Goodbye to my first fixed blade. Need a replacement, I'm thinking Helle

N

n7titan

Joined
Jun 14, 2014
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So back in Feb my esee4 was stolen. I left my car unlocked, stupid me. I'll never do it again.
I'll miss it, and I hope it gives it's new owner quite a few cuts while it's still razor sharp. Cretins.

But good journeys, the birch handles I put on you should last a lifetime and my initials are forever engraved in them as a marker.
I hope you come into the hand of someone much better than the one that took you from me.
L0191362JPG.jpg

Farewell, Esee-4 #27556.

But anyways! My years with the esee taught me a lot. Like see how the bevel is broader than stock? Over years of sharpening i kept lowering the angle because i wanted it to be more slicey. Also the thickness of .188" was nice and sturdy, but i never put it up to hard wrenching. I'm sure 1/8" would be perfect. Lastly the length was a bit short on blade and handle. It was just shy of being large enough for heavy tasks and a bit large for fine tasks.

I got myself a ZT566 and it's an awesome edc. I also still have my kershaw leek so I feel rather than going for another 4" fixed i'd move up to 5". I don't care to go 6 and above because i like using a hatchet for that stuff.
So I found myself looking at 2 Helle knives. The Taiga, Jegermester.

Edit: I was considering the Temagami but it's 4.33 in, basically the same as the esee.

Taiga
Taiga.jpg

4.96 in blade
0.122" thick
4.88 in handle
150g Triple laminated stainless steel, Birch
~$124

Jegermester
Jegermester.jpg

5.31 in blade
0.11" thick
4.33 in handle
140 g Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel, Curly birch
~$134

Which would you guys choose?
 
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I would go with the Temagami for the stronger tang. But they are beauties all 3.
 
Are you going to be ok with the scandi grind? I bet you do have experience with such a grind. What about the TOPs Bob knife or the Ontario black bird?
 
I like the blade length and 12c27 steel of the jergermester. However, I would prefer the longer handle and thicker blade of the taiga. Not much help, sorry.
 
cbach8tw said:
Are you going to be ok with the scandi grind? I bet you do have experience with such a grind. What about the TOPs Bob knife or the Ontario black bird?
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I should be, I haven't handled one yet but I don't use my fixed blades for anything tougher than splitting 4-5" diameter logs so I should be fine.

I also like wood handles a lot so Helle kind of fell into my sights. I'll check out the other two, thanks.

mec003 said:
I like the blade length and 12c27 steel of the jergermester. However, I would prefer the longer handle and thicker blade of the taiga. Not much help, sorry.
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No worries, if I could get the longer handle of the Taiga but everything else up to Jegermester specs I'd be happy.
 
It took me 4 months since during the hot CA summers I don't get out too much or find much need for a fire, but I finally got a fixed blade again!

I ended up choosing the Jegermester because it's such a different type of knife compared to the Esee. The first test on some pallet wood were spectacular; I'm loving how easily the scandi grind bites.

The F&F leaves a bit to be desired, the brass bolster is off center and the handle subsequently isn't centered. I'll find some time to file em straight, no problem.
The plunge line also isn't symmetrical, and the blade itself isn't completely centered to the handle.
Sigh* I know I'll get over these things soon enough because the knife itself works like a dream.

All in all, I think I'll be enjoying this one for a long time. Thanks BladeForums, I never would have known about Helle (nor Esee or ZT for that matter) without ya
 
I realize the OP made his choice (a good one), but for others making similar decisions (and maybe the OP if he wants another), take a look at the EKA A10. :thumbup: I chose the Bubinga, there is also a Birch. :cool:
 
katanas said:
for others making similar decisions (and maybe the OP if he wants another), take a look at the EKA A10. :thumbup: I chose the Bubinga, there is also a Birch. :cool:
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Looks sweet, I like the brass accents. It's a little smaller than what I was looking for but seems to be a good user, also has a little bit of a backing from BF'ers.

Careful where you buy it from though, I see quite a few online sellers with wildly differing descriptions (flat grind, hollow grind, 16 inch when it's 8.86 OA.... wth)

I think my next buy should be a good folding saw, although I really want to get a new camp ax from Gransfors. (I have a perfectly serviceable hatchet now...)
 
You are correct, some give overall length, some blade length. :confused: The grind is one I REALLY like; it is a hollow, sabre, scandi; really. :eek: As to Gransfors, if the money doesn't scare you off (it didn't me, I got the small hatchet), I believe you will be very pleased. A good folding saw is a must. :thumbup: Mainly, get out there and enjoy them all. :D
 
Just finished reshaping the handle and bolster. The bolster was overhanging on the frontside by about 2mm and the handle was thicker on the right side so I filed and sanded everything down then resealed it with wax I'm pretty pleased with the results.
Funny enough I didn't notice until now that even the showcase model used in Helle's pictures weren't centered or flush either. :/
Well if it wasn't handmade before, it's a little more handmade now.

L0173929.JPG.jpg
 
Have several Helle's. Great knives. Love their laminated stainless. IMHO, I'd go with the Taiga - wider bevel and more "puukko-ish" handle that makes it easier to remove from sheath. Can't really go wrong with any Helle, just get the model that suits you and your intended uses the best. Be sure you know how to sharpen/hone a Scandi blade or you'll end up with a mess on your hands. Lots of info on the web on sharpening Scandi blades.

https://www.ragweedforge.com/scanshrp.html

Basically you MUST keep the blade bevel FLAT on the stone - harder to do than it sounds. Gives a great edge that will cut anything you want it to cut. Keep it sharp; always easier to lightly hone a sharp knife than to have to totally sharpen the entire blade bevel from start to finish.

Might want to take a look at other Nordic, puukko style knives also. All great general utility knives; made, use tested for generations in Nordic countries.

Rich (Ye Olde Puukkophile)
 
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I like Helle. They choose some beautiful curly birch. I think the triple laminate is a cut above. Good honest knives, & relatively light for the length.
 
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