Dave Saunders founded Silver Fox Tools in 2019 when he decided he wanted his own mini EDC pocket axe and couldn’t find one he really liked. So he invented the Jack Axe and the rest, as they say, is history…
Why do you want to reinvent and rejuvenate old design language?
When we hold something in our hands that feels so well made, we can’t ever imagine throwing it away. It becomes a legacy. This is the spirit old time tools have and this is the same spirit I want at Silver Fox Tools. We make EDC tools that wouldn’t look out of place in your grandads tool box. Just like those tools, I want Silver Fox Tools to be used and abused. We have designed them with quality materials like brass and premium Italian leather that will improve with time and develop amazing patina. We love that vintage aesthetic along with the simple, rugged and reliable nature of those old time tools that were built to last. They didn't have to look good but they made them that way anyway because they had a pride in their work and that is very much our driving force here too.
Why do you like making EDC tools?
Being a maker and an EDC collector, I want to combine these two passions and design tools that are made for the EDC community. I love the idea of using traditional materials such as brass, copper, leather and steel, or using classic designs with modern everyday carry metals such as Titanium.
Where does your EDC design inspiration come from?
Pioneer toolmakers of the past. Whether it’s old blacksmithing or antique military tools. I often look though vintage tool magazines or scan eBay for obscure bits of brass for inspiration. My buddy and colleague Marcus loves rusty old tat and weird objects, and there’s nothing we love more than a rummage at the salvage yard looking for vintage everyday carry and pre-loved EDC pocket tools.
What was the biggest mistake or EDC product that didn't quite make it?
Most of our everyday carry tools have a few failed prototype attempts but one that never got off the ground was in the early days. I designed a beard comb! I cringe just thinking about it. I had the idea to make a beard comb in the shape of an axe. After we cut it out of steel on the CNC plasma it was more like a potential face bloodbath comb than a grooming dream.
How do you come up with the product names?
It's quite mixed but I usually use inspiration from history, the military, the local environment, or friends and family. For example the Crichton coin is named after my grandfather who ran a stationery company back in the 60’s. The new range of EDC slip-joint pocket knives like the Wyvis are named after the mountains that surround our workshop here in the Highlands of Scotland. Nature can inspire and spark conversation and we wanted to represent that in our everyday carry range of leather and tools.