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- Oct 2, 1998
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Those of you who, like me, are fans of Finland's famous puukkos may be interested in viewing a video produced and offered by Kellam Knives (www.kellamknives.com) concerning the production of the KP Tommi Knives.
The video is narrated by Harriet Mars-Kellokoski, wife of Jouni Kellokoski, owners of Kellam Knives.
The 30 minute documentary covers a range of topics which include scenes of hunting and fishing in Finland's beautiful outdoors as well as logging and other outdoor pursuits. Naturally, a puukko is central to all of these activities.
The film goes on to demonstrate the various stages of producing a puukko, from the hammering of silver steel fresh from the charcoal forge to the selection, forming and fitting of the Raita wood (arctic willow) to be used for the puukko's handle. In addition, the film shows a variety of steps involved in the fabrication and fitting of the wood lined leather sheath. Scenes demonstrating the smiths as well as individual users sharpening puukkos are included as well. The sharpening is briefly illustrated freehand as well as on grinders/belt sanders.
Bear in mind that all of the work which goes into the production of each knife and sheath is done by one smith and that the progression tempered blade is forged entirely by hand without the aid of power hammers.
The award winning KP Smithy has been a family operation since 1610 run by members of the Kemppainen family in the Kainuun region of Finland. The Tommi knives that they are justly famous for have a reputation for quality and are sought after around the world.
If there are any weaknesses to mention about the video ($19.95, also available on dvd for $24.95) it is that the film jumps around quite a bit from one topic to another and back again and at times the audio is a bit muffled. (I understand that there is also an unnarrated version available for $9.95 which deals only with the making of the puukkos.)
Still, for those interested in the production of these world class knives and the Finnish culture (and mythology) that underlies it, the video is well worth seeing.
Kellam Knives can be contacted at 1-800-390-6918
The video is narrated by Harriet Mars-Kellokoski, wife of Jouni Kellokoski, owners of Kellam Knives.
The 30 minute documentary covers a range of topics which include scenes of hunting and fishing in Finland's beautiful outdoors as well as logging and other outdoor pursuits. Naturally, a puukko is central to all of these activities.
The film goes on to demonstrate the various stages of producing a puukko, from the hammering of silver steel fresh from the charcoal forge to the selection, forming and fitting of the Raita wood (arctic willow) to be used for the puukko's handle. In addition, the film shows a variety of steps involved in the fabrication and fitting of the wood lined leather sheath. Scenes demonstrating the smiths as well as individual users sharpening puukkos are included as well. The sharpening is briefly illustrated freehand as well as on grinders/belt sanders.
Bear in mind that all of the work which goes into the production of each knife and sheath is done by one smith and that the progression tempered blade is forged entirely by hand without the aid of power hammers.
The award winning KP Smithy has been a family operation since 1610 run by members of the Kemppainen family in the Kainuun region of Finland. The Tommi knives that they are justly famous for have a reputation for quality and are sought after around the world.
If there are any weaknesses to mention about the video ($19.95, also available on dvd for $24.95) it is that the film jumps around quite a bit from one topic to another and back again and at times the audio is a bit muffled. (I understand that there is also an unnarrated version available for $9.95 which deals only with the making of the puukkos.)
Still, for those interested in the production of these world class knives and the Finnish culture (and mythology) that underlies it, the video is well worth seeing.
Kellam Knives can be contacted at 1-800-390-6918
