Karesuando Knives,
tradition and culture from the arctic taiga.

map of Karesuando's location

These knives are produced in Karesuando, Sweden, located far north of the Arctic Circle. They have their origins in the hostile Arctic climate. The raw materials are taken from the surrounding country. Leather, horn and bone from the reindeer, and curly-grained birch, are the main components.

I'm really impressed with these knives. They have a wonderful feel in the hand. The wood is finished to a satiny smoothness I usually associate with careful hand sanding. The finish gives a better grip than a shiny surface, but doesn't raise blisters when working hard. The blades are well ground and sharpened. The shapes and sizes are ideal for all-around utility use. You can tell that these are knives made by folks who use knives. Both carbon steel and stainless steel blades are hardened to 57 HRC. I'm very glad that I'm selling these, because if I saw them for sale by someone else, I'd have to buy some. I found myself looking for excuses to handle the knives while working up the catalog. Each comes with a stout sheath of the deep pouch style. There are no straps or snaps to fumble with when removing or replacing the knife. Where indicated, there is a plastic insert to protect the sheath and the user.

Click on the image for an enlarged view of the knife and its sheath.
larger image #3506, The Vildmark (Wilderness) is done in the style of current Scandinavian custom knives. The handle has a finger cutout, and just enough guard to keep your hand off the blade. It's well shaped for positive control in my medium sized hand. The Sandvik stainless blade is 3 1/4" long, 13/16" wide, and about .127" thick. It comes with a medium weight sheath with a belt loop that will take belts up to about 1 1/2" wide. The knife and sheath weigh about 5 ounces. The price is $55.
larger image #3504, The Shoat is a variation with a wider blade. The Sandvik stainless blade is 3 1/4" long, 7/8" wide, and ~.127" thick. It comes with a medium weight sheath with a belt loop that will take belts up to about 1 1/2" wide. The price is $59.
larger image #3573, The "Hunter 10" has a wider blade of Sandvik stainless. The blade is about 3 3/4" (10cm) long, 15/16" wide, and .126" thick. The handle is about 4 3/8" long, and has the same antler spacer and finger guard. It comes with a heavy-weight brown sheath with a belt strap. The price is $95. Out of Stock
larger image #3572, The "Hunter 8" is a bit shorter with a wide Sandvik stainless blade about 3 3/8" (8cm) long, 15/16" wide, and .126" thick. The handle is about 4 1/4" long with the same antler spacer and brass finger guard. It also comes with the same sheath without stamping. The price is $89.
larger image #3533, The Bocken (Buck) is just a bit smaller, with a Sandvik stainless blade about 3 1/8" long, 13/16" wide, and .128" thick. The handle has the same curly birch, antler spacer and brass finger guard, and is about 3 3/4" long. It comes with a similar sheath for $85.
larger image #3525, The Splitting knife is the European version of a gut hook. Because it cuts from the flesh side of the hide it doesn't clog with fur. It's also useful for boning and similar chores. The blade is sharpened on the upper surface and has a blunt point. The blade is about 4" long with about 2 1/2" the upper edge sharpened. The handle is built up from antler and curly birch. $89.

Ordering

Shipping and handling is $6 per order (not per item) anywhere in the US. Standard shipping is by Priority Post, insured if warranted by the value of the order. This doesn't actually cover the cost in most cases, but it's easy to calculate, and is my way of saying "thank you". Shipping is available for most other parts of the world, but usually costs more. Email for a quote. Note; shipping to Canada can be very slow.

New York State residents should add sales tax.

Most folks use a credit card and the encrypted secure order form. If you prefer, you can FAX your order to 716-731-3715. I'll need the type of card (Discover, Visa, or Master Charge), card number and expiration date. If course I'll also need to know what you are buying, and where to send it. Please include your e-mail address.

If you don't have a FAX, you can call that same number. If your timing is good, you can just speak to me and give me the order. No collect calls.

If instant gratification is unavailable, you can always send a Postal Money Order or check to:

Ragweed Forge
PO Box 326
Sanborn, NY 14132

The Postal Snail may be slow, but he's faithful and discreet. Checks may be held for clearance, so if you're in a hurry, use a money order.

Everything on the page should be on hand and ready to ship. However some items may be short supply, so if you are ordering by mail, you might want to e-mail first so that I can hold your item (ragnar@ragweedforge.com).

Don't forget to visit the other knife catalog pages; Back to home page