Helle Wabakimi Review - A first look at the Les Stroud Knife Helle Wabakimi !

This is my first impressions review of the Helle Wabakimi which is the 3rd collaboration between Les Stroud and Helle Knives.
Building on an 85-year tradition handcrafting knives designed and tested in the outdoors, Helle unveils its latest collaboration with Les Stroud, star of Surviorman, at the 2018 Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show. Named for the vast wilderness park in Ontario, Canada, the Wabakimi knife is designed for self-reliance in nature.
The third in a series of Helle knives designed with Les Stroud, the Wabakimi combines Helle’s 85 years crafting traditional Scandinavian knives with Stroud’s mastery of primitive skills. The latest addition is a medium sized, well-balanced knife small enough for hip carry, yet amply sized to make precise cutting and long carving sessions comfortable and efficient.
The new knife fits between the larger, best selling Temagami (2010), a practical wilder-ness knife, and the light and compact Mândra (2017) neck knife. The Wabakimi combines the advantages of the Temagami’s ergonomic handle and long, pointed blade with the Mândra’s rounded shape. Featuring a three-quarter, partial tang reinforced with two robust pins, the handle is made from curly birch wood with a lanyard hole and a 3.3-inch drop point blade using Helle’s renowned triple laminated steel.
The new design was conceptualized over several months and handmade prototypes from the Helle factory in Norway were sent to Stroud for extensive field-testing in Alaska. Each prototype received further adjustments and refinements based on invaluable feedback from Stroud. This approach of researching, prototyping, field-testing and refinement constitutes the heart and soul of the Helle design philosophy.
In 1994 Stroud spent a year living close to the land and surviving using only what nature provided in Wabakimi, part of Canada’s far northern boreal forests. “The Wabakimi wilderness helped shaped my path and set in motion a life celebrating nature and wilderness,” says Les Stroud. “With these experiences in mind, and working closely with my friends at Helle, we have created a knife worthy of this remote, wild place.”
”The Wabakimi knife represents nearly a decade working closely with Les,” adds Anders Haglund with Helle of Norway. “From our first meeting in 2009, to creating a collection of world renowned outdoor knives, we’ve come a long way both personally and professionally. We’re excited to see where the next journey leads.”
Wabakimi Knife Specifications:
• Blade material: triple laminated stainless steel
• Handle material: curly birch
• Blade thickness: 3 mm
• Blade length: 3.3-inches
• Handle length: 4.6-inches
• Sheath material: genuine leather
• Weight: 135 g

[@scalecrawler5320]

Great video! I bought the wabakimi some weeks ago. A very nice knife with an awesome handling. It has the right size for almost everything. Designed to last!

[@BackcountryKing]

Its a very good knife! But ill tell ya thr best helle knife by far is the Temagami

[@Woodswalker1965]

Beautiful knife Steve and a great job on showcasing it. I would agree on the edge of any Helle knife, razor sharp from the vendor! Not many companies take the time to refine their edge to that level. Take care buddy! Wade

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks Wade! Out of the box it's a great blade ... now time to give a proper beating in the Bush over the next months

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

That is a great looking and great performing knife. It is perfect size for most chores we put knives to. Thanks for sharing

[@BackcountryKing]

First impressions are good... but guys like us know the real test is how it holds up over time in the Bush in the cold, wet, mud etc... so I'm hopeful it holds up !

[@TheScrawnyLumberjack]

Looking forward to a follow up review. This blade is in a sweet spot size wise. I would like to see a comparison between all three and what the best uses for each would be.

[@BackcountryKing]

Good idea for a new video man! And your right everything looks great out of the box... the next few months will determine how it holds up

[@TheScrawnyLumberjack]

Backcountry King Outdoors I know people are gonna wonder how that stainless sharpens.

[@martinwasserfall6701]

Awesome looking knife with great proportions. That handle looks super comfy.

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks for checking it out man !! It's a great knife so far

[@thewimpycamper7692]

Great overview of the knife, Steven! It’s a gorgeous looking blade! 😃 Looking forward to that follow up long term video!

[@BackcountryKing]

thanks Michelle...kind of reminds me of a mora eldris a bit. I think the temagami is still my fave though

[@Taromovies]

Hey, didn’t expect you here on KZbin my friend, was looking to get more information about the new Helle:-) thanks for the review! Take care, Taro

[@BackcountryKing]

Lol small social world! I have been subbed to you for a while. Hope you found my review useful brother! Steven

[@thomasmueller7153]

your presentations in your various videos are good, especially your clear voice and camera use. what is missing is a point-to-point comparison of the characteristics of the knives. like a pre-purchase guide for novices who tare trying to get their bearings. the only comparison you are making is which knife you're gifting to which of your sons. for a parent that is a great, nostalgic gesture, but doesn't help us so much. i think i'm going to order the New Temagami 14C28N, because it has a longer blade and i'm guessing over the long run that is handy.

[@solo_fl_outdoors594]

Nice demonstration and definitely, some nice lookin knives. Beautiful blades!

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks !!! I'll see how it holds up in more extensive testing in the next few months!

[@swedish_woodsman7153]

Lovely trio! 🔪🌲👍

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks bro!! The temagami is my favourite knife right now

[@outdooradventurercouk]

Looks like a very capable knife! Excited to have a go ourselves, nice job.

[@BackcountryKing]

That's guys !! First impressions are good ... now I'll be doing more real time testing to see how it holds up over time !

[@UnchartedAtlas]

Awesome demos man! I love that you want to pass down your knives to your sons... Im a tradition man toi

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks brother!!! It's a good knife so far and I'll be testing it more

[@ScoutLakai]

Great review brother! Excellent coverage on this awesome Wabakimi. I would have to say and this is only my opinion, that it is a winner for bushcrafting. Les Stroud and Helle Knives along with yourself, have great reputations in regards to the bush. I'm sold on this one brother. I would highly recommend it to novice bushcraters since they will be working their way out of that position through skill. I am able to recognize the capabilities of this Wabakimi due to...well we've used enough of a variety of knives right?..and spent enough time outdoors. Its characteristics and features I like very much as well. Nice handle with brass pins, drop point for primitive fires, scandis are awesome for woodcrafting and generally kept razor sharp, and that mirror finish will also come in handy for reflective signaling, if ever in that scenario. Overall, it's a great knife! Good man Steven, for deciding to pass it to your sons. Dad will always be with his boys out in the woods. If you don't mind I'd like to repost on Instagram. Good job bud. Cheers brother!

[@BackcountryKing]

Brother your review is better than mine!!!! When your channel starting ???? Agree on all points.. now that my initial review is out of the way I will be testing it more extensively and seeing how it holds up to some serious abuse !!

[@ScoutLakai]

@@BackcountryKing lol...never! i am not the people person as you are. haha...and hell yes, find out of its pros and cons for your boy. that'll also make that that difference through confidence, knowing Dad put it through rigorous applications and it held up. he will speak with pride. 👊😉

[@n8mayfield]

Man, those are great lookin knives, need to look into getting that set

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks brother ! i still need to get my hands on the original tracker !

[@swiss_knife_4_edc]

Looks amazing! Love that sheath too👊

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks brother!! So far so good but need to do more testing now to see how it holds up over time

[@MorettiPyrotechnicsLLC]

Those are some nice knives. Good review. Love the handles. Shiny shiny

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks man ! They are real beauties. Now the real test ... putting it work in the field and testing how it holds up

[@MorettiPyrotechnicsLLC]

@@BackcountryKing yes that's always fun. Lol

[@naturalspaces71]

Great review brother. Looks like a nice knife. I’d love to see how it batons wood and throws sparks. I’m assuming the spine is 90 degrees. I should also get with the time and get a Natural Spaces KZbin account as I’m watching this from my sons account 😂. Looking forward to seeing more videos. Keep up the good work

[@BackcountryKing]

Bro !! Missed this comment and seeing it now! Thanks for commenting and you should totally invest in yT!

[@AndyGustavsson]

Really nice review buddy, need to get my hands on one of those, I have a hella harding which got totally burnt one morning when I miss placed it and knocked into the fire pit... haha

[@BackcountryKing]

Oh man tough break ! That's an expensive knife to burn !

[@AndyGustavsson]

sure was ! hopefully I learned to keep it on my belt or away from the fire haha.

[@JPOUTDOORS18]

Great vid mate! Beautiful blade

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks brother and for sharing !

[@fatalfromabove8943]

Sweet blade indeed brother!

[@BackcountryKing]

Missed this comment.. thanks brotha !!!!

[@chuckwrathall]

Awesome looking knife man!!🔪🙌🏻

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks for checking it out bro!

[@RSLtreecare]

A very interesting set, your review was in lighting. I am looking for a knife for a mix field tool. One of these might fill that area.

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks for commenting. The helle temagami is my favourite of the 3

[@RSLtreecare]

@@BackcountryKing thank you, I will go a give this a close check. Take care, Stew

[@sishalsept8327]

Like the looks of that knife. Seems like it would be easy to handle. Well made and beautiful looking. Which of the 3 would you recommend for a newbie like myself? I'm looking for a good all around bushcraft knife that serves many uses. Well done video showcasing the knife and really makes me want one. Starting my Christmas wish list. Great job!

[@BackcountryKing]

Hi Vicesaha .. for an overall blade I would have to choose the temagami ... it's one of the favourite knives I own !

[@tetu-pareoutdoors9465]

Looks like just the good lenght of blade 👌🏻

[@BackcountryKing]

It's great so far... will be testing more extensively in the next months !

[@troyjenkins3886]

I am all about this knife,fits my style perfectly.Thank you for the review and where did you get that cool Helle Knives hat?

[@BackcountryKing]

Hey man thanks for watching .. as I said in the video it reminds me of a more stout mora elfrid! The hat was sent to me by helle

[@n8mayfield]

Great video man

[@Islandhuntingandoutdoors]

Love my Helle knife only downside to them is using a fire steel with not having a sharp spine

[@BackcountryKing]

Yeah I can see that issue .. I've always used a separate ferro rod but I know a lot of guys like to use their blade

[@jelkel25]

Not a criticism just a friendly observation. Don't know if this vid is sped up, if not, maybe slow down when cutting. It looked a little rushed at times and sometimes you can't so easily take back knife mistakes. Is it worth it for a YT VIDEO? I was a butcher, seen (and felt) some serious knife mistakes.

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks for commenting! I don't see any issues I wouldn't use the blade differently if I was filming or not ... I've had a few Nick's over the years usually from being complacent dont get me wrong but after re watching the video I wouldn't have changed my demonstration. Cheers

[@jelkel25]

@@BackcountryKing OK, no didn't see issues, we're adults we're going to do things how we do them.

[@maritimespook]

That Whole Set is Gorgeous Steve and great review very informative !! ,;;;, Cheers brotha liked and shared ! ,;;;; Spook

[@BackcountryKing]

Thanks Spook! That's a compliment coming from the #1 knife guy on KZbin!

[@maritimespook]

@@BackcountryKing Steve you got me blushing brother 😂😂😂😂😊😋 ...thank u sir i do what i can but you do an excellent job very enjoyable video !!

[@joshuahmoran]

Add the nord

[@bosse641]

Sure is a nice stout little knife.

[@BackcountryKing]

it is yes .. as mentioned in the video reminds me of a beefier Mora Eldris for carving and wood working

[@bosse641]

Must get me one. I want both this one and the Algonquin. Both very nice small EDCs.

[@ueppemargot2446]

Helle n*1 👍

[@hellesofiechristiansenwiig3806]

Thanks bro xD