Helle Rein

Helle regularly produces limited edition knives to celebrate particular events or dates, but the Helle Rein celebrates what is a very significant animal, the reindeer (rein in Norwegian). This animal has been an important source of meat, skins, and antlers for the human population for thousands of years and remains an important part of their culture today.

Use it

Reindeer antler is a hard and durable material but still relatively easy to shape and machine. It also has natural variations in colour and patterning which looks good and ensures that no two knives with handles made from it look the same. More importantly, it is a sustainable and renewable source of handles because the reindeer shed and regrow their antlers each year. With reindeer, in common with so many species, being under threat due to human encroachment on their habitat, Helle has dedicated this knife to raise awareness of the threat to them.

The details

The 90mm, highly polished blade shows a Scandi grind and is made from Helle’s triple laminated H3LSS stainless steel. This material contains a higher grade of carbon for a unique edge and the surface still offers corrosion resistance. The steel is 2mm thick at the spine and very rigid, with a stick-tang secured at the back of the handle with a brass ring. As with all Helle knives, the blade is razor sharp and the edge is extremely strong, cutting through just about anything with ease and with very little drag. Edge retention is very good, and the blade requires very little work to keep it scalpel sharp.

The composite handle shows stacked reindeer antler and leather, with front and back pieces of dark oak. This stacked build gives a really nice feel, and the handle has a very amply belly across its middle third to enhance grip. Some of the antler sections on the knife have a different texture and colour, which gives the handle a very natural look and individuality. At 110mm, the handle is easily long enough to fill the average hand, and the balance of the knife is very good. Even when completely wet, the handle ensures a good grip and you do not feel that your hand can slip forwards.

The leather sheath supplied is a friction-grip design and the knife sits securely deep inside. Helle has used good quality, thick, vegetable-tanned brown leather, and the double stitching is extremely neat. There is also a reindeer design embossed on the front of the sheath.

Conclusion

The limited edition Helle Rein is definitely a knife built to be used. It is very strong, well-designed, and practical, plus it comes in a presentation-style tubular box with a cleaning cloth and instructions, so would make a great addition to any knife collection. However, it really deserves to be used and appreciated for its practicality and not just admired for its looks.