Kainun Puuko- please advise

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matlau

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Hey Bladeforumites,

Back in February, I ordered a pair of silversteel blades from Marko at Kainun Puuko.

After 4-5 months of nothing, I asked if he fotfor my order. I only got (a rather angry) response when I asked about the possibility of cancelling my order.

In response, I apologized since I didn't know his situation (where he hurt his hand) and said I would wait.

Now in 8 months, I have not heard from him.
I'm not sure if it's just a matter of culture/communication clash (I'm in California, and in healthcare where we expect punctuality and exact execution of promised services).

How would you guys advise I proceed?


Part of me is tempted to contact payPay and get my money back...and pay a different smith.

Part of me isn't sure if I should wait on Marko.
 
There are a number of good Finnish bladesmiths who produce the Tommi Puukko if that is what you are looking for and who have a reputation for responding quickly. I recommend that you start with one of the master puukkoseppa (you can find their names on the website nordiskaknivar). Good rule of thumb for me has been that if the customer service is lacking, I might not be too satisfied with the product and even if satisfied, the experience will be tainted by the bad meteorites of the interaction. There are too many good, personable Smith’s out there to get caught up with one that is displaying issues.
 
I too contacted Marko for a puukko to be tested for the Nordiskaknivar blog, but never received it. After a while and, fortunatly, before any payment, comunications ceased completely. That was a year and a half ago, actually.

I'd drop a line to Henri Tikkanen, on Facebook. Right now I think it will be the fastest option, with a good deal of price/quality ratio. He was a pupill of Mikko Inkeroinen.
 
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I purchased a puukko made by Mikko Inkeroinen a few months back and it is a very quality piece. In fact it is probably my nicest puukko. It is a very simple puukko but it exudes quality, is lightweight and compact. The Lamnia site had a sale on them over the summer. That would have been a great time to get one from a newly designated master smith.
 
I second contacting Henri T.

Here is a story of my recent experience with Henri. All very good.

Good luck. Ray
 
Official "Puukkoseppämestari" are:

Tapio Syrjälä
Eero Kovanen
Jari Liukko
Mikko Inkeroinen
Pekka Tuominen
Jukka Hankala
JT Pälikkö
Arto Liukko
Markku Vippola
Mikko Haverinen
Pasi Jaakonaho

Of them I know Jukka Hankala definety makes Tommi puukot. I have one. He was very easy to deal with.

Marko Lindelä is the "ML" of Kainun Puukko.
 
I've emailed Marko.

I asked him to get back to me today.
While I'd still love to get the blades that i ordered from him in February, I assume that he's forgotten my order or that it's no longer a priority.

If I don't hear from him, I'll open a resolutions claim on Paypal.

As for a nice puukko, I will be putting together a pair of puuko using a blade from Kustaa Lammi for myself and my mentor.
It'll have walnut and cast silver fittings. I'm not sure if I'll use moose or waterbuffalo horn.
 
I saw an email from the Finnish post that a package will be sent.

I'm looking forward to using these much vaunted Kainen Puukko blades!
I'm thinking of doing one in birch bark, and another in walnut (californian puukko).

Looking forward to a nice walk in the park, and maybe some woodcarving.
 
Matlau,
I am happy to hear that this appears to be on the road to resolution without escalation. I hope that the quality of the blades from ML is to your liking. I have two blades made during the tenure of the previous owners of the Kainun Smithy. One is made by Alpo Kemppainen (AK) and the other by Marko Tihula (MKT). Both are very high quality, nicely forged blades. If the work of ML is anything like these, you should be satisfied.

Foxdoublegunner
 
I have several Kainuuns but I think from two previous smiths. They are fabulous knives. Expensive but I count them among my best. I got a little careless with one and one almost took off my finger. They define "scary sharp" and I like the ones with a slight finger guard. Great knives in my book. But they are far away and it sounds like they are having some kind of transition or other problems. I can see them being upset at losing an order, but they have to be straight with you. You have to judge if enough waiting is enough and if there is a time limit on your paypal guarantee or whatever be careful not to lose it, but IMHO they are well worth waiting for if they can assure you that it will be forthcoming because I don't know what their situation is.
 
Thanks for the input!

I have a feeling that Marko is probably a straight shooter, but not used to running a business (or using English).
From what I hear, he should be at least as good as the previous guys.

On a side note, I have the same initials as him! :D

Maybe in a few weeks, i'll post pictures of the blades and ask input on how to handle them.
I'm thinking of maybe doing a simple birch bark handle for one, and maybe a simple walnut for the other.
I'm not into fancy things, but look for quality.
 
A stacked birch bark grip makes for a nice knife. They are a bit more time consuming and expensive to make but feel very secure in the hand.
 
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