Old North Europenean Knife

[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

[Rich]

Jim -

I can post some pics of a few of my knives, but my pics aren't
all that good. Here are the URL's of two sites that have lots
on info and pics of puukko and leuku (Lapland style; aka "Sammi").

http://www.nordiskamuseet.se/exhibs/sameting/Same2.aspx

and collections of various puukko at:

http://www.cultur.nu/knivar/index.shtml

Together with those from Norway, etc.

Some sets have gotten quite valuable to collectors. A doublet set
of nested puukko by a company only in business for a couple years
in the 1920's recently sold on ebay to a European collector for nearly
$800. That kind of price is really rare however.

I've put together a links page of Nordic knife sites that folks might be
interested in if they like these styles.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rsblade/puukko.htm

Rich S

[RobT]

Hi Tatyana Dianova,
According to The Knives of Finland by Lester C. Ristinen, "A much lamented "blood grove" was ground into the blades by the Kauhava knifemakers beginning in 1905. Finnish knife purists were dismayed and the Finnish author, Sakari Palsi, in his book titled "Puukko" complained that the grinding of the useless, borrowed blood grove is a travesty in puukko manufacture.". If Mr. Ristinen is correct, your blade dates to post 1904. You might do well to contact Mr Alan Maisey of the keris forum. I believe he collects puukko. If he is as knowledgeable about puukko as he is about Javanese keris all your questions will be answered.
Sincerely,
RobT