Ahti Juhla

[kamagong]

A knifeless man is a lifeless man.

- Nordic proverb

Although I’m in no danger of going knifeless any time soon, I never owned a Scandinavian knife until today. I have now rectified that situation with my most recent purchase, an Ahti Juhla (Anniversary) puukko. I bought it from a Finnish website, and this is the description that came with the knife:

Ahti knives are handmade by knifesmith Reino Kamppila in Kauhava, Finland. Combining both - exceptional quality and old traditions, these knives are a great choise for all the Puukko lovers!

Black spined, razor sharp carbon steel blade comes from Laurin Metalli. Curly birch handle is treated with linseed oil and finished with polished brass bolster. Beautifully decorated, brown leather sheath with plastic insert.

At 9.25” OAL the Juhla is a good-sized knife. It sports a very sharp, scandi-grind 4.9” blade. I can personally attest to the Juhla's sharpness as it promptly bit me within five minutes of my unwrapping it. The handle is a traditional barrel design that is quite comfortable. The sheath is well made and completes the package nicely. Retention is excellent. One feature I like in particular is the brass band around the throat. This provides some protection should the knife cut through the leather.

Perhaps the best thing about the Juhla is its weight. At approximately 3.5 ounces this lil’ (relatively speaking of course) fixed blade is lighter than the Buck 110. Even with the sheath it still doesn’t weigh as much as the venerable old lockback. The Juhla may be just the thing to bring along on short hikes.

That’s enough rambling for now. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

- Christian

 

[WA Martin]

I like the looks of that. How's the grip? Is it relatively secure when wet?

 

[neeman]

Very nice indeed!!

 

[thejamppa]

Looks very nice indeed. I like the dyed handle. Congrats

 

[7rip13a]

Gorgeous. I've heard nothing but good things about Ahti blades, great score.

 

[texasflyfisher]

That is gorgeous!

 

[Modoc ED]

Very nice knife. The handle really sets it off.

 

[Blues]

That's a sweet looking knife. A little longer in the blade than my own personal preference in Scandinavian knives of that style, but I'd sure find a use for it. :thumbup:

 

[kamagong]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I picked it out myself.

I like the looks of that. How's the grip? Is it relatively secure when wet?

I haven't used the Juhla yet, but it should be pretty safe as long as you don't use it in a stabbing motion. Maybe some of the other members with experience with this type of handle can chime in.

That's a sweet looking knife. A little longer in the blade than my own personal preference in Scandinavian knives of that style, but I'd sure find a use for it. :thumbup:

I agree about the blade length. It would be pretty close to perfect if the blade was an inch shorter. It's a fine knife nonetheless and has whetted my appetite for puukkos. Maybe I'll go custom the next time around so I can get exactly what I want.

- Christian

 

[thejamppa]

Handle is pretty traditional puukko handle and I doubt there's any reason to be worried. I mean no puukko's have had much finger guard... well ever. Curly birch is nice wood that it will offer good grip even when wet. I wouldn't be too much of worried handle shape. That's pretty much as traditional as handle for puukko can be. One of the most traditional that and the Kauhavalainen with shaped end.

 

[rprocter]

Hope you don't mind me showing my traditional Scandinavian style fish knife.
The handle is made of rings of birch bark, said to last for at least 100 years and a comfier handle you will never find. The guard and pommel are caribou antler.

roland

 

[kamagong]

I don't mind at all. That knife looks like it has served you well. Have you treated the handle with anything to prevent the wood and antler from absorbing the fishy smell?

- Christian

 

[Will Power]

Mukava!:thumbup:

Yes its blade is a little longer than the run of the mill puukko (around 8.75cm/3.5") but it's got a long way to go before it's a Leuku
The traditional handle is very clever by design, having a bulbous swell in the centre ensures a tight grip making a guard needless.In the cold it offers comfort and the wet doesn't cause problems either.

 

[Peregrin]

I like the looks of that puukko Christian. You have piqued my interest.

 

[rprocter]

Re: Birch bark handle: no treatment is needed. I was told there are examples of this handle material on knives over 100 years old and still in great shape.
I don't think traditional birch bark canoes had any treatment either. Tough stuff, but has just a little give to it, giving a very comfortable feel.
roland