Willumsen Mikkel

Custom knives with brutal charm from Mikkel Willumsen

Willumsen Mikkel is a knifemaker from Denmark, a creator of sturdy custom and semi-custom tactical knives which Mikkel produces either under his or Urban Tactical brand’s name (do not confuse it with the Canadian company of the same name – a manufacturer of EDC equipment). Master makes his folders and fixed blade knives by hand, he doesn’t use CNC machines. You will find among Mikkel's products amazing chef knives that are sought by the best European restaurants.

Mikkel was drawn to the cutting tools from childhood and started growing his own collection when he was a boy. Even though these days master does not gather tools, that very first collection of folding EDCs predetermined knifemaker’s future. You can’t tell the boy's whole world was all about knives. Growing up Mikkel was interested in different things. He adored music, did vocals, learned to play harmonica and the majority of the percussion instruments. Despite that, when young Willumsen finished school and was to choose his future profession, he had no doubt. Without even thinking of going to a Conservatory he joined the “Teacher of the art of metal and wood processing” faculty at the Copenhagen Polytechnic University.

The University provided access to the excellent equipment which Mikkel used to make his first knives (the first folder came out in 1998). After graduation, Mikkel was sure he would dedicate himself to knifemaking. Although the young man was great with CNC machines he didn’t like the idea of following an algorithm when creating a tool. All parts of a tool were processed manually on the machine. Designing though involved computer software (usually computer-aided design application Rhinoceros). As Willumsen confesses, he sometimes had a knife’s name in his head and afterward created a design matching that name. Master’s muses are motorcycles, cars, watches and other big boys’ toys. One of the Willumsen’s clients once said that craftsman’s tactical knives look like a Hammer and are constructed like a tank. Denmark can consider such a knife as a national treasure.

Master’s customs became popular very quickly. Only a year after graduation Mikkel Willumsen founded Urban Tactical company and settled down in the rooms of an old factory that earlier was a part of the industrial outskirts of the city but at the beginning of the 21st century became a central part of Copenhagen. Brand’s name speaks for itself: Willumsen’s tools are tactical knives that play well the role of urban EDCs. Besides universal EDC-tactical knives, Urban Tactical brand produces axes, knives for special purposes and tools for scuba divers, firefighters, skydivers and special forces. Functionality comes first and always impacts the design.

Master’s products are very popular not only in Denmark but in the USA. Large American manufacturer United Cutlery signed a contract with Mikkel according to which the knifemaker created for the company design of several tactics. Craftsman also successfully collaborated with many other brands.

The main characteristics of master's works are premium materials, high quality of the design, aggressive shape and combination of different types of finishes. Handles of the knives from Mikkel Willumsen might feature surprising combinations such as the “Tyran” model does – stonewash of the anodized sections mixed with satin finish. For the blade master uses author’s Damascus and famous American steels such as D2, 440C, CPM.

“Maria Stalina Knives” shop is happy to offer you knives from Mikkel Willumsen and other European manufacturers. Just call us at +7 (812) 676-33-47 and our manager will recommend customs that meet your requirements.