Old North Europenean Knife

[Tatyana Dianova]

It seems that I put it on the wrong forum - I'm not going to sell this one It would be good if moderators will move this one to Ethnographic Weapons Forum...

[Henk]

Certainly a north european knife. It is a finish puukko knife. The handle is birchwood. It certainly has some age, but I don't know how old it is.

But it is a lovely knife indeed.

[Rich]

Yes, if Finnish it's a puukko (term also commonly but mistakenly used
for most all Nordic knives of this design). The same style was also
made in Norway and Sweden. (I collect and make puukko).
The style of sheath is called Kalavala. Too bad the blade is so badly worn as most were signed by the company or maker. Most of the Finnish puukko were signed in the fuller while the Swedish and Norwegian ones were signed on the
blade itself usually on the upper portion. Many of the Norwegian and
Swedish ones were (are) made with laminated steel. If you're interested
in the design and would like to see many modern ones check out this site.

Ragweed Forge:

http://www.ragweedforge.com

Check out the Jarvenpaa, Ahti, Helle, Lapin Puukko and Mora sections especially. Some of the other brands also sell the same design.

Rich S

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Tatyana,
Its great to see you posting here! and you did indeed post on the right forum. As Henk has noted this is a Finnish 'puuko' , and as he has noted, it is difficult to estimate age on these, however most of them are contemporary to about WWII period. While these are generally considered utility knives, it is known that the Finns are incredibly adept at fighting with them. During WWII it is known that many of the Finnish soldiers chose them over bayonets in close quarters hand to hand combat.

There is little written on them, however a very comprehensive article on them appeared in 2001 by Robert Dohrenwend, "The Puuko", Arms Collecting, Vol.39, #1, February, 2001. I think back issues may still be obtained through the Canadian Arms Collectors Society, as this was thier journal.


All very best regards,
Jim

[Rich]

There is also a great book in English by Les Ristinen "Collectible Knives of
Finland" that covers both antique, vintage and modern puukko and
leuku. Highly recommended and still in print.

Rich S

[Jim McDougall]

Thanks for the information on these knives Rich. I've always wondered myself, just what is the heritage on these? It seems all I've seen were relatively recent, and wondered if the form extends into 19th century?

All best regards,
Jim

[Rich]

Jim -

Yes, the basic form dates back 100's of years. I've examples from
the 1800's and have seen them in Finnish museum sites dating
nearly 1000 years ago. I guess it's a case if a design works well,
don't mess with it :-)

While the basic "drop hook" pommel style is common to most Nordic
countries; there is a lot of variation in the sheaths. The Kalavala
style and Kauhava style tube sheath are generally Finnish. The
Norwegian sheaths tend to be folded and side stitched on one side.
Commonly the knives will have a "keeper" stud on the top and a
leather keeper strap on the sheath. The Swedish sheaths tend to
be flat two piece stitched commonly with metal at the throat and
tip.

The Finnish puukko comes in a great variety of styles; main difference
being in the pommel design; the horsehead is perhaps another of
the best known Finnish puukko designs (it only dates back to
early 20th C or maybe late 19th, I forget the exact date).


Rich S

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Rich,
Any way to see some of the earlier examples? I'd like to see this develop into some historical material on these seldom discussed knives.
You're right on the design, they really are handsome little knives!
All best regards,
Jim