CarlMichael Almqvist

I was born in Ethiopia in 1963, where my parents were missionaries. In 1976 my family returned to Sweden to a village called Mellansel – a railroad community just 35 km from “Foppaland”, (where Peter Forsberg was born) Örnsköldsvik. I crafted my first knife at the age of 15 while still at school, but it was after University studies that i became more serious about his craft. Many year i lived in Northern Sweden in a small village called Lövånger whit my first wife until she passed away in breast cancer 2008. Sense 2010 i live in Gävle, two hours ride upside Stockholm whit my new wife Pia. My profession is school counselor, but my free time is devoted to crafts and outdoor life.

In my knives i use traditional Swedish materials such as curly birch, reindeer horn, and mammoth ivory. My knives are very influenced by Sami culture, the native peoples of Scandinavia. I makes my own sheaths and embosses them with a lion and a cM. The Lion symbolizes my childhood in Ethiopia. As i say, “The lion’s courage is undisputed, and inspires me to ‘dare to win’ when crafting my knives.”

I has been featured in Excalibur, France’s primier knife publication.

Affiliations:

2023 – Swedish Knifemaker’s Association, vice-chairman

2018 – 2022 Swedish Knifemaker’s Association Secretary

2007 – 2009 Swedish Knifemaker’s Association, vice-chairman

2007 – 2009 Captain of the Swedish national knifeteam. Nordic champions 2007.

2003 – 2009 Swedish Knifemaker’s Association, board member

1996 – Swedish Knifemaker’s Association, member

Awards:

2022- 2nd prize Swedish Championship – Theme class (Fantasy)

2017 – 1st Prize – Swedish Championship – small art knife

2017 – 1st Prize – Swedish Championship – Half horn knife

2014 – 1st Prize – Swedish Championship – full Antler knife

2013 – 1st Prize – Swedish Championship – Miniatyre knife

2013 – 1st Prize – Swedish Championship – Art knife big

2013 – 1st Prize – Swedish Championship – Traditional Utility knife

2013 – 3th Prize – Swedish Championship – Hunting knife

2013 – 3th Prize – Swedish Championship – Art knife small

2012 -1st Prize – Swedish Championship – Art knife

2012 – 1th Prize – Swedish Championship – developt utility knife

2012 – 2nd Prize – Swedish Championship -Teamwoork

2012 – 3th Prize – Swedish Championship -Traditional utility knife

2008 – Francis Anglade Prize – “Love at First Sight”

2008 – 1st Prize – Swedish Championship – Art Knife

2007 – 1st Prize – Swedish Championship – Folding knife

2007 – 2nd Prize – Swedish Championship – Folding knife

2007 – 4rd Prize – Swedish Championship – Full Tang Knife

2007 – Knife of the Year – The Söderhamns Knifeshow

2007 – 1st Prize – The Söderhamns Knifeshow – Open Category

2007 – 1st Prize – The Söderhamns Knifeshow – Jewelry

2006 – 1st Prize – Swedish Championship – Collaborative Knife Category

2006 – 4th Prize – Swedish Championship – Open category