Even without the 10% discount, this fine authentic puukko from Finland is a bargain! The 4 3/8-in-long, 3/4-in-wide blade is super-sharp, its initial Scandi grind bevel starting almost halfway back from the edge. Just shy of 3 mm thick, a blood slot running halfway along its length confers extra strength. Not sure exactly what steel the brightly polished stainless is, but it resembles Helle's laminated SS blades. The blade shape is somewhat non-traditional, with a slight swoop from the otherwise straight spine near the end to the tip, making it particularly pointy & lending an appealing panache. At the opposite end, a 1/4-in ricasso should make it easy to sharpen the entire blade. Just below & sloping towards it is an extra-thick bronze ferrule. As for the handle, the curly birch in mine is exquisitely mottled, & the depression on the edge side ensures the index finger stays safely put. The traditional single-piece handle is thick enough to accomodate even larger hands than my XL ones, though my petite girlfriend used to handling hard thick things is right now maneuvering it quite easily slicing & chopping raw salad veges. At the pommel end, the simple, red-browed bronze grouse head is smooth & curves away from the palm so as to never poke it. Yet on the opposite side, its hooked bill enables the pinky to grasp the deep-set knife for quick & easy extraction. When I weighed the 4 1/2-oz knife by itself, I was surprised because it is very substantial & feels heavier. Finally, the black leather sheath is pure pocket-style puukko--a single piece, stitched at rear, dangler attached with brass D-ring thru grommet, flared out at tip end. Inside, a plastic insert protects the leather, which smells bovine. On the upper front side, an embossed ornamental gold grouse matches the 5/8-in-wide brass ring encircling the top for strength. This is my 1st Marttiini to add to an extensive puukko collection & could be the best buy of the whole bunch. To celebrate, think I'll have a martini!
