Old Helle Knife

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Curt3221
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Old Helle Knife

Post by Curt3221 »

Hello my name is Curt and I acquired a really old knife made by Helle. I think it has the original leather case. I had some questions on the worth and should I clean it up or not even mess with it? I did a little bit of research and I think the handle is deer antler. I also think it is from Norway. Any info would help thanks.
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gsmith7158
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by gsmith7158 »

Definitely not deer antler. It looks to be leather wrapped. I don't know anything about Helle though.
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Quick Steel
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by Quick Steel »

What does the mark at the base of the blade say? I cannot make out the imprint.
Curt3221
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by Curt3221 »

S&S
Holmedal
Norge
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Quick Steel
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by Quick Steel »

Yes, Norge means Norway. Holmedal is referred to as a subprovince. If you type into Google "Holmedal Norge Knives" you will find many sites that will assist you. In fact there are photos of knives nearly identical to yours. I also found some on ebay which are about $125. Condition of course determines the price.
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orvet
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by orvet »

::welcome:: to AAPK!

I have a few Helle knives given to me by a Norwegian friend.
They are SUPERB quality, and not inexpensive.

Holmedal is the village where the Helle knives are made.
Norge is Norwegian for Norway.

Beyond that I don't know a great deal...
Check out their website: http://www.helle.no/
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tjmurphy
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by tjmurphy »

Maybe Vikingdog will jump in. He's the guy in the know on this one. ::tu::
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djknife13
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by djknife13 »

Hi Curt and welcome. The Scandinavian grind is great for field dressing deer and jobs like that. It's unreal how they cut and the steel is second to none. I have a few of them and love them.___Dave
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by kootenay joe »

I collect Norwegian, Swedish & Finnish knives. I have a few new in tube Helle knives and some vintage ones. I have acquired them on ebay. Prices for vintage Helle are not that high (rarely over $100) because there are fewer collectors than for USA or even German knives.
Likely some old Helle knives are more valuable to a knowledgeable Helle collector but info on these knives is hard/impossible ? to find.
Sheath is the original and handle looks like stacked leather with reindeer antler pommel & bolster, a traditional handle.
On ebay now most likely this would sell $50-$75 although it could go higher if there are 2 stubborn bidders going at it.
I cannot see it on yours but often there is a rounded pin that projects from the pommel that engages with a hole in a leather retention strap on the sheath. Sometimes this strap has broken off.
You have a good basic older Helle. I say 'basic' because there are some fancier ones; e.g. polished antler handle with scrimshaw art engraved.
kj
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by kootenay joe »

Here is an older Helle knife & sheath, both of which are similar to OP example.
kj
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Curt3221
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by Curt3221 »

Awesome thank you for all the info. The leather strap is in working condition just like that one. I picked mine up at a flea market for $30. I knew it was old but didn't know anything else about it.
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by kootenay joe »

$30 is a good deal. You have a very good knife, to collect or to use. If you are good at sharpening the blade will take a super sharp edge and hold it well, making it a delight to use.
But if you are not good at sharpening don't try with this one. You would end up removing more steel than necessary and spoil the blade to some degree.
And, Welcome to AAPK. If you like knives there's lots to read & see & learn here & friendly helpful people too.
kj
Day
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by Day »

High I own retro helle knive in mint condition it’s from the 60’ - 70’s I think . It has an exposed full tang and rosewood scales . Maybe you could price it for me . A Norwegian friend told me it’s quite an unusual design and rare .
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Re: Old Helle Knife

Post by kootenay joe »

Hi Day. Can you post a picture ? I am not familiar with the model you are describing but i might recognize it with the help of a picture.
kj
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