Lately, I have begun to realize that my view of the knife world was of narrow focus and exposed to the wonderful tools since childhood, my experience was a typically American one. For the past six months I have been pouring over the artistry and craftsmanship of custom knifemakers with the continued hope of finding the perfect knife. Although I never truly expect to find one single example of universal perfection, I have certainly found many wonderful creations that exude excellence. Among those examples, the productions of a trio of knifemakers consistantly caused me to stop and take notice. The examples from these bladecrafters soon became obviously recognizeable, and although each craftsman has his own distinct style, there was something in the overall essence which bound them together. It did not take me long to assess one unifing fact which was most likely responsible for this impression. These knifemakers and their excellent examples of sublime design and execution were all coming from the country of Denmark.
Jens Anso may be the most prolific of these Danish knifemakers and is most definitely a master of his craft. In many ways a self-taught knifemaker, Anso has a Master's Degree in Industrial Design, as well as, a lifetime of appreciation and interest in craftsmanship. It is certainly not difficult to imagine that a country and culture so renown for design concept, would also have some measurable influence on Anso's creations. Clean lines, beautiful grinds and uncluttered fixtures bond together to form pieces which are both utilitarian and progressive. Scale materials are often jigged or drill-textured and commonly these patterns continue the flow right over onto the bolster. In other examples, the most spartan of finishes leave the user witnessing a perfect marriage of form and function. My words cannot truly express an honest description of Anso's work. It must be seen to be fully appreciated.
Although I am not his biographer, nor his peer, I am most certainly an enthusiastic follower, and I am not alone. While Anso's custom creations keep his waiting list 18 months out, a production folder will soon be released as a collaborative effort with the well-regarded, Spyderco. This highly anticipated model, the Rock Lobster, is scheduled to be released this month, February 2009, and Anso afficianados, as well as, general Spyderco knife enthusiasts are lining up to obtain this design by Anso. Should you want to experience knifeworks imbued by an entire culture of difference in design and experience, yet so wonderfully simple, you cannot imagine why you haven't always had them in hand, visit Anso Knives and see for yourself the artistic simplicity and Danish design concepts of Jens Anso.
Jens Anso "Bastid"
Jesper Voxnaes is the "one-man-show" behind Vox Knives. A forger, sheathmaker and knife designer, Voxnaes has all the qualities necessary, and then some, to be found alongside an elite group of international, high-end custom knifemakers. His talent is without question and his excellent examples of knifemaking evoke a tactile urge, almost like an inviting sculpture that begs to be touched. When I first began viewing images of his work, my initial reaction was to recognize it as an exotic design concept, but very quickly thereafter, Vox's designs began to scream "Function!" As I've previously stated, being over-exposed to the typical commercial American knifemakeing designs, which present their perspective on what a cutting tool should be, Vox's designs step away from that, and bring the cutting edge forward while enhancing the overall aesthetic. In some cases, the cutting edge is almost completely perpendicular to the shank, reminiscent of an Ulu, or a push-dagger with slicer up front, and in this case, form definitely follows function. Voxnaes says many of his examples of bladecraft are influenced by old-Nordic designs as well as some classic American ones. In any case, a vast majority of his designs stack the full-weight of the blade behind the cutting edge and in some examples, his handles are minimized, which only aurments that concept. When this type of design is coupled with the force of the user, a real "cutting tool" is created and that function cannot be mistaken for anything less.
While I am only describing a generalization of his design theme, Vox's blades, also, must be seen to be fully appreciated. The flawless flat grinds, enhancing bevels and textured handles are fine examples of the stock-removal process used in most of his hand-created productions. Vox produces blades to fill many different needs as well. Larger tactical weapons, like the VoxRold, and smaller defensive/utility knives, such as the VoxMegaMini, are found alongside simple yet fantastic examples of kitchen cutlery which could also do a double duty as a piece of tactical kit. It should also be mentioned that Jesper Voxnaes derives many of his designs as a response to fill a need arising in his everyday life around the Fjords of his home in Denmark. As such, there is certainly an age-old maritime influence to some of his knife lines. The VoxMate is one such example with a neo-wharncliffe style blade.
Just as found in the custom productions of Jens Anso, Jesper Voxnaes has created an excellent body of work that couples simplicity and function in Danish design. And in both cases, while form follows function, beauty is second to none!
Jesper Voxnaes, Vox Knives
To be continued...Willumsen
