This is a biography of Al Swanson and provides an overview of how he became a master craftsman. We take our profession and the work we create very seriously, and this is reflected in every piece that leaves our Helena, Montana bench - signed by me, by hand, with integrity. I grew up on a small farm in Maine, surrounded by a beautiful forest and with a father who loved working with wood.
Watching my father create something extraordinary from a tree harvested from our land using his own two hands and a few tools left an impression on me and sparked a passion that continues to this day. After studying business at the University of Maine and agronomy at Rutgers University, I decided to follow that passion I discovered as a boy.
Watching my father create something extraordinary from a tree harvested from our land using his own two hands and a few tools left an impression on me and sparked a passion that continues to this day. After studying business at the University of Maine and agronomy at Rutgers University, I decided to follow that passion I discovered as a boy.
Services
The smell and feel of well-tooled leather is simply unmatched. I recently partnered with a Montana saddle maker to design and create a means of carrying our rod cases in style. As an addition to any new rod tube, this fully adjustable and removable carrying strap not only looks incredible, but adds another layer of ease while traveling with your favorite fly rod.
Our wooden fly boxes are handmade using exotic hardwoods, metal, shell - and extreme attention to detail. Just like our fine furniture, the wooden fly box is meant to be enjoyed and is designed to last for generations. As a maker of fine furniture - and a lifelong fly fisherman - Al designs and crafts these wooden fly boxes with the same exacting standards and philosophies that go into every piece that leaves his bench.
This is a biography of Al Swanson and provides an overview of how he became a master craftsman. Having been to Glacier National Park countless times, the beauty never ceases to amaze me - especially the color of the chilly waters and the stones that lay beneath. As a testament to the colors and beauty of this Montana treasure, I'm pleased to offer as part of our Montana Series, "Glacier".
Every once in a while you need the perfect unique gift for that special someone either at home or in the office. We've got your back! Our line of hand-crafted wooden pieces are sure to please. Whether it's a one-of-a-kind item or a large order as corporate gifts, we can personalize and add logos to just about any piece we make.
Gift Certificates will arrive in a box filled with aromatic wood shavings sure to surprise and thrill anyone on your list. A.L. Swanson fishing gear is customized to make each piece as unique as the fisherman it belongs to; but what if you are purchasing a gift? Purchase a gift certificate and you are not only giving a beautiful and functional piece of art, but the experience of making it theirs.
Reviews (3)
Ken V.
May 24, 2021
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I recently had the extreme pleasure of visiting the design studio at A.L. Swanson where I obtained a custom designed wood fly rod tube. As impressive as this amazing artistic case was, I was even more impressed with Al Swanson who is the artist for these custom designed pieces. He is the definition of a gentleman, who is so very kind and considerate and extremely communicative.
For a very exquisite gift for the avid fly fisherman, this is the place to look. The amazing attention to detail and the beauty of the art design is beyond compare. These wooden rod cases and fly boxes are available
For a very exquisite gift for the avid fly fisherman, this is the place to look. The amazing attention to detail and the beauty of the art design is beyond compare. These wooden rod cases and fly boxes are available
Blair Glenn
Nov 23, 2016
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Hannah Swayze
Oct 20, 2016
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Al’s fly boxes and nets are truly functional pieces of art. His pieces are truly the best quality you can find in the world of fly-fishing. The incredible amount of detail you can see in each the pieces reflect how truly dedicated he is to producing amazing work that will exceed your expectations. Al has a rare talent, and is a true pleasure to work with!
