The Duck Store is excited to introduce a new line of Oregon Ducks glassware from Portland-based Legends Drinkware. We interviewed co-founder and chief marketing officer, Stephan Pantinakis about this one-of-a-kind company.
Can you tell us a little more about the manufacturing process of Legends Drinkware?
It starts with a vision, and the quest to create an emotional connection to a functional piece of sports artwork.
It’s not a quick process from conception to The Oregon Ducks Pints & Tumblers. The mold alone takes months to perfect.
The day before we start glass production, we melt the perfect batch of glass for 24 hours in preparation for the following day of glass blowing. A few hours before the blowing session can begin, the “O” mold is slowly heated to the ideal production temperature. When the mold has reached the perfect temperature, we gather molten crystal glass from our state-of-the-art, high efficiency electric furnaces.
The liquid glass is then rolled into a perfect cylinder as the artist begins to blow the initial bubble. The second and final gather of molten glass is cooled and ready to be carefully shaped using a wooden block.
Once shaped, we blow into the pipe to elongate the glass bubble, then drop it into our mold to form a precise image of the “O” logo in the base of the glass. The glass is then extracted from the mold, separated from the pipe, inspected for quality and placed in the kiln for cooling.
For the final steps, our “hot popper,” uses a diamond to score the cup to the desired height (pint or tumbler). They then polish the lip of the glass using a high-powered precision torch. And finally, the finished glasses are put into a special kiln to remove any stress from the process.
What sets your glasses apart from mass-produced glassware?
- Officially licensed glasses embossed with a 3D University of Oregon logo
- Made by Oregonians in NW Portland
- Company co-owned by a Duck
- Each glass is hand blown
- Created using 40% recycled materials
- Lead-free
- Non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
Legends Drinkware is one-of-a-kind, American glass manufacturer. We have pioneered a new glass blowing technique that showcases a three-dimensional logo inside a high-quality drinking glass. Our goal was to revitalize the sports drinkware category with a desperately needed update and innovative design. The current sports drinkware market is dominated by outdated designs (“the shaker pint”) from the 1930s. These are foreign produced, machine-made, pint glasses with a logo sandblasted or printed on the face. We recognize that being an Oregon Ducks fan is a uniquely profound experience, and we sought to create an eco-friendly glass that would honor that tradition.
We love working with local companies! Why is it important to you that Legends Glassware is made in the US and Oregon specifically?
First of all, there is no better place to live in the world than the great state of Oregon. We set out to make something new that is worthy of being associated with the Oregon Ducks and we wanted to do it by creating living wage jobs for Oregonians. We also wanted to support US vendors and supply chains along the way. We set out to create a superior product, which requires a hands-on approach through every step of the manufacturing process. Too many glass companies sacrifice quality for cheaper materials and outsourced labor. We’ve put too much pride and passion into our craft to create anything less than the highest quality glass sports drinkware ever offered to collegiate fans.
College sports fans are a nostalgic group. What makes Legends Drinkware the perfect keepsake item for fans?
We feel as though a Legends Drinkware glass is the ultimate trophy for Ducks fans. It’s incredibly unique, it’s a conversation piece and it’s gorgeous. It’s a way for fans to proudly connect with their team 365 days a year, whether or not the Ducks are playing.
Most collegiate sports merchandise is intended to show other people which team they support. A Legends glass is intended for the end user’s personal enjoyment — a way for them to celebrate their team with every sip.
Gameday is a special feeling whether you are cheering at Autzen or at home watching the game — having a Legends glass in your hand elevates the experience to a whole new level. It’s a way to hold Oregon Ducks pride & tradition in the palm of your hands.
Go Ducks!