1: What do you do when you’re not talking knives?
I’m a self-employed carpenter by trade. In my spare time, I’m with my lovely wife and German Shepherd hiking and training. I have always loved tinkering with knives and machines, so I’m always taking things apart and personalizing them. That goes for my lightweight adventure bike too. I have the habit of taking on a bunch of different hobbies, which lately include camping gear, moto adventure, EDC, machine lathing, leather craft and watches.

For all of them, I go full heart. I simply can’t get into stuff with less than 100%, and that leads to Q#2.

2: Which ANSØ knife do you own – and how did it find its way into your hands?
I am the proud owner of TOKO #2 (the first sold).

This was my very first Ansø knife and has a bit of a story behind it. Even the number “2” has, for me, a special meaning with houses I grew up in, birth dates and more, but the acquisition of the TOKO goes with meeting new friends by participating in the launch event. I had my eye on the AROS and thought the TOKO would be a bit too big for my personal EDC, but I fell for it immediately and had to buy it.

On the drive back home, I was worried about telling my wife that I had bought an expensive knife, but I would soon know she had a surprise for me as well.

She first told me she had smashed the car into the neighbors while reversing out, but surprise! — “I’m pregnant.”

Phew, “I bought another expensive knife…”

Call it even?

Nobody could be mad at that point.

Sadly, time told that it wasn’t our time just yet and we lost that pregnancy quite late. Life isn’t always easy, but looking bright forward into the future, saying the mantra “everything will be fine,” a true quotation from my late grandmother.

3: What made you choose this knife in particular?
From the first TOKO, it took pace. Here goes the 100% mindset. The quality, craftsmanship and not least the stories behind the scenes from the maker, it’s a no-brainer. This is the maker’s mark I will collect. So at this point I have the TOKO, Mojo, AROS, 2 Astra, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Casino, 20+YO fixed hunting knife, Haddock, ISOLA and another ISOLA in the books because it is my Goldilocks as EDC size-wise.

(Next one will be very special)

For all my collected knives goes my other hobby as well, so I’m adding my personal touch to the pivot by inlaying meteorite in them. Not that they would ever need it. I just can’t help myself being a total geek about it. Meteorite is truly a spectacular material to work with, nerve-wracking to say the least because of the scarcity and unique patterns appearing with the right methods and preservation.

A story from beyond, you could say.

With all that said, I could not choose only one particular to appreciate the most. They are that good!

4: What has surprised you most about owning an ANSØ knife?
From the first TOKO, I just loved that you are able to really use this fine piece of art and design.

A collectible item that also is practical.

The durability it has, and yet you could appreciate the beauty and fine details under a jeweller's loupe. That doesn’t go for many other makers, and if you add the stories, newsletters, event participation and videos to the collection, it’s a full package.

5: What else do you carry every day?
I try to keep a decent rotation of my EDC, which would be, of course, phone, wallet and keys.

But an Ansø knife for most days (I almost only have Ansø knives), a prybar, small flashlight, a mechanical watch when not working and occasionally a coin and pen.

6: Do you have an EDC tip or habit you think more people should know about?
I take good care of my collection. I couldn’t place my knives in the roll without brushing it clean of lint with a very fine brush and, for some blades, the tiniest drop of KPL smeared on the blade.

Also, use your knife. No safe queens allowed.

But with that said, no queen abuse either!

7: When you’re not thinking about knives – what’s your other obsession?
The latest hobby acquisition… watches. I have always loved mechanical watches. The fine ones would be out of reach financially, but have come to the conclusion that you just have to live a little and prioritize. So I got my first Omega Speedmaster with calibre 3861 and the most authentic Hesalite crystal. Already waiting for my next watch now.

Memento Vivere - Memento Mori.