It sold out almost immediately upon release. Now, we’re taking a moment to delve into the story behind this beautiful and unexpected pairing - one that proved too compelling to linger for long.
The James Brand’s Barnes Solidwool is an ultra-rare, limited-edition take on their flagship integral titanium pocket knife, featuring handle inlays crafted from Solidwool. The result is a striking contrast: an organic, tactile material set against a precisely engineered, contemporary form.
Released as a strictly limited run of just 24 pieces, this highly technical knife sold out within days - capturing the imagination of those drawn to thoughtful design, material innovation, and the unexpected harmony between the two.
We speak with The James Brand’s Global Director of Product, Tobin Teichgraeber, to explore the thinking behind this innovative and unexpected pairing.
The Barnes Solidwool
How did you first hear about Solidwool?
"I first learned about Solidwool from the creative director at a design agency here in Portland, Oregon. Every year we explore unique materials with interesting stories, looking for something unexpected. When we stumbled upon Solidwool, it checked all the boxes—and we found a company that shares similar values."
What initially drew you to the material – its aesthetics, ethos, material story, or something else?
“We are always looking for new and unique materials that are compatible with CNC machining. I found the aesthetic of Solidwool brings a unique ‘softness’ to a rigid composite.
“The visual texture caught my attention initially, and then learning about the sustainability story got me hooked.”
Why do you think our Welsh Mountain composite is a good pairing for the Barnes knife?
“We do a lot of work with bead-blasted titanium, and from the moment we got a sample in our hands, the combination felt like a stellar pairing. The juxtaposition of an organic material like Solidwool with a modern, minimal titanium knife creates an unexpected combination."
Considered Construction
How is the Barnes Solidwool knife constructed?
“The Barnes Solidwool knife is pretty unique in the world of folding knives. It’s what is called an ‘integral’ knife, which essentially means that it is not a 2-piece handle. The Barnes starts with a solid block of 6AL-4V titanium billet. The entire handle is a single piece that is milled by CNC to which we attach an M390 (German super-steel) blade.”
How did you find work with the Solidwool material during the development process?
“Working with Solidwool was very straightforward and similar to other composite materials we have used in the past. The Solidwool inlays in the Barnes are quite thin which can pose a challenge for some materials, but Solidwool performed well, even in thin, delicate pieces.”
What advice would you give to designers or makers who are interested in using this unique material in their own projects?
“I would suggest ordering some samples from Corinna and letting their imagination run wild. It’s been a fun material to experiment with and seems incredibly versatile.”
Shared Values
You often talk about your modern, minimalist design aesthetic and sophisticated simplicity. This is something we also echo through our furniture design, with simple forms and clean, refined lines. What originally shaped your desire for a minimal aesthetic?
“The James Brand creates useful products that people can carry everyday. Since the very beginning of the brand, one of our key points of differentiation has been to bring a modern and minimal industrial design approach to folding knives, pens, wallets, carabiners and other daily carry items. Many of the other brands operating in the same space come from a more tactical or hunting background with very different aesthetics.”
You clearly place a strong emphasis on giving back to the community. How important is this aspect of what you do, and is environmental impact also something you consider when creating your products?
“From the very start, we've believed that building great, long-lasting products and being a positive force in our communities go hand in hand. Whether that's supporting local organizations, partnering with nonprofits, or contributing to causes that align with our values, we see it as a responsibility—not just an opportunity.
Environmental impact is an important consideration in how we develop products. At The James Brand, we're focused on creating products that are designed to be carried, used, and appreciated for years rather than replaced after a season. Durability, thoughtful material selection, timeless design, and quality manufacturing all play a role in reducing waste and encouraging more intentional consumption. Introducing our audience to exciting new materials like Solidwool is a positive thing for everyone, as well as the environment.”
And finally, how has the response been since launching this latest Barnes model?
“We were elated to sell out of this limited edition of the Barnes within just a few days. Our audience really appreciated the unexpected and unique material so much that we’re considering doing more with it in the future.”
A huge thank you to the team at The James Brand for sharing our passion for sustainable material sourcing and innovation and creating something truly spectacular in the process. We love hearing about new creative ways that our Solidwool material is being used around the world and the James Brand’s Barnes Solidwool knife truly is no exception.
And while it may be gone for now, what still stands is a lesson in refined simplicity and considered design - check out The James Brand and their Material Study here. We can’t wait to see what the James Brand have up their sleeve for future projects.
And if you yourself are feeling inspired from this or any of the other projects on our page, why not order some samples of your own and be sure to tag us in your creations.
Time to let your imagination run wild with Solidwool sheet material.