Thrux Lawrence

Tanden Launder is a simple man with unique tastes. He wears unwashed denim (and reviews it on his Insta-blog @thedenimreview), a white v-neck t-shirt, and a pair of leather work boots. His hands are worn and rough with work — man hands. Tanden is one of the hardest working people I have met, and the efforts of his hard work have culminated into what is, really, a dream and an idea from his own head: a dream of bringing American quality back to where it was way back when, in the good old days when America was putting out the highest quality goods — period. Combining American-made quality with his own style and extreme work ethic has resulted in what is today Thrux Lawrence.

A glimpse of the studio.

Based out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, which is my and Tanden’s home town, Thrux Lawrence is a supplier of men’s essentials. Tanden has designed his own line of bags: The Dispatch (briefcase), the Hoist (tote), the Freight (duffel), and, of course, the Thrux Pack (backpack). He also has designed a pair of 12oz Japanese denim pants (the Paladin Pant), a line of leather key fobs (the Key Post), a leather belt (the Bulwark Belt), his signature Thrux Trays, which are basically leather bowls useful for storing basic daily items, and the Drop Dopp (a Dopp bag with signature Thrux styling). Zach Black, Tanden’s only other employee, builds each piece himself; this means that the production is extremely limited and makes each bag unique. Completely handcrafted products are hard to come by these days and it is nice to see that hand-crafted philosophy carried out in such a great way with Thrux Lawrence.

Lawrence, the mounted wildebeest head that serves as the inspiration for the name of Thrux Lawrence, presides over the shop in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Bulwark Barber

In the room adjacent to the Thrux Lawrence shop, Tanden set up a classic barber shop. The barber shop features two vintage, restored barber chairs, periodicals, a range of apothecary, and, of course, the barber himself. The barber, Matt Roerick, will supply you with a full service, including straight razor shave, shampoo, and haircut. There are not many barber shops left, but the Bulwark is easily one of the best.

the philosophy

The philosophy of Thrux Lawrence stems almost entirely from Tanden’s thoughts on what American quality should mean. Sit down with him over a cup of coffee for 5 minutes and you will have a pretty good idea of what this philosophy is: Make American quality mean what it used to mean, before the 50’s and the rise of convenience trumping quality. His philosophy is manifested in his products, which are, quite literally, the most bombproof works of art I have ever seen.

Not only are they beautiful, the Thrux Packs are some of the most durable bags available.

where to find him

If you are ever travelling through Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, be sure to stop in at his brick-and-mortar for either a shave and a trim at his Bulwark Barber, the adjacent room to his shop, or to play a game of pool, or have a chat with him and reminisce about what American quality means. 206 N. Third St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

His goods are also available at www.thruxlawrence.com.