Dustin Case of Woodnsteel creates incredible everyday objects made of wood, leather, and of course, steel. Growing up "tinkering" in his dad's workshop whenever possible, it is no surprise he would grow up to start Woodnsteel, a company in which he hand crafts hatchets, knives, key fobs and combs. Read more below to find out how he got there.
What did you think you were gonna be when you grew up?
I don't know that I ever kept my mind set on any one thing (especially when I was a kid). I have always wanted to create. I think I wanted to be an engineer of sorts, so I guess I did live up to that in a sense.
How did you begin working with wood, leather, and steel?
I started working (tinkering) in my dad's shop at probably six years old. I would have him cut pieces and I would pound a hundred nails into a box shaped masterpiece! Haha. My dad does a lot of woodworking and that started everything. I made my first guitar in 7th grade. I made more over the years and started making my own tools. Knives, chisels, carving tools etc. The sharp tools needed a safe place to hide when not in use, so I learned how to make leather sheaths for everything. A few years later, I started making belts, watch straps, wallets & Woodnsteel was born!
What do you like most about working for yourself and developing new products?
The best part of working for myself is that I have the opportunity to create, design and make whatever I want. One of the toughest things in today's world is come up with innovative designs that haven't been done yet. My brain is always way ahead of me. I'll have something in my mind (maybe sketched in a notebook) for months before I even get to make a prototype. This is what I live for.
Where do you see your business going in the future?
I hope to expand to be known throughout the U.S. for making knives and leather wares, along with some simple every day wood products like cutting boards and kitchen utensils. Almost a one-stop-shop for a lot of things everybody will use daily.
Woodnsteel can be found at Stripe MEN.
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