What do you do when you're not talking about knives?
I am a father of four and have been happily married to my boss for 26 years. We have a small Kindergarten where I work as a educator. In my previous career, I was a chef and diet chef. That is certainly one reason for my interest in beautiful knives. Scouting could also be to blame. Perhaps you know me as the guy who built the GMF1-shaped brass beard comb? (courtesy of GiantMouseKnives)
Which ANSĂ knife do you ownâand how did you come to own it?
About half of my knives are now Ansø knives or Ansø designs. (GMK & Boker) My first Ansø was a Caslno in titanium. I treated myself to it in 2021, along with a Carabiner V3, at the KnifeLounge in Hamburg after selling one of my custom cruisers. Because it was my most expensive knife at the time, I treated it with kid gloves. Once, when it slipped out of my hand at home, I reached for it and stabbed myself 2.5 cm into my thigh. Maybe that's why the Caslno is my favorite Ansø design? I now own three Caslnos, but none of them are in titanium anymore; instead, they are in brass, CF, and zirconium.
What made you choose this particular knife?
The one-handed opening and double detent were key factors in my decision to buy the Caslno. It had to be compliant, of course. But I was also very impressed by its classic curved shape and perfect size.
What has surprised you most since you've owned an ANSĂ knife?
Ever since my visit to Jens for the Toko Launch and Launch16 in November 2024, I have been thrilled by how down-to-earth and warm Jens, Karina, and the team are, and by the passion with which they create and distribute their products. But also by the discipline Jens shows with his daily design drawings. I would like to be like that too.
What else do you carry with you every day?
I usually carry at least two Ansø knives with me every day, a Sheepsfoot and a Caslno. When I'm working at the kindergarten, I only carry a fresh Victorinox Companion without a blade. I always have the Toko Prybar and an Ansø Puzzle with the royal A in my wallet. In my other pockets, I have a DÜring minipen and a Don't Worry Stone from KnifeLounge or another brass object. On darker days, I add even more weight with a brass lamp.
Do you have an EDC tip or habit that you think more people should know about?
âUse your sh...t!â I actually use all my knives. But because I have a few more, limited edition knives are used less often. It almost hurts to see signs of wear on them. But... No one can take their stuff with them on their final journey. So âuse your sh...t!â and enjoy it every day. Whether you're cutting something or just fiddling with it.
When you're not thinking about knives, what is your other passion?
When my family, job, house and yard, dog, and two cats allow me the time, I like to be in my workshop. I work with brass, Micarta, and other materials, and expand my EDC - unfortunately much too rarely. But I also need to take my latest custom cruiser or my âSimson Schwalbeâ for a spin, preferably with my wife. I'm planning to build a fixed blade knife next year. The prototype is still made of wood. The design is based on a knife made by a knife maker and friend who is very well known in Germany. I hope to be able to build a few of these knives with him.
Thank you, Friedemann, for your visit in the shop and for contributing to the EDC-community.
I am a father of four and have been happily married to my boss for 26 years. We have a small Kindergarten where I work as a educator. In my previous career, I was a chef and diet chef. That is certainly one reason for my interest in beautiful knives. Scouting could also be to blame. Perhaps you know me as the guy who built the GMF1-shaped brass beard comb? (courtesy of GiantMouseKnives)
Which ANSĂ knife do you ownâand how did you come to own it?
About half of my knives are now Ansø knives or Ansø designs. (GMK & Boker) My first Ansø was a Caslno in titanium. I treated myself to it in 2021, along with a Carabiner V3, at the KnifeLounge in Hamburg after selling one of my custom cruisers. Because it was my most expensive knife at the time, I treated it with kid gloves. Once, when it slipped out of my hand at home, I reached for it and stabbed myself 2.5 cm into my thigh. Maybe that's why the Caslno is my favorite Ansø design? I now own three Caslnos, but none of them are in titanium anymore; instead, they are in brass, CF, and zirconium.
What made you choose this particular knife?
The one-handed opening and double detent were key factors in my decision to buy the Caslno. It had to be compliant, of course. But I was also very impressed by its classic curved shape and perfect size.
What has surprised you most since you've owned an ANSĂ knife?
Ever since my visit to Jens for the Toko Launch and Launch16 in November 2024, I have been thrilled by how down-to-earth and warm Jens, Karina, and the team are, and by the passion with which they create and distribute their products. But also by the discipline Jens shows with his daily design drawings. I would like to be like that too.
What else do you carry with you every day?
I usually carry at least two Ansø knives with me every day, a Sheepsfoot and a Caslno. When I'm working at the kindergarten, I only carry a fresh Victorinox Companion without a blade. I always have the Toko Prybar and an Ansø Puzzle with the royal A in my wallet. In my other pockets, I have a DÜring minipen and a Don't Worry Stone from KnifeLounge or another brass object. On darker days, I add even more weight with a brass lamp.
Do you have an EDC tip or habit that you think more people should know about?
âUse your sh...t!â I actually use all my knives. But because I have a few more, limited edition knives are used less often. It almost hurts to see signs of wear on them. But... No one can take their stuff with them on their final journey. So âuse your sh...t!â and enjoy it every day. Whether you're cutting something or just fiddling with it.
When you're not thinking about knives, what is your other passion?
When my family, job, house and yard, dog, and two cats allow me the time, I like to be in my workshop. I work with brass, Micarta, and other materials, and expand my EDC - unfortunately much too rarely. But I also need to take my latest custom cruiser or my âSimson Schwalbeâ for a spin, preferably with my wife. I'm planning to build a fixed blade knife next year. The prototype is still made of wood. The design is based on a knife made by a knife maker and friend who is very well known in Germany. I hope to be able to build a few of these knives with him.
Thank you, Friedemann, for your visit in the shop and for contributing to the EDC-community.
