Update (2/28 12:30pm): @DavidFell is our winner, thank you for entering our giveaway!
For as much as we love our new technology, we tend to either carry them in the cheapest possible option or the most expensive one we can find. There are thousands of plastic and synthetic material items that are available to serve this exact purpose. But more often than not, they have a short life and end up in the trash. What if the focus shifted from the latest accessories to purchasing one item that could protect your tools, digital or not, for your entire life?
Etwas is answering that question while creating on-the-go solutions for your gear. In a technology driven world where it’s often about the latest, for this Brooklyn-based company it’s all about staying power. Utilizing techniques from centuries ago, these bags are made in an electricity-free work environment designed with heirloom quality in mind.
We’ve got the full story on Etwas as well as a giveaway worth $380, head below for more.
What started as love for quality design and materials has grown into a way of life for Will Lisak. He was first exposed to this way of thinking during his childhood as he saw meticulously crafted goods being created each day by the Amish people he grew up around in Pennsylvania.
“Growing up, there are was a [leather] tannery down the road. At the time I didn’t realize that it was one of the best. Now I use them for my own products, having a relationship with them that was forged a long time ago.”
After attending design school, his style was shaped by exposure to diverse manufacturing methods. After studying illustration and design, Will set out with a vision to build a brand for everyone.
“I wanted to create something that everyone could relate to” Will says, “from traditional artisans to today’s digital artisans. Whether they are a freelancer, graphic designer, to the independent craftsperson, its for all of those kinds of people.”
Since 2010, Will has developed his line of goods with the intention of creating something that will be around for a long time. His techniques for manufacturing are particularly noteworthy, in a shop that requires no electricity. He’s cutting by hand and pounding out the holes, while carefully stitching the pieces together.
The bags themselves have a robust feel, like something you’d find your Grandpa’s tools in from decades ago. The seams are sewn together facing outward, creating a stiff, thick joint that makes the bag strong. It’s got a simplistic design while feeling rugged and polished.
I’ve spent some time with the Standard no. 2 bag and found it to be both well made and functional. It comfortably fit my MacBook Air and iPad, with room to spare. Unlike other bags that we’ve seen, the Etwas has one large open storage compartment. Instead of multiple pockets dictating what goes where, the no. 2 leaves it up to the user.
It’s got a handle and strap for carrying and patina latches that keep the bag shut. It is highlighted by copper rivets that aren’t just visual but serve to keep the bag together. With Etwas nothing is wasted and everything has a purpose.
As a company, Etwas provides an interesting decision to consumers: would you rather pay $200 for a bag with a 5-10 year lifespan if you’re lucky, or $500+ for something built to last a lifetime? These are designed to be heirloom quality pieces, in both form and fashion. In a world dominated by passing fads and disposable products, it’s refreshing to find a company with its eyes set on the past and the future at the same time.
We’ve partnered with Etwas this week to give away one of its Toolbag no. 2’s. The smaller of its two models, this bag would make a great home for art supplies, home or gardening tools or even a purse. It’s got quite a bit of possibility from a functional standpoint. Much like the bag that we used, it has buckles and thick straps highlight by copper rivets. Valued at $380, this bag comes with a lifetime warranty.
To enter this giveaway, follow @Electronicsforward on Twitter and retweet the article. If Facebook is more your thing, Like us and share this article with your friends. We’ll choose a winner next Saturday. Good luck!
Previous winners:
- Grado Headphones – @omar_cruz
- This is Ground – @chrismachian
- Myro:Air – @strikeux
- Grovemade – @morganrhc
- Jamstik MIDI guitar – @EGHSPrincipalRI
- PUC MIDI hub (x2) – @broni / @phillsea
- Owen & Fred – @kenjancef
- Carved – Multiple winners
- Waterfield Designs – @zrockstar
- Tinsel and Timber – Multiple winners
- Spool Dock – Multiple winners
- Tucker & Bloom – @codeyh
- DODOcase – multiple winners
- TM1985 – @darlamack
- JDS Labs – Adam Scheidegger
- Bison Made – multiple winners
- Paper by FiftyThree – @ericmarta75
- Schoolhouse Electric – @ASourAppleTree
- Janus Motorcycles – @magistermurray
- Woodchuck USA – multiple winners
- Cord Shoes –
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