What do you do when you're not talking knives?
I'm a husband and father to 3 boys. So when I'm not engaged in knives or gear, I'm usually doing family-oriented things or working. I'm a professional cook and a leathersmith.
Which Ansø knife do you own? And how did it find its way into your hands?
I currently own many, and have owned many Ansø knives. From Böker and other companies to his own shop. But my favorites are the Monte Carlo and my Sheepsfoot fixed blade, both of which are adorned with the Royal Ansø crown. I was lucky enough to purchase the Royal set (almost the whole set now, including the Royal puzzle and carabiner) through some great EDC friends of mine.
What made you choose this knife in particular?
I chose these, not just because of exclusivity, which I do love collecting rare and one-of-a-kind items, but because of the functionality. Especially the Sheepsfoot fixed blade. I've owned a couple now, and they are fantastic workers and the perfect EDC size. The RWL34 steel is the true working man’s steel. Easy to maintain, sharpen, and it takes a keen edge.
The Monte Carlo was also picked because I love bronze materials. To me, the weight of bronze makes it feel more substantial. And I love the patina that the material gets.
What has surprised you most about owning an Ansø knife?
Before ever owning an Ansø knife, I've always heard of the phenomenal craftsmanship. I quickly realized just how good they really were. Everything from performance, craftsmanship, and materials is all top-tier.
What else do you carry every day?
My current EDC carry typically goes: wallet (my own designs), knife (Ansø or GiantMouse), flashlight (Reylight or Olight), a pry of some sort, and a pen (currently, and for the foreseeable future, the new Ansø Pen).
Do you have an EDC tip or habit that you think more people should know about?
One tip that I think more people should not just know about, but practice, is stropping. Elongate the life of your knife. You don't always have to go to the grindstones when you think your knife is starting to go dull.
And if you’re making or buying a strop, use shell cordovan for the leather. Its tighter grain enhances the results better than any other leather. It’s what we used to use to strop old-timey straight razors at barber shops after all.
When you're not thinking about knives, what are your other obsessions?
When I'm not talking or thinking about knives, I have quite a few other obsessions. I'm obsessed with leather, of course. My wife even used to buy me leather-scented candles when we were young and dating. That shows how far back it goes!
I love designing simplistically beautiful leather goods. I love music, of all kinds, from rap to country. I play the guitar and learned when I was a teenager. I'm also a comic nerd, ranging from superheroes to Calvin and Hobbes.
