Shopping a Community of Makers: Santa Fe Stoneworks

October 31, 2022

We at The Great Republic take pride in celebrating American craftsmanship and supporting the community of American makers, designers, artists, and creators represented in our shop.  From our leather makers to letterpress designers, jewelry crafters to cutlers, pen makers and horologists, by shopping with The Great Republic you are helping over 30 small businesses thrive. 

We love to promote the small businesses and creative experts that help make The Great Republic such a special place to shop. One such business is Santa Fe Stoneworks, who makes one-of-a-kind pocket knives and cutlery.

Founder Bill Wirtel started his craft in 1978 after leaving the business world, inspired by his grandfather who was a stone cutter in the early 1900s. Bill crafts his gorgeous knives alongside his wife, son, and daughter to this day– a true family business. Tucked away in the Rockies, in the shadows of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, their centuries-old adobe ranch house and studio is the birthplace of beautiful Damascus steel knives.

With care, they craft intricate knives that feature natural elements such as turquoise, gemstones, wood, and even fossilized mammoth tooth and dinosaur bones!

Born from Native American roots and their belief that "the gift of a knife symbolized an exchange of trust and respect," Santa Fe Stoneworks is dedicated to crafting high-quality pieces that are meant to last for years to come. These are designed to be used in everyday life, but will withstand generations of use. 

Shop our whole line of Santa Fe Stoneworks knives, letter openers, and wine keys here!

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