Jarvenpaa Aito puukko

raindog101 · Feb 3, 2010

Anyone have any thoughts on the Jarvenpaa Aito puukko?
http://www.kellamknives.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_33_59_60&products_id=85

I've been eyeing one of these for a while, it seems like a nice little bush knife. I hear the steel is run a little soft (around 56). So, anyone have one of these little guys, and any opinions on it's performance?

x39 · Feb 3, 2010

I haven't got one, but I've wanted one for a long time. If you pull the trigger, give us a review!

oldways · Feb 3, 2010

I have one and have found it to be a very good woods knife. As for being soft mine seems to be like a typical 58rc or so knife.

Easy enough to sharpen and holds a good edge. Cuts wood great and the handle is very comfortable.

raindog101 · Feb 3, 2010

oldways said:
I have one and have found it to be a very good woods knife. As for being soft mine seems to be like a typical 58rc or so knife.

Easy enough to sharpen and holds a good edge. Cuts wood great and the handle is very comfortable.

Great! Thanks for the feedback. Any chance of some action/in-hand pics?

beef · Feb 3, 2010

I've wanted one for ages. You may have just pushed me over the edge.

Ebbtide · Feb 3, 2010

It's a great little knife.
Everywhere I look they are out of stock.

Fort Henry Custom Knives · Feb 3, 2010

I love the Traditional knives like this one. I think the Jarvenpaas (sp?) are some of the best without being too gawdy. I'm a big fan of Birch Bark liek the Norwegian/Scandis and some of the Ros Arms knives use.

Ebbtide - sent you an email with a heads up for a place to check.

SpookyPistolero · Feb 3, 2010

I always wanted one, but I hear they have a slightly smaller handle.

raindog101 · Feb 3, 2010

SpookyPistolero said:
I always wanted one, but I hear they have a slightly smaller handle.

Oh oh, that might be the kiss of death. Will, since you and I find the same knives comfortable, why don't you pick up one of these fine little knives, and let me know what you think

. Better yet, you could have them send it directly to me for testing, I'll let you know if it would work for ya

Edit: Hey Hillbillenigma, how about shooting a PM my way too?

Darteres · Feb 3, 2010

I absolutely love mine! It's a fantastic little blade. My grinds were waaaaaaay off though. I imagine this is so they could have a larger flat area for the maker to sign. A little TLC with a file and sharpening stones have made it even enough that I no longer care to jack with it. It's wicked sharp. I haven't had any problems with the metal being soft. When I first got it, it would chip a little, but after a few good sharpening sessions, I no longer have any chipping issues. Very similar to what a Mora will do until you sharpen it a bit.

Here is a shot next to a laminated Mora #2. The handle is 1/5 in shorter than the Mora but doesn't taper near as much. I very lightly sanded the edges of the brass to smooth them. Very comfortable knife in a handy size. 7.5 in overall, 3.5 in blade and 4 in handle. If you want any more shots, just ask!

raindog101 · Feb 3, 2010

Thanks for the pic! Looks like a nice size indeed. I'm a little disappointed to hear about the uneven grinds. A shame, for such a pricey knife. And no way to fix it unless ya feel like grinding a little bit. Not that this would sway me from picking one up. How do you like the birch bark handle? Did you finish it with anything? I know Ragnar uses some orange-scented furniture wax on the ones he sells. Just curious how it's holding up for you. I always worry about natural handle materials, I'm so used to bombproof synthetics.

Darteres said:
I absolutely love mine! It's a fantastic little blade. My grinds were waaaaaaay off though. I imagine this is so they could have a larger flat area for the maker to sign. A little TLC with a file and sharpening stones have made it even enough that I no longer care to jack with it. It's wicked sharp. I haven't had any problems with the metal being soft. When I first got it, it would chip a little, but after a few good sharpening sessions, I no longer have any chipping issues. Very similar to what a Mora will do until you sharpen it a bit.

Here is a shot next to a laminated Mora #2. The handle is 1/5 in shorter than the Mora but doesn't taper near as much. I very lightly sanded the edges of the brass to smooth them. Very comfortable knife in a handy size. 7.5 in overall, 3.5 in blade and 4 in handle. If you want any more shots, just ask!

Darteres · Feb 4, 2010

I actually got this from Ragnar. He and I discussed the option of using furniture wax. He sells them plain and will only coat them if you ask him to do so. I opted for a plain finish and I sat it handle down in a cup of linseed oil for a day. I'll wipe it down with mineral oil when I treat my butcher block if it looks like it's a little dry, but otherwise it holds up fine. It's very warm and soft to the touch. The handle is a little scratched from where it was sanded, which to me is perfect. Gives just a touch of grip without being extreme. I wouldn't have any concerns using it for any project. I've oiled the handle so many times that water just beads up and runs off.

As far as the grinds are concerned, were I to get a new one, I wouldn't even jack with them. I'd just sharpen it and call it a day. It's purely a cosmetic thing. I remember getting all worked up over the grinds when I first got it due to how much they cost. Now I guess I'm more laid back. I consider it kind of like a custom production knife. It's quirky, but it does it's job very well.

Here's a few more shots. I just wiped the handle down again with some mineral oil. Brings out the character. The sheath does the job. There's a plastic insert to protect it from the blade. The whole thing kinda sounds like plastic if you pluck it. I imagine it's very thin leather that's been hot waxed. Feels like it. One day I'm going to get a different sheath. Probably a pouch style with brass rivets to match the fittings and dyed a lighter color to match the handle. That'd be a cool weekend project.

Also, check out that pimp-daddy baldric setup! Dang, I'm fancy...

raindog101 · Feb 4, 2010

Darteres,
Thanks a bunch, man. You got a real nice lookin knife there. You've convinced me. Now I just have to track one down. Ragnar never seems to have them, they're always out of stock on his website. I think he's hording them for himself! On the topic of sheaths, you should contact Martin Swinkels. I believe he makes sheaths for these, and I can speak to the quality of his work. He does a nice kydex/leather dangler that would match this one pretty well, I think. Just a thought. And thanks again for the fantastic photos.

Darteres · Feb 4, 2010

Last time I spoke with Ragnar (before Christmas), he was out himself and needed to place an order for a few more. Might try giving him a call. Might be coming in soon. As for the sheath, I want to try my own hand at this one, but thanks for the tip! Martin's technical bushcraft sheaths are nice!

raindog101 · Feb 4, 2010

Yeah, Martin made a nice dangler for my Koster bushcraft a while back. He does great work, I just wish his sheath list included more models (ideally, the ones I have that need pants). I sent an email to Ragnar yesterday. He got back to me today, said he should be getting some in the next 2 weeks. It was 2 weeks in December too. He better be careful, Busse may have a copyright on that particular disclaimer!

beef · Feb 4, 2010

He told me about a month ago that he should have some in two weeks too...

Cpl Punishment · Feb 4, 2010

LOL, I emailed him a week ago and he said those, and some other things I asked for would be in "soon".

Considering that a lot of the other shops that used to have Jarvenpaa knives are out and have been out for a long time. So there may be a supplier-end problem.

bladz · Feb 4, 2010

Cpl Punishment said:
LOL, I emailed him a week ago and he said those, and some other things I asked for would be in "soon".

Considering that a lot of the other shops that used to have Jarvenpaa knives are out and have been out for a long time. So there may be a supplier-end problem.

Same thing here. I emailed Ragner in October about one and he said they would be in 'in a week or three'. I checked every few days for over a month. I emailed again and asked with no reply. I noticed the price went up from $90 to $99 but are still out of stock. www.kellamknives.com also sells them, but cost a bit more. I just went ahead and ordered a Lauri blade for 12 bucks and made one. It is working out great!

raindog101 · Feb 4, 2010

Cpl Punishment said:
Considering that a lot of the other shops that used to have Jarvenpaa knives are out and have been out for a long time. So there may be a supplier-end problem.

I can definitely see that. Just try to find a site that has one in stock. I don't think there is one. I've emailed just about every website that even mentioned them, and so far, nothing. It would be a shame if it was discontinued, it's a beautiful piece.

raindog101 · Feb 4, 2010

bladz said:
www.kellamknives.com also sells them, but cost a bit more. I just went ahead and ordered a Lauri blade for 12 bucks and made one. It is working out great!

I sent an email to kellamknives.com, but have yet to hear back from them. Until I do, they're not getting my $. I've been burned by this game before. I should try my hand at making my own. I've been eyeing the Enzo Nordic kits at Ben's. I'll probably move in this direction if the Aito goose-chase continues...