Benchmade Leuku?

Lodd said:
Well, from the looks of it, one of the big advantages of this take on the leuku is the santoprene handle. I was sceptical at first, but once I recieved my Benchmade 'Puukko' I was swiftly convinced. It may not look like much, but damn, does it feel good to use.

I do think the knife has been kept rather small for a leuku, which I consider a missed opportunity. It could have set itself apart from other bushcraft knives. I have a bigger Leuku model by autine (still not 8 inch) and it excels by being a big knife that is also very good at doing the stuff smaller knives are good for. By making the knife smaller than a traditional Leuku, Benchmade loses that advantage and the uniqueness of the product. Now it has to compete with a whole bunch of other bushcrafting knives in the same size range.

As an aside: I don't consider the Benchmade "Puukko" and "Leuku" to be a 'real' Puukko and Leuku. More like a Puukko- and Leuku inspired knife. They are undoubtedly very good knives in their own right, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the Benchmade "Puukko", but if you want the real thing, I suggest you look elsewhere.

Having said that, because the Benchmade "Puukko" was such a good knife, I think I'll give their "Leuku" a chance too.
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Well said :thumbsup:
 
This is interesting. I didn't know that Benchmade was producing a "Leuku". I've been somewhat curious of their "Puukko" but after handling a few Finnish made ones and eventually acquiring one, I am not particulary hard pressed to pull the trigger on the Benchmade version. I will agree with others here, their Leuku is rather short - in fact, some puukkos are not that much shorter. It seems to fall in between the pair I have pictured below.

YLPqcH3.jpg



Also, here is a pic of the Benchmade version - every thread needs pics.

m0SXjQA.jpg
 
John A. Larsen said:
Nice video. I have a 9-inch version, plus two of the Special Forces style with 8-inch blades. One is the fixed guard current version, and an older one where the guard folds up into a cut out in the handle. This allows you to use the traditional type sheath, but once you draw the leak, the guard pivots down. John
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Aren't those folding guard models normally called "Norwegian National Guard" knives John? It seems like Les Ristinen told me that.
 
Here's John's pic of the folding guard leuku. Interesting the pivot pin goes through the blade. Stromeng is the maker.
Thanks John


Rich
 
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While on the topic of military knives (not leuku) = somewhat off topic: Here's two Swedish knives.I was told they were prototypes submitted to the
Swedish military for adoption, but rejected. Remaining inventory or maybe later made for public sale.



OK, off topic, sorry
Rich
 
Quiet said:
That's true, however, the difference is that "bushcraft" AKA playing at building stuff with wood while in the woods can be accomplished with any knife, really. People or companies talking about needing specific knives or how knives with a specific blade shape or grind are somehow the "best" for "bushcraft" are marketing majors who are attempting to sell you something.
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Back 30 some odd years ago when I was heavy into what is now called "bushcrafting", we called it hunting, camping, or survival training. The only thing separating them was amount of gear, certain activities, and comfort level. Hunting and camping were relatively the same for the most part and survival training was very minimalist gear and different outdoor environments. All outdoor activities involved owning a knife. I usually carried more than one (especially survival training) that included fixed blade and a folder. Most times I had a 70 or 80's era Boy Scout knife (mine was Ulster) and a Schrade hunting knife. Somehow I managed to make them work and I'm still here after those 20+ years in the wilderness. I've been wanting the puuko and now want the leak too. my knife.jpg
 
My homemade leuku. Reground Oldforge blade, 7", high ridge line, sharpened scary sharp. Sheath old one, but need a deeper one. Copper pipe ferrule, copper butt plate; scrap hickory handle. I have 4 Finnish or Norwegian leuku, but wanted to try my own.



Rich

EDIT: please excuse the old eyes.The blade is marked Forgecraft, not Old Forge.
 
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Beware, since I posted my homemade leuku above, I've seen a few on fleabay going as antique/vintage Nordic or mountain man knives. Or maybe they've been there before and I've just noticed them. So simple to make, I guess lots of folks are making them?
Rich
 
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Yes, Old Forge is the maker's/company name on the blade, no idea of blade's age. I use to pick these and Old Hickory blades up at yard sales for a dollar or two. Have three large Old Hickory knives that I cleaned up and use in the kitchen

Rich

EDIT: please excuse the old eyes.The blade is marked Forgecraft, not Old Forge.
 
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Mr. Wizard

Sorry, I mis-read the marking ( old eyes, without my reader glasses). It does say Forgecraft, not old forge.
Apologies for my poor vision and not being more observant.
Rich
 
I guess we can consider this thread closed? Sort of wandered off the benchmade topic anyway.
Rich
 
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Rich S, are these traditional leukus flat ground with convexed edge or are they scandi-mora,helle type grind with full thickness untill the actual edge?
 
Lonestar

Could be either depending on brand.

(how's that for answering your question
without really saying anything?)

I checked mine.Most Finnish ones seem to be flat with a slight secondary edge bevel (some not so slight) The Helle seems to have a slight convex secondary bevel.

Rich
 
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