Any long term feedback on the Helle Temagami?

Steelhog

Steelhog

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
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1,176
Hey all - a few weeks ago I picked up a Hell Temagami and could not be more impressed. I have always been a fan of Helle and the there stick tang knives and it seems this knife is equal but a bit more robust. The 3/4 tang handle is full and give the knife a great balance. The steels is good and takes a unbelievable edge. I can see this knife doing well in lots of functions.

So just putting this out the the general group for feedback. Anyone had any issues with there Temagami outside of the normal limitations of 3/4 tang and a wood handle? Also feel free to post any cool photos you have.
 
lambertiana said:
We'll be waiting for your report. I have eyed these but could never bring myself to actually buy one.
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Same for me. I always loved the look of the knife but never purchased it. How is the edge retention? I know virtuovice always use to use one on his videos. Always interested me.
 
The knife itself has been good, but the retention on the sheath has loosened a bit. The knife just sits in the sheath, and can slide out if the sheath tilts when I sit or something..
 
I am a Helle fan so take my opinion with a grain of salt. The edge retention is something i can post on given long term use of other laminated Helle knifes (had an eggen for like 5 years). Its a good mid range steel that has good edge retention (think something like 14c28n - perhaps a bit better). What it lacks in edge retention compared to modern super steel, it makes up for taking an unbelievable fine/smooth edge that anyone can do at home or in the field. In general Helle handles are warm to the touch, well balanced and fill you hand much better than most other knives. The handle for me is key and the primary reason I like the Temagami. This is the most comfortable handle of any knife I have ever had. Time will tell how it ages, but for now I love it. On the sheath end my sheath is really tight now but I'm sure it will lossen over time. I may pick up a JRE sheath for it.
 
For anyone reading this thread thinking about picking up the Temagami; the following are reasons I would not recommend it despite my good words above. If you have smaller hands, if striking a rod with the spine or battoning is a must and if you wear gloves often. That is about it. For everyone else given my short time with it - I can recommend it. :)
 
I like the knife but it seems like a high price for it too bad it wasnt closer to 100.00...….
 
goldie said:
I like the knife but it seems like a high price for it too bad it wasnt closer to 100.00...….
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I think you are right - it is a expensive purchase. Honestly after owning it I think $150 to $160 would be the correct price; but given its made in a small private shop, and comes out of Europe I understand the jump to $180. I'm not 100% of what the tax rate for export/import out of the EU but I would guess that has something to do with it. I have spent more on less function knives from some of the forum favorite brands from the US so I cant complain too much.....
 
Theres a lot you can buy for less that would work just as well, like that Mora Garberg, which I also think should be under 50 but they are all nice knives...
 
I do not have a Temagami, but I do have a Dokka folding knife that uses Helle's laminated steel. It's pretty tough stuff and holds a very bitter edge for a long time. I've had it about 10 months and while it hasn't been possible to use every day, it has performed very well cleaning fish and small game on quite a few trips. I've only needed to strop it occasionally so far. Still shaving sharp as it was new.
 
goldie said:
Theres a lot you can buy for less that would work just as well, like that Mora Garberg, which I also think should be under 50 but they are all nice knives...
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Of course there is better value options to be had, and I cant argue with the value Mora provides. Ounce for ounce or dollar for dollar I don't think there is a better buy than the Mora Kansbol. Both the Helle and Mora bring me joy for different reasons.
 
DB_Cruiser said:
I do not have a Temagami, but I do have a Dokka folding knife that uses Helle's laminated steel. It's pretty tough stuff and holds a very bitter edge for a long time. I've had it about 10 months and while it hasn't been possible to use every day, it has performed very well cleaning fish and small game on quite a few trips. I've only needed to strop it occasionally so far. Still shaving sharp as it was new.
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Do you pocket the Dokka or carry it in a belt pouch?
 
I do both, but mostly use the belt pouch, since it is a fairly heavy knife and it rides better that way. I bought it to use for hunting and fishing so the belt pouch is more convenient than in pocket. The stitching on the pouch eventually started to come undone but I work with leather often and just pulled it all out and restitched it by hand. It is actually a pretty nice sheath and I didn't mind giving it a little TLC.
 
Hi there!

I have a Temagami bought this summer! It's such a great looking knife I actually gave it a thought whether I should bring this in the field or not but hey... helle says they're knives ment to be used so that's what I'll do :)
Long story short it's a knife I enjoy using and carrying, though it picked up a LOT of superficial scratches after its first real use outdoors. I did a full weekend of wood working, even used it to baton small pieces of dry wood so it's understandable, though I still feel it scratched more than it should have for a so called survival knife.
I'm curious, how's yours holding up after some use?
 
Buraddo said:
Hi there!

I have a Temagami bought this summer! It's such a great looking knife I actually gave it a thought whether I should bring this in the field or not but hey... helle says they're knives ment to be used so that's what I'll do :)
Long story short it's a knife I enjoy using and carrying, though it picked up a LOT of superficial scratches after its first real use outdoors. I did a full weekend of wood working, even used it to baton small pieces of dry wood so it's understandable, though I still feel it scratched more than it should have for a so called survival knife.
I'm curious, how's yours holding up after some use?
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If you have the stainless version, the outer layers of steel is soft, and will scratch more easily. It’s only a problem if you care about the aestetics, not for how it functions
 
I know, and I believe a good knife is better looking showing signs of use!
I would try and post a picture but can't find the way to upload it here from my phone.
Anyway, as i said, i don't bother too much with this, knife still looks great both to look at and to hold in hand.
 
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