Opinion about Marttiini knives?

[J-P SAN]

As a Finn, most of my knives are Marttiini made. Always since little boy, I thought that they were best possible knives you could own. Once I started to look around and learn things, I now know that steels that Marttiini uses are somewhat low-end. I've also heard, from some individuals, that marttiini knives aren't good at all. BUT, as I have used them ALOT during my life, I have always found them as reliable and fine tools. I'd wish to read other people's opinions about Marttiini knives : )

 

[coop7]

I had an article circle model that I used for work, maybe not the nicest knife but it never let me down.

 

[Bob W]

They are mostly known for the very inexpensive fillet knives sold with the Rapala brand name. But they make some beautiful knives as well. I don't have a picture of mine, but here's an image borrowed from the internet of the Bronze Bird knife.

I can't speak for the steel since I've never used it, but it really is attractive. And build quality and finish is on par with Helle or Karesuando.

 

[Micahdrake]

I love mine. It's been used for fishing, camping, I've taken it hiking. It's a great all around knife, especially for the price.

 

[Revvie]

I have several of the fillet knives in various sizes - when we lived near the beach - I always had one handy for cleaning fish or whatever needed cutting - I think they are far better that lost of the "name" brand knives! and for the price - they work!
Peace Revvie

 

[Franciscomv]

I've got two, a Lynx 132 and a Lapp 240. They've been great, especially the Lapp 240 which I used A LOT when working as a hunting guide a few years ago. The only thing I really don't like about them are the goofy etchings on the blade.

Marttiini doesn't use premium stainless steels and they run their blades quite soft (around 54° RC, according to their own info), but the knives are well built and blade geometry is great. I've been meaning to try one of their carbon steel knives, but I haven't found any in my area (some shops import Marttiini knives in my country, mostly the ones for fishermen).

 

[svahi]

I like my Ilves 131. I like Marttiini "soft" steel because it is easy to sharpen. I like Marttiini design also, those classic Finnish puukkos are just great. Only thing I don`t like is that mine Ilves 131 came with varnished handle. My opinion is that wooden knife handle can be waxed or stained, then it`s durable and beautiful. Yes, varnished handle is beautiful, but it is slippery when wet. Also varnish comes off very easily. So I removed the varnish with sandpaper and waxed the handle. Now my Ilves has nice "vintage" or "old fashioned" looking.

 

[Poez]

It is a pity there are hardly any Marttinni knives available in carbon steel or in their own carbinox: I sort of have had enough of that "stainless steel" from no-name Chinese manufacturers already!

 

[edxamador]

i have a martiini knife and the steel is on the soft side, even sites rate them in the 54 to 56 hrc scale, which is on the soft side for a puukko, however they are very nice and easy to sharpen, but it will not hold a edge. On my case I mainly use knives for carving and bushcrafting and in that use they dont last long with a sharp edge.

I am more into Lauri PT blades, that are on the 61 hrc ranges, D2 and other knives on the 59HRC ranges.

However they are very nice blades.

 

[herisson]

"Steel on the soft side" means a blade which is easy to sharpen and to repair if ever damaged. Any outdoorsman knows that a blade put to use will get damaged, sooner or later. So, the "soft steel" downthumb is an "up" in my book. In addition, "soft steel" is more resilient. You can beat the snot out of it and it will still be kicking. For working tools, carbon steels in the 1055, 1065, maybe 1075 (entering cutlery range) are the bizz in my experience. Now I got one Marttinii knife. It's swell. I respect Marttinii's choice of steel and I like their take on the traditional birch handle : while I like the old Mora barrel handle, I experienced better ergos and control with Marttinii's finger-notched handle. The balance blade / handle is optimal. The dangler sheath is a great carry method (IMO) and the leather / finish quality is top. What's not to like ? Yes, I know... the Scandi grind. I do not like it but it works for most EDC situations, so there's that.

 

[FullMetalJackass]

Had one, it was a nice puukko for the price. Nothing bad to say about them.

 

[Halfneck]

First fixed blade I gave my two sons was a Marttiini M571. In some ways I like it better than the more popular Mora 510. My boys put those knives to hard use on camping trips and they're still going strong.

 

[Henry Beige]

The first fixed blade I gave my grandson was the Marttiini Little Classic. The rubber-handled Marttiinis cost about as much as the Mora Companions. Some say the Marttiinis come sharper out of the box than Moras, but you couldn't prove it by me.

 

[PeterDE]

I have two, a fixed blade sheath knife (don't know the model) and a filet knife. I have used the filet knife a lot (I like to fish) and it is super sharp and quick for fileting. The other knife I have used occasionally and it has always performed well. Never had to sharpen it. I like the look of their knives, that's why I bought the sheath knife. Price was right too.

 

[Thomas Linton]