We recently had the chance to connect with Greg Hansen Sr and have shared our conversation below.
Greg, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
When I walked into SCHEELS sporting goods, and saw that Benchmade knife (2025 Limited Edition MINI ADIRA for the water collection) it was pretty overwhelming.
Seeing our product on Knives at retail places, and at knife shows; those things make me feel proud.
I just got home from the Salt Lake City Knife Show where makers would say, “man your stuff is everywhere!” and, “your stuff is amazing.” That makes me feel great. Even being shown our really old material on a knife, though humbling, also makes me proud to know how far we’ve come. G-carta has improved so much over the years because of better resin, better methods, and better finishing techniques. I have to thank Jordan Danz for his tutorial on how to finish G-carta; it has saved my business, at least in part.
Things have a way of working out…. Like Mikie and I. We were just sitting together talking about how Mikie’s husband wanted her to get a job (as they were going through a divorce). So I hired her to ship orders. Not even a week in she mentioned she could have fun creating patterns. Turns out, she was right. Now I’m the craftsman and she’s the artist.
At the knife show I took the compliments on my craftsmanship, and the design ones that they were really giving her. (Don’t worry, I conveyed the messages to her.)
We’re a great team. We don’t try to manage each other, we stay in our own lane. It’s a “this is what you can do,” and “this is what I can do” arrangement.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Greg Hansen and my longtime friend Mikie and I make an Epoxy/Fabric composite that is used primarily for knife handles. Its layers of colored fabric embedded with epoxy that is cured with pressure and heat that create a dense water resistant material that is the cut up into strips or blocks used for knifemaking. We together served on a visual art team 25 years ago and have remained friends and now work together. 6 years ago through a series of events we put our heads together to provide knifemakers an artistic and colorful knife handle material that is unique and durable. We worked with System Three Resins to formulate an epoxy like no other that has played a major role in our success, as well as Mikie’s Fashion Design/Art training. We have been currently collaborating with mid to large size manufacturers making unique designs specific to their projects. All of this started in my garage and continues on the same way. My son James is a Mechanical Engineer and he designed and built our presses as well as being instrumental in creating our process. Life is fun and you work hard to keep it that way.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My Dad is the person who taught me about work, mostly through example. He had one arm. He lost his arm in WWII at the Battle of the Bulge when he was 19.
He once told me the story of when he was on the boat coming home from Europe with one arm, and all the people around him were bitter and miserable; he made up his mind right then that he was not going to be like that.
That always sticks in my mind.
I am an optimistic person. I attribute that to my faith, and to my dad.
Like I said, “things have a way of working out.”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Ah suffering… I am well acquainted.
You have to persevere.
Our first year of business is a great example.
I had terrible eczema.
I almost cut off three fingers.
My wife left me.
My credit card was maxed out, and I had to move.
I moved to Idaho near my oldest son, not knowing what would happen.
Mikie came up for the first 6 months to help me get the G-carta machine going. I could’ve never done it without her.
That first year… and then some, there were a lot of well meaning friends telling me all about what I was doing wrong. In my head I’d say “shut up!”
You have to tune out the chatter when they tell you “you’re doing it wrong”.
When you have a strong belief, go with it.
I was confident God was leading my steps, and I’m the kind of guy who can figure things out, so with Mikie’s attitude of let’s give it a whirl, and my determination, we did it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! What you see is what you get. If the answer was no, then we’d need a “why?” follow up, but for me, I am what I am.
I go to all the knife shows I can cause I love to meet the people. I have a blast connecting with the makers, and even my competition. I’m a people person, but I’m also never bored when I’m alone. I work hard, but I also enjoy my off time with Tater, my yellow lab, and with my many grandchildren.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
What I hope people say about me is that I always tried to do the right thing.
I hope they remember me after I met Jesus. Before I met Jesus I was a piece of work. I realize everyone is a mess without Jesus. With Him, we might still be a mess, but at least we try to do what’s right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Gcarta.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: G.L._hansenandsons
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