The Beauty of a Collector’s Shadowbox — Crafted And Framed In San Francisco

At our San Francisco frame shop, we love projects that ask for bold design and thoughtful craftsmanship and this custom shadowbox did exactly that. Built for a collection of Hagelin Cryptos pocket knives and pins, the piece is all about strong contrasts, clean structure, and museum-quality preservation.

We started with a heavyweight walnut frame stained nearly black (note the shadowbox walls inside the frame are the same material as the outside finish of the frame), chosen for its glossy finish and sculptural presence. The shine echoes the chrome of the knives themselves, creating a visual rhythm from frame to object. Inside, we designed a cascade layout from a softly textured off-white fabric mat, a warm, archival base that keeps the display sharp without ever feeling cold.

Every detail follows conservation standards: archival matting, secure mounting, and a deep shadowbox structure that ensures long-term preservation for collectible items. It's the kind of design that honors both the pieces and the person who treasures them.

With the holiday season approaching, custom shadowboxes like this make incredible gifts - and yes, self-gifting counts too. Whether you’re framing knives, medals, textiles, tools, vintage ephemera, or personal keepsakes, our San Francisco framers can help you turn a collection into a display worth celebrating.