Since 1996, Tom Anderson has loved working with titanium. The metal is light, lustrous and more durable than most others. In 2009, the former engineer who used to work at a nuclear reactor, started Artistry in Titanium, which produces a range of products made out of the metal. His pens were huge bestsellers, but this year, his cigar punches have taken off like rockets. They are "hot," said his wife.
To better enjoy their smokes, aficionados use punches to make holes in the tips of their cigars. Most cigar punches are made out of stainless steel and by machine.
Anderson, however, has made a name for himself, by metalsmithing titanium punches on his own. Holidays always increase sales, and this year is no different. "My customers don't worry about retail prices," he said. He doesn't worry about knock-offs either. "Have you ever seen a copy of an original that sells for more than the original?" he asked. "I will never engage in price wars."
Some of the coolest toys this year are coming from small toymakers that are quietly revolutionizing how kids play today. Here are five companies that just may score the hottest toy of 2011.
