What do you do when you’re not talking knives?
I collect and enjoy well-designed everyday objects. Outside of knives, that means watches and coins, things that are inherently utilitarian but carry history, craftsmanship, and intention. Professionally, I work in a role that’s very analytical and risk-focused, so collecting and carrying thoughtfully designed objects is a nice counterbalance. I like things that are meant to be used but also appreciated.

Which ANSØ knife do you own – and how did it find its way into your hands?
The short answer is: more than a few. My ANSØ of Denmark EDC collection includes a wide range of Jens’ solo work, from slip joints and pry tools to carabiners, beads, and pens across titanium, brass, bronze, zirconium, as well as multiple blades, scales, and accessories. Some were bought new while others were tracked down long after they were released.

It all started when I stumbled across the GiantMouse Riv. The name immediately stuck out,“The Riv” is a dive bar of some reputation where I went to graduate school at Michigan State University. While I’ve always enjoyed GiantMouse products, getting more familiar with Jens’ individual design language pulled me in quickly. Since then, it’s been genuinely fun tracking down older knives and tools, learning their variations, and watching how certain designs evolved over time.

What made you choose this knife in particular?
I find myself carrying slip joints far more often than anything heavy-duty. In my day-to-day life, I’m unlikely to need something large or tactical, and Jens’ slip joints strike the perfect balance of size, utility, and refinement. I’m drawn to materials like zirconium, brass, and bronze, you get weight, warmth, and patina without sacrificing durability. A lot of it is practical, but there’s definitely a gut-level pull toward those materials.

What has surprised you most about owning an ANSØ knife?
As the photos probably make clear, I wasn’t gifted with much artistic ability myself. Because of that, I’m drawn to people and brands who can take something purely utilitarian, a knife, a watch, a coin, and elevate it into something that’s both functional and genuinely beautiful. Jens’ work consistently does that. The balance between form and function feels intentional rather than decorative, and that’s what keeps me coming back.

What else do you carry every day?
Outside of knives, my daily carry is pretty simple. At work, it’s usually a pen and a notebook, plus something to fidget with during calls and meetings. That might be a worry stone, one of the Monacos, or, lately, a zirconium slider from Magnus. Small, tactile objects that disappear into your pocket but keep your hands busy.

When you’re not thinking about knives – what’s your other obsession?
Watches and coins are the obvious ones, I’ve already mentioned them, but they’re great examples of everyday objects where utility and artistry overlap in really compelling ways. I was a middling trumpet player in high school, which probably explains why I’m still blown away listening to musicians who truly mastered the instrument. Clifford Brown and Lee Morgan, in particular, never fail to stop me in my tracks.