First round draft --- Puukkos

L

leghog

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Aug 10, 2013
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Have been looking at puukkos online but just couldn't settle on one and didn't want to fork over the $$$. The last couple of gunshows I attended were busts regarding puukkos. One guy had two. They were much smaller than I wanted (and I'm a big fan of small knives) and though not abused (not even much used) they were neglected. Well, at today's local gunshow I not only found a guy with both Norwegian and Swedish knives, he was a true dealer/retailer with a shop about an hour south of here - an uncommon thing in these parts. He not only had a couple of puukkos that interested me, he was willing to trade as well as sell. So for a couple of BM automatics (Infidel 3300 and Stryker 9100SB) I've had for a few years but whicht hold absolutely none of my interest, he gave me a new in box Helle Viking, Helle Harding, and a bunch of cash.

Viking, Helle #96. Love the birch on this one. Seller dug through his stock looking for as stunning a handle as he had. Carbon laminate. Balance is blade heavy.
Helle%2520Viking%2520Sheath.JPG

Helle%2520Viking.JPG


Harding Helle #99, Birch and walnut. Stainless laminate blade. Seems very light as it is center balanced seeming neither blade heavy or handle heavy.
Helle%2520Harding%2520Sheath.JPG

Helle%2520Harding.JPG


Not certain which of these two puukko I'll take a fancy to, but believe it will probably be the Viking. Whichever it is, I'll then have the challenge of deciding what to do with the other.

And the icing on the cake? I found out this dealer's shop has an entire room dedicated to new and used traditional folders and fixed blades.

Today was win-win-win. Puukkos in trade vs $$$ - finally got rid of those two BMs - found a source for traditionals not far from here. Best gun show I've attended since last Spring.
 
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Congrats on your new knives. I have to tell you though, neither one is a puukko. They're related, but not exactly the same. Puukkos are Finnish, while Helles are Norwegian IIRC.

- Christian
 
kamagong said:
Congrats on your new knives. I have to tell you though, neither one is a puukko. They're related, but not exactly the same. Puukkos are Finnish, while Helles are Norwegian IIRC.

- Christian
Click to expand...

Correct in the truest sense; however, I'd need someone to really explain the detailed difference other than country of manufacture.



Modoc ED said:
Blade lengths?
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Viking blade length is 110mm. Blade thickness is 3.7mm. Handle is 105mm.

Harding blade length is 100mm. Blade thickness is 3.1mm. Handle is 110mm
 
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I like your new knives.

The handle on the Viking is Puukkoish ["puukkish"?] (Everyone should make up a word at least once a week.). The blade seems to have a slight drop at the point and surely has a ricasso. The classic puukko, it is said, has a straight spine and no ricasso. However, many Finnish makers did and do the same, not to mention even greater departures from the classic form. (I am holding a 1930's Lahdensuo with a slightly trailing point.) They call the result "puukko." I am not inclined to argue with them, not being a sworn member of the Puukko Police..

The Harding has the dropsy, that little guard and a ricasso. But if it feel right and performs . . . .
 
Really like the Viking. Is the spine straight to the point or is there a slight clip?
 
Lots of puukkos with ricasso --- Iisakki Järvenpää, Paaso Riistapuukko, Ahti, Eräpuu, Käsityö Kuronen, etc, etc. Some of their wares have slight drop points too.

Granted, the Harding is a compromise design, but I seriously can't see a shade of difference in the Viking from many puukkos whether it be blade composition, blade length, thickness, overall length, tang, geometry, knife construction, etc.
 
leghog said:
Lots of puukkos with ricasso --- Iisakki Järvenpää, Paaso Riistapuukko, Ahti, Eräpuu, Käsityö Kuronen, etc, etc. Some of their wares have slight drop points too.

Granted, the Harding is a compromise design, but I seriously can't see a shade of difference in the Viking from many puukkos whether it be blade composition, blade length, thickness, overall length, tang, geometry, knife construction, etc.
Click to expand...

Shuuush! They may not have noticed yet.
 
I love looking at these. I've never used or even held one. How are they with wood craft? I've a couple designs drawn out for full tang knives that are similar in shape, but am just not sure.
 
The Helle Viking has caught my eye since it was released. One day I can hopefully get one.
 
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