SpyderCo Puukko Knife Review 2013/04/03
The SpyderCo Puukko is a classic take on
a traditional Finnish knife. Using one of the most
advanced steels and top class materials they have brought this
quintessential design into the modern age. Let's discover more
about the SpyderCo Puukko Knife in this full review.
Introduction
I was already aware of SpyderCo's great attention to detail as-well as
the overall high quality of their products and it was great to see it
again in some of their latest offerings. For backcountry hikers who will
be preparing food, lighting fires and most importantly actively moving
through tough terrain. This knife will appeal with its clever and robust
design. SpyderCo have many correct decisions for their Puukko. This may
be the knife for you.
Steel
The SpyderCo Puukko Knife uses an excellent steel, CPM S30V.
This has been ground into a a deep true Scandinavian grind. The bevel is
rather deep compared to most other Scandinavian grinds. CPM S30V is a
hardened steal which made via powder metallurgy. A process that
involves mixing fine materials in powder form and compressing them into
the desired shape. Finally heat and pressure are applied to bond the
material. The process here is called sintering. The mix of powders is
held in a mould under high heat and pressure which triggers
atomic diffusion to occur more rapidly. Atomic diffusion sounds rather
hard to get your head around. Think of a balloon filled with helium,
eventually it with deflate, this happens because over time the atoms of
helium diffuse through the balloon wall. The helium is also moving down
a concentration gradient, there is more helium inside the balloon than
there is outside. Back in our knife mould, temperatures just below
the melting point are used to allow the atoms to diffuse across the
boundaries of the particles. The result of this is the formed metal
benefits from high levels of uniformity. Which above all gives the blade
on the powder metallurgy great strength.
CPM S30V
The chemistry of CPM S30V allows for the formation of vanadium
carbides which are incredibly tough metal-carbides. For instance they
can withstand a lot of strain as well as giving the knife more effective
cutting characteristics. Especially true when compared to more
traditional chromium carbides found in cheaper knives. The grain of the
knife is also very refined as a result of the sintering process.
Certainly giving the SpyderCo Puukko Knife excellent sharpness and
toughness. A lot of detail there and all of that for the steel alone!
Sheath
The sheath is really well made and has a drop loop carry.
Consequently this is great for hiking with the knife on your belt. It
dangles out of your way when sitting down or getting in and out of
vehicles or craft. The sheath shows what SpyderCo is capable of
producing. The SpyderCo Puukko sheath holds the knife securely
moreover the well placed welt inside of the sheath protects from you
cutting the inside of the sheath leather. One of the major features of
the sheath is its drop loop belt attachment which gives the user great
freedom of movement when hiking and then sat round a camp fire, the
knife never gets in the way.
Use
The SpyderCo Puukko Knife is a lightweight but very strong
tool. The edge is razor sharp and bites easily into natural material a
woodsman may encounter. Firstly from making feather sticks to
constructing tent pegs and game prep; the knife does it all and with a
well balanced feel. The lack of a finger guard helps you to choke up on
the blade. Resulting in greater control with the finer tasks. However it
can leave the user slightly disconcerted with the heavier undertakings
due to the potential risk of slippage up onto the blade edge. I
felt very connected to the SpyderCo Puukko Knife. To clarify whilst
working with the Puukko its tear drop handle made from a beautiful
Arizona ironwood allows for great feedback during cutting. Tang design
is concealed which is a pity as I always like to see the tang for my own
reassurance. The spine of the blade can be used to strike a firesteel
and creates a shower of sparks. On the other hand due to the angle of
the spine sparks are slightly harder to achieve than with a true ridge
ground spine. The spine is crafted in this way to minimise drag when
cutting through material and it does work well at that.
Conclusion
The SpyderCo Puukko Knife makes for a great fast and light
knife but with the build quality to last for a back country expedition.
Great attention to detail along with top quality steel make for one
amazingly well designed bit of kit. Its a little expensive until you
find out more about the steel. If you are planning on taking a small axe
on a trip as well as a knife the SpyderCo Puukko Knife would
make a fine choice as its the harder tasks where the knife lacks
brilliance. Highly Recommended
