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Helle Symfoni

rated 5.0 of 5 stars
photo: Helle Symfoni fixed-blade knife

A razor-sharp blade that is easy to maintain! Helle is a world-class knife manufacturer from Norway that makes their knives by hand in many styles. Triple laminated steel blade is highly corrosion resistant, and SUPER sharp. Traditional style hand made sheath does a perfect job keeping the blade from falling out, protected, and dry.

Pros

  • Excellent quality hand craftsmanship
  • High quality triple laminated steel blade
  • Easy to sharpen

Cons

  • On the expensive side ($100)

HELLE (hell-uh) knives are a world-class knife manufacturer from Norway. The facility lies in a small fishing village in Holmedal, in Sogn & Fjordane county.


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Outdoor life was probably not foremost in the minds of brothers Steinar and Sigmund Helle when they started knife production in the old forge at home on their farm in Holmeland in 1932. Locally, their sheath knives quickly became extremely popular, and the foundations were soon laid for a small piece of Norwegian craftmanship history.

The local market soon became too small, and new markets needed to be conquered. Steinar Helle packed his rucksack full of knives and set off on the long trip over the mountains towards the east. On a bicycle!

In Oslo, he sold the knives for 40 øre apiece.

As there was no electricity in the village, the whetstones had to be spun manually during the initial period. When electricity arrived towards the end of the 1940′s it became possible to move production to larger and more suited premises. This did not mean that production became automated, however.

Then, as today, much of the production is done manually.

The Philosophy remains the same: Quality craftsmanship is best preserved by skilled craftsmen. Craftsmen with extensive experience and knowledge still take pride in making each and every Helle knife unique.

Today, Helle knives are sold all aound the world, and customers receive the same quality whether professional hunter, scout or outdoorsman. A knife that is designed to meet the demands of the outdoors, and one that will last for generations.


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THE KNIFE

Weight: Knife-108 g

            Sheath-44 g

Blade: Triple Laminated Stainless Steel, 2,7 mm thickness

Handle: Curly Birch, Leather, and Reindeer Stag horn


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This range of knives will never be like a stove, tent or pack... its quality of craftsmanship is so high, it will last several lifetimes with proper care. Beautiful, yes, but made to be used. This knife easily chews through willow, oak, tomatoes and a nice block or Parmesan/Reggiano. I have found the blade sharpens very quickly and easily with a diamond whetstone. The blade holds sharpness through lots of work, with very little dulling.

After owning many knives, this has quickly put my Gerber and Buck pieces to gather dust; an heirloom honoring its nicks, one by one...

Source: received it as a personal gift

I've owned this knife since 2006, and 9 years later I have yet to find a better blade.
Definitely worth every penny, and then some.

I heard Helle discontinued production of them, so if you come across one... buy it.
you won't be disappointed.

Pros

  • Tough as nails
  • Easy to sharpen
  • Holds a razor edge for a good long time

Cons

  • A while back the blade came loose from the handle. Filled it with a dab of wood glue, put it back together, it's good ta go.

I've put this knife through hell and back (no pun intended), carrying it with me almost every day, and it stands up to just about anything you put it through.

Since buying this knife for $89 in 2006 I have yet to find a better knife to own.

It is, hands down, up, sideways, and backwards one of the best knives in the world that you could own.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $89

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Specs

Price Historic Range: $109.00-$114.00
Reviewers Paid: $89.00
Product Details from Helle »

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