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Helle knives

Helle knives

Helle knives are without doubt amongst the most respected and desirable available. So when they launch new models they’re always worthy of investigation. The trio featured here – the Helle Fjellbekk, Gaupe and Fjellkniven – stay true to the company’s base design for most of their other fixed blade knives; particularly in the fact that they are all manufactured from their patented triple Laminated Stainless Steel. They come supplied with a genuine hand-stitched leather sheaths with belt loops and also include a generously sized cleaning cloth.

The Fjellbekk

First up let’s look at the Fjellbekk. Measuring 8.5 inches in overall length with a blade length of 4 inches this solid knife fits very naturally into your hold. The relatively slim handle is made from Merbau wood, which looks a tad bland in relation to the traditional and cosmetically attractive Curley Birch used on the other two Helle knives on test. However, Merbau wood is practical as the design itself has a large finger choil integrated into the styling to prevent your fingers slipping forward in use. Both handle and blade have quite a deep side profile making this a very workmanlike and easy knife to use. In fact of all the knives featured here the Fjellbekk has the deepest blade on offer. Another nice touch is the leather sheath that accompanies this model, which has a press stud fastened safety strap.

The Gaupe and Fjellkniven

Next up are the Gaupe and Fjellkniven. I’m pairing these together as they are very similar in both overall construction and handle design – the major difference being length and depth of blade. The Gauoe has an overall length of 8.7 inches and a blade length of 4.2 inches – alternatively the smaller and slimmer profile Fjellkniven measures 8.25 inches in overall length with a blade length of 4 inches.

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Both handles are ergonomically crafted from attractive looking Curly Birch. It’s when shown side-by-side that you clearly notice the difference in blade length and profile as the Gaupe has a much deeper and slightly longer blade than the Fjellkniven. Also the latter has a flat stainless steel bolster at the base of the blade where it enters the handle for added strength. On both models the end of the tang passes through the handle where it’s made into a small pommel being ‘hammered over’ a brass retaining collar affording extra strength.

Which to choose?

On reflection you could say the Fjellbekk will appeal to those whose main requirement is for a no-frills practical ‘heavy-duty’ fixed blade knife.

The Gaupe and Fjellkniven follow a similar design layout to other models already available in Helle’s comprehensive range, however, they do still have their own individual handling characteristics, which makes them worthy of any hunter or outdoorsman’s consideration.

The Helle Fjellbekk, Gaupe and Fjellkniven are priced at SRP£96.95, £99.95 and £94.95 respectively. For more information contact Whitby & Co. on 01539 721 032 or www.whitbyandco. co.uk for nearest stockists.

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