Puukko

[Billswfl]

Thanks Christian the blade shape should make it a nice user. The wood is curly birch, just a different pattern than most you see, it has a lot of character in hand.

Do you have anything new coming.

Bill

[kamagong]

I'm on the list for one of Jukka Hankala's Lastus. I'll post pictures when I get it.

[Billswfl]

Christian I think the Lastu is a great pickup. I'll be waiting to see the pics.

Bill

[vikingdog]

This pair of puukkos by the Rannanjärvi family arrived at my house this afternoon, a gift from my very generous puukko guru Billswfl. These are very classic, traditional vintage pieces, thank you once again Bill!

The Härmän puukko is a very distinctive puukko from the Ostrobothnian region of Finland. These knives have been made by the Rannanjärvi family for many years beginning with Erkki Rannanjärvi (1838 – 1925) up to Antti Rannanjärvi (b 1951) in the present day. They seem to be pretty rare and are seldom found outside of Finland other than some that were made for a shop in the U.S. some years ago.

There is a post on the blog with more information:
http://nordiskaknivar.wordpress.com/201 ... ukko-17-2/

[Quick Steel]

Awesome.

[Billswfl]

Thanks for the kind words Mike.

Bill

[gford]

Does anyone have info on a Veikko Hakkarainen knife...it was passed down to me years ago (it came into our family in the early 1980's). The knife is Nordic in styling with the handle and sheath made out of reindeer bone/antler? Blade is stamped VH. Any info is appreciated...thanks.

[vikingdog]

Veikko Hakkarainen of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle in Finland is or was the smith of the Kullervo puukko. He's a 4th generation puukkoseppä who learned from his father and used his father's shop doing his forging on a charcoal fire. I say is or was because I'm quite sure he's no longer active. There is one of his puukkos on page one of this thread owned by my friend Bill who may be along to tell you more about his Veikko Hakkarainen.

Also, This text was taken from: http://www.taitolappi.fi

The story of the Kullervo knife:

"In the family Hakkarainen represents Veikko Kullervo the fourth generation of utility knife makers.
The Kullervo knife is an example of an ancient model of northern Finnish knives.
Veikko Hakkarainen is a recognized knife smith, awarded with the title "Best knife maker in Finland".

The Kullervo is handmade from the start, with over 60 phases in the making. Its each part, from the blade to the sheath is made by Veikko himself.
The handle is made of nature's own material, birch bark which is one of the oldest materials used in this purpose.
A handle made of bark is very durable, comfortable, warm and gives an excellent grip.
A few weeks from Midsummer is called the "Bark Month" which means that Veikko spends his time gathering bark.
The blade of the Kullervo knife is hand forged of carbon steel and its extremely precise hardening is a proof of quality even to the most demanding user.
The final sharpness of the knife is achieved through hand-sharpening with a water cooled grinder.
Later the knife is easily sharpened with a grindstone.

The smith, Mr Hakkarainen:

”It is important to me that the tools I make, the knives, are as good and of good quality as possible.
Old, proven good methods are essential in my production, but I don't hesitate utilizing new technology, methods and materials either.
Being a knifesmith in fourth generation I feel obliged to do my work in the best possible way.
I have seen how tools can be made since I was a child and thus my interest in the profession of a smith.
I became a smith when I was a young boy. I find it very challenging and there is always something to learn"

How about a picture of yours gford?

[Billswfl]

I have only seen a Kullervo puukko by Veikko Hakkarainen, so as Mike said it would be good to see pictures of yours. Here are several more pics of mine, I picked it up from a site in Finland and the enclosed insert is in Finnish, it would be nice to know what it says.

Bill

[Quick Steel]

I acquired this Puuko about 10 years ago and don't know much about it. I know the handle is made from a milk product. The name escapes me. Sorry for the poor pictures but it's overcast and drizzling. Any information or comments will be appreciated. Thanks.

[vikingdog]

Hi Quick Steel, nice knife. As you already know it's made by Iisakki Järvenpää in Kauhava Finland. http://www.iisakkijarvenpaa.fi/ in business since 1879.

The name of the handle material is probably galalite which is made from casein a milk protein. Järvenpää is known for the horse head style of puukko usually with stacked birch handles. Here's a little article about Iisakki Järvenpää: http://nordiskaknivar.wordpress.com/201 ... kkos-11-2/

[Quick Steel]

Thank you for the input Vikingdog. Yes the handle I recall was made from casein,so galalite it is.

[gford]

Pic as requested...thanks for the previous info as well.

[Billswfl]

Here is a link to Lauri-Tuotteet which shows similar puukkos to yours http://www.lauri-tuotteet.fi/tuotteet/e_tuotteet_1.html From the site http://www.lauri-tuotteet.fi/historia/e_historia.html it sounds like they made the puukko using blades from Veikko Hakkarainen who lives in the same city of Rovaniemi. They are very collectible and seem to command a high price. You can register at http://www.britishblades.com/forums/forum.php and inquire in the Scandinavian Blades subforum, a lot of knowledgeable people there.

Bill

[vikingdog]

Very nice knife gford! Thanks for showing it. I second what Bill said, BritishBlades.com is a great place to learn about Scandinavian knives.

[gford]

Thank you for the info and comments...This is a knife I plan on passing down to my son in a few years and wanted to get a more accurate history. Thanks again.

[Billswfl]

I received this puukko today, a gift from Mike(vikingdog). The puukko was made by Mile Leko from Croatia and has a Pekka Tuominen blade, the handle is Mopane an African hardwood and the sheath is a perfect match. The fit and finish is perfect and feels really good in hand. Thanks again Mike

Bill

[Quick Steel]

What clean lined handsome knife.

[vikingdog]

You're welcome Bill. I'm very happy with Mile's work. If anyone wants to see his work he posts it on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BarbudoKnives?ref=ts&fref=ts

[tjmurphy]

That's a beautiful knife Bill. Simple, clean and elegant.

[Billswfl]

Thanks QS and TJ, I like the puukko for it's simple and practical style. Mike thanks again for your generosity, it's greatly appreciated.

Bill

[treefarmer]

Been eyeballin' this thread for a while and after reading some of the extra sites that have been included, I would like to get some opinions about a horse head type. Been in the family as long as I can remember. Mother said it belonged to one of my older cousins, I'm 66, it's been around longer than I have. The knife is about 7 3/4" long, with the blade being 3 7/8". Also when you hold it up to a light the 4 dark colored rings in the handle are an amber/orange translucent color. Any thoughts on this knife? Treefarmer

[vikingdog]

It's made by Iisakki Järvenpää of Kauhava Finland. Here is the full story: http://nordiskaknivar.wordpress.com/201 ... kkos-11-2/

[Billswfl]

I have a new puukko coming from maker Saku Honkilahti, here are some pics from Saku.

[vikingdog]

Congratulations Bill, nice looking puukko!