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GiantMouse
Published: April 25th, 2025
In 2015, during a U.S. knife show, Danish designers and knifemakers Jens Anso, Jesper Voxnaes, and American entrepreneur Jim Wirth envisioned creating a knife brand that would seamlessly blend innovative design, exceptional production quality, and fair pricing. This collaborative idea was conceived over drinks, leading to the formation of GiantMouse Knives. Their collective ambition was to establish a brand that delivered superior products and maintained a close-knit relationship with its customer community. This vision was encapsulated in their motto: Knives Done Right.
GiantMouse was officially founded in 2015, with operations based in California. The brand adopted a unique approach by producing limited runs of each knife design, specifically, 400 pieces per model. This comprised 300 standard versions and 100 special versions marked with the company's distinctive Pirate Mouse logo. Once these batches were sold, the designs were retired.
Jens Anso and Jesper Voxnaes didn’t just start designing knives out of nowhere, they grew up using them. Both spent a lot of time outdoors in the Danish countryside, doing things like fishing, hunting, and sailing. That kind of lifestyle meant carrying a knife wasn’t optional, it was just part of everyday life. So when they started designing knives, they naturally focused on making tools that were practical, reliable, and built to be used. Clean lines, smart shapes, and nothing unnecessary, that’s been their style from the beginning.
Most of their knives are built in Maniago, Italy, a small town known for its long tradition of cutlery craftsmanship. By teaming up with experienced Italian makers, GiantMouse combines bold Scandinavian design with the kind of old-world precision that Maniago is famous for. It’s one of the big reasons why their knives feel so dialed in; everything fits, flips, and locks just right.
- GiantMouse was founded in 2015 by Jens Anso, Jesper Voxnaes (pictured above), and Jim Wirth
- Most of GiantMouse's knives are produced in Maniago, Italy
GiantMouse's product line reflects the founders' journeys and cherished local spots. For instance, the ACE Biblio, one of their flagship models, is named after the Biblio bar in Brooklyn, New York, where the founders frequently convened during the brand's early planning stages. This tradition of naming knives after meaningful places continued with models like the Iona, Grand, Atelier, and Farley, each bearing the name of a bar or establishment significant to the founders.
- GiantMouse launched their ACE line in 2018, providing high quality production knives
- In 2023, the GiantMouse GMX (pictured above) was awarded the 2023 Knife of the Year award at Blade Show Atlanta
In January 2025, after nearly a decade with GiantMouse, co-founder Jens Anso announced his departure to focus on his personal brand, Anso of Denmark. Reflecting on his tenure, Anso expressed pride in the accomplishments achieved alongside his partners. CEO Jim Wirth acknowledged Anso's invaluable contributions and emphasized the brand's commitment to continued innovation under the leadership of Voxnaes and himself.
GiantMouse's dedication to quality is evident in its meticulous design and production processes. The founders are actively involved in every stage, from material selection to prototype testing, ensuring each knife meets their exacting standards. This hands-on approach guarantees that every product released is one they would personally carry and use.
GiantMouse isn’t just about making great knives, they also give back. For every GiantMouse folder sold, the company donates $10 to Save the Children, helping support kids in need around the world. It’s a simple, ongoing way they use their success to make a real difference beyond the knife community.
- In January 2025, Jens Anso (pictured above) announced his departure from the company
- For every GiantMouse folder sold, GiantMouse donated $10 to Save the Children
What to Buy
The GiantMouse ACE Atelier packs bold design and everyday functionality into a compact form. It features a 2.87" Elmax clip point blade with a stonewash finish and smooth ball bearing action for easy manual opening via the thumb hole. The red canvas Micarta handle offers a comfortable grip, paired with a secure liner lock and deep carry titanium pocket clip for ambidextrous carry. A built-in lanyard hole adds convenience. Measuring 4" closed and weighing 3.3oz, this pocket-ready knife is handmade in Maniago, Italy, blending premium materials with precision craftsmanship for a top-tier EDC.
The GiantMouse ACE Biblio Ice SMKW Exclusive is a premium compact folder built for everyday use. It features a 2.87" Bohler M390 stainless steel drop point blade for top-tier edge retention and performance. The blade opens smoothly using either the flipper tab or thumb hole, riding on a ball bearing pivot. Its Arctic Fat Carbon handle scales are paired with stainless steel liners for solid, lightweight strength. A reversible wire pocket clip and lanyard hole add carry versatility. Measuring 4" closed and weighing 4.1oz, this exclusive model is made in Maniago, Italy, where craftsmanship and performance come together seamlessly.
The GiantMouse ACE Nibbler Titanium is a compact powerhouse built for precision and everyday carry. It features a 2" CPM S20CV Wharncliffe blade with a satin finish, offering excellent edge retention and cutting control. The blade opens manually with a thumb hole and runs on a smooth ball-bearing pivot. Its gray titanium handles are accented with brass, including a matching brass backspacer for a touch of style. A wire pocket clip and lanyard hole provide versatile carry options. At just 2.76" closed and 2.5oz, this small but capable knife is handmade in Maniago, Italy, with premium materials and craftsmanship.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.