Brass Pocket Compass engraved for him

Navigate Life’s Milestones: Your Personalised Brass & Timber Compass

Searching for the ultimate graduation gift, a standout retirement gift, or a heartfelt token for life’s big moments? Our personalised brass and timber compass is a handcrafted treasure—perfect for adventurers, dreamers, and those marking new beginnings or well-earned endings.

Built to Last, Made Uniquely Yours

This isn’t just a compass—it’s a keepsake with soul, precision-crafted and hand-assembled with meticulous care. Damping oil-filled for a rock-steady needle and sealed for life to withstand heat, cold, and pressure shifts.

What sets it apart? Hand-selected hardwood timbers—solid, enduring, and ready for your personal touch. Engrave a name, a date, or a milestone message—like “Class of 2025” or “Retired & Free”—deep into the grain. (Spot a tiny air bubble? It’s there to adapt to the elements, not a flaw!)

A lifelong instrument as reliable as the journey ahead—ideal for celebrating where they’ve been and where they’re going.

Compass Basics: Tilt for Precision

Depending on your location, a slight tilt may be needed. Near magnetic poles—like Canada or South Australia—the needle needs freedom to spin. Not zoned for specific regions yet, making it ideal for hiking & camping—not for nautical or aviation use. Perfect for life’s adventures, big or small.

Timber with Meaning: Choose Your Legacy

We’ve sourced the world’s toughest, most striking timbers to house your compass—each one a story in itself.

Intsia Hardwood

Vibe: Dark brown, bold, with golden flecks. Why It’s Perfect: Tough and outdoor-ready—a graduation gift that says “Go conquer the world” or a retirement gift that honours resilience.

Beech Hardwood

Vibe: Light, crisp, with standout engraving. Why It’s Perfect: Sleek and European—ideal for a birthday gift or anniversary gift with detailed, lasting inscriptions.

Cypress (Australian Cypress)

Vibe: Warm, woody, with a nostalgic scent. Why It’s Perfect: Cabin-like charm makes it a unique retirement gift—with natural cracks that tell a life well-lived.

Sandalwood (Western Australian Desert)

Vibe: Sweet, rare, and aromatic. Why It’s Perfect: A luxurious graduation gift or farewell gift, its lingering scent celebrates new chapters with style.

Camphor Laurel

Vibe: Fresh, earthy, with eucalyptus notes. Why It’s Perfect: Rustic yet fragrant—a standout birthday gift or thank-you gift that wears its character proudly.

Burdekin Plum

Vibe: Deep red-brown, built to endure. Why It’s Perfect: Water-resistant and timeless—a retirement gift or milestone gift that stands the test of time.

Ebony - Macassar

Vibe: Rich black-brown with light streaks. Why It’s Perfect: Rare and luxurious—the ultimate anniversary gift or graduation gift for someone extraordinary.

Zebrano

Vibe: Wild, exotic, with bold zebra-like stripes. Why It’s Perfect: This African hardwood brings a daring edge with its dramatic light-and-dark grain. It’s a graduation gift for the risk-taker ready to carve their own path or a birthday gift for someone who stands out in every crowd. Durable and eye-catching, Zebrano turns your compass into a statement piece that’s as adventurous as they are.

American Walnut

Vibe: Warm, rich, with understated elegance. Why It’s Perfect: Smooth and sophisticated, this deep brown timber exudes quiet confidence. It’s a retirement gift that honours a life of achievement or an anniversary gift that whispers timeless devotion. With its even texture and natural sheen, American Walnut crafts a compass that’s both refined and resilient—perfect for the classic soul.

From Timber to Triumph

Our premium options—Cypress, Sandalwood, Burdekin Plum, Camphor Laurel, and Ebony—are carved from solid, seasoned timber blocks sourced from fallen trees. No joins, just pure craftsmanship. These one-of-a-kind pieces take extra time, making them the perfect retirement gift, graduation gift, or special occasion gift.

Each wood choice carries its own meaning:

• Cypress – Forest warmth for reflection.
• Sandalwood – Sweet luxury for celebration.
• Burdekin Plum – Red-brown strength for endurance.
• Camphor Laurel – Fragrant charm for nostalgia.
• Ebony – Elegant rarity for distinction.

Sized for the Journey

📏 70 x 70 x 36mm – Compact yet substantial. Fits perfectly in hand or pocket—ready for life’s next step. A graduation gift to guide their future. A retirement gift to honour their past.

Ready to Mark a Milestone?

Whether it’s a graduation gift, retirement gift, birthday gift, or anniversary gift, this compass is as unique and unstoppable as they are. Let’s craft their moment.

True North vs. Magnetic North: A Navigational Showdown

Picture this: you’re out in the wild, compass in hand, ready to conquer the great unknown. But wait—did you know your trusty magnetic compass isn’t pointing to True North? That’s right, Magnetic North and True North are like two siblings who don’t quite see eye to eye. True North sits pretty at the top of Earth’s rotational axis—the go-to reference for most maps—while Magnetic North is where your compass needle eagerly points, guided by Earth’s quirky magnetic field. Spoiler alert: these two don’t align perfectly, and that’s totally normal, not a glitch in your gear!

Now, if you’re rocking a digital compass—like the one on your smartphone—you’re in luck. These clever gadgets automatically adjust for something called magnetic declination (fancy, right?), showing you True North based on your location. But if you’re old-school with a classic magnetic compass, it’ll stick to Magnetic North like a loyal friend. Want to navigate by True North instead? You’ll need to roll up your sleeves and apply that declination correction yourself. Adventure awaits—let’s get it right!

Magnetic Compass Troubleshooting: Because Even Heroes Need a Fix

Is your compass needle acting like it’s on strike—stuck, wonky, or just plain uncooperative? Don’t sweat it; we’ve got your back with some pro-level troubleshooting tips:

• Needle Knocked Loose? If your compass took a bumpy ride, give it a gentle tap (one or two should do) on a hard surface to nudge that needle back into place. Easy does it!

• Sticking to the Glass? Blame static electricity—it’s sneaky like that, especially after wiping the lens back and forth. Here’s how to zap it:
  
  • Option A: Place your index and middle fingers on either side of the lens. Boom—static gone, needle free!
  • Option B: Clean the lens in a circular dance—one clockwise swirl, then one counterclockwise. Repeat until sparkling clean, and watch the static vanish.

• Weird Readings on a Table? Steel beams, iron screws, or even sneaky desktop speakers might be throwing magnetic interference your way. Step away from the culprits and see if your compass cheers up.
• Near the Poles? If you’re adventuring in wild spots like Antarctica or Tasmania, the needle might dip toward the magnetic poles at a funky angle. Tilt the compass gently to set it spinning again.

Still stumped? Hit up customer service—they’re the compass whisperers you need.

Navigating with Confidence: Your Magnetic Compass FAQ

Ready to wield your magnetic compass like a pro? Here’s the lowdown on navigating with confidence:

Q: How Do I Use a Magnetic Compass?

It’s simpler than it looks! Hold your compass steady and level, with the direction of travel arrow pointing where you want to go. Got a rotating bezel (that degree-marked ring)? Spin it until the north-seeking arrow inside aligns with the orienting arrow on the baseplate. Read your bearing off the bezel, and you’re golden.

No bezel? No worries! Point the direction of travel arrow toward your goal, align your map’s north with the compass’s north-seeking arrow, and use the arrow as your guide. It won’t give you pinpoint bearings, but it’ll keep you trekking in the right direction. Bonus tip: Smartphone compass apps often come with a virtual bezel—high-tech navigation, anyone?

Q: How Do I Navigate Like a Boss?

To chart your course, take a bearing: align your compass with your map, spin the bezel until the arrows match up, and note the degree mark. Follow that bearing to your destination, checking occasionally to stay on track. Heads-up—since your compass loves Magnetic North, you might need to tweak for declination if True North’s your vibe.

Q: True North vs. Magnetic North—What’s the Deal?

True North is the Earth’s spin-axis VIP, the mapmaker’s muse. Magnetic North? That’s where your compass needle swoons, thanks to Earth’s magnetic field. The catch: they’re not twins—magnetic declination is the gap between them, and it shifts depending on where you’re standing.

Q: How Do I Handle Magnetic Declination?

Adjusting’s a breeze: add or subtract the declination angle (check your map or an online calculator) from your compass bearing. It’s the secret sauce to syncing Magnetic North with True North. Keep this in mind, and you’ll navigate like a seasoned explorer.