Ahti Knives
There are two distinct lines of Ahti knives, the traditional line and the modern line.
The traditional line is made in Kauhava, Finland. Kauhava has been a center of knife
making for hundreds of years, and is at the heart of the Finnish knife culture. The knives
are made in the shop of Reino Kamppila. His production is limited, but this insures that the
quality is up to his exacting standards. All of the traditional knives have carbon steel blades
(.8%C) hardened to about 59 on the Rockwell scale. The handles are stained birch and
sanded to a medium finish for improved grip. Fittings are polished brass and the sheaths have
plastic inserts. All of the traditional Ahti have full length tangs with the end of the tang
visible at the pommel end of the handle.
The Traditional Ahti
#9610; The Tikka, or "Woodpecker", is a neat whittling knife with a blade just under 2 1/2" (62 mm) long, .68" wide,
and .109" thick. The handle is about 4 1/4" long. The sheath
hangs from a stout strap and the knife and sheath together weigh about 3 ounces. $35.
#9620; The Korpi has a bit more blade and a slightly larger handle shaped for added control.
The blade is just over 3" (77 mm) long, .80" wide and .126" thick. The handle is about 4 1/8" long.
The sheath hangs from a belt loop fixed at a 45 degree angle for use in a cross
draw position. The knife and sheath together weigh about 4 1/4 ounces. $52.
#9617; The Jänkä has a
nicely shaped handle about 4 1/2" long, and oil finished rather than stained. It's
suitable for average or slightly larger hands. The stainless blade is just over 3" (77 mm) long,
.80" wide and .114" thick. Again, the sheath hangs from
a belt loop fixed at a 45 degree angle for use in a cross draw position. Current stock has a sheath like that of
the Korpi shown above. The knife and sheath together weigh about 4 1/4 ounces. $55.
#9608; The Vaara ("Northern Hills) is a bit larger, and is an excellent all around utility knife.
The blade is about 3 5/8" (92 mm) long, .75" wide and .129" thick. The handle has a suggestion
of a hook and the
pommel end, and a slight cutout for the forefinger to add control. The 4 1/4" handle is nicely
sized for average sized hands. $64
#9607; The Metsa ("Forest") has the same blade, about 3 5/8" (93 mm) long, .75" wide and .129" thick. The 4 3/8" handle is larger in both length and diameter. It has the pronounced pommel hook favored for draw cuts when wearing gloves or mittens.
It's one of the most traditional Finnish patterns. The handle would work best for average
or slightly larger hands. This is a knife for outdoor work in all seasons. The sheath has a
sturdy belt loop which will take belts up to about 2". The knife and sheath together
weigh about 4 1/2 ounces. $50.
#9612; The Kaira ("Northern Wilderness") is a skinning knife, or heavy duty work knife. It has a blade about 2 3/4" (72 mm)
long, 1 1/16" wide and .129" thick. The 4 1/2" handle features a brass hilt plate and is generously sized for a large hand.
Current stock has a sheath that hangs at an angle like the Korpi shown above. The knife and sheath together weigh about 5 3/4 ounces. $69.
#9621; The Juhla is a new model somewhat in the style of the classic Finnish "Tommi" puukko.
The blade is 4 3/4" long, 3/4" wide, and .130" thick. It has a very subtle taper. The handle is a bit over 4" long. The cross section is slightly
egg shaped, and it's exceptionally comfortable in the hand. It's sized for average sized handle. and has a very comfortable.
The sheath is reinforced with a brass band and hangs from a belt loop. There is a plastic liner, and the sheath will take
belts up to 2". All in all, it's very elegant as well as very functional for those who like longer blades. $95.
#9609; The "Leuku 90" has a blade 3 1/2" (92 mm) long, 1 1/16" wide and .129" thick. The handle is enhanced
by a brass ferrule and pommel. It would be an excellent skinning knife. The 5" handle is sized for a larger hand. $84
#9614; The "Leuku 145" has a blade 5 5/8" (145 mm) long, 1 1/16" wide and .129" thick. The 4 7/8" handle has brass plates at both ends, and the squared end of the pommel is visable at the pommel plate. The sheath has a belt loop. This would make a good
butchering tool or light camp knife. $89.
#9618; The "Leuku 180" has a blade 7" (182 mm) long, 1 1/16" wide and .129" thick. The handle Again the 5" handle is sized for a larger hand. There are brass plates at
both ends of handle, and the squared end of the tang is visable at the pommel plate.
This would be a serious tool for butchering, cutting brush, etc. The sheath has a belt
loop which will take belts up to 2 1/2" wide. The knife alone weighs about 7 1/2 ounces, and the balance
is at the guard plate. $97
The Modern Ahti
#9601; The Finman is a modern knife, carefully designed for both style and function. The stainless blade is about
3 5/8" (95 mm) long, a bit less than 3/4" wide, and .105" thick. The 4 1/2" handle is nicely shaped for control and
has a textured surface for improved grip. The sheath is holds the knife securely and has a reversible clip that allows either a high or low carry on the belt. There is a drain
hole in the bottom of the sheath that doubles as a thong hole for upside-down carry as a neck knife. The sheath
takes the knife in either a right handed or left handed position. The weight of the knife and sheath is only 3 1/2
ounces, but it has a solid feel in the hand. I even like the subtle shades of green. It's too bad the Boy Scouts no
longer carry belt knives. This one would go well with the uniform, and would be great all around scouting knife.
The price is only $11.50. (Note: There is a considerable gap where the blade enters the handle. I'd be tempted to fill
it with epoxy to prevent accumulation of debris.)
#9605; The Eräpuukko (Hunting knife) is a very modern design. The shape of the blade blends smoothly into that of the
handle. The stainless blade is about 3" long and has a fine point for carving or other detail work. The 4 1/4" handle
is well shaped for control but allows for multiple grips. When I picked this one up I found myself looking for
something to whittle. The sheath is leather with a plastic insert. The knife and sheath together weigh about 3 3/4
ounces. $27
#9606; The Vuolupuukko (Whittling Knife) is the same knife with a carbon steel blade. $27. Ouit of stock
#9604; The Kalauppkko (Fishing Knife) is a variation sharpened on the top edge for opening large fish
and game. The tip is not sharpened, and there are finger notches on the bottom edge. $25.
Shipping and handling is $6 per order (not per item) anywhere in the US.
Standard shipping is by Priority Mail, so please give me your mailing address, not your
UPS address. The $6 doesn't actually cover the cost in many cases, but it's
easy to calculate, and is my way of saying "thank you".
Orders in New York State require sales tax. If you don't know the sales tax in your
county, I can calculate it for you, but you should expect it to be added. This applies only
to orders shipped to addresses within New York State.
I'm sorry, U.S. orders only please.
Most folks use a credit card and the
encrypted secure order form. If you prefer, you can FAX your order to
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card number and expiration date. Of course I'll also need to know what you
are buying, and where to send it. Please include your e-mail
address.
If you don't have a FAX, you can call 716-731-3715. If your
timing is good, you can just speak to me and give me the order. If I'm not in
the office it will default to the FAX machine. No collect calls.
If instant gratification is unavailable, you can always send a Postal
Money Order or check to:
Ragweed Forge
PO Box 326
Sanborn, NY 14132
The Postal Snail may be slow, but he's faithful and discreet. Checks may
be held for clearance, so if you're in a hurry, use a money order.
Everything on the page should be on hand and ready to ship. However some
items may be short supply, so if you are ordering by mail, you might want to
e-mail first so that I can hold your item
(ragnar@ragweedforge.com).
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