Business Spotlight: GiantMouse

The Beginning of GiantMouse

GiantMouse was born from a simple idea: to design and produce the knives we wanted to carry ourselves. Founded by renowned Danish designers Jesper Voxnaes and Jens Anso—alongside American entrepreneur and friend Jim Wirth—GiantMouse blends Danish design sensibility with American ingenuity. The result? Bold, highly functional knives made for everyday carry, outdoor adventure, and hard use. Every knife we create reflects our passion for quality, attention to detail, and a deep respect for great design. From limited-run folders to rugged fixed blades, each piece is built to perform and crafted to last. We partner with top-tier cutlery manufacturers to ensure precise execution of our designs using premium materials. What started as a passion project has grown into a global community of knife enthusiasts who share our appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship and smart design. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just discovering the world of high-end EDC, we’re glad you’re here and we are so excited to be a part of Old Town in Lansing.

How Would You Describe Your Business to a Friend?

Think of GiantMouse as what happens when two legendary Danish knife designers–Jesper Voxnaes and Jens Anso–team up with an American buddy and decide to make the knives they actually want to carry. No fluff, no gimmicks, just seriously well-designed blades built to be used, not babied. They focus on clean, functional designs with a bit of attitude, and they work with top-tier manufacturers to make sure the final product lives up to the original vision. Materials? Always premium, much of which originates in the US. Fit and finish? Dialed. Whether it’s a compact folder for your pocket or a fixed blade built for the backcountry, these knives are made to last and are made to be carried. What started as a passion project has turned into a kind of cult favorite among knife folks, and one that’s growing rapidly. If you're into gear that looks great, works hard, and has a great story behind it, GiantMouse is probably your vibe.

Are You Involved with or Do You Support Any Local Nonprofits, Community Organizations Or Causes?

GiantMouse has partnered with organizations like Save the Children, Children’s Aid NY, and the National Forest Foundation in the past, and we are currently partnered with the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Mid-Michigan Mountain Biking Association, and other groups and individuals. We are always looking for groups and organizations we can support, both with our own time and effort, as well as the business’s resources.

What is a Common Question You Get?

"Where did the name ‘GiantMouse’ come from?” It’s the question we get asked most, and depending on which founder you ask, you might get a slightly different take. According to designer and co-founder Jesper Voxnaes, it’s a nod to Danish design—globally influential, yet born from a small country. The name GiantMouse captures that idea: a giant impact from a place that might seem small or quiet, like a mouse. It’s about creating bold, high-quality design while staying true to our roots. That spirit is at the core of everything we do.

Why Did You Start the Business? What Did You Hope to Accomplish?

Jim, Jesper, and Jens founded GiantMouse with one simple goal: to retain full creative control over their designs while collaborating closely with each other and having fun along the way. Their original plan was to release two to three limited-edition designs per year, allowing them to test new, interesting materials and design concepts. Before long, GiantMouse earned a reputation as the best knife company you couldn’t actually buy a knife from since they were always sold out of designs. That led to the launch of the production-folder ACE line, named after the ACE Hotel in Portland, OR. Now, 10 years later, we’re still here, having fun and pushing boundaries every day.

What is the Most Popular Product or Service?

The GMF1 is the knife that put GiantMouse fixed blades on the map, and it shows. Every curve, every line is classic GiantMouse: clean, purposeful, and built to perform. Compact yet capable, the GMF1 is a true workhorse, equally at home handling daily tasks or tagging along on weekend adventures. With premium materials, excellent ergonomics, and a range of steels and finishes, it strikes the perfect balance between minimalism and performance. It’s easy to carry, feels great in hand, and is always ready when you need it. Why is it our best-selling knife ever? Because once you carry one, you’ll never want to carry something else.

Why Is Community Important and Why Did You Decide to Have Your Business On Main Street?

GiantMouse is deeply dedicated to the community and strives to invest time, resources, and energy into making the communities that we are a part of a better place. When looking to move into a new space, one that we could welcome the public and community into, Old Town quickly emerged as a perfect fit. The vibrant collection of retail boutiques and restaurants, along with the walkability of the area, quickly helped us to commit to a new location on the corner of N Washington and Cesar E. Chavez wherein we will be opening up a showroom on August 23rd, 2025.

GiantMouse Knives