The Norwegians want their knives to look good, and work very well. The patterns have been refined over the last thousand years or so, and tend toward elegant and functional simplicity. Many of the styles are very traditional, and will suit the reenactor very well.
Most of the Helle knives I sell have laminated blades, and the distinctive Scandinavian grind. The laminated blade sandwiches a layer of hard higher carbon alloy between two layers of tough lower carbon alloy. This gives a blade that holds an edge without being brittle, and is easier to resharpen. It is done with both carbon and stainless steels.
The Scandinavian grind is a single, wide, flat bevel on each side of the blade that runs right to the edge. This results in an exceptionally keen edge that is easy to sharpen without jigs or other gadgets.
Click on the image for an enlarged view of the knife and its sheath.
The Sigmund is a celebration of 80 years of knife making by Helle. It represents the input of two generations of the Helle family. The original design was by Sigmund Helle, one of the founders of the enterprise. It was first released in the early 1930's. It's been updated by his son, Torodd Helle, the current managing director. More to the point, it's a beautiful, and very functional all around knife. The triple laminated blade is a bit less than 4 1/4" long about 7/8" wide, and .118" thick. The handle is built up of wood and leather spacers for a unique appearance. It's very comfortable and sized for average hands. There is a hint of a guard to keep your fingers off the blade edge. Ths stout leather sheath is embossed with the same design as the original. $129
The Gaupe (Norwegian for Lynx) is a recent addition to the Helle line. It’s an excellent
all-around choice for hunting, as well as general bushcraft. The laminated stainless blade is
4 ¼” long, 1” wide and .135” thick. The handle is a bit less than 4 ½” long, and nicely rounded
for comfort when using the knife for heavy cuts. It’s shaped with a bit of a finger guard to provide
good control when the hands are slippery or wet. The diameter of the handle is proportioned for
average to slightly larger hands. The tang runs the full length of the handle and is peened over
a washer at the pommel end. No guard or pommel plate is used, making for a simple but elegant
assembly. It also saves a bit of weight, which makes the knife less tiring to use. For long time
Helle fans, it’s a lot like the old Fjelkniv shown below, but has more blade for butchering and
tougher camp chores. It comes with the traditional pouch style sheath that holds the knife
securely, yet provides instant access without fumbling with straps or snaps. The sheath is
decorated wth a cut out in the shape of Lynx foot print. Despite the full sized blade it’s not
heavy on your belt. The knife and sheath weigh about 6 ounces. $114 Out of Stock
The Temagami is a new bushcraft knife designed in collaboration with Les Stroud (aka Survivorman).
The semi-full tang provides the extra strength associated with bushcraft knives. The tang is exposed on
the top and pommel end, but is covered by the wood of the handle on the finger side. This protects the
fingers from direct contact in cold weather. It costs more to produce than an ordinary full tang, but the
result is worth it when working in very cold conditions. The carbon steel blade is laminated, with a layer
of hardened steel in the center, and softer sides for toughness. Laminated blades provide excellent edge
holding combined with toughness and ease of sharpening. The drop point blade is about 4 ¼ “ long, 1 1/16” wide
and .120” thick. The substantial handle is about 4 ¾” long. It has a bit of a
finger guard to help keep your hand off the edge when slippery. The Scandinavian style pouch sheath
retains the knife securely without the need for snaps or straps. This keeps the knife instantly available
without fumbling and helps prevent loss. The symetrical sheath works equally well for right or left handed carry.
If you need the very best in a stout wilderness knife, this is a good choice. The knife and sheath weigh about 7 1/4 ounces. $159
The Temagami is also available in laminated stainless steel at the same price.
Please specify your preference.
The Helle Wind is part of a series of knives in more contemporary styles. The laminated stainless blade is about 3 1/8" long, 1 1/8" wide and .106" thick. The 4 1/2" handle is gracefully curved to match the slightly trailing point blade. It's sized for medium or slightly larger hands, and there is a black rubber but cap. The sheath comes with a snap style closure and will accept belts up to about 1 3/4". This one feels very good in my hand, and I like the fact that the point is in line with the center-line of the handle. $99
The Helle Fire was the first full tang Helle. The blade is laminated stainless steel. It's about 2 5/8" long, 1 1/4" wide, and .117" thick. The one piece handle wraps around the lower part of the tang, while the full tang is visable on the upper surface of the handle. This protects your fingers when using the knife in cold weather. There is a lanyard hole, and the knife is supplied with a carabiner clip. The stout blade has the typical working shape of farm and shipboard knives. The sheath has a snap style retaing strap. The early style sheath shown in the picture did not have any means for attachment to the belt, but the current sheaths come with a belt loop.$129
The Harding is an attractive American style drop point hunter with a Norwegian accent.
The handle an assembly of walnut, curly birch and leather. It's about 4" long and sized for
average or slightly larger hands. The blade is laminated stainless steel, and about 4" long.
The sturdy deep sheath has the Nordic style keeper strap, which engages a stud on the pommel.
This helps prevent loss while keeping the knife instantly available. It's a really fine looking knife with
an excellent feel. $109 Out of Stock
With it's stout 4 3/4" blade and substantial guard, the Safari looks as if it might have been influenced by the American author and knifemaker Ed Fowler (it was actually designed by Gunnar Lothe). It's a big knife, but the lack of pommel and use of aluminum for the guard keeps the weight down to a quick and handy level. The knife weighs a bit less than 5 oz. and the knife and sheath weigh about 7 1/4 ounces. For those who like a fairly big knife with a guard, this is an excellent choice. Supplied with laminated stainless steel and a snap type leather sheath. (Blade is 4 3/4", length overall is 9 1/2".) $134
The Helle-Eggen is a stout hunting knife, with a wide 4" drop point blade of laminated stainless steel (~1" wide, .125" thick). The substantial curly birch handle is about 4 1/2" long and is shaped to form a finger guard. It feels really solid in the hand and is comfortable for both medium and large hands. The knife and sheath weigh about 5 3/4 oz. $89
The Fjellbekk ("Mountain Stream") very similar. Again, the laminated stainless blade is about 4" long (.112" thick). But this one is a bit wider and has a more curve in the edge for skinning. The handle is Marbau, a tropical hardwood with a warm brown color. Again, there is a finger cutout to keep your hand off the blade. The sheath retains the knife with a snap style keeper strap. The knife and sheath weigh about 5 3/4 oz. $99
The Fossekallen is just slightly smaller. The 4 1/4" birch handle is sized for small to average sized hands. The blade is 3 1/2" long, about 7/8" wide, and .099" thick. It's well shaped for all around use. The knife normally comes in a black sheath with red stitching and a keeper strap. Since I prefer pouch style sheaths I’ve arranged to get some in the Fjelkniven sheath. It fits perfectly. The knife and sheath weigh 4 ¾ ounces. Please specify which style sheath you would prefer. I like this one. $94
The Helle Harmoni is part of a series of Helle knives done in a more contemporary style..
The laminated stainless blade is about 3 1/2" long, 1" wide and 1/8" thick. The 4 1/2" handle is sized
for medium or slightly larger hands. It's assembled from curly birch and rosewood with fiber spacers.
There is a bit a guard, which should provide security without getting in the way. The pouch type sheath
is reenforced with a metal band, and holds the knife securely without the need for snaps or straps.
It will accept belts up to about 1 3/4". The knife and sheath weigh a bit under five ounces.
The price is $94
The Godbit is another modern design incorporating a plastic finger guard in the handle. The laminated stainless blade is almost 4" long, and the handle is generously sized for large hands. It was discontinued a few years ago, but I just found a strat while taking inventory. This would be a good knife for a deer hunter. It comes with a sheath incorperating a snap closure for security. One in stock, $89.
The Futura is an upscale model with a stylish grip that offers good control without the hindrance
of a guard. The laminated stainless blade is just over 4" long and .126" thick. Tthe knife is about 8 3/4" soverall.
There is a snap style sheath. $104 Out of Stock
The Fjelkniven is a traditional all-purpose belt knife. The highly polished 4" blade is
laminated stainless steel about .122" thick. The comfortable grip is shaped to keep your hand off the blade. It comes
with the traditional pouch style sheath that does not require a keeper strap. It's sized for small to medium
hands. The knife and sheath weigh about 5 3/4 oz.
$99
The Taiga is a larger version of the Fjelkniven better suited to larger hands. It's similar to the
older Brakar model, but the handle is wider and more rounded for greater comfort. The handle is just under
5" long. The maximum circumference is just under 3 3/4" and it's well shaped for a comfortable
grip. The laminated stainless blade is 5" long, 1 1/8" wide and .117" thick. It's a big knife, but
doesn't feel cumbersome at only 5 1/4 ounces (7 1/2 onces with the sheath). It comes with the traditional pouch sheath with
a belt loop that will take a belt up to 2". It's a nice package.
$109
The Symfoni is an attractive utility knife with a spacer of reindeer antler where the
blade joins the handle. Besides being attractive, this adds mass near the center of gravity and gives
the knife a lively feel in the hand. The 3 1/2" blade is laminated stainless steel with a satin finish,
about .110" thick. It has a slightly dropped point. The 4 1/2" handle
provides a substantial grip. It comes with a simple, but elegant, sheath
embossed with the image of a campfire. I like this one!
$99
Odel has a meaning similar to heirloom, and the name fits well.
This is a handy all purpose knife that is well worth passing down the
generations. The laminated stainless blade is about 3 5/8" (9cm) long, and .102" thick. The
handle is built up from birch, antler and leather, and is deeply contoured
for positive control. This knife feels very good in my small-to-average sized hand.
I would recommend this knife for smaller hands.
Length overall is about 8". Of course it comes with a sturdy leather sheath
of the deep Nordic style.
$118
The Nying is a short stubby knife designed for fishermen. The handle is
generously proportioned to give a good grip even when your hands are cold or
covered in fish slime. The 2 3/4" blade is laminated stainless steel. The
attractive leather sheath has a distinctive cutout.
It is fitted with a keeper strap, which engages a stud on the pommel, and a
suspension thong. (Blade is 2 3/4", length overall is 6 3/8".)
This knife received the prestigious Norsk Designråd Award for design excellence.
$75
The Fjellmann ("mountain man") is a stout skinning knife. It has a 9cm
blade of laminated stainless steel. The curly birch handle fills your hand
and gives a secure grip under difficult conditions. The traditional sheath
hangs from a thong, and has the typical Nordic keeper strap that engages a
stud on the end of the handle. (The blade is 3 3/4", length overall is
7 3/4".)
$84
The Veidemann is a variation of the Fjellmann with a gut hook. The wider
9cm blade has a useful skinning sweep toward tip. This would be just
the thing to field dress and skin out a deer! (Blade is 3 7/16", length
overall is 7 1/2".)
$84
The Jegermester is intended for the butchering of big game. It has a wide, but thin blade about 5 1/4" long.
Because the blade is thin (about .098"), it's not laminated, but is made from the excellent Sandvik 12C27 stainless.
The handle is substantial, but still feels good in my average sized hand.
$119
Here is a custom version of the Jegermester that was done up at the request of one of Helle's distributers a few years ago. It's been discontinued, but a few turned up in tactory warehouse. It's dressed up with a slice of reindeer antler in the handle. $125.
The Lappland is the all-purpose camp knife of the Sami people. They use it for everything from butchering reindeer to preparing shelter and fire. This is a big knife with a 8 1/2" stainless blade (not laminated). It weighs about 10 1/4 ounces without the sheath. The blade is fairly thin (.116") for effective slicing, but the 1 1/2" width provides ample strength. $135
The Helle Viking is a revision of a Helle classic. The original Viking was
designed by Arne Emile Christensen as a recreation of a Viking Age belt knife.
Professor Christensen is with the University Museum of National Antiquities in Oslo.
(There is an excellent introduction to the Vikings posted
by the Norwegian government and written by Professor Christensen.) The knife was
produced as part of a fund-raiser for an around-the-world cruse of a Viking longship.
The knife is notable not only for it's historical interest, but also as an excellent all around
utility knife. The revision has a slightly longer 4 1/4" blade of laminated carbon steel. The
blade is .152" thick and about 7/8" wide. The black finish of the heat treatment is left
on the sides for a rustic look. The tang of the blade is peened over a diamond shaped
washer. The handle is a bit over 4 1/8" and is subtly shaped for comfort
and control with a variety of grips. It comes with the traditional sheath that hangs from a thong.
As you can probably tell, I like this one. $89 Out of Stock
The Anniversary Knife is a revival of a pattern released in 1965.
The triple laminated stainless steel blade is just over 4 1/4" long and has a graceful
clip. The 4" handle is walnut and nickle silver. It has a geometric shape that flares to a
diamond shaped pommel. The traditional sheath hangs from a twisted thong.
$93
The 75 Year Anniversary knife is quite a pleasant handfull.
(Yes, I know the name is nearly the same. I don't know why they did this.) The
4 1/4" handle is sized for larger hands, and is very comfortable. it's made up of curly
birch and walnut for a nice contrast. The triple laminated
stainless steel blade is also 4 1/4" long. It has just a bit of upsweep giving a very sharp
point, a bit of belly toward the point for skinning, and a straight main edge for slicing.
The traditional pouch sheath has a reenforcing band, and is marked "75th Anniversary - Helle Bard".
This is a great choice for those wanting a full sized hunting or utility knife.
$124
The Besseggen is named after a famous mountain hiking trail in Norway.
It's a stout work knife with a laminated stainless blade is about 3 1/4" long and
1 1/4" wide at the base. The generous handle is about 4" long. The sheath has
a tab to engage the stud on the pommel. This one would work best with
somewhat larger hands.
$99
The Ny Fjording is similar, but a bit larger. The laminated stainless blade is about 3 1/4" long, 7/8" wide. The handle is about 3 3/4" long and has a finger cut out to help position the hand. It would make a good fishing, boating or even general purpose knife for those who prefer slightly stouter handles. $72
The Grizzly has a non-laminated stainless blade with a slight drop point.
The blade is about 1/8" thick, and has a conventional flat grind with secondary bevel rather than
the Scandinavian Grind of the others. The generous grip is lightly stained
to bring out the bold grain. The black leather of the traditional pouch
sheath makes a nice contrast to the light wood of the handle.
(Blade is 3 1/2", length overall is 8 3/4.)
$85
The Folkekniven is a neat little utility knife with a 3 3/8. non-laminated stainless
blade, and a flat curly birch handle. The simple pouch sheath accepts belts up to 1 1/2".
$73
The Steinbit is a fillet knife with a thin (about .125") flexable blade (not laminated)
about six isnches long. The handle is about 4 1/2" long and has a cutout for the forefinger
to give solid control when the hands are wet and slippery. It's supplied with the usual
Nordic style sheath.
Price is $89
The Helle basic series is new to North America, but I gather it has been sold in Europe for some time. The knives lack some of the elegance of the regular line, but retain all of the function. The handles are plain birch rather than curly birch. The shape of the handle is distinctively Scandinavian and works well with the draw cuts favored when using gloves or mittens. They are supplied with non-laminated blades of the fine Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel. The sheaths are neatly made of stout leather.
The Fiskekniv is a basic fishing knife in the Norwegian style. It has a polished 6" blade that is narrow and thin, but quite stiff compared to the Finnish fishing knives. The handle is about 4 1/2". The price is only $67
The Tollekniv is an all around utility blade. The polished Sandvik blade is about 4 1/8" long. The 4 1/2" handle is smoothly sanded and has a nicely mellow finish. The slotted sheath will accept belts up to about 1 3/4". This is about all the knife anyone needs. The price is also $67
Speider means "Scout" in Norwegian, and this is the upscale Norwegian scout knife. It has a simple drop point blade of non-laminated stainless steel, nicely ground and polished. The blade is about 3 1/2" long, and .104" thick. It comes with a finger guard, and the dark stained birch handle is just over 4" long, so this one would be suitable for older Scouts as well as adults. The forest green snap style sheath is stamped with the Norwegian Scout emblem. I particularly like the way the sheath is designed. The wide snap flap is positioned just above the guard. This tends to retain the knife even if the snap is undone, until you deliberately fold it back. It solves the main problem I have with most snap style sheaths. I wish it was used more widely. Altogether this is a neat and useful package. $49
Speider means "Scout" in Norwegian, and this is the standard Norwegian scout knife. It has a simple drop point blade of non-laminated stainless steel, and a stamped double cross guard. The blade is 3 1/2", as is the handle, so this one would be best suited to someone with a small hand. The sheaths are stamped with the image of either a Girl Scout or a Boy Scout. Please specify your preference. $33
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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.
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Most folks use a credit card and the encrypted secure order form. If you prefer, you can FAX your order to 716-731-3715. I'll need the type of card (Discover, Visa, or Master Charge), 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.
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Ragweed Forge
PO Box 326
Sanborn, NY 14132
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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).
