Iisakki Järvenpää, or Marttiini, which is better quality??

R

rev_jch

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Jul 29, 2002
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I was looking at buying a pukko and was wondering, which company makes better quality? Iisakki Järvenpää, or Marttiini (the lynx)?

Thanks,
John
 
I guess -as often- something of a matter of taste. I have had better experience with Järvenpää knives, broken enough Marttiini blades and a few handles so I am not overly fond of the memory. That was mostly some years ago so maybe they have better QC now, haven't tried.

Järvenpää shapes are nowadays more traditional if you want that, both are well known.

TLM
 
I recently handled one of the Marttiini knives at the AG Russell showroom, including the Bronz Bird and the Commemorative Lynx. They appear to be well-made (nothing at all like the inexpensive Marttiini fish fillet knives that are sold at WalMart) and I've added one or two to my future shopping list.

I'm not familiar with the other brands you've mentioned, or with exactly what a pukko is. But I do have Scandanavian-style knives from Helle and Kareswando. I'd recommend either one, especially Helle. Very nice!

Best Wishes,
Bob
 
Jarvenpaa, IMO.

Especially the stainless Model Marttiinis are junk. Even though the fit and finish usually is good, the steel is low carbon crap with very poor edge holding. Their carbon steel and proprietary Carbinox T508 models are a lot better in this respect. Some of the specialized and new models are great. I have critisized their kitchen knives (and other models with the "Condor" type handle) on some earlier threads - search should bring up some good Marttiini threads.

If you end up buying a Marttiini, I recommend choosing a model with either a carbon steel or Carbinox blade, and a handle in unfinished/waxed wood (lacquered ones can be really slippery) or the newer type rubber handle (right).

marttiini_handles.jpg


some Marttiini (fishing) knives are sold under the Rapala and Normark brands.

Personally I feel the Jarvenpaa puukkos usually feel better in hand, are generally of better value, and have more "spirit". Their ostrobothnia ("pohjalais" traditional local pattern) and scout (with the stacked leather handle, handguard and prominent pommel) models are classics.

Both produce fine knives, but certain models are not that good.

If you deside on a longer leuku style knife, I recommend a carbon steel blade.

http://www.iisakkijarvenpaa.fi
http://www.marttiini.fi

Other brands you might want to look at are
the Wolf Pack models sold by Kellam, which seem to be the work of Reino Kamppila. His knives are quality products, the sheaths are one of the best traditional puukko sheaths.
and the Kullervo puukko, good quality, very traditional and has won awards
 
I can't say about the Marttiini, never had one.
I really do like this one though :D
IJ1224.gif
 
I would vote for Iisakki for current knives (I carry one), both companies
made good knives in the old days (1950 and before). I collect puukko (60 some
now with no duplicates). Iisakki made a great variety of styles and I feel
the workmanship was better on the older knives; the new ones from either
company just don't have the "feel" of the older ones. Also lots of other
companies back when and some good homemade "hobby" work coming
from Finland. A great and under studied area of collecting and the knives
are still fairly inexpensive IMNO.

Here's a pic of the one I carry. Blade is utility puukko from Ragweed Forge.
Sheath is from another site (sorry don't recall which one) - at the time
the only sheath available from Ragweed was a flat one. They now have
this knife in a traditional tube sheath which is how I'd go if I were buying
now. A good knife for under $40.

http://www.ragweedforge.com/6216.jpg

Carbon steel of course, not stainless (i hate stainless steel :-)

On mine, I resharpened the blade in traditional flat "v" grind and did a
little customizing on the ferrule and handle.

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinpic/puukko.jpg


Rich S
 
Thanks Guys, I appreciate it! Has anyone heard of kero knives? I saw some on the northener.com site in sweden?
 
Nice site, Northener.com. Some nice knives. Express shipping a bit expensive,
but knife prices seem reasonable. Thanks for the info.

Rich S
 
Also does Iisakki make polished carbon blades besides the natural black?

And has anyone heard of kero pukkos before?
 
Yes, most Iisakki blades are polished carbon. Check out
http://www.ragweed.com/ and go to the Jarvenpaa page for
various examples. Ragnar doesn't carry the full Iisakki line,
but does have most of them.

Not familiar with Kero puukkos, but they looked nice on the northener site.

RIch S
 
silenthunterstudios said:
I'm interested in a Kellam Wolverine myself, for a bug out purpose, leave it in my truck.
Click to expand...
If you're going to leave it in the truck, why not get an S5 or S6 from Kellam, or a Mora from Ragweed Forge?
 
If you're going to leave it in the truck, why not get an S5 or S6 from Kellam, or a Mora from Ragweed Forge?
Click to expand...

Esau's right, the better model Moras are a very cost-effective solution for just that.

TLM
 
I've got a few puuko knives. I have a really nice old one from the 60's that is a Isaki _______ Oy. This is a forged carbon steel knife with a fuller in the blade on the upper flat. Has a moose/elk to them on the handle. It's cool as you can see the actual grain of the steel on the top of the spine. Has the original sheath and dangler. Made in Finland. It is highly polished with a nice patina to the blade. Sharp as hell and easy to keep that way. Has a nice bite to the edge as most good high carbon does. Doesn't really look like any of the puuko's shone. This particular one just seems to be better finished is all. The spine is rounded too. Really a nice comfortable blade to use and the handle is highly lacquered for a very secure grip even when your hands are cold and wet. Keepem sharp
 
I have the Jarvenpaa leuku and puukko combo with the blackened flats in carbon steel. Those two blades alone can do any kitchen cutting, from peeling a grape to slicing up a roast. :)

And they handle beautifully. They look rustic, but the grip is excellent.

I also like to keep a few simple Mora-style knives around for general utility or even occasional kitchen duty. The plastic handle & sheath clippers, like the SWAK (SWedish Army Knife), are the best paring knives in the world.

I'm curious about the knife Ebbtide pictured. Is that the Aito? I was tempted by that one on Ragweed Forge. And I'm always tempted by anything by Helle.

Help. I need more money. :(
 
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