My main focus in making a knife is to create exciting pieces that use the finest materials and imaginative design, which ultimately culminate in what is unmistakably recognized as a "Jensen knife". My goal is to evolve with every piece. I am not content unless I am continuously growing and challenging myself with each new knife. I strive to push the envelope with each design. I am constantly drawing and incorporating new techniques to make the next piece more complicated and more elaborate then the one before it. This philosophy ensures that every piece is a true-one-of-kind creation and is my best work thus far.

Most of my work is done on a commission basis (custom orders). However, I do sometimes create pieces that are not commissioned. Please contact me to see if I have anything AVAILABLE. If you are interested in a commissioned order, please contact me. Included with each knife is a certificate of authenticity/tech sheet and color photos for your records. As my knives are meant for display, they will come with either an exotic wood display stand or a custom exotic wood box.

For custom orders, I work with my clients to create a unique piece. The process begins with the customer specifying the following: style of knife, rough idea of materials and price range. I then create several different designs for review. Once a design is chosen, we work together to fine tune the drawing and create the final product on paper. This is when I request a deposit to cover the costs of the agreed upon materials. At that point, I begin the physical creation process. I do not work with an exact time frame. Once I begin a project I like to operate from within a creative flow. This process is impossible to predict. However, I do promise that the piece will be done in a timely fashion.

There are several reasons why my pieces stand out as uniquely my own. First, I take the design process very seriously. I strive to figure out all of the specific nuances before I begin each piece. The final product will be a 95% match to the drawing. This discipline comes from my design background at Rhode Island School of Design. I feel strongly that the design process is essential in creating a piece that is totally thought out and developed. Second, I use several different metal and jewelry techniques, many of which have become a part of my signature style. One noticeable feature is the way in which I layer materials. This allows me to create steps and cutaways. Other distinguishable elements include hidden screw construction, piercings, a unique titanium tang wrap, and a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. Finally, I use only high-end materials which include the finest Damascus, fossil mastodon and walrus ivories, mother-of-pearl, as well as gold-lip and black-lip pearls, abalone, high karat gold, platinum, titanium, and both precious and semi-precious gemstones. Ultimately, the design of a Jensen knife is intended to be distinctly different from other knives. I believe this difference should be the reason why someone would commission one of my pieces.

"Why do you operate under the name Magnus Design Studio?"

I chose this business name as a way to encompass my overall design background, to better represent that I do create other things besides knives. "Magnus" is a family name.

"How many knives do you make a year?"

I generally make between 8-12 knives a year.

"Why does it take so long to build one of your knives?"

Perfection! My designs are very complicated to build. They require a significant amount of complex shaping. There is rarely a straight line to be found on my knives; there are also always difficult areas to get into. Everything is handmade and hand-fit. I assure my fittings are virtually airtight by continually checking the seam against a backlight. Also, each piece is finished like a piece of jewelry. I also symmetrically match the patterns on both sides of the handle. Finally, with every piece I strive to incorporate something new that I have never done before. Therefore each knife is a learning experience and a growth opportunity.

"Are your knives "real" knives?"

Yes, even though my knives are created to be display quality art pieces, they are still made to the same exacting standards as that of a "using knife". Construction, heat-treating, edge geometry, and any other factors that contribute to the knifes performance are all accounted for.

"Why do you use other peoples Damascus (pattern-welded) steel?"

In all of my knives, Damascus is one of the main components. I believe it is important that the Damascus compliments each piece. Therefore, I chose to outsource in order to find the perfect steel pattern to work with and enhance my designs. I have started to forge my own Damascus under the guidance of Gary House, but I think it's to my benefit to have access to a greater variety. From my own observation, I have found that each Damascus-smith, including myself, have their own personal aesthetic. Each maker has a unique style, more choices ensures better enhancement of my different designs. I am excited by the array of patterns that I can work with and usually the material I outsource is custom made to my specifications. I feel that this decision does not compromise my work, but instead adds to it.

"What inspires and motivates you?"

I am very awed by the organic. Nature is the finest and most innovative, complex, and radical designer of all. I want my knives to seem alive. I also really love modern and progressive design, whether it be clothes, cars, furniture, accessories, or architecture. I think that my motivation comes from self-discipline and my own need to create something beyond the ordinary. Some examples of other visuals that inspire me can be seen in the INSPIRATION section of my site.

"What are your favorite parts of the knife making process?"

1) I enjoy challenging myself in regards to design and construction.
2) I love coming up with new and exciting things to explore.
3) Picking materials.
4) Seeing the whole project come to completion.
5) Making my clients happy: I really love it when two weeks after I deliver a knife, a collector calls and is all excited about something new that they have just discovered on their knife.

"Do you sign your work?" Yes, I use the crest as my signature. I believe that a signature should be unobtrusive, so I chose to use this symbol, which I can subtly incorporate into my knives. My heraldic crest or shield personally represents strength and steadfastness. Within the shield is found a Maltese cross, which predates the christian cross by 1500 years. The Maltese cross is a peaceful cross, it is impractical for crucifictions. (the top shield: colored blue). This is a symbol of balance; all arms of the Maltese cross are of equal length, this represents the four directions, four elements, earth, air, fire, water, as well as the natural union of male and female. In addition, the negative areas of the design form a butterfly (the bottom shield: colored yellow). This is symbolically important to me as well; the butterfly represents re-birth and transformation.