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.