Derived from the French word for winter, the term “hivernant” was used in the 19th century to describe fur traders who’d spend the coldest months trapping and hunting in the wilderness. Basically, think of Leo in The Revenant. Then think of the weapons he needed to have.
A pair who have clearly also done some reflecting on that subject: Minnesotans Zak Fellman and Alyson Ogren, who started and named their company HVRNT after the historic fur trader title and they produce goods that, if used correctly, could probably be used to kill a bear like Leo did (sleep in it if you want, you do you).
Offering up customized knives, hatchets and axes, Fellman and Ogren burn and hand-draw illustrations onto their pieces, some of which are new, some of which are restored and some of which are non-restored and are meant to be used for display purposes only.
The illustrations on the pieces have been dreamed up by Fellman and Ogren, but they also offer customization upon request. With prices ranging from $43 to $280, HVRNT has a variety of rustic, woodsy wares including woodcut prints made from hickory trees.
“We don’t expect you to believe that we’ve spent a winter out in a canvas tent somewhere,” the designers say. “But we both have an affinity for quality goods, a love for the ridiculous and have trouble sitting on our butts for too long.”
Cheers to that.
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