Customer Review

Emailed in from a customer......

Lapin Puukko Lapland whittler review

Like many reputable Finnish knifemakers, Lapin Puukko uses blades
produced by the Lauri company - in this case, Lauri's 80mm (3 1/8
inch) drop-point blade. It's a time-proven design that combines the
efficiency of a small American drop-point hunter with the versatility
of a fine-tipped Swedish or Finnish whittling knife. The blade
geometry is also a hybrid, since it combines a Scandinavian grind with
a small secondary bevel - a common feature of Nordic knives intended
for wood-working.
The result is a good all-round outdoor tool, with about 4.5cm/ 1 3/4
inches of straight cutting edge close to the grip for forceful work, 2
cm/ 3/4 inches of belly and 1.5 cm/ 5/8ths of an inch of tip tapering
to a fine point.
This carbon steel blade is tempered to a respectable 59 HRC - hard
enough to hold a fine edge, soft enough to true or sharpen in the
field using simple tools. I've had mine nearly two years, and haven't
had to do much more than hone it with a Sheffield pocket steel.
Lapin Puukko's whittler is equipped with an ergonomic handle of oiled
Lapland birch, which swells at the bolster and pommel for maximum
control. Because of this handle design, the Lapland whittler can be
used equally well as a draw knife; tip up; or tip down. Since the
blade tang runs nearly the entire length of the handle, it's possible
to apply quite a bit of pressure without worrying about a handle
failure. Shifting grips is remarkably easy, even with gloves on, while
the handle swell at the bolster offers a degree of protection for
fingers when working in wet conditions or inside the cavity of an
animal.
The sheath - whether red or black - covers more than half the handle
and fits snugly as insurance against the knife falling out. The hanger
is a simple but adequate riveted belt loop, with the buttonhole
characteristic of sheaths for Scandinavian working knives.
Since this is a carbon steel blade, it needs to be cleaned and wiped
dry after each use. Applying a fine coating of oil to the blade is
also recommended. If you use your knife to harvest food, use a
food-grade oil.
Is this knife right for you? Lapin Puukko describes it as "a whittling
knife to accompany you also on hunting and fishing trips." I'd say
that's about right. In the close to two years I've had mine, I've use
it to clean fish and game, prep green wood for walking sticks, prep
kindling and small limbwood for campfires, custom fit wooden window
sill supports for an air conditioner and carve toy boats for my little
boy as well as kuksas and wooden spoons for myself. Like the pointier
Frosts or Mora whittling knives, it goes through green hardwood and
dry softwood like butter with enough tip to get at the smallest
spaces. It's been a joy to work with, it's not that difficult to
maintain, the blade is a size I can control and it's so light I hardly
notice the weight on my belt.
If you need to dress deer, moose or bear regularly, Lapin Puukko's
hunter model might be a better choice; its harder steel has better
edge-holding abilities. If you're looking for a single blade to do
everything, from chopping firewood to fixing dinner, one of Lapin
Puukko's leukos would be better. Paul carries them all.
If you're looking for a lighter, smaller knife with a fine edge, good
ergonomics and enough spine to get most bushcraft jobs done safely and
comfortably, this may be the blade for you.