascus still offers unparalleled durability and charm.

How To Make Different Patterns Of Damascus Steel?

Some billets incorporate copper and stainless steel exhibiting a bronzed and sunburst pattern. Other billets use alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel silver to produce an undulating pattern across the bevels of the blade. Some materials can be dark-etched for contrast or etched and re-polished for a more subdued pattern.

Depending on the Damascus pattern, anywhere from 40 to 90 percent of the steel that a master smith starts with ends up as scrap on the floor. A master smith peels, sands, grinds, and re-forges the steel to an exquisite core with a mesmerizing pattern.

How To Sharpen Damascus Steel

Damascus steel blades can be artisan-crafted, but can also lose their fine edge in a matter of just a couple of months. Inexperienced sharpeners should avoid sharpening Damascus steel for practice. Hand-sharpening with pocket knives and cheap knives can build up experience.

Professional and adept Damascus steel sharpeners will use whetstone made out of ceramic, diamond, or other coarse materials. Power-operated sharpeners can lack the precision of hand sharpening Damascus steel.

William Henry recommends pocket knives be sharpened every 18 to 24 months. The designer charges a nominal fee to sharpen blades. Pocket knife collectors without any experience in sharpening can trust original designers to restore the blade’s razor-sharp edge.

How To Care For Damascus Steel

A Damascus steel blade pocket knife that has been carefully crafted over hundreds of hours deserves the utmost attention and care. A legacy masterpiece requires a safeguard for maximum longevity. Damascus steel requires special care for it to retain its original luster and beauty.

Many hand-forged Damascus blades are made out of high carbon steel with small amounts of chromium in the alloy. While high in carbon steel, the blade can easily rust if not cared for. Collectors should ensure to keep their blades clean and dry to avoid rust or staining.

After cleaning and drying a Damascus steel pocket knife, you should lubricate the blade with a specialty wax to protect it from moisture. Avoiding rust ensures the Damascus’ pattern remains as striking and vivid as the day it was hand-forged.

Abrasive elements such as textiles and chemicals can significantly affect the blade’s look. Using a rough cloth or metal cleaner can remove the etched oxidation that makes the blade’s pattern visible. If the etching is altered, you can send in your blade to the original designer for repair.

Storage conditions are crucial to a blade’s longevity. When it’s not being used, a Damascus steel knife should be stored in a dry interior environment free from fluctuations in moisture levels and temperature. A box or soft case can do the trick.

How To Make Damascus Steel Knives

After the blade is finished, the handle can be inlaid with a range of high-quality materials including sustainably sourced metals and gems and exotic materials such as a fossil woolly mammoth tooth, fossil coral, and more distinctive embellishments for a bold and daring look.

William Henry offers pocket knife collectors a range of striking Damascus steel patterns. Our Copper Wave patterns are hardy, sharp, and radiant. Our Wave Damascus is composed of alternating stainless steel and nickel silver layers. From the hand-forged Damascus to the exotic adorning gemstones, each component of a William Henry pocket knife is meant to last.

Luxury is not a mindless accumulation of gilded knickknacks or an ostentatious display of wealth. Rather, we believe luxury is a state of mind and a medium of self-expression. Shopping for someone with an elegant state, however, can seem like a futile task with dead ends in every direction. What do you get the man or woman who has everything? The answer is: something unique, stylish, and personal.

Gifts for Those Who Like Luxury but Have Everything

Loved ones who have everything under the sun and more are notoriously impossible to shop for, let alone find a luxe gift that they’ll love. Luckily, a rise in artisan craftsmanship, sustainably-sourced exotic materials, technological innovation, and small-batch products gives consumers a wide range of luxury gifts to choose from that are under $1,000.

While gifts can certainly and easily exceed the $1,000 mark, consumers can find plenty of legacy pieces for under a grand. Legacy gifts not only function in the now but can also continue to be of use for generations to come. Finding the perfect, unique, and cool gift idea, however, requires careful research into what the person receiving the gift likes.

Below you’ll find a curated and eclectic list of luxurious and unique gift ideas for men and women for any occasion including birthdays, holidays, or just because. Surprise your friends and family with these sumptuous offerings.

Shopping Luxury Gifts for the Family

Typing “what’s a good gift for mom/dad/sister/brother?” into Google can yield a mountain of affordable and accessible products ranging from clothing to tech devices to food. Sometimes, though, you want to surprise your family with something luxe. While luxury is also in the eye of the beholder, there’s no denying these gifts don’t epitomize sophistication.

Luxury Gifts for Mom

For the mom who loves to entertain, Mazama's handblown glassware is a uniquely thoughtful choice. Hand-crafted in their shop in Portland, customers can choose from a variety of carafes, cocktail glasses, wine glasses, and decanters. enhance traditional vessels and provide an elegant touch for guests and family alike.

Luxury Gifts for Dad

Surprise dad with a luxury jewelry piece to add to his collection. A dad with taste can appreciate the fine craftsmanship and stunning details applied to luxury bracelets and rings. William Henry’s combines masterful artistry with exotic materials on this exquisite Mammoth Zenith beaded bracelet, made out of 10mm fossil mammoth tooth beads offset by sterling spacers with a shiny satin gunmetal finish. A resilient paracord provides maximum comfort and timeless design.

Luxury Gifts for Your Brother

Los Angeles-based Jacques Marie Mage crafted the perfect sunglasses ($895) honoring the late Burt Reynolds. The sunglasses’ classic silhouette has an oversized aviator foundation, double nose bridge, 4mm rim wires, and solid titanium frame. These small-batch sunglasses ooze charm and elegance. Get them while they’re hot.

Luxury Gifts for Your Sister

Give your sister the gift of fashion with a statement piece from Acne Studios. A mini purse ($420) from Acne Studios is made out of soft cow leather in black, dark blue, dark green, almond brown, and light blue. Its simple and classic style has a timeless design and is meant to last for decades. If your sister has a bold and colorful style, get her the fluorescent green mini purse ($450) to really turn heads. 

What Is a Good Gift for Your Wife on Valentine’s Day?

Now that we’ve covered a few exclusive and practical gifts for the family, let's turn our attention to the time of year when love is in the air and chocolates abound. Valentine’s Day is an excellent opportunity for partners to show some ingenuity, taste, and appreciation for their significant other with a wide range of luxury gifts under $1,000.

1. Bask in the fruity essence coming from the sleek and jet-black Baies/Berries candle ($340) form Diptyque. A rush of roses and blackcurrant leaves emits from the black porcelain container featuring five wicks. The large candle is meant to infuse indoor and outdoor spaces with its sweet aroma to really set the mood.
2. Nothing says luxury and love more than a monogrammed necklace ($750) with sparkling diamonds from Southern California jewelry designer Tacori. Tacori’s Love Letters Collection features a delicate, feminine, and polished charm necklace with a sophisticated initial emblazoned with shimmering stones.
3. For the woman who loves the sporty and chic look, Michele’s luxury timepiece ($495) from the Deco Sport Collection features a pink gold-tone and a silver-white sunray dial. A pink gold-tone bracelet is wrapped with a Desert Rise silicone and is interchangeable with any Michele strap of the same size.
4. La Mer is synonymous with luxury skincare. Shop their skincare gift collections for a head-to-toe skin recovery collection. The Renewal Moisture Collection ($380) is a 4-piece kit meant to lift, brighten, and soothe any type of skin. From the Lifting Contour Serum for firmer skin to the Eye Concentrate to reduce dark circles, the La Mer gift set is the ultimate luxury Valentine’s Day gift for her.

What Is a Good Gift for Your Husband on Valentine’s Day?

What do you get for the husband who has everything he would ever need? From the latest home technology to classic and artisan-crafted clothing pieces that can last a lifetime, giving a cool and unique gift on Valentine’s Day is your time to shine. Shop from these utilitarian and exquisitely made gifts for the man with impeccable taste.

1. A way to a man’s heart is through his best friend, his dog. For the loveable four-legged furry companion, a large dog bed ($139) from Pendleton comes in a range of multi-colored designs to keep dogs cozy, even while basking under the sun in the great outdoors.
2. Even blankets can be luxurious. Blacksaw’s Peyote blanket ($398) from Huckberry features an edgy and bold curled snake in the front and is sustainably-made from baby alpaca fleece. Its reversible design allows for versatility and can go well sprawled over a sofa or chair.
3. For the man who appreciates when art meets function, William Henry’s Omni Stratus luxury pocket knife has a sharp and radiant metal sheen and mesmerizing blade pattern. The aerospace-grade titanium frame offers superior comfort. The hand-forged “Intrepid” damascus blade reveals layers of metals creating an undulating and hypnotic plane.
4. Turn your partner’s love for the written form into an obsession with William Henry’s Chablis 1207 luxury writing instrument. The pen features high-quality box elder burl wood, Mokume Gane metal, and sleek smoky quartz details. Writing never felt so good.
5. Made of soft sheep leather, John Varvatos’ Modern Café Racer jacket ($798) is a contemporary take on the timeless café racer style. Triple needle stitching and a sharp band collar complete this edgy and classic piece that can complement any denim look.
6. Kemo Sabe’s Lucchese Classic Burnished Waxy Comanche Roper boots ($950) is made from goatskin in El Paso, Texas. Join the ranks of the modern cowboy with these handmade boots. Masterful bootmakers offer a range of pre-made styles or custom design the boot of your dreams for men or women.

The act of gift-giving can be personal and fulfilling when a person shows a wide smile from ear to ear after opening the luxury gift. Finding the right luxury gift for a family member or partner doesn’t just require a loaded wallet, but more importantly, a sense of style and an appreciation for the person receiving the gift.

Luxury pocket knives are an object of beauty and function and can be passed down for generations to come. Taking care of your striking work of art requires the best pocket knife accessories and cleaning supplies. Luxury pocket knives can take years to produce. Extend their longevity, form, and utility with these essential pocket knife accessories.

Sustaining the Legacy of Pocket Knives

In the age of throwaway clothing and accessories, heirloom-quality pieces stand out from the plain and unimaginative pack with their artisan-crafted design and deep nostalgia. While a luxury pocket knife can be for daily use, the proper care and use can extend its life past yours and future generations.

Retain the pocket knife’s original fine details etched and carved into high-quality materials with pocket knife accessories made with the same mastery of craftsmanship. William Henry’s handmade pocket knives may be known for resilience and strength, but a well-built and reliable accessory can exalt your showpiece and protect it from the ravages of time.

Handmade Pocket Knife Accessories

Artisan pocket knives require the proper storage and useful accessories needed to expand their function and shelf-life. Custom or handmade pocket knives are imbued with unique artistry, flawless precision, and years of skill acquired from practice. One-of-a-kind pocket knives should be paired with high-quality accessories, as well.

From the classic pocket knife sheath to the large display cases for grand collections, these essential pocket knife accessories should be displayed and used like the objects of art that they are. Just like the variety in pocket knife styles, there’s a perfect case or lanyard for every pocket knife design, no matter how small or large. 

Pocket Knife Sheath/Case

Pocket knife cases protect the carefully crafted blade, handle, and gemstone details from environmental exposure. Our Sheaths are made of leather, and come in different sizes depending on your pocket knife. All William Henry knives include an appropriately sized sheath. If you need an additional sheath or a replacement, it’s important to purchase the correct sheath size for your knife.

Leather sheaths provide a timeless and natural appeal with their ability to protect a pocket knife while looking stylish. Leather cases provide superior comfort and ease of use. William Henry's sheaths also come with clips that keep your knife in place in your pocket. They also come in different colors. For the best pocket knife cases, check out William Henry’s elegant offerings:

• Slip-Case ($20): This high-grade leather case fits B06 knives (Ventana line) with the utmost precision.
• ClipCase ($35): The classic clip case was developed over 20 years ago and continues to provide ultimate durability and style. It’s made out of premium leather and a tempered stainless steel clip. The “WH” logo is embossed on the front. ClipCase sizes include:
  • Mini: fits B04 Pikatti
  • Small: fits B09 Kestrel
  • Medium: fits B05 Monarch, B10 Lancet, B11 Persian
  • Large: fits B12 Spearpoint, B30 GenTac
• C15Sheath ($40): Designed to fit C15 models only.

Lanyard

Lanyards on a pocket knife can stir up some heated debates, but there’s no denying that a lanyard provides an upgraded utility to the knife. William Henry's lanyards are woven leather strings that tie to the end of a pocket knife. Our lanyards are finished with stainless steel or Sterling silver beads. Lanyards allow the wearer to quickly pull out knives from their slipcase or pocket.

Many pocket knives come with an attached case, pocket clip, or lanyard. Pocket knife enthusiasts can choose from a wide array of colors and styles to match their piece. Some lanyards can even make your pocket knife more visible in low light if lost. Ultimately, lanyards add another layer of design that amps up the aesthetic of your knife.

Display Case

For the serious pocket knife collector, a display case is vital. Instead of storing your collection of pocket knives in a single compartment, each knife deserves to be separated to reduce the risk of scratches and scuffs. Choose from a variety of woods, metals, and designs when it comes to pocket knife display cases.

William Henry’s Collector display case ($500) is crafted from laminated cherry wood and includes brass hinge works, a beveled glass top, and the WH logo etched in the glass. Each display case holds 12 items: 6 each in upper and lower compartments. The glass top allows you to admire your collection with ease. It’s the perfect case for your elegant pocket knives.

Cleaning Accessories

Accessories are only one part of protecting your handmade pocket knife from being anything less than perfect. The key to keeping your pocket knife around for longer is to treat it as an heirloom that it is. Avoid getting it wet or exposing it to chlorine, household cleaning products, or other corrosive substances. Use the following pocket knife accessories for cleaning:

• A lint-free microfiber cloth lets you quickly clean up fingerprints, sweat, air pollutants, dirt, and other debris on the knife. Microfiber cloths enable you to avoid scratching your knife when cleaning.
• Some pocket knives require a dab of lubricant on the pivot and blade. Make sure to purchase lubricant specifically designed for use with folding knives.
• While we have no news of William Henry's screws ever needing this treatment, some knife owners use Loctite, a thread-locking fluid used to keep screws and bolts in place.

Pocket Knife Accessory Care

Just like our pocket knives, pocket knife accessories also require the proper care to extend its utility and allure. Natural materials like wood and leather require special care to prevent early degradation. Avoid getting these materials wet or using chemicals that can damage or discolor them. Leather accessories can loosen or stretch with age and change color due to contact with oils in the skin. Proper leather and wood care can keep your pocket knife looking great, as well.

What About a Knife Sharpener?

Should you purchase a knife sharpener? Only seasoned professionals are recommended to sharpen their own knives, especially ones that have been hand-forged by master metalsmiths. William Henry knives, in particular, are recommended to be sharpened every 18 to 24 months. Designers like William Henry can provide the best sharpening results due to their experience layering, forging, and creating these patterns by hand.
William Henry will periodically sharpen your knife for just $10 (the cost of shipping it back to you). Just compile the appropriate form here, ship it to us, and we'll get it done for you.

Luxury pocket knives like William Henry’s deserve the best pocket knife accessories that also look good. Keeping your pocket knife safe and protected is crucial to keeping it looking like new. Handmade accessories can especially provide an elevated look to your sharp tool. In many cases, accessories act as the impeccable frame to the mesmerizing centerpiece.

Couturiers and designers across the world are facing a throw-away culture that glamorizes fleeting trends and ephemeral designs. In our short-attention-span era, ideas and the products that facilitate our lives have experienced a similar devaluation. Sustainable shopping practices, such as investing in quality pieces that last, can help customers find wardrobe mainstays in a sea of fast-fashion.

Fast-fashion commodifies designs of the moment to create cheap and trendy clothing and accessories that have no longevity. In an effort to stave off the increasing social and environmental impact of these disposable trends, as well as to elevate daily wear, it’s imperative to value craftsmanship and utility over the alluring call of whatever is in vogue at the time.

Don't waste money on fast evaporating fashion choices. Instead, invest in timeless legacy statements that have a longlasting, generational impact.

Social and Environmental Impact

Clothing and the accessories we wear become a colorful and textured extension of ourselves, from the dapper business suit we wear to work to the casual wear reserved for weekend escapades. Sometimes, however, we can become disconnected from the journey a watch, blazer, or piece of jewelry took to end up in our wardrobe. While a product’s origin is a heavy marketing point for many brands, consumers should also consider how the product was made.

A long line of manufacturers and processors fuel the industry’s breakneck speed and demanding market. Most conventional clothing items, for example, are often composed of a mix of threads, and commercial-scale technology can’t separate these fabrics for reuse. If the fabrics are dyed, they can’t be recolored. This supply-chain waste creates a single-use industry akin to the mounting plastic water bottle problem plaguing the world’s oceans.

Estimates suggest that the fashion industry ranks as the fifth most polluting industry in the world. As luxury designers roll out captivating and colorful new trends during a slew of fashion weeks every year, shops line their stores with mass-produced fast-fashion pieces inspired by luxury fashion trends at bargain-basement prices, and the cycle continues. Consumers fall prey to discount prices and short-lived fashion crazes that have unintended consequences.

According to a report from the UK’s Waste and Resources Action Programme, the average piece of clothing has a lifespan of about one to three years before it’s disposed of. In the U.S., Americans throw away about 13 million tons of textiles and accessories annually, or about 85 percent of their wardrobe. As landfills fill up and recycling programs become overwhelmed, the problem of resource waste compounds.

In terms of social repercussions, throw-away culture and the fast-fashion phenomenon is forcing companies to drive their production facilities overseas to countries that don’t have oversight and strict regulations for buildings, working conditions, and wages. For example, factory hubs in Bangladesh have had casualties from buildings collapsing and other community disruptors such as contaminated waterways and mounds of clothing piling up along the streets.

Our insistence on filling entire walk-in closets instead of being more discerning with our wardrobe choices comes with tremendous social consequences. Factory workers overseas are often paid an insufficient wage to live. Minimal pay forces workers to work long hours in poor working conditions.

Building a Sustainable and Timeless Look.

The litany of problems brought on by a disconnected market and consumer base is worth fighting against. The solution would be to avoid the trap of the “new is always better” ethos. Lured by cheap costs, these fast-fashion trends are hard to resist. Ending the cycle of short-lived aesthetics could also put a considerable dent on social and environmental pollution around the world.

In a world dominated by throw-away products, many designers are undertaking the task of making their processes and products more sustainable without sacrificing style and originality. Consumers can look for companies that try to reduce their supply chain wastes, reuse material to create their clothing or accessories, or create high-quality pieces that last for generations.

Luxury shouldn't be only about wearing the latest trends, but about social responsibility, freedom of expression, and innovation. Building a sustainable wardrobe requires sustainable shopping practices. Buying wardrobe mainstay items can reduce the need to replace items every year or few months. Instead, these items will stay with the wearer for decades to come.

Consumers can create a capsule wardrobe, which is a pared-down collection of items with a focus on maximizing the number of outfit combinations possible. All garments, jewelry and a wide range of complementary accessories should be able to match and provide an appropriate representation of a person’s style and personality.

When the capsule wardrobe is complete, maintaining the quality of these pieces is crucial and simple to do. Jewelry should be polished periodically, clothing should be selected with an eye toward durability and versatility.

William Henry

William Henry is the anti-commodity brand that seeks to delight, surprise, and thrill those who dare welcome legacy and luxury instead of the rampant uninspired and spiritless trends. From our stylish jewelry to our writing instruments and pocket knives, we go against the prototypical grain of mass-production in favor of uniqueness, craftsmanship, and utility. Our artisans spend countless hours crafting mainstay pieces that can be passed on for generations.

Shop our pocket knives, writing instruments, money clips, cuff links, jewelry, and accessories for a deep dive into classic and contemporary designs. Each piece is handcrafted to perfection so that no two pieces are ever the same. Our penchant for sourcing prehistoric fossils, exotic woods, meteoric rock, precious gemstones, and more make our pieces last for the long haul. Our master artisans imbue their personal mark into pieces that keep your entire look together.

Embracing classic and original designs mixed with modern flairs can help consumers feel more confident and maintain a consistent look for years to come. As the fashion industry continues to develop and refine, consumers must perform their due diligence and consume responsibly. Regaining control of our purchasing decisions empowers us to extend that confidence and self-expression throughout our lives.

Jewelry making is a time-honored tradition that extends back millennia when ancient cultures would use organic materials to make religious and ornamental jewelry. Found materials such as bone, shells, and wood were sculpted and carved into spiritual and mythological shapes and figures, sometimes to ward off evil spirits.

Modern-day jewelry artists utilize more than just ordinary material to create remarkable pieces. Durable metal alloys and extremely rare fossil bones or teeth can be arduously and meticulously sculpted into striking pieces. These require special tools and hundreds of hours of precise and exacting handiwork. The final product evokes refinement and magic as ancient tradition dictates.

Inspired Designs

Before artisans sit down to perform their arduous tasks of shaping and sculpting precious materials, they must first draw from their inspiration to create stunning designs. Jewelry makers may develop a beautiful design on a piece of paper as a guide or directly on a metal surface, then lightly shape their material with a sharp point and work from there to create luxury jewelry for the modern man or woman.

Fossil Bone

Fossil bone allows jewelry wearers to connect with the past and look toward the future with a sustainable piece that can be passed down from generation to generation. Ancient jewelry makers would use a simple sharp edge of a stone to cut and hard rock to grind symbols into the jewelry.

Contemporary luxury jewelry made from fossil material showcases a dynamic contrast of up-to-date technology and rare exotic fossil material, the last legacy of legendary creatures that walked the earth at the dawn of mankind. Through it all, the intention and precision remain the same; a focus on sustainability and originality is crucial to making fossils a work of art.

Metal Engraving

Metal hand engraving is only undertaken by artisans with years of experience with this unique art practice. Engraving can be performed on soft metals such as gold or more durable metals such as titanium. Master engravers can take numerous metal alloys and carve a complex and intricate design using pinpoint hand movements and sharp engraving tools instead of using the impersonal laser engraving machines.

Metal jewelry engraving has become more accessible to artists not just to create family crests or coats of arms. Sharp engraving tools are hand pushed into metals to achieve the perfect cut and carving. Each piece will be a one-of-a-kind jewelry sign hand-engraving produces unique features that can’t be reproduced. In addition to creating remarkable images on metal, master engravers may incorporate gemstones and other inlays into their striking creations.

Metal engraving by hand takes a considerable amount of time compared to using a high-powered laser beam, especially if the material is rare and hard. Metal engravers require multiple rotary engraving tools to produce lines of different sizes. Additionally, engravers must also be careful to not damage precious metals during the painstaking process. The careful attention to detail produces a piece that will last a lifetime.

The Art of Working with Exotic Materials

Jewelry artisans are often adept at working with traditional metals, but sometimes, jewelers search far and wide for the next big material. New and exotic materials are more difficult to work with due to their rarity and untested production methods. For example, working with a hundred-million-year-old dinosaur bone requires sourcing the material first, which is an often overlooked aspect of the carving process.

Acquiring exotic materials is only one part of the equation. Over time, fossil dinosaur bone develops a petrified stone quality making it very hard to work with. Every aspect, from cutting the petrified bone to polishing it, poses new challenges for a craftsman who’s never worked with the material. The end result, when done well, produces a statement piece that brings new life into the wearer’s wardrobe.

Jewelry techniques and designs have changed over time. Ancient civilizations created jewelry to honor the gods and the wealthy. Today, jewelry made from precious material is accessible to the everyday wearer. Although they may not be fully aware of the time and effort that went into crafting a perfectly carved jewelry piece, the details speak for themselves.

Jewelry carving is a dying art form that only a refined class of artisans undertake. When laser engraving and software are easy to come by, the need for hand engravers is gone. Instead of relying on pre-made designs, consumers can opt for jewelry made with a human touch and premium and exotic materials. Jewelry sculpted from unique materials such as dinosaur fossils and precious metals can express originality and sophistication with small, but impactful details.

The classic pocket knife can be an indispensable, stylish, and multi-functional tool for any person. As modern industrialization and urban landscapes have taken over, the need for these versatile blades has waned, but their significance remains. For utility buffs, a durable pocket knife is an essential component for daily living. Whether you are a hunter, fisherman, musician, or corporate CEO, a pocket knife tends to a human’s innate need for security, autonomy, control, and competence.

Early Iron Age Innovation

The oldest-known pocket knife first appeared between approximately 500-600 BC in Hallstatt, Austria, a wealthy Celtic salt mining village. The “jackknife’s” simple, but functional form consisted of a single iron blade and an antler bone handle. During the 1st Century, Roman Empire soldiers carried “friction folders,” which had no locks or springs, but instead used friction to remain closed. The Romans also created one of the first multi-functional Swiss Army-style knives.

It wasn’t until the 1600s that the handy pocket knife became widely available and affordable for a majority of people. The city of Sheffield in England developed a legendary metalwork industry throughout the Middle Ages to create pocket knives for the common farmer or laborer. In 1660, the slip joint knife was created featuring an innovative back spring to keep them open. Variations of the slip-joint knife include the peanut, sodbuster, camper, canoe, sunfish, and whittler knife.

Since then, multiple variations on the pocket knife’s shape and material have elevated knifemaking into an art form. During the 18th and 19th centuries, enduring knives like the butterfly knife, switchblade, and Swiss Army knife were created. Today’s resilient luxury pocket knives harken back to early Iron Age designs with artisan-crafted metal blades and handles or an assortment of other durable and organic materials.

Intuitive and Functional

Like seeing light for the first time, owning a pocket knife opens up a world of possibilities and fosters a sense of revival. From the razor-sharp blade to the ergonomic handle, pocket knives are built to be an extension of oneself. A tool that has earned its reputation as a weapon, is slowly returning to its workman roots. Whether they are simple utility or ornate folders, pocket knives can offer enormous use with everyday tasks and rare occasions that require preparation and skilled use.

Folders combine utility and craftsmanship to provide the modern adventurer with an impressive range of abilities. As an everyday carry, pocket knife owners learn soon just how many possible uses there are for the compact and sleek pocket knife. Here are just a few ways a pocket knife can be used.

• Complement your style with an ornate folder that offers maximum flexibility and utility.
• Open your personal or business packages and letters with a sleek and practical pocket knife. Quality pocket knives are able to easily cut through the cardboard to avoid getting tape residue on the blade.
• For those that prefer simple down-home living, a pocket knife is great for slicing fruit from the comfort of your porch or under a giant tree while on a hike.
• During dire times, a pocket knife can provide you with relief by removing splinters or thorns, as long as you sterilize your blade first.
• Keep your favorite ensemble looking flawless by cutting loose threads with a sharp pocket knife.
• Bring your pocket knife on your camping trips to cut rope and wood or open cans and bottles.
• If you will be fishing on your outdoor adventure, a pocket knife helps you cut line to remove hooks.
• A pocket knife gives you a sense of security and protection during dangerous situations.

Form and Aesthetics

Pocket knives have a seemingly endless amount of uses. They can quickly become a vital component of your daily life and style choices. Choosing the right knife requires you to reflect on your personal style and choose the one that best captures your essence. Besides their design and function, pocket knives must feel good and lightweight in your hand for daily carrying. A smooth, polished, and distinctive knife can instill confidence and pride into any person.

A blade and handle’s material can include a variety of hand-forged metal alloys and organic materials such as wood, bone, or gemstones. Beyond the accessible tactical military pocket or common Swiss Army knives exist a category of high-end pocket knives that provide more than just impeccable form and function, but a splash of artistry and blend of exotic and durable materials.

Legacy Masterpieces

Owning a pocket knife can be an investment and serve as a family heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation. In your lifetime, carrying a pocket knife can offer utility and style in a crafted work of art. Embrace the legacy of pocket knives carried by hunters, soldiers, farmers, miners, and other rugged individuals. As an extension of yourself, luxury and legacy pocket knives require long-term care and consideration to remain in pristine condition.

While pocket knives offer impressive utility and inventiveness, they don’t require a wild adventure to be useful. Their function extends beyond self-defense or other practical uses. Pocket knives can reflect your personal style. Embrace your sense of style and appreciation in craftsmanship with our pocket knives made from exotic and sustainably-sourced materials. Our pocket knives pay homage to an enduring tradition and push the limits of what a pocket knife can be.

For millennia, humans walked among prehistoric woolly mammoths in their grassland homelands. These majestic and gargantuan creatures inspired fear, curiosity, and reverence in intrepid hunters and gatherers who bore witness to these massive animals. Ancient depictions of woolly mammoths on etched bone and caves paintings ages ago highlight humanity's innate need for expression, individuality, and creativity.

Woolly mammoths, especially, became an invaluable resource for sustenance and survival in early human life. Today, these extinct beings continue to foster artistry and imagination with the tusks and bones uncovered from its frozen graveyard. Our collection of luxury pocket knives feature responsibly sourced and exotic materials from all around the world, including prehistoric bone. Prehistoric mammoth bone is an evocative material that instills a deep veneration.

Behind the Myth of the Mammoth

Paleontologists and avid prehistoric bone trackers traverse harsh landscapes with howling blizzards and a limited food supply for the slim possibility of digging up prehistoric mammoth tusks and bones from the Siberian and Alaska permafrost. Modern prehistoric bone hunters can withstand bitter temperatures and painstaking labor all to find out more about our ancient brethren.

The colossal woolly mammoth is a close relative to the modern Asian elephant species. Woolly mammoths' lineage dates back almost 7 million years to predecessors who lived in the much warmer climes of Africa. Gradually and over millions of years later, the woolly mammoth's ancestors migrated to Southern Europe and eventually entered the icy terrains of Siberia.

Early mammoths migrated to North America about 1 million years ago. A genetic adaptation developed in the woolly mammoths in Yukon and Alaska around 300,000 years ago that helped their blood release oxygen, even at freezing temperatures. The last woolly mammoths went extinct about 10,000 years ago with a few last hordes surviving up to 3,000 years ago in isolated islands. Scientists believe that climate change drastically destroyed the mammoth's habitat and food supply leading up to their extinction.

Living with Mammoths

We know that Neanderthals and modern humans coexisted with woolly mammoths during the Middle and Upper Paleolithic period due to the many ancient representations of them as figurative art and paintings. Even the earliest examples of figurative art in the world feature ivory sculptures of this noble creature. For over 30,000 years the mammoth has been a symbolic figure of our coexistence.

Woolly mammoths resembled modern-day Asian elephants in many ways, except that these ancient creatures were covered in thick, brown hair, an evolutionary necessity that developed for them to survive the Arctic's frozen tundras. Their ears were small and covered with fur to prevent frostbite. Their most impressive feature was their big, curved tusks used for foraging on steppe grasslands, breaking ice for drinking, fighting, and other vital functions.

At about 13 feet high and weighing about 6 tons, woolly mammoths commanded a sublime presence. Mammoths gathered and lived near riverbanks and streams, and would coexist with early humans who built their homes near their stomping grounds. Our ancestors would use woolly mammoths for their meat, skin, bones, and other materials. These organic elements became a foundation for early tools and homes.

Home and Hearth

During the Upper Paleolithic period, hunter-gatherers would use every part of woolly mammoths to survive. Woolly mammoth bones were used to make tools and fuel for fire on the steppe plain. In Central Europe, some communities would use these bones as building materials to make homes, known today as mammoth bone dwellings.

Mammoth bone dwellings often were formed in a round or oval structure. Their walls were made of stacked mammoth bones tied together and implanted firmly in the ground. Inside each mammoth bone dwelling, there would be a central hearth or multiple hearths scattered around full of animal and mammoth bones. Communities would often have a single or various dwellings present at the same time.

Mammoth bone huts were typically found near old river terraces within deep and narrow gorges. Our ancestors would strategically set up camp between the steep plain and the river where animal herds would migrate. During the long treks for food and water, mammoths would provide many of the necessary materials needed for humans to survive these unforgiving times.

Materials of Expression

Contemporary artisans bring the woolly mammoth back to life from the Arctic plains and onto our personal effects. Bone craftsmanship endures as a rare, but expressive form of art, especially when using primordial materials. Bones that once supported these towering and indispensable creatures are now imbued in tools for everyday use.

From ancient architectural elements and tools for warfare to modern-day accessories, woolly mammoth bones provide artisans with a storied and dense material to work with. At William Henry, we work tirelessly to bring contemporary huntsmen the dark brown woolly mammoth bones to our exemplary pocket knife. The bone features a wood-grain-like pattern that evokes warmth and an undying legacy.

Our craftsmen polish and process ancient remnants such as fossil mammoth's teeth or bone. Precise handiwork and years of experience working with exotic materials allow us to inlay smooth and sleek fossil mammoth scales into the frames of some of our most exclusive pocket knives. Paired with mesmerizing hand-forged metals and a gemstone button lock, each pocket knife evokes superior craftsmanship and utility.

Our collection of luxury pocket knives exudes a classic elegance that speaks for itself. Exotic and rare materials only add to the mystery and allure of every one of our functional works of art. These unique and remarkable tools are only made possible by the wonderful and inspiring organic elements around us and beneath us. We pay homage to our ancestors' history and perseverance with these beautiful, handcrafted and ancient materials.

From functional and life-sustaining tools to emblems of strength and style, handcrafted knives have become the quintessential instrument for the modern-day warrior. Behind a luxury knife’s razor-sharp utility and flawless aesthetic lies an enduring tradition of hand-engravers, silversmiths, and other highly-skilled artisans keeping the craft alive. 

The advent of laser and machine engraving increased access to these sharp cutting devices but dwindled the need for imaginative artistry and decades of experience offered by knife makers. William Henry is on a mission to restore the purity of knives as an art form, as well as delight and inspire with exotic and sustainably-sourced materials that tell a captivating story.

High-quality metal alloys and gemstones are only as good as the craftsman who molds and shapes them into an exemplar of ingenuity and technical prowess. We utilize ancient techniques to harken back to a simpler time and create inventive and daring designs on our handcrafted knife blades and handles. Explore more of the long-established knife-making techniques that we employ at our studios below.

Fine Hand-Engraving

Fine hand-engraving is a time-honored craft that requires multiple years of experience and refinement. Old-world engravers didn’t have the luxury of computer-aided design or our contemporary engineering innovations. Aspiring apprentices had to seek mentorship and spend years honing various engraving techniques. The slow and arduous process of learning the trade was eased with newer tools and processes.

Hand-engravers use a basic technique called “push graving,” in which an engraver uses a hardened and sharpened steel tool called a graver to push through the metal’s surface. Simple, but refined hand engraving requires an adept mastery of motor control and pinpoint precision. Oftentimes, a small and lightweight hammer may be used to create deeper and more vivid details on the surface of a metal.

Gravers are strong and durable implements with sharpened edges at specific angles meant to create various cuts on metal. As a masterful engraver pushes the graver forward, curls of metal spew from the sharpened edge leaving behind a smooth groove. Artisans hold the graver in various angles throughout the cuts to create thick and thin gradations in the line. These gradations come together to paint a bold design.

William Henry carves all of their metals by hand with plain, but effective tools and techniques. Our first-rate silversmiths spend long hours in the studio crafting breathtaking and sleek carvings in hard materials such as sterling silver. On top of these artisan-crafted metals, we add a splash of precious stones and the finest gold available to add a luxurious and timeless touch.

Koftgari

Parkerization of steel is used to protect the surface from corrosion and improve its toughness. We use an ancient Indian technique called “koftgari” to inlay fine gold and silver designs into parkerized steel or iron surfaces. William Henry's koftgari comes from two small villages in India, home of the very few Indian artisans that still master this technique. These heated metals are pounded into a flat surface to create a distinct shape and carve grooves on it.

During the koftgari process, knife-makers must create a precise cross-hatch grid in the steel, which acts as a base for the fine gold or silver. After the cross-hatch grid has been created, fine gold or silver can be burnished into the pattern and be bound by the craftsman’s fine markings. After hammering and polishing the surface, the pattern is imbued as an enduring legacy.

This ancient decorative art technique was originally created by the Mughals in India to emblazon their weaponry. Today, it can mark our most indispensable tools. The term koftgari refers to the beating technique used to flatten the pattern onto the iron or steel. Koftgari techniques differ from region to region and artisan to artisan. Regardless of differences in techniques, knife makers can create stunning motifs displaying years of acquired skill.

Maki-E

At William Henry’s studio, we source all of our materials and techniques from the best artisans in the world. Our commitment to legacy and art led us to the discovery of Maki-e, an ancient Japanese technique used to decorate exquisite surfaces. The tried-and-true technique consists of sprinkling gold or silver powder onto a smooth lacquered surface using a fine brush.

This decorative technique was first used in the Heian Period (794-1185) and flourished thereafter. While this ancient practice was primarily used to decorate household wares, it quickly developed a reputation as a luxury and refined art form for the wealthy. Maki-e artists use a variety of metal powders to create different hues and textures on a smooth surface.

An expert Maki-e artisan must spend years, sometimes decades, learning the skills necessary to mix powders such as silver, copper, gold, platinum, or brass onto a blank canvas to create an idyllic or magical representation of life. After refining the technique, artisans can freely and proudly call themselves an exceptional Make-Shi (artist).

The magic of Maki-e art lies in the Urushi lacquer derived from the sap from the native Japanese Urushi tree. This Southeast Asian sap is often collected by hand from over 600 different Urushi species. Then, the sap is painstakingly processed to create the Maki-e lacquer we all know and love. This adhesive base keeps the entire design in place.

Maki-e’s technique requires craftsmen to use fine brushes to create multiple layers of lacquer, artwork, and inlaid metal flecks. This time-intensive project showcases an unrivaled ingenuity for using various materials in the most precise manner when we apply the technique to our luxury knives. The combination of these techniques produces the mesmerizing and refined William Henry knives available in various styles and designs.

William Henry's artists take decades to perfect their hand engraving, koftgari, and maki-e techniques to craft dazzling and fresh designs over our blades and handles. Every inch of a William Henry knife features unique and handcrafted details that are a testament of our materials’ resilience and our penchant for groundbreaking artistry. Knifemakers are continually developing their unique artistic style to connect the user with the knife and its remarkable origins.