The Øx












The Øx
Handcrafted in Marshall, Michigan
The Øx Stand is built in our workshop using the same materials and approach that shape our instruments.
Many of the same boards used for our instruments find a second life here. While they may not meet the structural demands required for an instrument, they retain the visual character we value in tonewood — depth, figuring, and natural variation that make each stand distinct.
Every stand is made entirely by hand in Marshall, Michigan. From selecting each piece of wood, to cutting, shaping, sanding, and finishing, the process is carried out at the bench. Hardware is installed and each stand is assembled individually. The base is wood burned by hand with our workshop mark.
Production is limited by both the material and the time required to make them. Stands are released in small batches and are often available only briefly.
Designed to complement the instrument it holds — the Øx Stand is a simple, well-made stand built with the same care we put into our instruments
— Made from instrument-grade wood —
— Small batch workshop build —
— Each stand is unique —
Try an Øx for your axe.
Inspired by simple design, great materials, and meaningful experiences The Øx is something we have wanted to make for years. Ever since our resident Northfielder, Kjell Croce, came back from lunch one day and went about making a prototype, we knew we had to make them available.
Here’s a history worth telling.
Consider, if you will...
— The First Experience—
Every time we see a new stand we get psyched... then disappointed that it’s not very well designed for a mandolin.
Ok, then... we will do it.
—The Second Experience—
At the Northfield Workshop, processing great materials gets everyone excited. Finding the “good stuff”, getting the “good stuff”; even reclaiming the "right" materials from misuse or being undervalued, truly makes everything we do seem worthwhile.
“For Trees..." this runs deep.
About a year ago our Product Manager, Derek Smith, decided to tackle a behemoth of a backyard project. Over the course of a year, he processed a gigantic Silver Maple that was hanging over his house. After they got it safely down in the yard he cut it up—by hand—NO POWER TOOLS!
Saws, Mauls—> Axes (Øx) It was a feat. Watching that gave us all a newfound love for hand tools. And dang, Derek is a badass!
Details:
Made from solid Michigan curly maple. Cut out, shaped, sanded, and stained by hand—finished in linseed oil—all by Kjell Croce. Neck yoke covered in silicone rubber made by StringSwing.
The contoured arm that holds the mandolin in place on the stand—inspired by the very tools that help to fell the beautiful trees the stand is made from. Perfectly balanced, rounded over with care.
Ships unassembled. Requires attaching the Øx handle by threading a single countersunk bolt. Ships with an Allen wrench that’ll work as a truss rod wrench too.
Mandolin Specs:
Weight: ≃ 2.5 lbs.
Total Height Assembled: ≃ 25 1/2”
Base to Yoke Clearance: 23 1/2”
Footprint: 12” x 7”
Octave/Guitar Specs:
Weight: ≃ 6 lbs.
Total Height Assembled: ≃ 43 1/4”
Base to Yoke Clearance: 40 1/2”
Footprint: 15” x 11 3/4”