Thinking of a new scandi woods knife...

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
6,105
Howdy folks-

The more I play with my blades in the woods, the more I think I'd really like a slightly smaller blade. The one I use mainly now has a 4.5" blade roughly, but something like 3.5 to 3.75" would seem to be a lot more handy at most bushcraft chores. I have a hatchet for the big stuff!

The two that I'm looking at the most are these:

Ragnar's Finish classic utility knife:
8224.jpg

This one is the vastly more affordable of the two blades and looks like I wouldn't be afraid to use it. It's got a good blade length and is carbon steel. Unfortunately I've never seen a review of one nor handled one.

The other is the Kellam Striker:
Kellam_Wolf_Pack_Striker12.jpg

This is a lot more expensive, but I think I can get a good deal on one from someone (still around double the price of the Finnish utility blade). Obviously this blade has some more pleasing aesthetics compared to the first blade and a cleaner looking blade. I imagine there is some more attention to detail than would be found in the utility knife.

I really like the notion of having a blade that I'm not afraid to use like Ragnars, but at the same time I don't want to be sacrificing quality. I want good, easy to sharpen steel and a comfy, full grip. I hate small grips!!!

Does anyone own either (or both) of the knives that would be willing to post their opinions of it? Any experiences would be greatly appreciated.

-Will
 
i like that kellam... i've been wanting to try one of their knives for a long time now....
 
I like both. Spooky, if you decide on the Kellam Smokin Knives also has a really good price on them. I have been wanting to try one myself:thumbup:
 
Thanks, Hollowdweller! I do remember him posting something about that. I'm sure at some point both of these knives will end up being picked up, so I'll have to give him a ring when that happens.
 
Both are nice Puukko's. I have the upper one, made by Iisakki Jarvenpaa and it's called "Arki-Iisakki" in Finland.

Other one is Kainuun Puukko's newer line.
Nice desing and it must work well.
The blade looks like it was made by "Laurin metalli".

I would buy the first one if I would use it mainly outdoors. One can carry it on both sides and the "fat" handle is good in many positions and you get less blisters.

Juha
 
And you are right. For bigger cutting axe is better than knife.
Some like big knives for camping and they say that they have all in one.
I think big knives are poor versus axe and good old Puukko.

Juha
 
You might have a look at Roselli's carpenter's knife, which would fall somewhere in between the two you show.
 
I have a Kellam Fang. My absolute favorite skandi knife that I have ever owned. Came incredibly sharp, and keeps an edge better than my mora's by at least 2:1. Sheath is functional. My .02.

Saw at the last minute that you are looking for a large grip. The Kellams have large full grips. I have average size hands and it's almost to big for me.
 
Fieldtestornothing said:
I have a Kellam Fang. My absolute favorite skandi knife that I have ever owned. Came incredibly sharp, and keeps an edge better than my mora's by at least 2:1. Sheath is functional. My .02.

Saw at the last minute that you are looking for a large grip. The Kellams have large full grips. I have average size hands and it's almost to big for me.
Click to expand...


That's a hell of an endorsement:thumbup: Now I'm gonna try one myself for sure:D
 
The Jarvenpaa knives are very nice. No need to worry about quality issues. I think both are great blades. I'd go with the Jarvenpaa if price is an issue.
 
Thanks so much for all the replies!

Both are nice Puukko's. I have the upper one, made by Iisakki Jarvenpaa and it's called "Arki-Iisakki" in Finland.

Other one is Kainuun Puukko's newer line.
Nice desing and it must work well.
The blade looks like it was made by "Laurin metalli".

I would buy the first one if I would use it mainly outdoors. One can carry it on both sides and the "fat" handle is good in many positions and you get less blisters.

Juha
Click to expand...

Hi Sajuma-

Thanks for the help. Glad to hear from somebody that's had experience with that blade. Did it take/keep an edge well? Also, do you know roughly how thick the blade was, compared to something like the Mora 510?

So far I'm leaning a bit toward the Jarvenpaa, both for price and because I won't be afraid to use it.


I think my problem is these are both pretty darn good looking knives from reputable folks, so it's tough to compare! Since I'm sure I'll end up with both eventually and price is an issue, I may just pick up the utility knife and save the Kellam for another time.

I'll probably keep staring at pictures of both for the next few days, then break down and buy 'em!
 
ilbruche said:
The Jarvenpaa knives are very nice. No need to worry about quality issues. I think both are great blades. I'd go with the Jarvenpaa if price is an issue.
Click to expand...

I have 2 and think they are fantastic for the money...JMHO
 
Check out the Karesuando #3532 "The Algen(elk) on Ragnar's site,http://www.ragweedforge.com/KaresuandoCatalog.html it is the fourth one down and is exactly what you are looking for. I handled one about two weeks ago and placed an order immediately and I don't even particularly care for this style of knife. You will love the handle on this knife.
 
Hi Spooky!

If I had to buy a Puukko, it would be with out a doubt "Tommi puukko" by Jukka Hankala.
They are made by a Master and form follows function. You wont need an other Puukko. Ever.

Take a look of these:

http://users.reppu.net/j.hankala/englanti/kayttopuukot/general_purpose.htm

Tommi costs you about 140 Euros
Lastu model a tenner less. Worth every penny.

My Iisakki Puukkos blade is 3.2mm thick and moras are usually bit less. I hate Moras.
I had it in army and it got abused quite a lot. It takes good edge and holds it well.
I like the sheat since you can put the blade in it either way so you can carry it on both sides.

Those Kellam knives are also nice but too expensive for the quality.
Like I said the blades are from Laurin metalli. Nothing wrong about that but they are not forget. Neither is Jarvenpaa puukkos but those are not so expencive.

I looked also the price tags from Kellams "KP" (Kainuun Puukko) series... yieks!!!
Go and order a Hankala's Tommi. You might have to wait a bit for it but it is worth it.

Juha
 
sajuma said:
If I had to buy a Puukko, it would be with out a doubt "Tommi puukko" by Jukka Hankala.
Click to expand...

I've seen his site before and I'm still in awe of his knives. They are exactly what I want/need in an outdoors knife. Unfortunatley I think that the shipping costs are going to be obscene :grumpy: .
 
Now those were some gorgeous blades, Sajuma. Those are certainly worth putting on the wish list for after my schooling ends, but a bit outside the budget at the moment! I appreciate you bringing that maker to my attention.
 
RubberJohnny said:
I've seen his site before and I'm still in awe of his knives. They are exactly what I want/need in an outdoors knife. Unfortunatley I think that the shipping costs are going to be obscene :grumpy: .
Click to expand...


I dont think shipping costs are big. You can paypal Hankala and posting is not expensive.
It's like www.brisa.fi service; fast and you can count on them.

Juha
 
sajuma said:
Hi Spooky!

If I had to buy a Puukko, it would be with out a doubt "Tommi puukko" by Jukka Hankala.
They are made by a Master and form follows function. You wont need an other Puukko. Ever.
Click to expand...

Hankala is one of the most respected and decorated puukkosmiths in Finland. Can't go wrong with his knives.

However, the last time I bought one of his knives, there was a nearly six month wait. That's something to keep in mind. Fortunately, there are other puukkosmiths arguably just as talented, that have shorter waits and lower prices.
 
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