Meet the Maker
Born from a passion for automotive craftsmanship and a frustration with mass-produced mediocrity, SHIFTGRAIN represents the intersection of traditional artisanship and modern authentication technology.
The Story Behind SHIFTGRAIN
It started with a simple frustration: mass-produced shift knobs that felt hollow, looked generic, and carried no soul. After years of turning wood as a hobby and working with cars as a passion, our founder began creating custom shift knobs for friends.
What began as personal projects to create something better evolved into something larger—a movement toward automotive accessories that tell stories, carry heritage, and improve with age.
In 2024, SHIFTGRAIN was born in a workshop in Phoenix, Arizona, with a mission to create shift knobs that are as individual as the drivers who use them.
The Making Process
Material Selection
Each piece begins with carefully selected hardwoods - walnut, ash, maple - chosen for grain character and structural integrity.
Shaping & Turning
On a vintage lathe, each knob is shaped by hand. The process requires feel, experience, and patience.
Weighting & Assembly
A precisely machined steel insert is embedded and secured with epoxy resin for perfect balance.
Finishing & Authentication
Multiple coats of hand-rubbed finish protect the wood while the NFC chip is embedded and serial number engraved.
Our Philosophy
"In a world of mass production, we choose to make things that last. Each knob carries the weight of intention, the warmth of human hands, and the promise of a story yet to be written."
Quality Over Quantity
We deliberately limit production to maintain the highest standards. No shortcuts, no compromises.
Heritage & Innovation
Traditional woodworking techniques meet modern authentication technology.
Built to Last
These aren't disposable parts. They're heirlooms designed to outlast the cars they're installed in.
The Craftsman
Shawn Kemp
Founder & Artisan
With over 15 years of woodworking experience and a lifelong passion for automobiles, I bring traditional craftsmanship into the modern automotive world. As a full-time software engineer, I couldn't help but add some modern tech to the mix - that's why every SHIFTGRAIN knob includes NFC authentication and digital provenance tracking. Every knob is shaped, weighted, finished, and authenticated by hand in my Phoenix workshop.