Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The James Brand Knife Company Debuts Titanium Collection and We are True Fan Boys Now

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cue that David Guetta and Sia song, “Titanium.” Just kidding.

Recommended Videos

But The James Brand isn’t, especially when it comes to their new collection of titanium-scaled pocket knives. Taking three of their best pocket knife designs from their existing collection, The James Brand elevated them even further by cladding them in titanium-scale.

Titanium is both lighter and stronger than steel. According to the brand, the material also has a “finish that’s subtle yet solid in-hand, and it has incredible toughness, balanced with remarkable corrosion resistance.” Titanium also offers the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metallic element, making it the best metal for anything requiring little weight but extreme strength. Like maybe a pocket knife? Or three.

The James Brand first Materials Collection includes titanium versions of three fan-favorite models: the County, the Chapter, and the Elko. Check them all out below.

The County – $199
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When you hear the word pocket-knife, The County knife from The James Brand probably hits as close to the basic image without going fully Swiss. With a single 2.5-inch fold Sandvik 12C27 blade, a weight of less than 2 oz, and a 6al4v Titanium exterior scale, The County knife dares you to make it your pocket knife of choice. And with those stunning looks, how can you resist?

See It

The Chapter – $275
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The brand’s original titanium knife, The Chapter is a single-blade folding knife that fits into any indoor or outdoor lifestyle. A belt clip provides ease of access when out in the woods and the stainless steel blade (with options for a tradition or serrated edge) is corrosion-resistant and sharp as hell. You’ll have The Chapter long enough to pass down to your son (or grandson!).

See It

The Elko – $85
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Small, but mighty, The Elko from The James Brand sports a key ring, bottle opener, screwdriver, and pry tool, all in a key-chain suitable package. The knife’s sleek, minimalist body and Sandvik 12C27 blade are complemented perfectly by the new titanium metal jacket. Toss this in your bag and whip it out in front of your friends to inspire some serious jealousy.

See It

Want something super heavy duty and a bit bigger than a pocket knife? Take a look at this multi-tool.

Chase McPeak
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where…
Ulysse Nardin dazzles with blast sparkling rainbow high jewelry limited edition
Ulysse nardin's blast sparkling rainbow features mystery-set sapphires
Ulysse Nardin Sparkling Rainbow Liminited Edition

Ulysse Nardin transforms its avant-garde Blast collection into spectacular high jewelry territory with the Blast [Sparkling Rainbow], an eight-piece limited edition priced at CHF 451,700 that fuses haute horlogerie with gem-setting artistry. The timepiece showcases 211 rainbow-colored sapphires totaling 13.33 carats across the entire watch construction.
The original Blast collection, introduced in 2020, drew inspiration from stealth aircraft design to marry high function with unconventional aesthetics, establishing Ulysse Nardin's reputation as avant-garde icon. This high jewelry interpretation elevates that foundation through unprecedented gem-setting complexity while maintaining the collection's distinctive architectural language.
Central to the technical achievement sits the in-house UN-172 skeletonized movement featuring flying tourbillon, silicon escapement, and platinum micro-rotor visible at 12 o'clock. Operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour with 72-hour power reserve, the caliber demonstrates Ulysse Nardin's silicon innovation expertise dating to 2001's legendary Freak timepiece.
The 45mm white gold case receives invisible setting treatment across 211 individually selected sapphires cut into 85 unique shapes. This rainbow spectrum creates seamless gradient effect encircling the entire watch while employing "mystery setting" technique that allows light passage through gems, creating floating stone illusions without visible metal frameworks.
Gem-setting complexity extends beyond case architecture to encompass bezel, dial, crown, and clasp applications, ensuring complete chromatic coverage across every visible surface. The rainbow arrangement requires precise color matching and graduated placement to achieve the seamless transition effects that define the piece's visual impact.
Construction challenges multiply when combining high jewelry techniques with complex movement architecture. The skeletonized dial must accommodate both sapphire setting requirements and tourbillon visibility while maintaining structural integrity and shock resistance expected from luxury sports watches.
The integrated white rubber strap and deployant clasp receive matching sapphire applications, completing the rainbow aesthetic while ensuring practical wearability. Despite extensive gem setting, the watch maintains 50-meter water resistance, demonstrating successful integration of jewelry and timepiece functionality.
Limited production to eight pieces emphasizes exclusivity while highlighting the intensive handwork required for each example. The mystery setting technique demands exceptional gem-setting expertise, with each sapphire requiring individual cutting and placement to achieve the floating effect.
This release continues Ulysse Nardin's tradition of pushing horological boundaries through unconventional materials and techniques. The brand's silicon escapement innovations combine with high jewelry craftsmanship to create timepieces that challenge traditional luxury watch categories.
The CHF 451,700 pricing reflects both the extensive gemwork and limited availability, positioning the piece among the most exclusive offerings in Ulysse Nardin's contemporary catalog. Eight-piece production ensures immediate collector status while showcasing the manufacture's high jewelry capabilities.

Read more
Mexican sportswear brand Hermanos Koumori joins Adidas for a new collaboration
Adidas, Hermanos Koumori update the Ultraboost
green ultraboost 5 sneaker on concrete

Not only is Adidas known for their stylish in-house designs that transcend trends, but they’re a powerhouse for collaborations with brands. Not afraid of pushing the boundaries, the athletic brand is teaming with Mexican sportswear brand Hermanos Koumori for a new partnership with a nature-inspired version of the Ultraboost 5. An up-and-coming brand leading the athleisure world forward, Hermanos Koumori lent their design touch to a new collection inspired by Mexico’s Monte Alto Nature Reserve. This collection also marks the first time the Mexican brand dabbles in a footwear collection, making the perfect combination of freshness and Adidas’ history. With a shoe that can easily function on hikes or while running around the city, this collaboration marks the perfect option for those looking for a clean, sleek performance shoe. 

Hermanos Koumori x Adidas Ultraboost 5

Read more
Are boat shoes business casual? The truth about this seasonal shoe
Are boat shoes a business casual shoe?
tan and black sperry boat shoes

If you’ve ever had to search for a casual summertime shoe perfect for all types of events, you’ll know there’s very slim pickings. Besides an everyday sneaker, there are seldom options that add style with maximum traction and comfort for all your seaside adventures. Thankfully, the boat shoe was created to solve this exact problem. While designed to be the perfect shoe for setting sail, the boat shoe has transformed into a seasonal option that adds a sophisticated and preppy touch to your wardrobe. While the shoe has come a long way since its origins, there are still plenty of misconceptions about when and where it’s appropriate to wear boat shoes. 

Are boat shoes business casual appropriate? 

Read more