My Kullervo knife

[kwakster]

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 knifesmith, 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"







This is my own Kullervo knife which i got new in a trade, and i have been using it for over a year now, mostly for whittling various kinds of wood when i'm hiking through the forests near where i live.
When i got it the knife already had a small microbevel, which i maintain on 30 degrees on a Spyderco Sharpmaker.
Before i go out the knife only gets a few passes on the flats of the white sticks which makes it hairwhittling sharp again, and at the end of the day the edge still shaves on skinlevel.
Sharpening beyond the white stones is still not necessary, as it really is a fine grained quality steel which keeps it's keen edge very well.
Although i clean the blade when i come home a slight patina has already set in, but i don't mind.
The birchbark handle which was slightly fuzzy when new is now a bit slicker but still a joy to hold and use, as it offers a multitude of hand positions and is always warm to the touch.
The classic leather sheath holds the knife very well and is also safe to use thanks to the nylon insert.
All in all: this one's a keeper,

Specs:

Steel: Unknown handforged carbon steel
Handle: Birchbark with brass bolsters
Blade length: 8,4 cm
Blade thickness: 3,1 mm
Handle length: 11,0 cm
Overall length: 19,3 cm
Sheath: Leather with nylon insert

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

That is absolutely, stunningly beautiful mate

Damn I'm envious!

[John]

Very nice it reminds me of a Tommi by Kainuun Puukko  of which I will get one day 

[Freudian Frog]

Dead sexy!

[Gareth]

Lovely knife that.  I'm very fond of the Pukko style of knife myself although I don't have anything as nice as that one.

[Smitty44]

That is old world quality at its finest,thanks for sharing.
 &

[Sean]

It's a beaut! 

I really like it when they leave the top part of the blade unfinished like that.  The carbon steel has
that ever so rustic look going on and most of the time it just gets better and
better as you move up to handle material and shape.
Thanks for sharing it with us!