The Giffin Grip Story

In the early 1970’s Brian Giffin worked full-time as a production potter, while pursuing a ceramics degree at the University of Northern Colorado. Looking for ways to increase his efficiency, he had an idea that would alter his life and ultimately change the world of pottery. He soon left school to work on his invention — a practical solution that would eventually become known as the “Giffin Grip”.

Originally made of marine-grade birch plywood, Brian hand cut each one with jigs and routers. The Sliders and Brackets were cast in brass and adorned with baroque curlicues. It was a beautiful device that worked well, yet the labor intensive process made it prohibitively expensive to produce. So with no other option than to build a mold himself, he spent the little money he had on a vintage Bridgeport milling machine and set out to cut the spiral injection molds that still generate the Giffin Grips he sells today.

The same graceful utility that was the signature of Brian’s pottery is captured in the thoughtful design and presentation of his tools. All the various features and accessories that he included address nuances in the trimming process — nuances that are familiar only to people with a comprehensive understanding of production pottery.

Knowing what it’s like to make a living throwing clay, he built his company around the belief that potters deserve real value for every penny spent. Great care was taken to ensure the tool works flawlessly for decades of hard studio use. The "no questions asked" warranty policy is not only a reflection of this commitment, but a byproduct of the remarkable durability of the original design. That is why the Giffin Grip is more than just a tool that centers and holds your pots. It is a work of art. It's the culmination of one potter's unruly imagination, which has saved time and expanded the potential of artists' work and businesses for more than 40 years.