Full Tang Leuku - almost done

[Stew]

It's not ready yet and it's too close to being finished to do a work in progress thread but seen as I removed the tape from the blade earlier to have a play and check that the handle will work, I thought I may as well take some pictures to share.

A Leuku was the starting point of the design but the handle isn't traditional.

sc_steve & I designed it together and I must say, this will work well.

Steel is 1/8" saw blade steel. Convex edge, vinegar etch and the handle is gimlea (?) burl. I've put a lanyard hole at the front and back, to suit everyone.









What do you think?

[Everything Mac]

the handle is nice Stew but I have to say the blade is a bit err.....rough. or is it meant to be like that?

[Stew]

the handle is nice Stew but I have to say the blade is a bit err.....rough. or is it meant to be like that?

Forced patina with vinegar for good rust protection. Needs buff and another etch yet.

[Everything Mac]

ah well that's ok then.

Handle does look lovely - gimlea burl you say?

[Ph34r]

Thats great! We don't see nearly enough leuks on here.

[Wilderbeast]

Really like it mate top job!

[Hedgehog]

Handle & profile look great to me Stew. Nice finish for a hard working knife too.

What are the other dimensions?

[Wayland]

Very nice.

How does the extra weight in the tang affect the balance and chopping action?

[Stew]

Handle & profile look great to me Stew. Nice finish for a hard working knife too.

What are the other dimensions?

Approx 21cm blade, 33cm overall.

At it's widest, it's about 4.5cm.

[Stew]

Very nice.

How does the extra weight in the tang affect the balance and chopping action?

It's hard to say. It feels good but I don't have a 'standard' leuku to compare it against, nor have I used one before. I have some Lauri Leuku blades in the works but I don't know how close the handles will be to the standard pattern.

I'm very pleased with the pattern and think it'll be one I make more of to sell on.

[southey]

Very good to the eye. I really enjoy your work and style Stew.

[addo]

Looking great so far Stew, look forward to seeing the final result. I think I need to make a leuko.

[Hedgehog]

It's hard to say. It feels good but I don't have a 'standard' leuku to compare it against, nor have I used one before. I have some Lauri Leuku blades in the works but I don't know how close the handles will be to the standard pattern.

I'm very pleased with the pattern and think it'll be one I make more of to sell on.

Only testing will tell I guess.

I'm guessing you already know (most of what I'm about to write) what the flare at the end of the handle is useful for - choke it with your thumb & first two fingers to throw the weight forward for chopping.

Like this...


Drilling out the tang could help balance if needed. Both my bought one & self assembled balance on the blade just in front of the ferule - close enough to the handle to feel nimble but forward enough for efficient chopping when held as above.

As far as traditions dictate, I'd say the flair is a key feature of any Leuku & essential to it's multi-functionality.

Aside from that I've seen many variations in handle length & thickness. Some are so short & fat they seem very awkward until you put on a couple of pairs of gloves & a reindeer hide mitten apparently.

Big yet light, they are remarkable tool in experienced hands & as with many things their versatility lies in their simplicity.

I think you'll have fun putting it through it paces, making something & then using it is a great way to learn.

Make it all pretty - try it on some small whittling, food prep, skinning, draw knifing etc. then go and bash seven shades out of it...

Look forward to the results...

[Stew]

Hedge, thanks for that. I did know that the flair was for that and it was something that was maintained in the design, although slightly changed. If you look at the third picture down in my initial post, you'll see a loose two finger grip.

I've not properly sharpened it yet but have taken it out for a little play. It's nice.

[dave53]

pardon my ignorence but what is the difference between a luuku and an ordinary knife regards dave

[Hedgehog]

pardon my ignorence but what is the difference between a luuku and an ordinary knife regards dave

Not alot, a name.

...actually not even that...

Leuku IIRC means something like 'big knife' & puukko 'little'.

The most common distinguishing features seem to be...

No guard.
Flared Handle.
Wide 3-3.5mm thick stick/through tang blade generally between 7 & 9 inches long.

They are usually quite light for their size because of the thin blade & stick tang. This makes them quick & nimble enough for light tasks as well as chopping etc.

I guess the deign partly derives from making the most out of limited resources while catering for the demands of outdoor life in northern Scandinavia.

Romantic associations with the Saami aside, I find they are very practical.

I'm sure there are folk here who know way more about them than I do.

[Wayland]

The Leuku is a traditional "big knife" used by the Saami

As you say there is not much that distinguishes it from a multitude of other large knives but the blade shape, the flared pommel and to some extent the grind are the main points.