Manufactum

Manufactum was founded in 1988 by a high profile Green Party politician as a counterpoint to cheap mass production, and quickly developed a cultish following with its ironic catalogue and impeccable product selection. It continues this same tradition today with a particularly German focus on high production quality, classic designs and sustainable material. There are eight Manufactum stores in Germany, with an online shop popular across Western Europe and the US. The product line is extensive, selling rugged tools like Sweden’s Gränsfors axes, rare-breed canned meats, Scottish knitwear made of yak wool and traditional Frisian ice skates. Everything is selected for durability – their work boots are the kind that’ll last a lifetime with proper care, and the prices do reflect this. They also have a splendid line of products sourced from monasteries across Europe, including mustards made by Czech Trappists, fragrant soaps from French Benedictines and historic Damascus steel forged at the Königsmünster Abbey.