Is Kellam any good??

[ColdDeadHand]

...winter is snowy and wet. So I'm looking for a nice blade that can handle the cold / wet conditions...

I live in Florida, so not snowy but humidity is high year-round. Spring through fall we are in the water minimum twice per week and I always take a knife, even on my trunks. I'll link that here.

Bottom line with a knife is that metal is metal. If you are going with a fixed blade, then you have won half the battle already as there are no moving parts.
Oil prevents oxidation.
Oil your knife.
Take it apart at least once a week, wipe the metal, oil the crap out of it. I use BreakFree LP because it has synthetic particles that stick even better than the oil.

I don't care if you are hiking with a cast iron dag, you can keep it from rusting if you oil it liberally and just leave a light coat on it 24/7.
Next spring my big project will be seeing how some 1095 holds up in salt water using the same method. Stainless has frankly been too easy.

Here's a link to my saltwater craziness.
http://tokeepandbear.blogspot.com/2014/07/outfitting-cold-steel-double-agent-ii.html

 

[foxdoublegunner]

The folks at Kellam, Harriet and Jouni, are real fine people. I have purchased from them and asked them a number of questions about various puukko makers. They have always been very pleasant and helpful. I understand that for a period of time they had at least part ownership of the Kainuun smithy but have since sold their interest in the smithy. They know many of the puukko smiths personally and are more than willing to guide you in the purchase of a puukko that will fit your needs. Perhaps their prices are a bit higher than what you may pay elsewhere but their customer service is excellent. That is worth something in my book. I have no interest in the company-only believe that good people should be recognized. I have also purchased a puukko from Lamnia and have a favorable opinion of them also.