William Henry
William Henry (originally William Henry Knives) was founded in 1997 by partners Matthew William Conable and Michael Henry Honack. The partners' middle names created the brand — one that hearkens to the craftsmanship, and statesmanship, of the past while moving effortlessly into the future. Since inception, Matt has been the designer, master knifemaker, and leader at William Henry. Michael helped to capitalize the startup, and provide business advice and direction. In time, Matt became the sole owner. The brand was established creating exclusive and award-winning pocket knives, effectively transforming the archetype of all tools into a superb piece of functional jewelry for men. Today, William Henry is an American luxury brand devoted to the vision of jewelry and luxury accessories for men, crafting collections that integrate form and function into exquisite and unique pieces that belong to a category all their own.
Matt began making knives at age 19, working as an apprentice for knifemaker David Boye in a small shop in Davenport, California. David taught Matt a great deal about the craft of knifemaking, as well as the fundamentals behind knife design and performance. 4 years later, Matt and his wife, Rachel (David’s daughter), moved to Arizona, where they worked together as a craft team, building custom knives and traveling to craft and art shows to sell their wares. At age 27, Matt and Rachel decided to return to the Bay Area with Matt intent on returning to graduate school to change career paths. Fate, in the form of Michael Honack (Matt's partner at William Henry), intervened, and instead Matt began anew in knifemaking with the vision and development of what has become William Henry
Hand-forged tapestries in metal, chisel carved silver, hand-burnished gold inlay, fine hand engraving, exotic materials, and inlaid gemstones are interwoven into stunning pieces of timeless stature. The distinctive character of the artistry and the personality of the materials make this brand’s every creation truly unique. No two pieces are alike. “I like the idea that William Henry’s creations strike a personal chord in our clients” – says Conable. “Every now and then, it is important to invest in objects that are personal, immediately useful, yet timeless in their appeal and relevance – these rare pieces are imbued with the personality of their owners, and become part of their living legacy”.
Matt Conable began William Henry with the belief that he could create objects he could be proud of and that would stand the test of time; and that he could take care of people along the way, building a culture more akin to a family than a corporation, a studio than a factory. They continue to re-define excellence and keep that evolving vision of excellence in their hearts, hands, and eyes each day, one creation at a time.
