Helle Fire Harding & GT Knives

Made in Norway, Helle knives all use their own, triplelaminated stainless steel blades. Made of high alloy steel which gives it a lasting, razor-sharp edge, there are two outer layers of tough stainless steel (18/8) to protect against breakage and corrosion, while the high carbon core provides you with a superb cutting edge. Sheaths are no less practical being manufactured from specially tanned leather and treated with saddle grease for increased lustre and durability.

Fire

The Fire was Helle’s first full tang design. This compact shows distinctive style and looks with its curly birch handle, which extends forward more on its lower face, providing a good and safe grip right up to the start of the cutting edge. The stout deep blade is 3.2mm wide and offers a working length of 65mm with an overall of 127mm and weighs 122 grams. An unusual addition is a small carabineer attached through the lanyard hole at the rear of the tang. Retention is by a strap and press stud and there’s a belt loop too.

Harding

The Harding has the look and shape of the classic Finnish Puukko about it. The exquisite looking handle is made from curly birch and walnut separated by layers of leather on a full length tang. It comes with an embossed leather sheath with a strap that slides over the handle. The wood shows a front lower finger stop and matching design aluminium spacer set before the long slim clip point blade. It weighs 104 grams and offers a 100mm blade, which is 3.1mm wide and a length of 210mm. This is a knife you will certainly treasure for its unique appearance, balance and assured hold.

Helle GT

The Helle GT is the largest knife here, with a length of 235mm, a 3.2mm wide 123mm blade that weighs in at 150 grams. The lack of pommel and aluminum guard help reduce the weight. It’s an excellent choice for those who like a larger clip point design with a substantial and nicely designed finger guard, so your fi ngers wont slip forward if using it to cut downwards or when needing to cut up and away. Retention is by a strap and press stud.

For me the standout features are definitely the three unique designs that blend tradition with practicality. Plus the triple-laminated steel blades and their excellent edge retention qualities.

FOR - Superb craftsmanship, quality-build and materials
AGAINST - Nothing at All
VERDICT - A practical blend of tradition and functionality