Inspired by the wild mountains, fjords and open seas, the story behind each Helle knife beings in Norway during the 1930s. At the time, two brothers Steinar and Sigmund Helle could be found in the forge of their father’s farm constructing farming tools among other instruments. While the unemployed team of two started their business during a period of looming economic depression, it didn’t discourage them from dreaming.
After a journey to Oslo by bicycle, they began to sell their knives at 40 ore each. Years later, they would expand into table knife production, and eventually, towards the 1970s, offer sports knives and forged knives for silver cutlery.
Surprisingly, you’ll even find in today’s modern times, Helle has stuck to their core idea of creating knives that are worth cherishing for a lifetime. A closer look at the company will reveal their commitment to old-world craftsmanship hasn’t changed at all. Still located in the Village of Molmedal, which has a mere 500 or so inhabitants, every piece is expertly produced by hand. About 20 or so of those people work in the Norwegian factory, which by the way, was built on a Viking boat burial site.
With each knife going through up to 45 different manual operations, you can expect nothing short of the most exceptional quality. From the Alden fishing knife to the Viking all-purpose knife, each is made to withstand the strains and stresses of a knife that’s actually used.
If you think about it, it only makes sense that functionality match the beauty, considering that most farmers were so poor, they could only really afford just one knife. Why not make something as incredibly beautiful as it is durable?
For the past 80 plus years and counting, Helle has been creating some of the finest and world’s best foraging, all-purpose, hunting, fishing, etc. knives. They’ve even developed their own triple-laminated steel featuring a brittle layer between two softer, more pliable steel layers.
Not to mention, the handles are crafted from a species of native Norway curly birch. If that wasn’t impressive enough, you might be pleased to know that the leather sheath work is done in-house too.
In other words, no two knives are alike. With that said, go ahead and explore my Helle Utvaer and Arv knife reviews below. You’ll find two stunning tools that will last through a lifetime of adventure.
Quick Highlights:
Utvaer Knife
- Named for the westernmost collection of islands where Norway encounters the North Sea
- 160 gram weight
- Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade material
- 3 mm blade thickness
- 100 mm blade length
- Curly birch and vulcan fibre handle material
- 110 mm handle length
- Genuine leather sheath material
- 50 gram sheath weight
- 2014, art number 600, Jesper Voxanaes design
- Drop point Scandinavian ground blade
Arv Knife
- 88 gran weight
- Drop point, triple laminated stainless steel blade
- 2.6 mm blade thickness
- 87 mm blade length
- Curly birch, staghorn antler and leather handle material
- 104mm handle length
- Nordic style, rich tanned genuine leather sheath
- 26 gram sheath weight
- 2016, art number 14, Helle-design
- Deeply contoured wood handle for confident control
Helle Utvaer and Arv Knife Reviews
Get a grip on the Utvaer knife and chances are you’ll never want to let go. Inspired by the westernmost collection of islands where Norway meets the Sea, the Utvaer holds a rather interesting story.
According to Norwegian sagas, these islands were a place for Vikings to gather while sharpening their swords/knives on the rocks. Beyond the name and history lesson, each features a 110mm curly birch and Vulcan fiber handle that’s remarkable to hold. Obtaining that perfect, precise level of grip is a nearly effortless process thanks to the excellent full tang design.
In addition, you’ll find a 4-inch drop point, Scandinavian ground, Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade with a thickness of 3mm. To protect this magnificent piece for years to come, a genuine leather sheath comes included.
For skinning to bushcraft, regardless of how you use it one thing is true: The Utaver is a testament to Helle’s dedication to functionality, splendor and exceptional forte.
If you were to pass down a beautiful knife to the next generation, the Arv (aka inheritance) would be it. With curly birch, staghorn antler and leather fused as one to form the handle, the Arv is absolutely stunning to see in person. Of course, holding the deeply contoured wooden handle in your hand (medium fit) is quite a pleasure too.
Paired to the handsome handle, you’ll find a drop point blade crafted from Helle’s own, triple laminated stainless steel. You’ll also see a brilliant, razor-sharp Scandinavian grind to make easy work of hunting, bushcraft, carving, etc. tasks. To carry on the beauty on forward, you’ll find an elegant tanned leather Nordic inspired sheath.
After having a chance to review the Helle Arv, I’m beyond impressed at just how practical this knife is. For a tool of such exquisiteness, I love to use it as much as I like to look at it.
