The Casström Story
How it all Began...
Casström’s story starts in the forests of Swedish Lapland, where the company founder, David Cassini Bäckström, grew up. For him, the outdoors wasn’t a weekend escape; it was everyday life. The forest was a playground, a pantry, and a classroom all at once—where blueberries were picked by hand and practical skills were learned early. It was also where he developed a deep respect for tools that simply work, especially knives.
The journey into the knife world didn’t begin with grand plans. David got his start helping his father sell Scandinavian knives online. In the early days it was long hours, tight margins, and time away from family.
The entire business inventory would have been able to fit into two shoeboxes. More than once, walking away for a safer, steadier path felt like the sensible choice.
But there was something stronger than doubt: a clear vision and a stubborn determination to build something of his own.
Driven by that ambition, David set out to design a knife that reflected his experience in the outdoors—practical, reliable, and built without compromise. The result was the Casström No.10 Swedish Forest Knife. It struck a chord with outdoor enthusiasts almost immediately, earning a reputation for quality and thoughtful design. That knife didn’t just launch a product line—it laid the foundation for the company we are today.
Since then, Casström has grown steadily, expanding into a full range of knives and leather accessories, and reaching customers worldwide.
Despite that growth, the core hasn’t changed. David still leads our knife design and remains deeply involved in the details—whether it’s blade geometry or steel composition. In other words, the science and craft behind every knife is still very personal to us.
We may have grown beyond those two shoeboxes, but the spirit behind them—care, resilience, and a commitment to doing things properly—remains at the heart of everything we make.
CEO and Founder: David Cassini Bäckström
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UK Contact - Leo Donkersley
After nearly two decades in the construction industry, Leo made a decision many only daydream about. In 2008, he and his family left behind city life in Birmingham, England, and headed north to Swedish Lapland—drawn by a simple idea: life is better lived closer to the wild.
These days, you’re just as likely to find Leo deep in the boreal forest as you are at his desk. Whether he’s trekking through woodland trails or paddling a canoe across glassy lakes, he’s constantly putting his Casström tools through their paces. It’s not for show—it’s how he ensures that what we offer stands up to real-world use. That firsthand experience means when Leo gives advice, it’s grounded in practice, not theory.
As our main point of contact for the UK, Leo combines practical know-how with straight-talking support. If you have a question, need guidance, or simply want to talk tools, he’s always ready to help—by phone or email, no fuss required.
Leo Donkersley. We think. Or it could be Frosty the Snowman...
Casström HQ
Casström is based in the small trading town of Lycksele, deep in the boreal forest of Swedish Lapland. Set along the Ume River, Lycksele has been a natural meeting place for centuries—first for the Forest Sámi, who grazed their reindeer across the surrounding land, and later as a hub of trade, markets, and community life. In fact, the town celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2007, a testament to its long-standing role at the heart of northern Scandinavia.
Today, that same spirit of connection continues. While we have a small showroom in Lycksele and operate an online shop, most of our products find their way into customers’ hands through a trusted network of retailers around the world. Wherever you are, we’re never far away—just get in touch, and we’ll help you find your nearest dealer.
