Helle Fjording 50th Anniversary Knife Review: A Modern Classic

To celebrate the 50th birthday of one of their most famous knives, the Fjording, Helle has revisited this classic and given it a number of upgrades. It still features the short, stubby blade and a nicely contoured handle, which has quite an unusual shape, although it has undergone something of a makeover.

What Upgrades Does the New Blade Feature?

The original version of the knife featured a thinner carbon steel blade, but the new model on test has a thicker laminate H3LC steel blade, representing a considerable upgrade. This triple-laminated carbon steel is exceptionally tough and offers excellent edge retention. The blade now measures 2.8mm thick and 69mm long. It is completely rigid, with no flex whatsoever, and the edge is remarkably sharp.

The stick-tang design is not typically regarded as the strongest option for larger, heavy-duty knives, but in the case of the Helle Fjording, it is more than sufficient for the intended uses of this small knife. The end of the tang protrudes from the back of the knife, where it is secured with a small brass stud.

How is the Handle Designed for Comfort?

The handle has also been updated with additional styling and modern materials. The original one-piece birch design has been replaced by a composite handle made from curly birch, stabilised green curly birch, and leather. This combination of materials and colours, including the distinctive ‘Helle-coloured green’, has become one of the brand’s signature features. The materials are combined and finished to give a flawless feel and striking appearance.

The size and shape of the handle, which measures 89mm in length, 39mm in depth, and just 15mm wide in the middle, are unusual and look like they shouldn’t work. Nevertheless, it sits perfectly in the hand for intricate tasks such as carving or preparing meat. When held in the fingers rather than the palm, and supported by the thumb against the front portion of the handle, the knife feels very comfortable to use.

How Does the Sheath Secure the Knife?

The wrap-around sheath has also been upgraded, with high-grade tan leather, and it features slots for attaching it to your belt. It also has a very clever additional feature for securing the knife. The small round pommel on the butt of the knife, which secures the blade to the handle, fits into a hole in the top of the fold-over flap on the sheath to hold the knife very securely. The flap also tucks into a leather loop on the top of the sheath for even more security.

Conclusion: A Compact Classic Reimagined

Helle has very cleverly honoured the Fjording legacy while bringing the execution into the 21st century. The result is a fantastic-looking knife that is very practical and particularly sharp, straight out of the box. Weighing less than 4oz, it is extremely lightweight and takes up very little space in your backpack. The quality and finish of the knife are exceptional, which is actually the norm when it comes to Helle, and as well as being a high-quality tool, this is also a superb collector’s item.

Technical Specifications

 
• Name: Helle Fjording 50-Year Limited Edition Knife
 
• Blade Steel: Triple-laminated H3LC carbon steel
 
• Blade Length: 69mm
 
• Blade Thickness: 2.8mm
 
• Handle Materials: Curly birch, stabilised green curly birch, and leather
 
• Handle Length: 89mm
 
• Total Weight: Under 4oz (approx. 113g)
 
• Sheath: High-grade tan leather with security loop
 
• Price: £149.95
 
• Contact: Whitby & Co - www.whitbyandco.co.uk