The Puukko is a traditional Finnish utility and hunting knife that has been crafted for centuries in Finland's Arctic regions. Historically, a Puukkos was used as a versatile and reliable cutting tool for woodworking, fishing, skinning animals, and even carving ice sculptures.
The Puukko knife has been an iconic part of Finnish culture since the days of Sami hunter-gatherers and is still widely used today in various crafts that require precision.
The traditional Puukko knife features a single-edged blade with an ergonomic handle made of either birch or juniper wood; the blade is usually between 3 to 5 inches long with a flat grind and is designed to be as sharp as possible so it can hold an edge longer than most knives.
The handle of the puukko also often includes additional parts such as guard plates, bolster plates, and pommels, which are used to increase the strength of the handle and protect the hand from slipping onto the blade.
In addition to their functional aspects, Puukkos are also very aesthetically pleasing due to their unique design elements. Many Puukkos feature intricate carvings on both the handle and blade which serve as decorative elements as well demonstrate craftsmanship.
As a result, collectors have long prized Puukko knives for their beauty as much as their functionality.
In conclusion, the Puukko knife is a timeless symbol of Finnish culture with a multifaceted history rooted in functionality and aesthetics. Its variety of uses has made it an essential tool for generations of northern Europeans who rely on its effectiveness in everyday life.
How We Choose
We've reviewed the best puukko knives available so that you can find the perfect blade for your needs. Whether you're looking for a general-purpose tool or a professional-grade piece of kit, our guide has something for you. Read on to discover our top picks…
TOPS KNIVES Tanimboca Puukko 3.63in Drop Point Fixed Blade Knife
The Tanimboca Puuko is a Swedish-style knife with an interesting design that makes it ideal for both general cutting tasks and more precise work.
The blade is made from 1095 high carbon steel, which means it can take some heavy use. The handle is made from wood, which gives the knife a nice feel in your hand and also helps to stabilize the weight of the blade.
The Puuko has a slight clip point on its blade, meaning you can use it for stabbing or puncturing if you need to do so. This makes the knife suitable for survival situations too as it will help you get through tough materials like animal hides or even wood.
Ahti Varra Puukko Carbon Steel Scandinavian Knife from Finland
The Ahti Vaara is yet another knife from the Finnish brand that we think suits both casual and serious use. This knife has a good-sized blade of 3.75 inches, which means it's well-suited for chopping and hacking through tougher items like logs or branches.
The blade is made from carbon steel, which means it holds an edge well but can rust easily if not cared for properly. The VG10 steel used here helps ensure a sharp edge despite this happening more frequently than with other types of steel.
The full tang construction adds strength to the blade and prevents bending or warping over time as a result of its weight being supported by the handle alone. The birch wood handles are comfortable in use thanks to their curvature at the back end, making them ideal for those who prefer a more ergonomic grip while using knives regularly throughout their day.
Condor Tool & Knife, Indigenous Puukko Knife
The Condor Classic 1095HC Knife is another high-quality knife that's suitable for both beginners and experts. This particular model features a 1095HC steel blade, which means it's made of high-carbon steel with a Rockwell hardness rating of 50R.
The handle is wood, which gives the knife added strength and balances the knife well when you're using it. The walnut handle has a wire wrap at the base to help prevent slippage during use. It also has burnished edges to give your hand an even better grip on the blade.
This is an excellent all-purpose knife that would be great for camping or everyday use in the kitchen or outdoors. You get a nice sharp edge from this blade, along with decent edge retention and good corrosion resistance as well.
While it is made in El Salvador the Condor standards still apply, they take great pride n their products and they honor the knife from the Nordic countries.
Kellam KLKPR4-BRK Knives Puukko
This is the knife for those who want a more traditional design. The Puukko is made of metal and wood, which gives it a unique look that's very appealing. This is an agile knife that can handle a variety of tasks with ease thanks to its light weight.
The blade on the Puukko has three sections, making this an ideal all-purpose knife that works well for slicing and cutting meat and vegetables. It also comes with a leather sheath, making this one of the most complete knives in our guide. Of course, it's not cheap at $100 but you do get what you pay for here.
If you're after something that looks more like a traditional hunting or kitchen knife then this will be right up your street. If you're looking for something super slimline though we'd recommend checking out our top pick above first as this isn't quite as sleek as some other options on offer here.
Puukko Knife FAQs
What Is A Puukko Knife?
A puukko knife is a traditional Nordic blade that has been used for centuries by hunters, farmers, and families. Traditionally made in Finland from local materials such as birch, beech, or elk antler, puukko knives are sturdy tools designed to cope with the rough conditions of northern Europe.
Equipped with a wooden handle and a simple sheath, the puukko knife can be worn on a belt or tucked into a boot. Traditionally it was used for hunting and cutting wood but modern versions are also suitable for camping and Bushcraft tasks.
Puukkos were traditionally passed down through generations so they vary in design depending on the region in which they were produced. For this reason, there's no official definition of what makes up a puukko knife but you'll find most have similar features.
A strong back blade - The majority of these knives only feature one sharpened edge (the back blade) as they're intended for use as an everyday tool rather than self-defense. The straight edged blade varies in length between 4-9 inches (100-230mm).
A curved shape - Almost all puukkos feature either a drop point or Scandinavian shape which is great for slicing through tough materials like leather or hide. A finger notch at the base of the handle lets you apply more pressure when cutting tougher materials without discomforting your hand.
An antler handle - Traditionally these knives had birch handles but nowadays most models are made with an antler counterpart which is more durable yet lighter than many other materials such as ersatz ivory often used on cheaper blades.
Leather sheath – These simple sheaths let you carry your knife safely while protecting its finish from scratches and wear.
Is The Puukko Better Than A Bushcraft Knife?
The Bushcraft knife is one of the oldest and most popular survival knives. It is designed to be a multi-tool that can handle many different jobs. Most bushcraft knives have a solid, heavy feel and they are very durable.
Puukkos are traditional Finnish knives used for hunting, fishing, and everyday tasks. They often feature simple designs with fewer tools but well-chosen options that are both functional and well suited for the knife's intended use in harsh weather conditions. Despite their more basic appearance, Puukkos usually offer better quality materials compared to many modern Bushcraft knives at similar prices. In addition, unlike some Bushcraft knives which are mass-produced overseas by companies like CRKT or SOG, all authentic Puukkos are handmade in northern Finland by individual artisans using local materials whenever possible.
Conclusion
This great knife design from Northern Scandinavia and while its style has changed from the 19th century design with the move from Birch bark handles to the Antler handle that is common today the knife still a favorite around the world.
If you are in need of a great knife but don't want to spring for a custom blade check out the Puukko and order your next favorite blade today!
