This being my 1st Scandinavian-style folder, it's difficult to assess because I'm a newbie to this puukko sub-genre & the competition there. But having collected a drawer full of "pocket" knives since 1st Case at age 5 & current EDC being Benchmade CV20 SS alloy limited-edition Mel Pardue Mini-Griptilian, I'll use same comparative criteria to evaluate this Paltsa as I do them. It's 6 1/2" long open, weighs only 2.3 oz, & was a pricey $329.99--over a C-note more than larger Bleja, the most expensive Helle folder Redbeard carries. Paltsa's RWL-34 SS BLADE is quite close in shape to traditional fixed-blade puukko, only has a bit steeper slope in spine towards point. It measures L 2 15/16" × W 13/16" × THK 3/32" with 1/4"-wide Scandi. Printed on obverse side is K. moose logo, RWL-34 Damasteel type on reverse. Otherwise, entire blade is smooth & clean--Scandi polished to mirror-finish, the rest matte--with no fingernail slot or stud to facilitate opening. Takes more time & care, but there's enough blade exposed from handle to open using strong friction-pinch. HANDLE constructed of good-looking curly birch scales over phenolic liner attached thereto with 3 rivets. Index-& pinky-finger inward swoops bracket palm-swell, confering direly-needed extra-safe grip in this smallish folder.
Clearly visible SS rivet at top serves as anchor for both blade & simple super-strong backlock mechanism. Must press down its release on knife back very hard to close & be extremely careful to keep fingers clear of blade as it suddenly rotates free.
Look closely between liners for 2nd rivet at middle partially concealed by backlock. Presumably the 3rd near heel is hidden by wafer of deer or moose antler "spacer", mine nearly white providing an appealing splash of contrast where least expected. Lanyard hole there furnished with short twisted-leather lanyard having reindeer-antler adjustable slide that's not particularly functional but still welcome decoration. Medium-brown leather sideseam SHEATH is hardly necessary for knife of this size, but it's thoughtfully made with heavy-duty antique brass snap leaving enough tab to open with gloved hand, same piece fastened on rear with 3 brass rivets to form belt loop accomodating up to 2.5" waist belt. Knife fits tightly inside only 1 way. On sheath side is hole with dangling twisted-leather thong providing alternative mode of carry.
But I like that it silently says to the observant, "Folding puukko inside." They will also notice the Karesuando moose-emblem embossing on flap quietly shouting, "Yes, I paid dearly for this primo-brand folding puukko!"
