Ontario Knives: Extraordinary Knives for Extraordinary People
:: Military Grade :: Simple Designs :: Durable :: Affordable ::
Simple, versatile and hardy, it’s not hard to see why Ontario Knife Company has been a staple to the U.S. Military, and every hot-blooded American since it’s establishment in 1889. Starting in upstate New York and (for the most part) staying there since has been a proud aspect of the company that we at US Groove look at with admiration.
As a personal knife collector and enthusiast, I must say OKC is not just another knife company to grace the shelves of a hardware store. These knives are military grade and some of the best hunting and survival knives on the market. I personally own KA-Bar and multiple Buck knives, however, after reading up on the Navy MK 3 I think I’m going to have to give OKC a call.
UPDATE: Be sure to double check the country of origin! We were just given a heads up that OKC has started to manufacture knives outside the country. We’ll definitely be adding them to the party pooper list!
Libman: Household and Professional Cleaning Products
:: Available everywhere :: Great reviews :: Huge selection :: Good prices ::
One quick search on Amazon yields a ridonkulous array of cleaning products from brushes for your dishes down to dustpans for your floor. For example, the cleaning brushes come in every combination possible of brush head size to handle length and handle angle, so chances are your cleaning style is covered.
We like that their collection includes optional head refills so that the plastic handles can be re-used. Products include dish sponges and brushes, brooms, mops, sweepers, spray-mops, buckets with wringers, lint brushes, dust pans, dusters, grill cleaners, toilet brushes, as well as tub and tile scrubbers for the amateur or professional.
http://www.libman.com/
Hundreds of Libman Products on Amazon
KA-BAR – Quality Military, Hunting and Utility Knives
:: An American legend :: Wide variety :: Strong and razor sharp ::
KA-BAR has been around since 1898 and acquired its name from a barely legible script from a hunter claiming his knife saved his life when his gun failed him and he used his knife as a last means to kill a wounded bear that was attacking him. In World War II, the USMC used KA-BAR as general issue and ever since they have been the go-to knife for military and for hunting, sporting, outdoor survival and all-purpose utility.
Owned by CUTCO Corporation, KA-BAR has an ever-expanding line of knives. Although not all knives are Made in USA, their website has a large scrolling page with all of their Made in USA product in one handy category.
Geier Glove Co: Leather Gloves Made in USA
:: Huge selection :: Good choice of materials and colors :: Reasonable prices ::
Since 1927, Geier Glove Company has been making fine leather gloves for men and women for all types of uses. Available in full and half-sizes, you just may find the perfect fit. Geier’s gloves and mittens are designed for work, dress, riding and driving. Made in USA!
Materials include deerskin, merino wool, elkskin, kangaroo, bison, and goatskin. Styles include bullrider gloves, gauntlets, roper gloves, driving and lined gloves. We’re taking a wild guess that the Kangaroo skin may be imported before production. According to user reviews, they are very well made, check them out!
Shapeways: 3D Printing Factory and Marketplace
:: Many materials :: Growing catalog :: Affordable :: Customization ::
The future really is here! Now 3D printing of real products is competitively priced against traditional mass production techniques! Products are often at the same price, if not less expensive than similar items found in stores. You may upload your own CAD files, or choose from a growing catalog of designs uploaded by 3D designers around the world. For each design, you may choose from a myriad of materials and colors at various price points based on material volume.
The Made in USA aspect could be debated, however we will argue that through growth, their new factory expansion is creating a lot of jobs here, as well as opportunities for budding jewelry and product designers. Originating in the Netherlands, the founders up and moved their headquarters and their lives to NYC – and after great success are currently building a 25,000 square foot “Factory of the Future”, which not only prints objects that may be impossible to cast, but creates a new production technique for the masses. A factory that replaces “mass manufacturing” with “mass customization”, and employs finishing artists to to give your products the final touches.
Shapeways currently offers printing in over 30 materials, including full color printing (think character statues), metals (stainless as well as sterling silver) and food-safe glazed ceramics! To get started, peruse their ever-expanding catalog of designs from their thriving international artist community, or design your own jewelry by using some of their simple online tools. Check out their huge catalog of unique iPhone accessories, jewelry, art, miniatures, gadgets and games.
Currently their printers and materials are sourced from the USA and from Europe, however from a pleasant phone call we discovered Shapeways are always striving to source locally as much as possible.
Superior Tool: Professional Plumbing Tools Made in USA
:: Huge selection :: Widely available :: Reasonable prices :: Most Made in USA ::
Superior Tool has dozens of plumbing tools for all applications, indoors and outdoors. Plumbing is their specialty and focus… and for over 60 years, they have amassed an unbelievable selection with replacement parts available, all offered at maximum value.
Products include pipe wrenches, pipe cutters, plumbers level, basin wrench, drain clog removers, drain wrench, gas shut-off wrench, PVC pipe cutters small and large, drum trap wrench, crimping tools, water supply shut off wrench, feedtube cutter, tightspot wrenches, mini tubing cutters, faucet handle puller, faucet reseater kits, adjustable wrenches, plumber’s saw, swaging tool, tube benders, heater element wrench, flaring tools, hub torque wrench, plumber exactor kit, heavy duty pipe vise, mini rubing cutter, tub and shower socket wrench, drip stopper kit, ratchet PVC cutters, tubing and piping, adapters and more. Lifetime warranty means they believe in their products.
Thanks to Will Kelly for introducing us to this company! Here’s a link to their homepage, careful for rogue imports (albeit not many):
http://www.superiortool.com/
Superior Products and Prices on Amazon
Commando Products: Professional Precision Tools
:: Patented aluminum handles :: Storage within :: Wide range :: Good prices ::
When trying to unscrew microscopic screws, the last thing you want is for the tiny Phillips head to scrape away with torque. Avoid the cheap tools and make the tiny investment in a good set from Commando Products. Just be sure to not “Go Commando” after you receive it in the mail! We discovered the precision screwdriver set with 8 blades, awl and punch… all stored within a beautiful anodized knurled handle, and all for a very reasonable price. The handles and most blades and bits are all Made in USA, however the file blades and tiny drill bits may be imported.
Commando tools use a lightweight hollow barrel for storage of tool blades. The chuck nut loosens for easy tool removal and replacement, and the parts are plated to prevent rust and corrosion. Products include chalk holders, mini files, mini ball peen hammers, soapstone markers, eyeglass screwdriver sets, mini wire sets, pocket pick-up tools, lubrication sets, diamond knife, carbide scriber, precision drill sets, tungsten rods, mini keychain screwdrivers, needle oilers and brushes, and last but not least, bullet casing screwdriver sets (made from spent 30-06 casings).
http://www.commandoproducts.com/
LoggerHead Tools: Award Winning Wrenches and Tools
:: Multiple awards :: Simple and effective tool family :: Reasonable prices ::
Sears gets our “Party Pooper Award” for dropping distribution of the Bionic Wrench, and creating a copy from an overseas manufacturer under the Craftsman name. Although this is not cool, one could consider this the ultimate in flattery as testament to the value of LoggerHead Tools. The patented adjustable wrench head wins multiple awards, from Popular Mechanics to a Red Dot Design Award, with many more… just visit their website to see. Made in USA!
Interestingly, actual user reviews are widely varied… some swear by it – saying it’s the best tool ever, and others say the concept is clever – but isn’t versatile for every use. Have a look and decide for yourself! Other tools in their collection include the Bit Dr., a great folding screwdriver with a flex handle for maximum torque (clever!), Bionic Wrench, Bionic Grip, and the Immix tool that has a bit of a Leatherman multi-function aspect.
Buy the original! It makes a great gift and also supports the small American business that is the innovator. We love that their stamp says “Made in the USA”.
http://loggerheadtools.com
Armstrong: Industrial Hand Tools at Reasonable Prices
:: Since 1890 :: Nearly 5000 items :: Reasonably priced :: 5 star reviews ::
Armstrong have always been, and always will be made in the USA, according to their website. This is great news, because Armstrong’s tools are designed for professionals and manufactured with uncompromising quality! Their focus is on Industrial and Military applications, so you know they are built to withstand extreme conditions.
Products include Master sets, socket and accessory sets, wrench sets, as well as individual mechanic’s tools, patented ratcheting tools, pipe and tubing tools, machine shop accessories, pry bars and hammers, piers and snips, and cutting tools.
Add to that the tool line of the Danaher Corporation (which purchased Armstrong in 1994), which includes Allen and K-D Hand Tools, Allen Hex Keys, Holo-Krome Fasteners, Jacobs Chucks, Matco Hand Tools, and JS Technology Torque Tools, and more.
Our feature image includes all the tools in one of their sets. Check the links below to smaller sets with special cases included. Judging by all the 5-star reviews on Amazon, they sound like a winner!
Armstrong Tool Sets on Amazon
All Armstrong Tools on Amazon
Estwing: The Worlds Greatest Hammers are Made in USA
:: 96% Made in USA :: Reshoring :: Huge selection :: Reasonable prices ::
Estwing has an unbelievable selection of hammers and pry bars for every application – including options with different handles. We have a classic curved claw hammer and it is ridiculously well-made and engineered.
Hammers include nail hammers with shock-reduction grips or with leather grips (beautiful!), axes, tomahawk axes, wood splitting tools and wedges (the best wedge available I hear), bricklayer or mason’s hammers, ball peen, tinner’s hammer, drilling hammers, lineman’s hammers, drywall hammer, roofing tools, carpenter’s hatchets, prybar and wrecking bars, gooseneck bars, many rock picks and chisels, deadblow hammers and sledge hammers, rubber mallets, and even international design hammers!
96% of their products are made in USA, except for the Handy Bar, Nail Pullers, and the “Sure Strike” series – which are imported. Good news is that the sheaths are in the process of being re-shored, back to US production. KUDOS! Customer service was totally accommodating in answering our questions about which products may be imported.
Almost every user review is 5-star, and the prices are very reasonable considering the jump in quality.
http://www.estwing.com/index.php
Hundreds of Estwing Tools on Amazon
Thanks again Paul for the great suggestion!