Question on construction of Finish/Swedish/Scandanavian knives...

R

RH

Joined
Jan 31, 1999
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I know, I know, they're different people, different cultures, etc, etc. Before I get flamed, I'm not lumping the nations together, but their bladecraft has common elements so I'll take them together. I'm talking about (uh-oh here comes more disagreement on spelling) the Puukko style knives - fixed blades, semi-drop point, rounded, mostly wood handles, mostly without guards. Made by Mora, Frosts of Sweden, as seen at ragweedforge.com.

People rave about them, but how good are they, at <$50, compared to more expensive 'modern' knives ?

More importantly - how far does the tang extend ? Any chance of the handle breaking away from the blade under use ?
 
RH-
NO flame coming from here, I know what you are trying to get at by refering to the Nordic culture. As to the knives, in my limited experience with them, they are great knives. I have a 3" laminated "Helle" blade in front of me right now (blade only) and the tang is 1/4" high x 1/8" thick (same as the blade) and 4" long. Looking at the other blades on the back of the package, all of the tangs are as long as or longer than the blade. Sharp is a misnomer with these things, as they have a lamanted construction and flat grind (right term?), i.e. no secondary bevel at the edge, they are like razor blades! I also have one of the big 7" blades and it is likewise constructed.
I can't speak to the joint between the blade and tang breaking, but if them hardy folk have been using them for as long as they have, well that's as good a testimonial as I need
smile.gif


P.S. I have to put a plug in for Ragnar and his site. He has been great to deal with and gets his stuff out very quickly.

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"sharks and dogs" he muttered, "sharks and dogs...."
 
These knives are great, don't let the cheap price scare you. The tang on all my Frosts mora knives goes all the way through and you would have to really do some prying or abuse of that kind to break it. The laminated steels have great edge holding ability. The only problem with these knives are the sheaths that they come with. Most come with cheapo plastic sheaths, but I have seen some really nice leather ones that people have made themselves or had others make for them. I find that these knives compare very favorably to modern knives. The design is classic, timeless, and proven. It is not a tactical knife, if you need a fighter you could do better for sure. But for a carving, utility and all around user they can't be beat at any price. For under twenty bucks, how could you go wrong? Try one, you will like it!
 
My only complaint is the lack of a guard (which they leave off to be more manly). This is fine for working on wood, but makes me nervous when working in the cold on a bloody carcuss.

The stainless knives are a little on the soft side, but work really well. The carbon steel and laminated blades are great.



[This message has been edited by Jeff Clark (edited 11-22-2000).]
 
Regarding the lack of a guard, I have been using this style of knife since I was a little kid (I'm 41), and while I have cut myself many times, I can truthfully tell you that I have never cut myself for lack of a guard.
 
Originally posted by Jeff Clark:
My only complaint is the lack of a guard (which they leave off to be more manly). This is fine for working on wood, but makes me nervous when working in the cold on a bloody carcuss.
Click to expand...

<img src="http://www.canit.se/%7Egriffon/knives/misc/_brusletto1.jpg" align=right>I used to feel that way. But I've changed my mind, since I've realised there are other ways of designing a handle so you don't slip forward too easily and ways to work to minimize the risk. Besides, evidently many think the guard is in the way also on a hunting knife.

Links to some <a href="http://www.canit.se/%7Egriffon/knives/#scandinavian">Scandinavian manufacturers</a>.

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Urban Fredriksson www.canit.se/%7Egriffon/
Latest updates:
Fällkniven K1+K2, EKA Nordic W11, Schrade Lake & Walker

"I've always been fascinated by Scandinavian knives [...] they're simple, in an advanced way". - Bob Loveless
 
On that same Ragweed Forge website they sell the Kankaanpaa, a Finnish puukko which was the last knife I received from our late friend James Mattis just a few weeks before his untimely departure.

This is one heck of a nice knife for under $60 and the edge is amazing.

Though the cultures are very different, I think Scandinavian and Japanese blades are awesome.

Happy Thanksgiving all,

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Blues' Knife Pix
 
I like the Nordic knives especially because of how well they stand up to "modern" cutlery. They are economical, they are traditional, and they are amazingly effective. A terrific way to add some diversity to a collection in today's carbon fiber and G-10 world, while maintaining the highest of quality.

And whoever thinks they aren't tactical should see my Tommi in the black alligator IWB clip sheath I had made by Bob Schrap! Reindeer bone makes for one BITCH of a butt strike!
 
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