FDIC isn’t just another trade show—it’s where the fire service comes together. Training, innovation, and the gear that shows up in service all meet in one place. This year, Axe & Awl Leatherworks is heading back to Indianapolis with gear built and ready to be put to the test.
We’re Headed Back to FDIC Indianapolis
We’re excited to be headed back to Indianapolis for FDIC. For Axe & Awl Leatherworks, this event is more than just a trade show. It’s a chance to connect directly with the fire service community, share what we’ve been building, and stand alongside the people who use this gear every day.
Axe & Awl Leatherworks at FDIC is where we get to bring our craftsmanship face-to-face with the field. It’s a space to show what goes into every stitch, cut, and piece of gear we make—designed for durability, function, and real-world use.
What We’re Bringing to FDIC This Year- Handcrafted leather gear built for the fire service
Phenix Helmets Collaboration & Showcase
In case you missed our last post on our new partnership as a distributor of Phenix Fire Helmets, here’s the quick run down on what we are most fired up about this year!
For the first time ever, Axe & Awl is bringing Phenix fire helmets to FDIC International. If you’re going to be in Indianapolis April 20–25, come find us. FDIC is the biggest gathering of fire service professionals in North America. This year we’re showing up with the largest Phenix selection we’ve ever brought to a show.
Here’s what you can expect at Booth 12000:
Over 150 in-stock helmets on the floor. You can pick one up, put it on your head, feel the weight difference, and walk away with it the same day. No more ordering blind. No more bugging your engineer to try his lid on. Just come try one.
On-site customization. Tell us what you’re looking for — colors, hardware, trim, personalization — and we’ll work with you right there on the floor to get as close to your vision as possible. We want to help you leave with exactly what you need.
Favorite Axe & Awl Pieces
We build gear for people who actually use it. This means it needs to not only look great but be functional as well. Our number one fire service leather good is hands down our fully customizable Leather Radio Straps. Choose your leather, hardware, stitching, stamping and paint to step onto the site looking fresh and functional.
Second to our radio straps in popularity are our Chin Straps and Glove Straps. Given a variety of options, 1-piece, 2-piece, short, long, adjustable or not, you are sure to find what you need. Stamping and painting is also available for these daily use items.
In addition to the above mentioned must-haves we will be bringing our full catalog of fire service goods along with us this year!
- Inverted Flashlight Holder
- SCBA Quick Release Shackle
- Box Light Rig
- Tool Rings
- Cord Keepers
- Pen Loops
Those are just a few of the handcrafted leather goods you will find this year at Axe & Awl Leatherworks at FDIC!
Why Firefighters Trust Axe & Awl Leatherworks
Why choose to shop Axe & Awl this year at FDIC? As a small, family owned and operated business, we take pride in the craftmanship and attention to detail that goes in to each and every handcrafted leather good that makes its way out our doors and into your hands. From hand beveling, burnishing and painting, we channel the ways of the past with future thinking production processes.
We’ve been hearing from folks who have had their leather goods in service for years without needing to purchase a new item and to be honest- we love that! While we would love to sell all of the leathergoods we have to you, the fact that our craftsmanship serves the test of time is what it’s really about for us!
Let’s Connect at FDIC
FDIC is all about real conversations, real gear, and real connection. If you’re in Indianapolis, come find us at Booth 12000. We are excited to once again be sharing space with our friends at Hook & Irons!
Stop by to check us out up close, talk shop with the Axe & Awl team, and get a feel for the craftsmanship behind every piece. We’ll also have select Phenix Helmets available alongside our leather goods! Showcasing gear that’s built for the fire service, not just the showroom.
Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just discovering Axe & Awl, we’d love to meet you, hear your story, and connect at FDIC.
