Puukko and seax

Rafngard · 20th June 2019, 05:12 AM

I'm not sure if there's Finnish or Sámi examples in the archaeological record, but I've seen a few examples of Viking era, or just post viking era Scandinavian small knives of fairly similar design. In fact the modern Morakniv is quite similar to a puukko.

I suspect there's a nearly straight line between Viking era knives and the modern puukko (and also the modern Morakniv).

Have fun,
Leif

Jim McDougall · 20th June 2019, 04:53 PM

While not really familiar with the 'puuko' knives, I know there was a great article written by the late Robert Dohrenwend :
"The Puuko", Arms Collecting, Vol. 39, #1, Feb. 2001
It seems another reference is "Collectible Knives of Finland"
Lester C. Ristenen
I believe Alan Maisey is a notable collector and authority on these as well.

From what I have understood, the puuko appears to have been designed and popularized by the Saami people of Finland over 1000 yrs ago. While modern examples do not seem to have the 'broken back' blade character typically, I am not familiar with older ones.
The broken back seax does seem to have been well known in Germany from c. 8th into 11th century Germany, which would well correspond with the generally recognized 'Viking Age' from 8th c. into 11th (1066AD).

It seems likely these seax may have influenced the development of the puuko, but the articles mentioned and experts might share more detail.

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20th June 2019, 05:12 AM	#1
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 362	I'm not sure if there's Finnish or Sámi examples in the archaeological record, but I've seen a few examples of Viking era, or just post viking era Scandinavian small knives of fairly similar design. In fact the modern Morakniv is quite similar to a puukko. I suspect there's a nearly straight line between Viking era knives and the modern puukko (and also the modern Morakniv). Have fun, Leif

20th June 2019, 04:53 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	While not really familiar with the 'puuko' knives, I know there was a great article written by the late Robert Dohrenwend : "The Puuko", Arms Collecting, Vol. 39, #1, Feb. 2001 It seems another reference is "Collectible Knives of Finland" Lester C. Ristenen I believe Alan Maisey is a notable collector and authority on these as well. From what I have understood, the puuko appears to have been designed and popularized by the Saami people of Finland over 1000 yrs ago. While modern examples do not seem to have the 'broken back' blade character typically, I am not familiar with older ones. The broken back seax does seem to have been well known in Germany from c. 8th into 11th century Germany, which would well correspond with the generally recognized 'Viking Age' from 8th c. into 11th (1066AD). It seems likely these seax may have influenced the development of the puuko, but the articles mentioned and experts might share more detail.