50 Forged

The 50 Forged Holiday Gift Guide

The 8 Best
American-Made Gifts

At 50 Forged, we believe it is our duty to present and elevate exceptional Made in America brands and products. Our team has rigorously vetted and hand-selected these eight products as the absolute best in premium American quality and attention to detail. This collection is a call to action: by choosing a product here, you are investing in the integrity and future of domestic manufacturing.

A beautiful view of a mountain range
A Montana Knife Company's knife - The Speedgoat 2.0

Montana Knife Company

Montana Knife Company was officially founded in 2020, but the vision began long before that. Founder and CEO Josh Smith started making knives at just 11-years-old, and by 19 became the youngest Master Bladesmith in history. For much of his early career, Smith worked as a lineman, but he never lost sight of his dream to start a knife company. Five years ago, he finally went all in. Since then, Montana Knife Co. has been combining old-school craftsmanship with modern precision - designing heirloom-quality knives proudly made right here in America.

The Speedgoat 2.0 is one of the original blades that put Montana Knife Company on the map - and it's still one of their most versatile. Built for everything from daily tasks to backcountry hunts, this knife blends lightweight performance with rugged utility. Its ergonomic, paracord-wrapped handle and cryogenically-treated 52100 high carbon ball-bearing steel make it easy to use, while every detail reflects the uncompromising standard of American craftsmanship MKC is known for.

Person warming by a Howl fire pit

Howl Campfires - The Howl R1

Born from a love of gathering around real flames, Howl Campfires set out to reimagine what a modern fire pit could be - strong enough to feel like a real wood fire, but safe enough to use, even in areas under a burn ban. Every Howl unit is designed and manufactured in the U.S., combining aerospace-grade materials with the heart of American outdoor culture. The company's founders wanted to bring people together with a campfire that was safer, cleaner and built to last a lifetime. With every unit cut, welded, and assembled by skilled American hands, Howl keeps the spirit of craftsmanship alive - proving that not all fires are created equal.

The R1 is Howl's flagship model: a compact, smokeless and portable fire pit designed for maximum heat and wilderness safety. Its stainless steel body is precision-engineered for airflow and durability, allowing for a cleaner burn and quick cooldown. Perfect for overlanding trips, tailgates, or backyard hangs, the R1 is built for taller flames with less fuel.

A Smithey's cast iron frying pan

Smithey - No. 10 Chef Skillet

Founded in Charleston, South Carolina, Smithey Ironware Co. brings new life to the lost art of American cast iron. Inspired by vintage cookware, Smithey's founder set out to create pieces that could be both functional and beautiful - modern heirlooms built to last generations. Each skillet is poured, machined and polished by American craftspeople, all while going through multiple inspections to guarantee lifetime quality.

The No. 10 Chef Skillet is Smithey's everyday hero - crafted from cast iron and designed with a curved interior wall that makes stirring, flipping and sautéing effortless. It arrives pre-seasoned and ready to cook, developing its own nonstick patina with use. Equally at home on the stovetop, grill, or campfire, this skillet is proof that some of the best tools are still made by hand, right here in America.

Person wearing an American Giant hoodie

American Giant - The Greatest Hoodie Ever

American Giant was built on the mission of creating the best possible clothing, all while investing in American factories, jobs, equipment and most importantly, people. When most apparel brands moved overseas, American Giant doubled down on domestic manufacturing, partnering with local cotton growers, spinners and sewers to keep craftsmanship and jobs in American communities. Every stitch tells a story of perseverance, pride and purpose, proving that quality and integrity still matter in modern apparel.

The Greatest Hoodie Ever is the piece that started it all. Made from heavyweight cotton fleece and built to outlast trends (and decades), it's structured, substantial and undeniably comfortable. Every detail - from its reinforced seams to the metal-tipped drawcord - was designed with longevity in mind. When you buy a hoodie or any other product from American Giant, you're also investing in the local supply chain behind it.

The Nº 4 Duffel Bag Backpack

Best American Duffel (BAD) - Nº 4 Duffel Bag Backpack

Founded in Seattle, Best American Duffel (or BAD) was created to bring back the kind of rugged, overbuilt travel gear that could stand up to any adventure. It was originally tested back in 1990 when Arctic explorer Will Steger took a pack on a 1990 Transantarctic expedition. Even in some of the toughest conditions on earth, there wasn't a single failure. From the cutting tables to the last stitch, every BAD duffel is made entirely in the U.S. by skilled craftspeople who take pride in doing things the hard way: with heavy-duty fabrics, military-grade webbing and real metal hardware.

The Nº 4 Duffel Bag Backpack is BAD's most versatile piece - a hybrid carry system that transitions seamlessly from hand-carry to backpack mode. It's made from 1000-denier Cordura nylon, weatherproof zippers, and reinforced stress points for serious durability. Whether you're flying cross-country or packing for a weekend in the wild, this bag is built to haul it all, without a single shortcut.

A set of Darn Tough Vermont's socks

Darn Tough Vermont

Tucked in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Darn Tough stands as one of the last remaining sock manufacturers still knitting entirely in the U.S.A. Family-owned and operated since 1978, the Cabot family has turned a small New England mill into a symbol of American craftsmanship and endurance. By committing to domestic production and workers, Darn Tough has proved that an American brand isn't only possible, but scalable.

Every pair of socks is made in Vermont from start to finish, using fine-gauge Merino wool, state-of-the-art knitting machines and a rugged backyard to put the socks to the test. The company's industry-first lifetime guarantee, which they've stood by since its beginnings, is a reflection of their confidence in the quality that only homegrown craftsmanship delivers.

13 Stars Hot Sauce's Big Red One

13 Stars Hot Sauce

Veteran-founded and proudly made in South Carolina, 13 Stars Hot Sauce was built on a mission to honor those protecting, defending and supporting our country, support veteran and first responder nonprofits and produce some of the best hot sauce for people who love America. Created by former U.S. Marines, the brand honors the spirit of independence and grit that shaped America itself. What started as a small-batch hobby quickly grew into a nationally recognized brand - proof that integrity and hard work are still the backbone of American business.

13 Stars sources American-grown ingredients from local farms whenever possible. All hot sauces and marinades range in spice and flavor profile, giving customers the ideal bottle no matter the occasion.

Grandpa Soap's Pine Tar Bar Soap

The Grandpa Soap Co. - Pine Tar Bar Soap

The Grandpa Soap Company has been crafting natural soaps in America since 1878 - long before “clean ingredients” were a marketing trend. What started as a small family operation in upstate New York grew into one of the longest-standing soapmakers in the country, with a simple philosophy: use honest ingredients, make quality products and establish trust with customers and community. Over a century later, the company still produces every bar in the U.S., maintaining the same standards of integrity and care that built its legacy.

The Pine Tar Bar Soap is the brand's most iconic product - an earthy, time-tested formula beloved for generations. Made with natural pine tar oil, it's known for its deep-cleaning, soothing properties that tackle everything from dry skin to tough grime. With its bold scent and no-nonsense feel, this bar isn't fancy - it's functional, timeless and proudly American.