Helle Viking Knife

The Viking is a revision of a Helle classic that was produced as part of a fund-raiser for an around-the-world- cruise of a Viking longship. The knife is notable not only for it’s historical interest, but also as an excellent all around utility knife.

The blade is rather thick and made of laminated carbon steel. The black finish of the heat treatment is left on the sides for rustic look. The tang of the blade is peened over a diamond shaped washer. The handle is subtly shaped for comfort and control with a variety of grips. It comes with the traditional sheath that hangs from a thong.

Maintenance

Helle knives are designed to retain their sharpness as a lifelong outdoors companion. But it is still important to take care of your knife and its sheath.

The Handle. Dry the handle with a soft cloth if wet and wax occasionally.

The Sheath. The leather needs to be impregnated occasionally with colourless impregnation agent (grease or wax) to keep supple. Dry the sheath carefully in room temperature if it becomes wet.

The Blade. Wipe the blade with a soft cloth if wet and treat with grease occasionally.

Sharpening

Use a diamond tool or a wet stone for sharpening. Place the knife bevel flat to the sharpening tool and work the entire blade. Work one side until you can feel a slight burr on the opposite side. Switch side and repeat the procedure until you feel the burr on the first side. You have now established an edge.

Remove the burr by stroking the blade gently over the sharpening surface on both sides, as if cutting very thin slices. Keep the bevel flat towards the sharpener and move from side to side until the burr is gone.

If the blade is very dull or damaged, use a fine-grained grindstone and plenty of water and sharpen until you have a raw edge. Use much cooling liquid and never sharpen on a dry stone. A hot-ground edge looses its heat treatment and ruins the blade.