Noticing that all the men’s rags talked about the same old things every month — six pack abs, $2,000 watches, and hot babes — Brett McKay set out to start a new kind of magazine for men. The result was The Art of Manliness. Founded in 2008, the magazine’s mission is to help men become better husbands, fathers, brothers, friends, citizens, and just all around better men. Brett lives in Tulsa, OK with his wife, Kate McKay, where they collaborate on the blog.
One of my favorite memories from childhood was visiting my grandpa’s ranch out in New Mexico. His house was a treasure trove of manly ephemera and accoutrements. Handmade Navajo blankets, old pocket knives, unique pieces of cowboy art and the manly smells of coffee and pinon wood filled his world. I think that’s where my affection for unique, well-crafted goods came from.
The sad thing is, they just don’t make stuff like that anymore — at least on a mass scale. That’s why I dig Etsy so much. It’s nice to find a marketplace of craftsmen and designers who have a respect for tradition and quality. Below I’ve culled together a list of manly things from Etsy that remind me of that old ranch in Bosque Farms, NM. Maybe they will bring back memories of your granddad’s house, too.
My cousins and I played many a football game on Thanksgiving Day at Grandpa’s house. I wish we had one of these handsome, handmade leather footballs by LemonBall.
Every man should carry a pocketknife; you never know when you’re going to need to slice open a box, cut some fishing line, or simply eat an apple like a badass. This pocket knife is especially manly, as Linda Layden has etched upon it a ship in full sail. Looks like something I’d find in Grandpa’s old desk.
Grandpa didn’t use one of those fancy quadruple bladed razors pitched to the modern man. He used a simple safety razor. This vintage kit from sumaline is perfect for the guy who’s ready to rediscover the manly tradition of wet shaving.
Grandpa wasn’t much of a drinker, but when he did imbibe, he didn’t go for some frou-frou apple martini. This whiskey scented shave jelly by the Portland General Store offers a great shave and the chance for you to smell like your favorite spirits.
Grandpa always carried a hanky in his back pocket. He used it in a myriad of ways. Wiping his brow after feeding the horses, cleaning grease off his hands after working on the tractor, and of course blowing his nose. These handkerchiefs by banoo give you all the function of a traditional hanky, but with an extra colorful and manly design.
My cousins and I loved exploring Grandpa’s study. It was full of old books, mementos from World War II, and random knickknacks. It wouldn’t surprise me if he had something like this hollow book flask safe by Secret Safe Books nestled away in his massive library for those nights when he was up late reading and writing.
One thing Grandpa was a master at was taking old stuff and re-purposing it for another use. He lived by the motto, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” These distinguished and manly Post Office Box Door Banks by Boxnmor are a fantastic example of Grandpa’s thrifty philosophy in action.
Grandpa didn’t have a mustache, but maybe yours did, and maybe he used mustache wax. All-Nighter Coffee and Pipe Tobacco Moustache Wax by Man’s Face Stuff lets you form that perfect old-school Rollie Fingers mustache while infusing your soup strainer with the manly smell of coffee and pipe tobacco.
Grandpa understood the importance of a well-shined shoe. This vintage wooden shoe shine box with accessories from Timbertoys looks exactly like the shoeshine box Grandpa had sitting on his back porch.
During the winters, my Grandpa warmed his den with pinion wood in a cast iron fireplace, and he’d have to split the wood so it would fit. This handcrafted Viking Woodworking Axe from Old School Tools looks like it would have gotten the job done (and in style!).
I love the smell of leather. I also appreciate a craftsman who can take a piece and use it as a canvas to make beautiful pieces of art. This hand-tooled billfold by Arkansas Leather reminds me of the many leather goods Grandpa had lying around his house.
Etsy Dudes is our latest weekly email and it’s launching later this month. We’ll be featuring clothes, gadgets and gear just for guys. Get on the list now!
146 comments
Sign in to add your ownTwinkleStarCrafts says:
Great 'manly' items! Thank you.
2 years ago
SewMuchMoreDecor says:
Wow so manly! I love the pocket knife :) So many great gift ideas here to remember!
2 years ago
EstateBum says:
man stuff great picks
2 years ago
HappyHuismus says:
Cool! Love the pocket knife!
2 years ago
lithiascreations says:
Im a girl..and you made me look! Good job! Now, all I want to do is go to YouTube and find the Dos Equis guy ;)
2 years ago
chinadoodle says:
Lets hear it for Men's Stuff.
2 years ago
HoldTheWire says:
Great picks! I love vintage (or vintage style) men's stuff! That looks like a beautifully made football.
2 years ago
smeastman says:
Fantastic! I can almost smell my dad's Old Spice and Brylcreem right now. Thank you for a great feature.
2 years ago
KMalinka says:
Wonderful picks!
2 years ago
whitehaus says:
the book safe is hilarious. love it!
2 years ago
lynntodddesigns says:
Mantastic!
2 years ago
sewnewthings says:
Great ideas for the guys!
2 years ago
withremote says:
these are amazing, the ax is my favorite!
2 years ago
BusyBeadLady says:
My memory of grandpa is of a cup of shaving cream with the bristle brush in it. His face was smooth, but his moustache tickled when he kissed me!
2 years ago
BlueSky10 says:
Very cool
2 years ago
blueridgewoodworking says:
What a great Collection....you are the MAN! Love the story, your right there is alot things that are not made the same anymore. Great Job!!!
2 years ago
CandacesCloset says:
Manly, yes. But I like it too.
2 years ago
bhangtiez says:
Cool collection...great idea!
2 years ago
leighmade says:
i love that whiskey old fashioned shave label.
2 years ago
fleuriste says:
How neat! Just sent hubby the magazine link. He LOVES stuff like this and he does carry around a fancy pocket knife :)
2 years ago
anotherghostquilts says:
Man oh man! Nice article.
2 years ago
vitamini says:
Even us chicks like eating apples like badasses. :) Cool finds!
2 years ago
candacejean says:
Nice and rustic. The idea behind "The Art of Manliness" makes me swoon. Thank you SO much for pulling together something manly that isn't junky!
2 years ago
darksquirrel says:
This is a great article!!!
2 years ago
expressyourself says:
COOL!
2 years ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
Manly YES!!! But I like it too!!! In fact, I love it!!! the collective treasury and the individual pieces of art!!!
2 years ago
deepfried says:
haha The Art of Manliness eh? love it That pocketknife is AMAZING
2 years ago
WeeBindery says:
A toast to Men! This is a great reminder of all of the wonderful goodies on Etsy for Men (and boys)!!
2 years ago
ImagineStudio says:
Love it all.
2 years ago
Mclovebuddy says:
oh, heck yes... though i hope that hemingway book flask hideaway is not a first edition. :)
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Very nice selection!
2 years ago
TheRitzyMeow says:
Well done, ~deepens voice~ manly indeed :p
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
What a great article! I'm sure all the men appreciate it and us ladies can find some nice gifts for them here. :)
2 years ago
sintwister says:
Really cool items! I found five things i should get for my husband!
2 years ago
TheSteelFork says:
wonderful! great collection- love the tribute to Grandpa
2 years ago
TheSteelFork says:
great collection- love the tribute to grandpa!
2 years ago
VerbenaCouture says:
Thank you soooo much for this post!!!!!!.....now i know what to get my husband, my father in law, may dad..... soo many great gift ideas... and this helps cause i do not always know what they need or want! :)
2 years ago
GalleonGal says:
fascinating man treasure store and beautiful memories I have my grandfather and dads items thanks
2 years ago
janellehaskin says:
Its so hard to find nice gifts for men! Great job! :)
2 years ago
sweetjane says:
Great collection...does bring back a sense of nastalgia and I notice a hole in my heart for my Dad, who passed away 18 years ago...well done Brett!
2 years ago
urbanheirlooms says:
I love your mission and story! This drums up fond memories of my own granddad. I never saw him eat an apple like a badass (!) but I do remember his acoustic guitar, swordfish taxidermy, and his pockets full of loose silver change. :)
2 years ago
beliz82 says:
Great story and great listings !!! Remind me my grandpa missed him soo much Every morning he wears his tie , shirt , pants and then shaves put on his perfume and appears in front of the grandmother like that !!!
2 years ago
colinduncan says:
Well done, Man.
2 years ago
ZhongFuJewelryDesign says:
I so want to get this mag for my brother!
2 years ago
KnitXcorE says:
so good!
2 years ago
TheWishingWardrobe says:
mmmm... the smell of tobacco, a 100 year old barn and a wooden bench painted green...
2 years ago
VintageMarketPlace says:
it is so great to feature mens stuff, it is so hard to find good vintage mens pieces. Yes the industrial look is super hot but finding other things that just scream manly rare.
2 years ago
tigersanddragons says:
Wonderful! Brings back childhood memories of my own grandfather.
2 years ago
ekra says:
Your grandpa sounds rad! I can almost smell the leather and whiskey.
2 years ago
senioritis says:
Great collection, that's one serious looking shaving kit. Excellent early rising tips over on AoM as well!
2 years ago
BlueRoseRetro says:
Manly yes... but I like it too! (if you remember that from the old Irish Spring comercial then you are vintage, like me. lol)
2 years ago
rarebeasts says:
Cool stuff, I love the axe.
2 years ago
ionesAttic says:
here's a wonderful ode to grandpa treasury curated by bailybellecreations: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c87c472f68f8eef79155d18/an-ode-to-grandpa
2 years ago
akcArt says:
WooHoo! Let's hear it for the boys! Brett, so impressed with the mission of your magazine! Finally, someone who recognizes really what is important! Keep up the great work, thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
i love seeing men going back to the classic aesthetic. so handsome!
2 years ago
cadreams says:
Very Cool-makes me think of my Grandfather-and my Dad! Wonderful collection-already gathering ideas for holiday/birthday gifts! Thanks!
2 years ago
MJSGems says:
Very nice! the knife and axe are super!
2 years ago
1AEON says:
there are some beautiful neat items featured above. my fav. is the deer wallet.
2 years ago
Petitecharm says:
Love the old leather football
2 years ago
ohbabydotcom says:
I don't want fop dammit! I'm a dapper dan man : )
2 years ago
SundustStudio says:
Great gift ideas, Love Love..
2 years ago
patriciabarden says:
manliness is something ye do not see anymore--particularly inthe movies--and songs--jesus--never, ever
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
Great picks for guys!
2 years ago
KingsDownRoad says:
My parents have that shoe shine box. Love it!!
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
My dad has that shoeshine box! Love your finds and your mission to bring back manliness!
2 years ago
AnnTig says:
Poket knife looks nice! Great finds.
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
This is so good! Pocket square in the back pocket is requisite. My better half eats apples like that, though without a bit of pretense. Love the tooled leather wallet & scrimshaw pocket knife.
2 years ago
LeapARTandVintage says:
Reminds me of my DadDad too. Sweet Nostalgia! Great article, hooray for Manliness!
2 years ago
tomatored says:
Manly yes, but I like it too!
2 years ago
stoneblisstudio says:
very nice article! I have a manly man myself and he shaves with a horsehair shave brush and uses mustache wax! I plan on checking out your magazine.
2 years ago
Asianexpressions says:
Nice choices!
2 years ago
kodashii88 says:
That mans face stuff is sure to make me manly ; )
2 years ago
funkomavintage says:
being kind, handy, loving and well-groomed is so manly! great choices!
2 years ago
PaintedHorse says:
Oh, what a great collection! Thanks for sharing...
2 years ago
SueJack says:
Love your Treasury! And it is high time that someone brought some appreciation and nostalgia to the world of men. I love to buy vintage vanity items for my husband. At first he thought it was crazy....then he saw the difference in the quality of an item made 60 years and the same type of item made today.....he was amazed....and totally sold. Now he anticipates what treasure I will uncover for him....and buying for him is fun! I'm from Drumright....small world, isn't it?? Sue
2 years ago
PonyAndPoppy says:
wow. what beautiful items. wait. did i just say beautiful? ahem. MANLY. {but also beautiful...i stand by that} actually my dad is a very old-school fella and i see him in every one of your finds. thanks for sharing...i'm off to investigate further...
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Great finds! I love this series.
2 years ago
joclothing says:
Great collection! I love the hand-tooled leather billfold.
2 years ago
onegearclothing says:
Men, men, men, men..... manly men!
2 years ago
laidbackladies says:
This was so great. Love the concept and all the beautiful things. I'm not a man but even I would like to have some of the stuff you have listed. Good job.
2 years ago
HeyChica says:
Great man stuff!
2 years ago
sparrowsalvage says:
This is one of the most fantastic posts I've ever seen! All these beautiful products, with a proper message- bring back manliness!! I've been deploring the lack of gentlemen, of proper MEN in our society for many years now, I am so chuffed to find the Art of Manliness magazine- I'm going to spend many hours reading all the articles and forcing my male acquaintances to follow suit. :D
2 years ago
JaneMichael says:
thumbs up.
2 years ago
ElizabethOHaraGlass says:
Good job on classic men's items. Don't forget to add all the stuff that contemporary men (not just grandpa's) enjoy, too. Just like women, men come in all shapes and sizes and like all kinds of things!
2 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Real stuff for real men. Yay for the scrimshaw pocket knife.
2 years ago
VintageVicky says:
I've always been interested in things like smoking jackets and portable bars men carried on train trips and shaving kits. Always wished I could find enough stuff to fill a niche. Might do that yet. I'm thinking of making a line of mens smoking jackets, robes and pajamas. All from vintage patterns of course. Wish me luck!!!
2 years ago
animadesign says:
Great article, full of memories!You can take a look at my manly APRONS too.
2 years ago
LeafandInk says:
Love this article! Great feature! LeafandInk.com
2 years ago
artangel says:
Some great gift ideas!
2 years ago
thoughtfulgoose says:
Excellent article. My boyfriend's birthday is coming up and he has a special love for all things Chicago Prohibition-era Gangster, so I'll be subscribing!
2 years ago
rolanddesigns says:
Love it...too bad the gentlemen'shaving kit is already sold...my husband would have loved it...
2 years ago
rozzie says:
lol labeled "man" stuff, must be for "man"
2 years ago
BlindTigerFlasks says:
Awesome collaboration of gift ideas!! Cheers!!
2 years ago
ikabags says:
Realy manly ! love all!
2 years ago
JaniceCordeiro says:
Etsy needs more "man stuff". Great picks.
2 years ago
artofjane says:
This stuff is great.
2 years ago
inthewineroom says:
good stuff!
2 years ago
MoonDanceTextiles says:
thank you for wanting to take a detour from 6-pak abs, hot babes, etc. towards more meaningful manly pursuits...I like all the guy stuff...they look like great gift items!
2 years ago
antiherostudio says:
Awesome picks. Remind me to reference this article again around Dad's birthday...
2 years ago
DalkullanJewelry says:
Mr. McKay, it's great that you have a magazine devoted to "to help men become better husbands, fathers, brothers, friends, citizens, and just all around better men". I truly enjoyed reading this article, and seeing the manly items. My dear husband has an ax very similar to the one depicted, it was handmade in Sweden, and he uses it to split kindling. Wishing you every success with your wonderful magazine.
2 years ago
debdeanart says:
Hi Brett..Enjoyed your piece....the items you chose areall "keepers"...like the men your mag is aimed at! And I was excited to see Linda Layden's pocket knife among your treasures...she's a talented, successful Maine artist who I have had the pleasure to meet. Much success to you! deb
2 years ago
nowonder says:
Great gift ideas for men!
2 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Yes. I love manly stuff and it's great to know you can get gifts for the man in your life on Etsy! :)
2 years ago
GemmaBeads says:
I agree with tomatored's statement.
2 years ago
knitandcurl says:
I can almost smell the leather and feel the dry, dusty wind blowing across my face. Thanks for a great article and awesome items.
2 years ago
knitandcurl says:
I can almost smell the leather and feel the dry, dusty wind blowing across my face. So many manly goods on etsy. Who knew?
2 years ago
VintageTreasureAngel says:
I really enjoyed reading this. Reminds me SO much of my grandfather and father. Perhaps my DH would enjoy your magazine. I wish you every success with these ventures, and also thank you for trying to make the world a better place.
2 years ago
EverybodyElse says:
Great post! I'm super psyched to buy some of these items for my brother.
2 years ago
CatherinetteRings says:
Cool Stuff !
2 years ago
RubySkeleton says:
Scrimshaw Pocket Knife with Ship- I would love to carry that in my pocket!
2 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
very cool!
2 years ago
Parachute425 says:
sniff sniff - I smell testosterone Great stuff!
2 years ago
HannahJQuiltPatterns says:
I know my husband would love these. That wooden stein, in particular, should go on his list.
2 years ago
Waterrose says:
what a great story and I'm passing the blog link along to several others.
2 years ago
MaMagasin says:
These are such lovely items! I can almost smell the leather!
2 years ago
CheersToJuly says:
Wonderful finds - love the manliness :)
2 years ago
MansFaceStuff says:
Thanks for including Man's Face Stuff. Always good to see other manly goods available as well!
2 years ago
thevintagethread says:
I like it! I like it!
2 years ago
LemonBall says:
Wouldn't ya know, there's lots of Manly Men's stuff on Etsy. Thanks Brett, I'm proud to be represented.
2 years ago
WarrioressRising says:
That Whiskey shave cream does bring back memories. My grandfather used to send me, all of six years old, back into the house to get his "medicine" prescribed by doctor Jack Daniels. It was never in the same place twice, and I was to put it in a brown paper bag and make sure grandma didn't see. I never made it past my grandmother.
2 years ago
typewriterboneyard says:
Love it!.. every single piece is amazing, and I hope to have in my "cabin" when I'm a 'gramps'. Great post Brett
2 years ago
portlandgeneralstore says:
I LOVE The Art of Manliness! Great picks, and thanks for including one of our goods!
2 years ago
julessabjewelry says:
Love all these items! Can't show 'em to my husband, he'll want everything! What great manly items.
2 years ago
madelinerenee says:
When men were men and girls were glad they were. Excellent stuff!
2 years ago
lindalayden says:
Great treasury, glad to be included among the wonderful items. Thank you for sending several customers my way.
2 years ago
doingitherself says:
I love the motto "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.â€
2 years ago
photosbyJanelle says:
I recently compiled a treasury, "Gifts for Guys" that has some of the same feel. Check it out, maybe if you dig these items you'll enjoy the treasury! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c874e1456b18eef8e3ea91e/gifts-for-guys?index=0 I enjoyed your article, and will definitely check out your blog, it sounds interesting! -Janelle
2 years ago
JunebugGems says:
Great article and selections! What a clever motto - love it! :)
2 years ago
sistermountain says:
Old School tools rocks my world, and my Mantown uses the mustache wax. Wooo!
2 years ago
WalterSilva says:
Nice!
2 years ago
QuercusSilver says:
"swoon" for the manly men!
2 years ago
cmadisonhale says:
Great article. Look forward to future posts.
2 years ago
cassedywooddesigns says:
Very nice Job,nice to see more things for us Men.I have a carving for that Cabin.Heck wish I had a Cabin. Ya OK Wish for the Lotto .Good Job Folks
2 years ago
michaelvanstudio says:
great stuff
2 years ago
londicreations says:
Does bring back great memories!! Thank you for this!
2 years ago
ribbonsundone says:
What a refreshing post--a very enjoyable read, which I will be certain to share with others.
2 years ago
BackyardBrand says:
Ay! Brings a hornpipe to mind... Best Regards, The Backyard Harmonica Teacher
2 years ago
wallpusher says:
Love it! Thanks for this post!
2 years ago
ArkansasLeather says:
Thanks a million for spotlighting my work.
2 years ago
rusticrevivals says:
Isn't that Hemingway in the flask photo? At first I thought it WAS your Grandfather! :)
2 years ago
casanovax2 says:
A very sharp article by Brett McKay,and a great selection of items and wares by fellow Etsian's, artists and craft persons! And yes, the world doesn't have enough of "better" husbands, fathers, role models...MEN! Very well done!!
2 years ago
ArtSnark says:
Fun finds! Loved this selection
2 years ago
Ebrown2503 says:
A refreshingly different post. I enjoyed the article and looking at all the items.
2 years ago
marysworkshop says:
These are all wonderful nostalgic finds! Great feature!
2 years ago
erindollar says:
love these manly finds! always good to see Man's Face Stuff, too, their moustache wax smells so gooooooood.
2 years ago
RusticLeatherCo says:
Ahhh, all great manly items! When you need to take your manly items with you, put them in a vintage Rustic Leather Briefcase or Satchel! All handmade with thick boot leather and a LIFETIME guarantee. http://www.etsy.com/listing/54490976/rustic-leather-distressed-rugged
2 years ago