After giving the matter a lot of thought I have now decided to fork out some money for a Helle Eggen knife. Is there anyone on here who'd advise me against it? Or somebody who actually wants to get rid of one?
Thank you all
Thank you all
Helle Eggen???
- Thread starter Sundowner
- Start date
-
Come along to the amazing Summer Moot (21st July - 2nd August), a festival of bushcrafting and camping in a beautiful woodland PLEASE CLICK HERE for more information.
Looks good, and a good price. Surprised the first place that cropped up on a search for it was Go Outdoors! Only thing I don't like (stock photo on the Go Outdoors website) is the sheath, but that's a minor thing. I have a Harding that's got a longer sheath, its stood up well to some general abuse and lack of care. https://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/pt/-helle-harding-99-hunting-knife.htm
Been using one for about 15 years, been excellent in all respects except striking sparks from a fero rod, which you can do but only right at the tip as shown by Paul Kirtly.. I hot waxed the sheath on mine which improved it no end.
Dave
Dave
Thanks for all the replies guys. Much appreciated and yes, the Eggen it is even though I briefly flirted with the idea of the Viking.......but the decision is now made !!! Just having to wait until they tell me it's back in stock for £60
Thanks again
Thanks again
I'd say don't buy one, if.. you have actual man hands. The finger guard seems to be designed to accommodate for thin fingers and short Knuckle spans. I'm assuming small to medium hands without chunky digits, a youngster or female?
Having meat fists it was far too uncomfy to use, so on a shelf it went until I got rid of it. A real shame it was very nice looking, the blade was well ground and polished, the steel is good and even the sheath was nice.
Having meat fists it was far too uncomfy to use, so on a shelf it went until I got rid of it. A real shame it was very nice looking, the blade was well ground and polished, the steel is good and even the sheath was nice.
See the almost hooked finger guard? It would only be comfotable for me if that was filed off and made straighter, something I had no intentions of doing..
See the almost hooked finger guard? It would only be comfotable for me if that was filed off and made straighter, something I had no intentions of doing..
No worries in my case as I have old, arthritic girly hands ����
Ref that finger-guard.
I had to dock the end, a few mm, having found that due to a bit of shrinkage, it wouldn't fit into a hot-waxed dipped sheath.
Ceeg
I had to dock the end, a few mm, having found that due to a bit of shrinkage, it wouldn't fit into a hot-waxed dipped sheath.
Ceeg
Hot waxing is working hot beeswax into the leather to strengthen and harden the leather and improve resistance to water. With something like a sheath you can also re-shape it to some extent to make it fit the knife better. Works on pistol holsters too. It will darken the leather and make it feel harder.
Dave
Dave
It's done for the reasons just as the fellah's say.
Personally, I boil up a tall tin and just dip the item for 3 or 4 seconds, having learnt the hard way that any more dipping time than this,will tend to bring in some pretty dramatic amounts of shrinkage.
I found it best to hang the item on a cord, balanced so the object can rapidly drain off the excess, but any over-waxed bits, (mostly along welts), can be reduced by a quick,(but usually messy) application of the heat from my wife's 11th hair-dryer.
Ceeg
Personally, I boil up a tall tin and just dip the item for 3 or 4 seconds, having learnt the hard way that any more dipping time than this,will tend to bring in some pretty dramatic amounts of shrinkage.
I found it best to hang the item on a cord, balanced so the object can rapidly drain off the excess, but any over-waxed bits, (mostly along welts), can be reduced by a quick,(but usually messy) application of the heat from my wife's 11th hair-dryer.
Ceeg
I've had an Eggen for years and find the handle comfortable, if a wee bit neat in terms of size. The steel is good and easy to sharpen. As said, a bit rubbish at throwing sparks although the Paul Kirtley method works!
Not my main user now and it has developed some hairline cracks in the handle at the guard end, where it looks like the wood at the guard might break off.
It hasn't yet though and it hasn't made use it any less vigorously.
Keep thinking of returning itfor replacement, haven't quite got round to it!
I like it lots!
Not my main user now and it has developed some hairline cracks in the handle at the guard end, where it looks like the wood at the guard might break off.
It hasn't yet though and it hasn't made use it any less vigorously.
Keep thinking of returning itfor replacement, haven't quite got round to it!
I like it lots!
