Handles of carefully selected materials
Good craftsmanship requires the ability to create handle shapes which are consistent with the blade, fit comfortably in the hand, and add character to the knife. In most handles, they use the hard and beautifully structured wood of curly grained birch, alone or in combination with matching materials, such as leather and stag horn.
A painstaking process of grinding, polishing and oiling is performed to offer full justice to the natural beauty of these materials.
Because they use natural materials in thier handles, each Helle knife has its own unique look. A knife is more than just a blade, and a Helle knife is a true work of art.
The Sheath – the Nordic way
Quality is of utmost importance to A/S Helle Fabrikker, and they apply the same criteria to their sheaths as they do to their knife blades and handles.
Good craftsmanship and the perceptible quality of the materials used, make for a sheath which is both strong and attractive.
Helle sheaths are made of specially tanned leather, and treated with saddle grease for increased lustre and durability. The particular shape of the Norwegian sheath bears evidence of long-time functional development and at the same time, it enhances the quality of the knife.
The steel in Helle knives is unique
The differences between a Helle knife and other knives are many. The biggest difference lies in the triple laminated stainless steel blade. The core is made of high alloy steel which gives it a lasting, razor-sharp edge. This harder layer cannot however exclude the threat of rust or breakage.
To exploit the superb qualities of the high alloy steel Helle added two layers of tough stainless steel(18/8) to protect the blade against breakage and corrosion, while the high carbon core still provides a superb cutting edge. This triple laminated stainless steel is unique to Helle knife blades.
The steel they use is more expensive than in most other knife brands, but that is all a part of Helles philosophy of never compromising on quality. The steel in Helle knives is unique Sandvik 12C27 is Sandvik's most well-rounded knife steel with excellent edge performance allowing razor sharpness, high hardness, exceptional toughness and good corrosion resistance. Sandvik 12C27 is mostly used for knives, high-end ice skate blades and ice drills. Continuous improvement over a period of 45 years has evolved it into the high performing steel grade it is today. The composition is tighter, the purity level is much higher and the fine carbide microstructure of today is far from how Sandvik 12C27 knife steel of the sixties looked. With a hardness range of 54-61 HRC, high toughness, scary sharpness and good corrosion resistance, Sandvik 12C27 is the recommended grade for hunting knives, pocket knives, camping knives, high-end chef's knives and tactical knives.