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As a lifelong maker, I have a bit of an obsession with tool boxes. So far, I have five. There’s one for sewing notions, another for bookbinding, one for my Cricut tools, one devoted to paintbrushes and paints, and a larger rolling metal tool case that houses the bulk of my crafting materials. I’ve always admired the minimalist design of Japanese Toyo tool boxes, and last year I splurged and got a Y-350 Steel Mountain Tool Box. It was spendy and small, and only suitable for my paint supplies. So when I spotted an artist I follow on TikTok using a Toyo ST-350BK Cantilever tool box, I knew I wanted one. I loved the idea, but wished it wasn’t such an investment for my everyday crafting needs.
A quick search later, I found the Westward Cantilever Tool Box, and I knew instantly it was the one. Its bold red steel construction has the same timeless industrial charm as Toyo’s, but with far more space and a price that doesn’t sting. So, naturally, I dropped a big hint to my husband that I wanted it for my birthday. And, like the well-trained husband he is, he delivered. I was genuinely impressed by how solid and well-made it felt. The cantilever trays glide open smoothly, revealing tiered compartments perfect for organizing scissors, box cutters, label makers, tapes, and small hand tools—all the essentials I reach for daily.
This isn’t just storage; it’s a joy to use. The wide trays keep everything visible, so I’m never rummaging for tools mid-project. The bottom compartment is roomy enough for bulkier tools or rolls of tape. And the all-metal build means it can handle years of use without warping or cracking like plastic bins.
If there is one con, I’d say it’s that the tool box is only available in one color. Although I don’t mind the bold red, I would have liked an option in black. Nonetheless, I plan to decorate it with some custom vinyl decals I’ll make with my Cricut Maker.
Now, this Westward box lives permanently on my craft table. It looks great next to my other specialized kits and feels like the grown-up, practical version of the aesthetic I’ve always chased. For makers who love design as much as function, this tool box hits that rare sweet spot: beautiful, durable, and unapologetically useful.
