Looking for a decent first actual Puukko

Macchina

Macchina

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Apr 7, 2006
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I have more fixed blades than hairs on my head, but I think I need one more...

I have a Fallkniven H1, many Moras, and a few modern spins on Puukkos, but I'd love to get an actual puukko.
Ideally it would have a stacked leather or birch handle (if they're durable, I've never had one of those) and a fitted leather sheath. Carbon steel is best if it's decent.
Cost should be under $100, so nothing custom. Looking for the best bang for the buck but still a decent made in Scandinavia Puukko.
 
I haven't tried one yet, but I have a few models by Ahti on my list. Right around that price point. I would guess that if a $20 Mora can do most Puukko things, then a $70 knife should do about the same but feel more "warm" in hand and come with a nice pair or paints.

I have really grown to find the Puukko to be one of those super useful knives for most anything I actually need a knife for.
 
Eräpuu and Ahti are probably the best place to start looking. Lamnia has a lot of Nordic knife brands in stock.

Eräpuu Tuohitako
IvIwAfF.jpg
 
I don't know if he is still around but you should see if you can look up Todor Hristov. He is /was a member here and makes fantastic Birch handled puukos.
 
Triton said:
I don't know if he is still around but you should see if you can look up Todor Hristov. He is /was a member here and makes fantastic Birch handled puukos.
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Yeah, nice knives but not for under $100 by any means.....
 
BogdanS BogdanS made mine .....Does nice work.......Not the best pic but you get the idea....

Maybe he'll see the tag and respond to you personally😉.......Cost was 50% more than your #.....Damn good considering....👍

IMG_20250408_035821.jpg
 
I totally forgot i went on a minor Pukka buying spree.
I’ll have to dig a few up but i think they were the Ahti ones. Found a guy on the net selling them 50%($30-$45 price range) lower than everyone one else and I jumped on it.
Probably that deal is long gone and i barely remember it now. Getting old isn’t for wimps.
 
David Nowlin said:
I totally forgot i went on a minor Pukka buying spree.
I’ll have to dig a few up but i think they were the Ahti ones. Found a guy on the net selling them 50%($30-$45 price range) lower than everyone one else and I jumped on it.
Probably that deal is long gone and i barely remember it now. Getting old isn’t for wimps.
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They're mean performers, I remember being surprised at the abuse they weathered and for they price range it was a done deal for me. I don't have them anymore but now I'm thinking..
 
Macchina said:
I have more fixed blades than hairs on my head, but I think I need one more...

I have a Fallkniven H1, many Moras, and a few modern spins on Puukkos, but I'd love to get an actual puukko.
Ideally it would have a stacked leather or birch handle (if they're durable, I've never had one of those) and a fitted leather sheath. Carbon steel is best if it's decent.
Cost should be under $100, so nothing custom. Looking for the best bang for the buck but still a decent made in Scandinavia Puukko.
Click to expand...
Have you perused this thread? https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/the-puukko.904702/

And on the BF exchange:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/martii-malinen-puukko.2032056/
 
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Perhaps I am mistaken, but I've always thought that a real puukko needs to have that diamond cross-section. The knives shown above look to be based on Laurin Metalli blades (which are excellent value for the money!) that have just the "normal" scandi grind.
 
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TC said:
Perhaps I am mistaken, but I've always thought that a real puukko needs to have that diamond cross-section. The knives shown above look to be based on Laurin Metalli blades (which are excellent value for the money!) that have just the "normal" scandi grind.
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No, rhombic blades are not a requirement. The design has been around for a long time but many older blades are flat.
Lauri currently provides blades for many makers that do puukko style knives, both large scale production and small scale.
There is no "normal" scandi grind (whatever that may be). A real puukko generally has a tall (generally at or above the midpoint of the blade) saber-like flat grind with a microbevel.
 
Roselli's Carpenter's Knife is a classic puukko: O1 steel, birch handle, leather sheath (the leather is fairly thin with belt slots instead of a loop; I made a sturdier one for mine out of latigo saddle leather, but saved the plastic insert.) You can also get it in Roselli's UHC steel. Ragweed Forge carries them.
 
Arathol said:
No, rhombic blades are not a requirement. The design has been around for a long time but many older blades are flat.
Lauri currently provides blades for many makers that do puukko style knives, both large scale production and small scale.
There is no "normal" scandi grind (whatever that may be). A real puukko generally has a tall (generally at or above the midpoint of the blade) saber-like flat grind with a microbevel.
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Fair enough, but it certainly elevates the knife IMO. I wish I had the graphic at hand that shows the minimum circle the blade can fit into with the rhombic (thanks - term I should have used) cross-section vs. flat or other grinds. Low blade height + rhombic c/s = smaller diameters that can be carved. The really cool puukkas I've seen shown here all had the rhombic c/s.

I guess I projected my preference into the OP's "actual puukko" request.
 
I bought my 3 AHTI knives from Knives of the North.
At least 5 years ago. Was browsing and yes another Puukka is on the way.
Different maker. Wood Jewel. All are made in Finland.
 
I cannot vouch for the guy since I haven’t bought one (yet) but I’ve drooled many times for ”Custom Knives Estonia” in Etsy. Estonian guy who makes puukko’s from stock blades slightly above 100 smackers but the craftsmanship is definitely above.
 
TC said:
Perhaps I am mistaken, but I've always thought that a real puukko needs to have that diamond cross-section. The knives shown above look to be based on Laurin Metalli blades (which are excellent value for the money!) that have just the "normal" scandi grind.
Click to expand...

This is a misconception. However strictly speaking, what a "real puukko" does need is to have been made in Finland. Blade profile, and grind height, can vary a fair bit.

OP - if you are wanting to keep it under $100, and you want an "actual puukko" then there are a variety of Finnish companies that use Lauri blades and finish them out with handles, etc. As mentioned above, Ahti and Eräpuu are good places to start, as is Woodsknife. And if you're willing to spend a little more, Roselli makes their blades in-house, and they are very good for the money, meant for use.
 
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