Helle Eggen Bushcraft Knife Review 2015/11/20
Helle, a Norwegian company that is synonymous with quality and
attention to detail. Two important factors when considering it’s a
mass-produced knife brand. I have reviewed Helle knives in the
past and found them a pleasure to use both practically and
aesthetically. With a catalogue of products so huge as theirs it’s
always important to choose a knife that is suited to your needs. This
review is on the Helle Eggen.
Introduction
The Helle Eggen is a 4-inch bushcraft and woodland knife with a stunning
Curly birch handle, rat-tail tang as well as a natural leather sheath.
Sheath
Starting with the leather sheath which has a carry loop and plastic tube
inserted inside to protect the leather from the sharp knife-edge. A good
touch that helps improve the durability of the Helle Eggen's sheath,
especially when used on expedition and over a long period of time as you
reduce the risk of cutting the leather. The stitching on the leather is
strong and on the Helle Eggen I am using it has already held up well to
years of use. The sheath shows sign of wear and tear in the form of
light scuffs. This is from actual use and in my opinion improves the
look of it but of course if you buy it new you wont have these! This is
all the more reason to go out and use the Helle Eggen in the woods! The
handle, made from Curly birch is not only attractive with its subtle
speckled pattern but also practical as it’s a strong wood that holds up
well to everyday use. The wood can be looked after easily with boiled
linseed oil and rubbing bee’s wax into it occasionally.
Use
In the fore hand grip it's comfortable as the handle has a good-sized
palm swell. Consequently you do not have to grip the knife so hard when
working with it and allows the user to use the knife for longer without
fatigue developing in the hand. However in the chest lever grip you have
to drop your hand slightly to avoid the finger guard digging into your
index finger which is a slight annoyance but if you don’t use this grip
often its not a problem. If you are like me and this is your favourite
way to accomplish tasks in the woods then you may find it digs in
especially with big hands. With smaller hands this is not a problem. The
blade itself uses Helle triple laminated process of stainless steel.
This means you cannot strike fire steel with the spine. The grind is a
typical Scandinavian style with a deep bevel. Makes sharpening very easy
as well as when in cutting natural fibres helps separate the material
which makes cutting easier. The Helle Eggen has a drop point and a very
pronounced belly that make it very useful for game preparation.
Tang
The rat-tail tang in the Helle Eggen is perfectly durable for small
bushcraft tasks. It is not as durable as a full tang knife however. The
lack of weight in the handle affects the balance of the knife. Above all
it doesn’t fall out of your hand when you open your grip. This is due to
the blade being a good size in comparison to the handle. Unlike some of
the other Helle knives I have used which have very large blades and
small handles. These want to fall out of your hand as soon as you open
your grip. The Helle Eggen is a very good knife and for the price you
get a lot of bang for the buck with natural aesthetics and enough
strength to put it to good use in bushcraft, woodland skills and
hunting.
Conclusion
I prefer a heavier knife with a full tang. There is market for people
who don’t and the Helle Eggen is perfect for bushcraft enthusiasts who
are after a lighter knife. One that can still accompany them on trips
and help them in all aspects of woodland use. The stainless steal also
lends itself to a mixed use potentially away from home for long periods.
Without the need of blade maintenance as well as for people not wanting
to invest the time in keeping the blade oiled.
