Puukko for comment and translation

[russel]

I snagged this little (3.25" blade) Puukko today. I know next to nothing about these knives, but I have always been impressed by their obvious utility.

I am curious to know what members think of it, and particularly if anyone can offer a translation of the inscription.

Cheers,
Russel

[Jens Nordlunde]

Hi Russel,
I have one too. My mother bought it about 1915-20 in Norway.
The blade is 8 cm - about 3.2".
I dont know in which language it is written, but my guess would be Finnish.
Jens

[Sajen]

Hello Russel,
nice little puukko, would guess around 1930. To get more information about it do a little bit search in old threads, I think there was given once a link to a discussion forum for Scandinavian knives.

Regards,
Detlef

[Rich]

Russel -

I can't read it all, but here's my best guess. The first name is Juho (pretty sure of that) the last name looks like Seppala (there were several of this family who made puukko), the last word is Kauhava (major knife center in Finland). I would guess pre WW II era.

Jens -

I can't make out anything on yours expect the town Kauhava. Sorry. I would guess about the same period as Russel's.

Here's the link I use (have to register) that has a great Scandinavian knives forum. One of the members can surely read it accurately for you all. It's mainly a knife makers forum, but the folks are very good and kindly will translate old makers names if they can. Please post any responses you get.

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?1-British-Blades-Forums

Rich

[Blacksmith]

Hi, it says "Kauhavan puukkotehdas" and that means The knife factory of Kauhava. And yes, its finnish.

[Sajen]

Hi, it says "Kauhavan puukkotehdas" and that means The knife factory of Kauhava. And yes, its finnish.

When I am not wrong is it the inscription on the second blade. :shrug:

[Rich]

Yes, it is the inscription on Jens blade. I should have recognized it myself. Have a half dozen or so knives by them.
Rich

[russel]

Thanks for the information guys, it gives me a great starting point for some research.

Cheers - Russel

[Shakethetrees]

It is almost exactly identical to my first knife that a family member gave to me when I was a child, c. 1959/1960. I don't recall whether mine was etched.

I wish I still had it!

[Rich]

For those interested in Puukko, here's a great link (via Google translation) on the history, types, etc. of Finnish puukko by the grand master of Finnish knives.

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=fi&u=http://www.taistokuortti.com/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpuukko%2Bpaja%2Bkivimaki%26hl%3Den%26 sa%3DX&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhhuhwNtI0vYZWl_qugXlelXheD8_w

Sorry for the long URL, but TinyUrl wouldn't take it :-( Go to "article on knives"

Rich