Hi all, I've actually been a member for a while, but this is my first post, because I actually have something to show. I built my first knife from a Helle kit purchased from a local outdoor outfitter. You can see the result here. (https://wesshepherd.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/viking-knife-build-part-3-finale/). With the Covid outbreak my company closed down for 3 weeks which gave me a chance to finish my second knife, built around a Mora blade purchased in Iceland a couple of weeks ago. Pictures coming as soon as I finish the sheath (yes, learning how to make knives meant also learning how to work leather). Today I just took delivery of a Helle Lapplander blade, my next project. Hopefully finish it before I get back to work! Anyway, glad to be here. I've read a lot of good posts and look forward to being part of the community.
Hi Wes, Glad to have you here! Why do I get the feeling you have a thing for Scandinavian knives. Is the wood on your Helle Karelian birch? It has some nice figure to it. I have a couple of Moras myself. Excellent all 'round knives for camp craft. It's great to see that you are making the most of this strange situation. Looking forward to seeing your next knives. Dan
Thanks Dan, glad to be here. I've been collecting knives since I was a kid and have a wide range of styles, but yes, the Scandinavian knives are some of the best tools I've found.
Thanks Mythtaken, I agree about Scandinavian knives. Standard in my pack is the Mora Bushcraft Black, while my "at-home" work knife is a Helle Viking that my wife got me last year. Both great pieces of gear!
Welcome Wes. You gotta love the practicality of the scandinavian knives for sure. Simple and practical. One of my favorites definitely, but I'm still a sucker for recurves. Not for their practicality but for their lines. I mean, I guess if I ever became an action movie star or a Gurkha warrior, they'd be more practical. I love the swooping curves (... ahem... read into that what you will : )
Forgot to mention, that yes, the wood is Karelian birch. The kit describes it as "curly" birch, so I had to research what you meant by Karelian, which was an interesting read. So not only has knife-making introduced me to metallurgy, woodworking and leathercraft, but also forestry and the study of trees. Gotta love this hobby!
Thanks for the welcome Todd. I agree, that Scandi knives are simple and practical, but any well-designed and well-made knife can be attractive. I work in an industry where precision is a requirement, so I can appreciate what it takes to make something functional and beautiful.
