This old knife

[SDDAVE56]

I have this old knife. My Dad served in the Merchant Marine in WWII on Oil Tankers. While in port somewhere in Alaska he acquired the knife from a local. He traded a carton of cigarettes for the knife.

The only thing I can make out is the knife, and sheath are marked "Suomi", means Finland. I used to use it as a fillet knife. Its razor sharp. I think the handle is bone of some kind.

Some pics.

[RedRiderF26]

Very cool, looks like its in great shape for being that old.

[sealocan]

That's very cool old Finnish style knife or puukko.

A knife that will last a lifetime is so much better than cigarettes that will last a month.

"In Finland, receiving a puukko as a gift is considered an honour, the idea being that the presenter is giving the recipient a tool which is essential for both woodworking and preparing food and as a weapon and that the presenter takes into account the well-being of the recipient."

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puuk...20th%20century.

I wonder if the inscription on the blade says something in Finnish?

In my American eyes it seems strange that the knife goes so far down into the sheath but I think in Finland losing your knife might be your death, so keeping it secure is more important than a fast draw with the fully exposed handle like so many knives made in America.
And the handle that is deep into its sheath isn't bumping into or catching on things like tree branches either.

[sealocan]

And those tassels on a knife sheath keep evil spirits away, who knew?

https://www.kellamknives.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_133&products_id=1510

[SDDAVE56]

Thats awesome! More information from you then my daughters Finish friends.

[SDDAVE56]

And those tassels on a knife sheath keep evil spirits away, who knew?

https://www.kellamknives.com/index.p...oducts_id=1510

That sheath looks identical to mine!

[SDDAVE56]

That's very cool old Finnish style knife or puukko.

A knife that will last a lifetime is so much better than cigarettes that will last a month.

"In Finland, receiving a puukko as a gift is considered an honour, the idea being that the presenter is giving the recipient a tool which is essential for both woodworking and preparing food and as a weapon and that the presenter takes into account the well-being of the recipient."

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puuk...20th%20century.

I wonder if the inscription on the blade says something in Finnish?

In my American eyes it seems strange that the knife goes so far down into the sheath but I think in Finland losing your knife might be your death, so keeping it secure is more important than a fast draw with the fully exposed handle like so many knives made in America.
And the handle that is deep into its sheath isn't bumping into or catching on things like tree branches either.