Tell me about the Puukko!!

[osta.doc]

I understand that it's quite expensive to most, including me. Also have read a couple saying that it isn't really a Puukko? Not sure what that's about, maybe a modified scandi grind?

BUT MAN, I think that it's probably the coolest looking knife that I've ever laid eyes on! I had to buy one, and it should be here tomorrow. By far, the most I have ever spent on a knife.

This knife bug bit me hard a couple of months ago, and I am trying to read as much as I can about it all, learning what I can as I go.

So anyway, do you think this knife will hold up to some semi-tough use, or is it not that tough? What little I can find to read about it, seems like most people are mad at the knife, like it kicked their dog or something!

I love buying American! That said, as I understand it, there's something pretty cool to me about loading up some wood from Arizona, some steel from the USA, shipping it half way around the globe, and having a fella from Finland(?) tell ya how to turn those resources into what will arrive on my doorstep in a couple of days.

I'm amped! So, tell me, the good, the bad, and the ugly about this knife because I can't locate anyone that is using this knife, and talking about it. Please, HELP ME!

 

[Thomas Linton]

The puukko is a Finnish pattern that does not traditionally come with a so-called "Scandi" grind (saber grind with no/zero secondary bevel). But, then, even Sacandinavian knives (Sweden, Norway, Denmark) rarely have a "Scandi" grind, which bothers Scandinavians not at all.

The Sypyerco Puukko is largely true to its Finnish roots, designed by a leading Finnish custom maker.

The first model, with wooden handle, was made in Taiwan.

I have no issues with mine except the bottom edge of the handle on mine was literally painfully thin. Spyderco indicated this condition was as intended. Cuts very well so long as I do not have to use much pressure, like in power-cutting wood. Shaves wonderfull "fuzzz sticks." Beautiful to look at.

 

[yablanowitz]

I've done quite a bit of carving and whittling with mine. Knots in local hardwoods have rippled the edge on a few occasions. Since we average less than 12" of rain per year and consider any wind less than 15 mph "calm" (up to 25 mph is still just a breeze) our hardwoods are really hard, so that rippling is not unexpected on a knife with a 20° included edge angle. I've added a small convex secondary bevel to mine rather than mess with trying to maintain the zero grind. I like it well enough that I snagged a factory second for a back up at the last SFO sale.

 

[osta.doc]

TL,

So, are the G-10 models made here in the States? And does it differ from the Ironwood in handle shape? I saw one locally but it didn't feel as "warm" as the wood.

Also, Finnish knives are not considered Scandinavian? I'm still learning.

Yab,

Does the "convex secondary bevel" keep the edge from rippling? Still learning about bevels/grinds/edges.

And, what is an SFO sale?

 

[yablanowitz]

The secondary bevel seems to be helping, but avoiding those knots helps even more. From time to time, Spyderco holds a sale at the Spyderco Factory Outlet (SFO) in Golden, where they clearance off their accumulation of knives that have failed quality control. They sell them as factory seconds - no box, no warranty, as-is where-is, first come first served.

And yes, Finnish knives are considered Scandinavian. The thing is, most Scandinavian knives have secondary bevels, but we call a flat saber zero grind (part height flat grind with no secondary bevel) a "scandi" grind. Sometimes I really wonder about us.

 

[Thomas Linton]

TL,

So, are the G-10 models made here in the States?

Don't know, but I doubt it. The overseas cos. Sypderco uses seem to do a great job.

And does it differ from the Ironwood in handle shape?

The overall shape seems to be the same, but hopefully the bottom edge is more user friendly than the example I got.

Also, Finnish knives are not considered Scandinavian? I'm still learning.

Finns do not regard themselves as "Scandinavian" any more than the Latvians, and I think they should have the final say in such matters. The "Scandinavian" countries are Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

As is so often the case with the legendary "Scandi Grind," mine came with a secondary bevel.