5 from the Grinder – Michael West (Westknives)
It is Monday, so it is time for another 5 from the Grinder knifemaker feature. Today we have the first maker who is new to me, having answered our call for participants for the series. If you are a knifemaker who would like to be featured in your own “5ftG” post on KnifeMagazine.com, you can find out more about it here.
Michael West is a Danish maker, whose work features the clean lines more associated with Scandinavian automotive design than traditional Scandinavian knife patterns.
Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives:
I am from Denmark. I make custom handmade artknives and love being at shows here and abroad.
I do all my drawings by hand, a handmade knife from Westknives means handmade.
What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?
I started the year before the first Knives Yearbook, so I have been pretty much on my own. But I see so many great knives, and you can always learn something.
What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
My original designs comes from the iron age Nordic knives.
What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
Think everyone (me included) makes kitchen knives at the moment.
Is there a knife from your lineup that you feel best exhibits who you are as a knifemaker/designer in terms of design elements, aesthetic or techniques used?
I have made some Silverframe Knives with sheaths in silver and matching materials. These are signature knives for me.
What is your EDC and why?
I do not really have a EDC. In Denmark you need a practical reason to carry.
You can see more of Michael’s work by visiting Westknives.com, his Instagram (@westknives), or his Facebook Page.
If you would like to find out more about out 5 from the Grinder Series, you can read more below.
Want to be featured on KNIFEMagazine.com? Introducing “5 from the Grinder”
If you are a maker who would like your own 5ftG feature, you can fill out the form here. The password is “grinder”
cmeat
“In Denmark you need a practical reason to carry.”
what’s impractical about any one of the dozen legitimate uses i could recite at the drop of a lego?
sadly, but at least hopefully he’s towing the cultural line here and carries something regardless.
sorry, got lost in that mindset. exquisite lines, some delicate tips there for fixed stuff; kept thinking “priceless letter openers.”
Ricky Hockensmith
CMEAT, you have to remember that the Danes got pacified somewhere in their journey from their Viking heritage. Make sex not war. This man’s knife designs are beautiful; They are similar to Wolfgang Loerchner’s creations. Practical? NOT. Art? YES. Hocky
StuartB
Make Seax not War. There, fixed it for you…….
Stunning knives, really striking and sooo elegant
Ricky Hockensmith
Stuart B., Very witty! However, I believe the Vikings pronounced “seax” as “sO” (long “O”). Still, pronunciation aside, I like how you did it! Hocky
StuartB
Well, you reap what you seax ……… I’ll see myself out
Ricky Hockensmith
Did you happen to meet “Billy Jack” in the desert? Peyote sunsets and tequila . .