I'm back from New Mexico and glad to be in the saddle again here in the Catskills (above is my view from HQ). The maples are just about to bud, and we have a family of foxes (including two brand new kits) living in our front field. It's humming around HQ. And so before we dive into it all, I just wanted to get a few things on your radar.—PB-S
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The Gerstner 41D Is Shipping // Our first Gerstner 41D Founder's Edition cabinets are out the door and and on their way. And lest we forget, Father's Day is around the corner. If you'd like one in hand by then, get your order in soon (it's about an 8 week lead time now). Also, we made a short video showing the 41D in action here in the workshop.
Tenuguis Are Moving Fast // Since we launched them last week, our new Japanese Tenuguis are flying off the shelf. We plan to restock soon, but if you have your eye on one, I wouldn't wait.
The Horseshoe Crab Opener Returns // After a long hiatus, the Horseshoe Crab is finally back in stock. I know many of you have been patiently waiting for these fellas.
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A Little Spring Cleaning // We've been tidying up the site. The Archive has been updated for the first time since the relaunch. This is the most complete record of our product. While you're there, be sure to vote for the products you'd like us to bring back (we're tracking all your requests). And we also added a new Low Inventory section to our site, dedicated to items on their last run. If something's there, it likely won't be for long.
A Podcast // My friend Caroline Priebe interviewed me for her wonderful podcast about people trying to make durable, meaningful products. I talk about bringing Best Made back, some of the biggest challenges running this business, how we bring value to our customers, and I even dispense some advice to anyone crazy enough to try this at home.
New Product Development // We are in the throes of development on a new axe with our forge in Indiana, that should debut in May. And we're also working on an exciting new collaboration with a legendary chair maker, that should launch this summer. Fingers crossed.
Father's Day 2026 // We're putting the final polish on that lineup, with many new products landing in the coming weeks. All that will launch later in May. Some really exciting stuff is on the way so "be pop-timistic" and reserve a spot for Best Made on your list.
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Points of interest beyond Best Made:
Watch Duty // While I was out in New Mexico, I discovered this indispensable app that monitors wildland fires in real-time. I have alerts set for some of my favorite places. And because of the unprecedented drought in the West this past winter, this app will be even more indispensable.
op-ed by one of the Wirecutter contributors makes a compelling case for just that.
Rediscovering the Handcart // Low-tech Magazine commissioned a beautifully built, two-wheeled handcart and put it to all sorts of nifty uses, even as a solar powered mobile office. No gas, no battery, no insurance, no taxes. A case for slow, efficient, human-powered travel, has rarely been more persuasive.
Death of the Basic American Car // The engine on my Tacoma recently failed (a scored cylinder), so I had to purchase a new truck. And alas, I couldn't get the affordable, no-frills truck of my dreams. So I settled for a used F-150 (which I am warming up to). This NYT opinion piece lays out why I couldn't get the truck of my dreams, and why we don't have affordable new cars in this country. All the more reason to build yourself a good handcart.
The Right to Repair // It's been awhile since I've touched on the right to repair. John Deere, one of the biggest culprits in this ongoing battle, just lost a monumental landmark settlement case that will hopefully have far-reaching, beneficial impact. Hats off to the farmers who just want to fix their own tractors.
That's it from HQ. I hope your spring is off to a great start.
Stay sharp, and stay tuned for more.
Best,
PB-S
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