Helle experiences?

Chris Larrikin

Chris Larrikin

Joined
Jul 19, 2012
Messages
1,774
G'day all

I am thinking about picking up a Helle Gaupe and am looking for feedback/experiences on how Helle's laminated stainless performs. I have seen varying reports; some that it's generally good but others say it chips out when working timber and is better suited for a hunting knife. Shared experiences and info would be greatly appreciated.

Also I am very interested if anyone can say what the core steel is.

Cheers
Christian
 
I have a Helle Symfoni that was my go-to woods knife until I got a custom puukko by the Jones Brothers. The blade held up fine for several years of use on camping/hiking trips. Never batoned with it as I'm not a fan of it, plus I usually had a hatchet/tomahawk for heavier chopping. Only complaint I have is that the leather sheath loosened up after a few years so the knife fit is no longer snug.
 
The sheath on my Helle "Odel" also loosened over the years, but some 100/hr tape shimmed it tight again.
 
My Helle doesn't have a core ----OH it was made in 1947 ! Still works! Wow I've had it that many years !
 
Hi Chris. Most of my Helle experience is buying them. But search the outdoor forum area here and you'll find lots of info.
 
Bob W said:
Hi Chris. Most of my Helle experience is buying them. But search the outdoor forum area here and you'll find lots of info.
Click to expand...

Hey mate. Yeah my searching skills must be a bit sub par because I haven't been able to find much. Will try again :)
 
Hi. Few years ago I owned a Temagami (first type). Very good knife. Never had problems with chipping (micro or macro) with it. I had with the Fallkniven A1 instead, when brand new, first time out in the woods :(. Micro chips disappeared with sharpening (I think to a bit thicker angle). Being both laminated steels, I believe it can happen also to Helle tools. The core layer can be pretty hard. Helle claims their core layer is "high carbon stainless steel", hardened to 58-59 HRC. If so, this should not give big problems. But maybe higher HRC can affect this. Helle says the type of steel used in the core of laminated blades is blended especially for them and does not correspond to any of the standard types. I found this as the claimed composition: C-0.7%, Si-0.70%, S-0.002%, P-0.19%, MN-0.44%, Ni-0.28%, Cr-14%, Mo-0.52%. Hoping it can help!
 
Quick update. I bought a Helle Gaupe; it arrived a couple days ago and first impressions are very good. It was second hand but as far as I can tell has only seen very light use and is near new. A few minutes on my dodgy denim strop has brought out an excellent edge. I have to say I am also extremely happy with the handle ergonomics. I am however afraid to use it because it's just so beautiful. I am pretty sure that I will be able to overcome that though :D

Thanks to those who shared their experiences with Helle
 
Congrats!! Use it!! Got a Harding before Thanksgiving and it is my favorite woods blade.. Light on the belt, nice in the hand.. Sailed right thru a couple fire sticks.. (Gotta keep practicing those:o).. You will enjoy yours the more ya use it!! John:thumbup:
 
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