Helle vs Kellam any advice?

Hard to beat either since both have very good reputations.

Most I can say is that I've bought directly from Kellam with no problems
 
DeadboxHero said:
Wow guys, thank you for the great info,

When I asked about performance, I'm taking about intial sharpness, How well it bites in wood, makes feathers, edge retention. And ease in sharpening.

I can't find any info on Helle knife steel besides it's carbon and laminated which is always a plus. Checked it out at the local store, in hand the knife is very impressive.
From reading the Kellam Wolverine website and Lauri blades its a homgonus piece of steel with a differential heat treatment.
The grind looks higher on the Kellam which means its sharper.
But I'm worried about edge deformation like my Mora laminated has from just carving knot free pine wood but that Mora was only $50.
For a $100 dollars I want whichever blade can take a screaming sharp edge and hold it decently while carving without chips and rolls with in minutes. Yet decent to sharpen.
I really want both, but we all have a budget.

I am also interested to know the difference between Lauri PT blade and regular ahti blade as far as actual performance vs hype.

Thanks
Click to expand...

In theory, the Lauri PT blade should be able to get scary sharp, especially if your strop it, but being that it has a harder edge, all things being equal, it would be more brittle. The Mora, or a Ahti with a PT or standard carbon blade can both be made scary sharp and all three should not deform carving good pinewood with proper use, read no prying or twisting. I hear great things about the PT from some hunters regarding edge retention but for my purposes I have never had any issue with the standard carbon blade from Ahti. It is more than capable for all my needs. the only question is what length and handle style best suits my hand and/or needs. I love Moras, especially the small carving knives but the standard red handled ones never seem to fit my hands as well. I have twisted a more a bit but only after some genuine abuse. I haven't heard any bad reviews of the Wolverine. I have seen some who don't see any real benefit over the standard blade and many more who find them superior. If your ok with the extra cost associated with the PT Wolverine then I would definitely get one. It's a sure thing. I've bought a few items from Kellam and have absolutely no complaints. They are local for me and seem like very good people. That being said, no one has ever returned the same handled Ahti knife in carbon steel I've sold them either. They have quite a few good options. Helle has some really well made blades, mostly in stainless steel. They , like the Kellam Wolverine are hugely popular in the traditional archery circles. The Viking model, being a reproduction, has always made me wonder about durability with out a bolster..but I'm also not aware of any issues so far.
 
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