Helle
Since 1932, Helle knives have been made using the very highest traditions of quality in Norwegian craftsmanship. Despite its aesthetic qualities, a Helle knife is not made to be an ornament. It is made to be used.
Since early times, the Norwegian knife has been an important companion in everyday life. Norwegian knife manufacturing today is clearly influenced by traditional shapes and materials that were established hundreds of years ago. A well-made leather sheath and handles of wood, leather, and antler seem to be a legacy that Norwegians want to preserve. Helle Fabrikker is dedicated to honoring this legacy by developing knives that are on the leading edge of technology, yet still maintain the traditional look and feel of a truly Norwegian knife. Unique in Helle knives is the laminated stainless steel used to produce a tough, razor-sharp blade. The technology was developed by our company in cooperation with a Norwegian steel mill. This high performance steel is available only in our knives, and gives each blade a unique combination of high strength and long lasting sharpness. Laminated steel is another Norwegian tradition that is rarely found in other parts of the world.
Surrounded by a wild and beautiful landscape lies Holmedal, a small village in Norway. Here, amongst mountains and fjords, there is ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor life activities such as hunting and fishing, or collecting mushrooms and berries. Outdoor life was probably not foremost in the minds of brothers Steinar and Sigmund Helle when they started knife production in the old forge at home on their farm in 1932. Locally, their sheath knives quickly became extremely popular, and the foundations were soon laid for a small piece of Norwegian craftsmanship history. However, as the local market soon became too small, new markets needed to be conquered. Steinar Helle packed his rucksack full of knives and set off on the long trip over the mountains towards the east. On a bicycle!
As there was no electricity in the village, the whetstones had to be spun manually during the initial period. When electricity arrived towards the end of the 1940s it became possible to move production to larger and more suited premises. This did not mean that production became automated, however. Then, as today, much of the production is done manually.
The philosophy remains the same: quality craftsmanship is best preserved by skilled craftsmen. Craftsmen with extensive experience and knowledge still take pride in making each and every Helle knife unique. A knife that is designed to meet the demands of the outdoors, and one that will last for generations. No machine can replace skilled craftsmanship. Skilled knife specialists take pride in making the Helle brand synonymous with quality. Using up to a half an hour to create a knife, Helle makes sure that your demands for quality and finish are met. A Helle knife goes through up to 45 different manual operations before it is finally checked and packaged.
Today, Helle knives are sold all aound the world, and customers receive the same quality whether professional hunter, scout or outdoorsman. A knife that is designed to meet the demands of the outdoors, and one that will last for generations.
