kaufmann mercantile

I've been quietly obsessing about Kaufmann Mercantile since before Christmas, when I ordered the everyday carry pry bar and the tube wringer intending to gift them over the holidays. But I'll let you in on a secret: I kept them for myself.

I've always wanted a little hardware store that sold only quality, well made, practical goods that would last forever. Kaufmann Mercantile is my dream shop! Every item is simple, thoughtful and useful from companies that have been doing it right for years. The Juniper Ridge soaps are all-natural and made with sustainable practices by "Northern Californians from their own great outdoors." Three Stars is a German company that has been making chalk since 1870 and 130 years later it's still a family business. The tube wringer is made in Oregon and it really does work. A quality investment (and my favorite new gadget)! Here are a few more of my favorites:

Heavy duty canvas tool bag: I'd use it for everything.

Steep Ravine soap by Juniper Ridge: Bay laurel, oak moss and redwood.

Duluth Pack Canvas Backpack in green (made with real "Midwestern leather"!)

Chalk made from natural calcium carbonate deposits from Champagne, France.

Solid beech wood shaving bowl (I'd keep little things in it instead).

Enamelware storage container set available in white, grey and red.

All-brass pen case by  Japanese stationery company Midori.

Solid brass numbered clips would make organizing that much more satisfying.