The Puukko

And how many of those might have open books and/or a way to contact them?
There's the rub :(
 
And how many of those might have open books and/or a way to contact them?
There's the rub :(
From what I know all but Vilppola and Haverinen have open books. I'm not actually sure if Vilpoola has forged anything since his moving a few years back, since he had to completely abandon the smithy he was working at. Haverinen works in a common smithy with a couple of other forgers but I was never able to find his contat informations.

All the others have their own website, just google the names. I think Tuominen is the one with the longest waiting list: a while back it was one year and a half.
 
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My recent project was attaching handles to these 2 blades.

The top one is Red Coral and ebony on a blade by @BogdanS and the bottom is stacked birch bark on a blade by Ethan Goss of Sugar Shack Forge.

• 3-3/4" blade with the 4 1/8" red coral • 3-1/4" blade with the 3-3/4" of stacked birch bark.

They are both finished with 2 coats of TruOil which is why the high sheen. Shine not withstanding, these handles are not slippery at all and very comfortable in hand.

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The birch bark handle has an oval to round profile from the butt to the bolster. Very fine feel.

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How did you keep the birch bark layers compressed without a mechanical attachment? All the birch bark puukkos I've seen have the end of the tang peened over a metal buttcap.
 
Two wonderful puukko. Nice work. I esp like the blade shape of a birch bark one. Would be pleased to carry either one.
Rich
 
How did you keep the birch bark layers compressed without a mechanical attachment? All the birch bark puukkos I've seen have the end of the tang peened over a metal buttcap.

I had intended this to be the classic baked and fused by a stay in the oven between my clamp blocks but when the stack came out of the oven many of the pieces fell apart. :confused: I had cleaned and squared up the bark pieces early last summer. They have been stored in a paper bag since then. After they fell apart I woke up to the realization that the squares were simply too dry. I ended up brushing a thin layer of epoxy between each layer and reclamped. I had always intended to epoxy the last 3 or 4 squares to the stack so no butt cap. The tang is about 3/8" of an inch in. The top 4 layers are simply flat glued - no holes. It is a very solid assembly. My woodworking experience gives me complete confidence that the only way this is coming apart is with a saw or hammer. No battoning allowed ;) Very nice little hand full of carver and other EDC use though.

Two wonderful puukko. Nice work. I esp like the blade shape of a birch bark one. Would be pleased to carry either one.
Rich

Thanks. I am very happy with these too. I'm glad that my work didn't compromise the quality of the blades. I was completely prepared to grind off my work and start over if needed. :)
 
This one will be here next Tuesday, Jelio's pictures. Great guy to work with on a custom build. He had no problem adjusting to my specs. 121mm handle with a 90mm circumference, that will fit my hand just right, 95mm blade of CPM 4V.
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Nice work Ray:thumbsup:
Here are a couple of blade profile photos. They are very fine and slicey blades.

The GOSS blade with Birch bark ~
• Blade length: 3.25" • Tang length: 3" • Spine thickness: 1/8" • Steel: 1080hc

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The @BogdanS blade with the red coral handle ~
• 078" thick • 3.75" long • 1" wide (in the widest part) • 1095 carbon steel. • scandi zero grind and a fake back edge.

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I like the matte finish too, makes me want to use it, won't show scratches as bad as polished finish. Post pics if you buff em.
Thanks Ray
I like the matte finish on your beautiful Jelio Puukko Rob. I think I will buff mine to dull it down a bit. :thumbsup:
 
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