Spyderco Puukko Knife

A Puukko is a Finnish fixed-blade knife that is intended for a majority of tasks including carving, food preparation and hunting. It’s probably one of the last true traditional designs that is still in main stream use. Elegantly simple in build they can be encountered in many forms and as well as their main function they are still a symbol of the spirit of the Finnish people.

THE HOLE STORY!

I have seen plenty of Puukkos and thought little of them; functional no doubt, they never quite turned my crank. However at IWA 2012 I was on the Spyderco stand and Joyce Laituri showed me their take on the design and there was something about it that really appealed. The knife is simplistic with the classic short-bladed/long handled layout, which typifies a working form.

Spyderco’s Puukko is based on a classic design by Scandinavian custom knife maker Pekka Tuominen. To me it has a Japanese look and feel about it. The 3.31” blade is made from CPM S30V steel with a basic, flat grind that means it easy for anyone to sharpen. The top has a slight false/angled edge, which gives it a flat diamond shape in section. Typically Spyderco chose to drill their trademark hole in it. Joyce who has a

Finnish husband told me he could not work out why they would do such a thing!

IRONWOOD

Though 3.3” is enough for a field knife the longer, 4.5” handle makes the blade look short. This is made of Arizona Ironwood, which is as the name suggests hard, and similar to Hornbeam. Certainly non-traditional compared to the birch, oak, ash, pine or antler usually employed. The blade butts up to a brass collar and the grip shape is teardrop in section and widens to a subtle palm swell and offers a lot to get hold of! If you want more purchase just slide your thumb onto the back of the blade.

The shape and feel of this Puukko were really starting to appeal, my one reservation – it was too elegant to take into the field. However, what’s the point of having something if you are afraid to use it? So off we went to get some blood on our hands!

The large handle and slim, pointed and razor sharp blade proved ideal for dressing out carcasses, the shape allowing good access to tight spots. The Ironwood is well finished and providing you clean it after use it should not stain. Equally some stock oil will keep it in top condition!

The sheath too follows the Finnish style with a simple ¾-length, leather bucket that envelops the handle. On the back is a belt loop with a brass ring that carries a hanger, again very traditional! To some the Puukko is an odd looking design but it works and it has convinced me as I love its elegant simplicity and efficiency.

FOR
It works!
AGAINST
Bit pricey
VERDICT
An elegant and efficient design for many uses