I have an ongoing infatuation in landing nets of all sorts and the creations of
Kinni Forge are some of my favorites. You can circle back to a couple of T.F.M. posts
HERE and
HERE on the K2 that I have but also check out the wild new collaboration nets with
Sanborn Canoe Company. These were launched a couple of weeks ago and there are still quite a few available. They are all styled and painted differently and I'm not sure which one that I would choose from. How about you?
I asked John Cain of Kinni Forge if he'd provide some background on this interesting collaboration project and he gave much more than I ever asked for. Thank you and I hope that you enjoy the read.
John Cain wrote... "I had some time to reflect on why collaborations like this matter so much. We live in a world filled with mass-produced products and while those products certainly have their place, they often lack something deeper. They lack soul. There are still people dedicated to hand-building products, refining their skills over years of practice, and creating heirloom-quality pieces the right way. Every detail matters.
Each net is unique. Every paddle and canoe carries its own character. These products are built with an appreciation for traditional craftsmanship while still embracing modern refinement and innovation. Collaborations like this bring together shared values and combine them into something meaningful.
As I write this, I’m looking at these nets and I’m incredibly proud of the amount of work that went into making them. But what matters even more are the connections formed throughout the process and seeing someone’s reaction during the unboxing experience. That feeling never gets old.
Every net includes a Kinni Forge sticker along with a small wood plaque made from the same veneer strips sourced from Sanborn Canoe Company stock. Each net is serialized and that same serial number is placed on the plaque to create a lasting connection between the materials, the maker, and the finished product.
Kinni Forge was founded around the idea of forging high-quality, non-mass-produced products, but also forging relationships with people and the outdoors. We have a lot planned for the future and many more ideas we want to bring to life, but continuing this journey depends on building momentum and connecting with others who value craftsmanship.
I’ve walked through many fishing shops and handled countless mass-produced nets, even some made by local makers, and many feel bulky or unfinished in the hand. We spend extra time refining our handles and incorporating subtle details like chamfers and softened edges so the nets not only look refined but feel right to use. Even since sending out some of our earlier nets, yours included, we’ve continued refining the shape and improving the design.
That continual progression is possible because of the relationships and collaborations we build with teams like Sanborn. That shared passion for craftsmanship pushes all of us to create something better."
Visit the
Kinni Forge website to check out the
Sanborn Canoe Co. collab nets available and now through June 5, 2026, use code "
7HKP8UE" for free shipping.
