Helle Viking Photos (800x600)

Some years ago, the Smithsonian Museum here in Washington D.C. had a exibit on loan from the Viking museum in Oslo Norway. All kinds of things from beautifully carved arm and wrist bands, to tools and of course weapons.

The knives on display were from the Viking period from 800AD to about 1200 AD. Some were remains from Viking burial sites, others were detailed reproductions of the badly aged artifacts. The knives were just like the Helle viking you have pictured here.

From period when a knife was way more important than in todays technological world, I find it interesting that the design of the puuko has not changed much from a plain simple tool like the Helle Viking. A blade and a piece of wood to hang onto, nothing more.

In an era where a knife was an important daily survival tool, I find that interesting. Maybe even a lesson there someplace.

Carl.
 
Jackknife, If a knife design can remain both useful and unchanged after roughly one thousand years, then there is certainly something interesting going on there!:D:thumbup:

Its like bringing a fraction down to its lowest common denominator. When reduced to its simplest form, there is very little that could possibly need changing, if anything at all. :cool:

I would have loved to have seen that exhibit.
 
Thanks for the reply, but all of the laminated helle blades I have used with a ferro rod have been too soft on the spine to throw sparks with the ferro rod unless you file down to the core steel. Does anyone know is the viking any different?
 
Can the Viking's spine throw sparks?

-Not really. It can just barely create a few humble sparks, but nothing I would consider to be enough for fire starting. Maybe if it was modified it would work better, or if you had a particular fire rod. I just tried it with a swedish fire-steel and didn't get much at all.
 
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that's what I was afraid of.
thanks for trying and letting me know! I appreciate it!!
Is the spine already squared up?
be safe... Ted
 
Sorry can't do pictures, 3 year old Grandaughter got ahold of my camera, now I'm shopping for a new one. The child remains undamaged bexause I love her, otherwise ...

Anyhow, I have one of the first generation reproduction Vikings and aside from a bit darker handle and a 3 3/8 blade the two versions appear identical.

Used it a bit and it sure led to a new appreciation of the Norsk knives, also to several that live with me currently.

Before the Viking I was heavily into the Finn knives and definitely appreciate them still.

The Helle Fjellmann is one that presently fascinates me, as does the Nying those strange stubby handles work wonderfully, very secure and controllable grip. The Fjellmann is sold as a hunting knife where it works extremely well, but it's great for Brook Trout or Rainbows too. Appearance of the blade on the Fjellmann takes some getting used to, but in use it's excellent.

Still, when all is said and done, the Viking remains my favorite and one of my most useful knives.

And that's out of several full boxes of knives ... big boxes ... heavy boxes.

As always JMHO, YMMV, and that's fine too.

Regards,
:) ...
 
Good morning, gentlemen.
Gonna bump this ancient thread.

I just received a Helle Viking. It is super sharp and looks good but..
I wasn't sure how to take the discoloration or whatever it's called on the blade. The OP referred to the rough blade treatment. I was worried that it had been used or something. Apparently it is supposed to look that way and is not indicative of some flaw.
 
It's scale from the forging. The ancients didn't necessarily worry about it as it has nothing to do with function or performance. Only aesthetics
 
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