Omaha, NE – ARTIFACT prides itself on precision and quality. The American manufacturer fabricates unique bags, aprons, and various accessories with durable materials like wax canvas, denim, and cotton twill.

The company was founded in 2010 after Chris Hughes, ARTIFACT owner, decided to turn a hobby into a career. Hughes saw a need for high-quality, resourcefully made products that are built to last. As demand continued to grow, Hughes realized it was time to optimize his cutting room.

A vintage Blue Streak was his first Eastman purchase. The straight knife, acquired from an old warehouse sale, replaced a new rotary cutter that broke within three days of production after experiencing issues overheating. Immediately, ARTIFACT noticed a difference in output and cut quality.

Using the Blue Streak, operators at ARTIFACT have the capabilities to cut up to four inches of denim and cotton twill and up to two inches of canvas and wax canvas.

Today, the cutting room at ARTIFACT strictly uses Eastman equipment: two straight knives (one used and one vintage) and a Chickadee® rotary sheer. “Buying Eastman is an investment that has paid off in efficiency and dependability,” says Hughes.

Being a manufacturer in America is something both ARTIFACT and Eastman Machine take pride in.

“Most brands farm out production to factories that emphasize speed and turnaround over quality,” says Hughes. “You can see and feel the difference in resulting products that are not meant to last and do not carry the pride of their makers.”

Eastman Machine Company is a family-operated business and has been manufacturing products in the United States for five generations. The Blue Streak II straight knife, along with hundreds of other cutting solutions, is proudly designed and produced at Eastman headquarters in Buffalo, New York.

Photography by Dan Brouillette