I grew up as a huge skateboard fanatic. Heck- from time to time, I still grab my son’s skateboard and come dangerously close to killing myself. As I grew older it seems that I transitioned from foot power to horse power, though I will never lose my love and awe of skateboarding. Simon Basil has creatively combined both of my loves into some really cool shift knobs. Through the power of the internet I was able to reach all the way across the pond to the UK, and ask Simon about his craft and what inspired him to give it a shot. Please enjoy and make sure to check out Simon’s links listed as well!
Simon Basil Interview
- Tell our readers a little about yourself
I’ve just recently turned 27 and I live in a small town called Lymington on the south coast of the UK. At college I studied engineering and went on to university but never graduated as it wasn’t for me. Now I work in the machine tool industry full time building CNC machine.
- How did you come up with the idea to create shift knobs from skateboards?
I originally got the idea from a post on reddit. I was very interested in trying it myself and exploring my own methods and build ideas of putting it together. I wanted to include metal into the design and try a variety glue up styles.
- Are you a car guy at heart? Is there anything else you’ve created from skateboards?
I’m not a conventional car guy but I will never love any car more than my first 1991 VW Golf – it was a beast. I think I like seeing something that I have created with my own hands in different cars around the world more than anything else.
There is a long list of things that I want to make from skateboards. I have a few projects in the works like shaving brushes but I think the next thing I will work on is a stationery piece for my fiancée. At the moment a majority of my time is taken up by gear knobs.
- How has the response been at this point?
The response has been pretty crazy. From my first reddit post, it took me almost three days to reply to all the messages. That really motivated me to work more on this and see where I could take it. I’ve created a few social media accounts where people can get a hold of me or have a look at my work. I have gained a few followers which is great to see.
- Do you make knobs to fit any vehicle?
I can make gear knobs to fit a majority of cars. I drill and tap every knob to order. If it’s an unthreaded shaft then I put three set screws in the base. The only limiting factors are cars with reverse lock out or buttons on the knob.
- How can our readers find your pieces, and what is the typical price point?
People can currently find me on etsy but I will be moving to my own website in the near future. I also have an Instagram and Facebook page.
Typical price point is £40 – £60 ( $50 – $75).
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BuiltByBasil
www.instagram.com/builtbybasil/
https://www.facebook.com/builtbybasil/
- Do you take custom orders or do you only sell the pieces you’ve already created?
I never thought about doing custom orders until one was requested. I am currently working on it now and am open to doing more. I find it interesting to work with the customers’ ideas and bring them to life.
- What is the best way for our readers to get in contact with you?
The best way to get in touch with me is through Instagram or Facebook. I also have an email [email protected].
Here is a video of a few gear knobs being made that you may find interesting.
