Castillo Knives, purveyors of heritage pocket knives, teamed up with BANDITS, an artist-driven, socially-conscious bandana brand, to create “Foreshore”, a limited edition EDC collaboration with original artwork by Ty Williams. Williams’ whimsical artwork can be found on these two timeless everyday carry essentials, the knife and the bandana, with 10% of sales benefitting the California Wilderness Coalition to support protecting coastal tributaries in California from harmful runoff that affects wildlife and beach goers alike.

Ty Williams is a mixed media artist focused primarily on the sea and the coastline as his subject. His work is playfully sarcastic and fancifully sublime with an element of innocence and heartbreak. His work can be found adorning many discerning walls or @tywillyums on Instagram.

Castillo Knives started working with Williams while he was surfing in Maine. As the conversation developed, it was noted that Williams had loved surfing the varied coastal waters of California while living in Los Angeles. “Foreshore” came from this experience and a desire to give back to the waters that have inspired much of his work. Joined on by BANDITS, the knife and bandana set provide two enduring tools for beach getaways. The art reminds us of all those under the surface getting together between tides.

Our Role and Goals For The “Foreshore” Project

The “Foreshore” collaboration was produced by Exact Change and created a template for bringing together like-minded brands, artists, and non-profits to create real artifacts that can carry a story or message. Digital ads are fleeting at best, events may be remembered for years, but an artifact, especially one as durable and lasting as a well-made pocket knife, can last decades. Bandanas act like personal billboards to broadcast style and provide a “word of mouth” opportunity to share the story. These artifacts create moments allowing the owner to pass on the story and inspire others.

About Castillo Knives

Castillo Knives are purveyors of heritage pocket knives, manufactured in Spain and informed by hundreds of years of Spanish knife making history while utilizing modern materials. The result is a stunning blade that is built to be used everyday and handed down to the next generation. The “Foreshore” edition pocket knife utilizes the Navaja silhouette with coastal blue micarta handle that mirrors the resin used in surf.

About BANDITS

Based in Southern California, BANDITS is on a mission to build a better bandana. Featuring exclusive original designs by artists from across the globe, BANDITS bandanas are as impactful as they are eye-catching. With each bandana sold, 10% of sales proceeds are donated to a charity chosen by the design’s artist, transforming this centuries old icon into a platform for positive change. Washable, durable, and ready for adventure, BANDITS bandanas are ethically handmade from sustainably-sourced, 100% Organic Cotton.

About CalWild

The California Wilderness Coalition (CalWild) protects and restores the state’s wildest natural landscapes and watersheds on public lands. These important wild places provide clean air and water, refuges for wildlife, mitigation against the effects of climate change, and outstanding opportunities for recreation and spiritual renewal for people. One project CalWild is committed to is the CROP project (Cannabis Removal On Public Lands). These grows undercut the legal market, place rural and tribal communities at risk and threaten natural resource economies, and undermine the original purpose of our public lands. Arguably, illegal cannabis production on public lands may be the largest near-term threat to native species, communities, and ecosystems in much of California.

"California's vast and diverse public lands are a treasure for all to enjoy. Illegal trespass grows on public lands are a scourge that pollutes our waterways, robs native fish of needed wild rivers and streams, and threatens the safety of anyone who wants to enjoy the majesty of public lands." - Chris Morrill, Executive Director, CalWild