Martinni Full tang Birch Knife

This new full tang, curly birch handled knife from Marttiini of Finland is a strikingly handsome item that combines contemporary good looks with great cutting power. The 4.5” blade is made from approximately 4mm high chrome stainless steel, the tang of which continued into the handle with the spine flaring over the ricasso and the back of the grip to approximately 12mm wide, yet returning to approx 4mm under the finger side of the handle.  The handle is approx 5” long, and the whole knife looks immensely strong.

The Scandi ground edge has a fairly full ‘belly’ while the shoulder between blade and ricasso is smoothly curved and blends into the bolster.  All these curves look great and allow you to comfortably “choke up” your grip on the knife for close work, while the curly birch handle slabs, held in place with 3 stainless pins, incorporate a forward finger choil for a positive grip.

The deep seating sheath is made from brown leather, with a protective plastic insert and incorporates a securing strap that slots though a cut-out to pass over the finger choil and snap closed on a front stud. A leather loop hanger attaches it to your belt.

Although the knife looks great, I found the fit of the wood to steel less than exact and all the handle edges somewhat too angular for comfort in sustained use, while the blade arrived far from razor sharp, requiring extensive and time-consuming sharpening before use.  The blade held its edge well once sharpened, and the heavy weight of the knife – approx 250gms (mainly in the handle ) - made the knife good for heavy cutting.  It also handles well for fine work.

The Marttiini Full Tang Curley Birch Knife is very stylish and retails at around £70.