Making a Puukko Knife - Part 1 - The Knife Handle

#knifemaking #puukko #puronvarsi
This is part 1 of a 2 part video, showing how I make a Puukko knife from a Finnish Puronvarsi blade and stabilised Finnish curly birch.
Part 2 to follow very soon showing how I make a Finnish style sheath.
The birch wood used was a gift from a friend in Finland called Osmo, he is a master at making this style of knife. Osmo's channel is called The Topicala.
/ @thetopicala
My name is Jim Overton, welcome to my channel.
Thanks for watching.
Please like, share and subscribe.
You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook
/ jimsonsstuff
/ jimsons-stuff-21690407...
Occasionally I may sell some of the things I make in my Etsy shop
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JimsonsS...
Disclaimer
Woodworking and making things is potentially dangerous!
I always recommend getting lessons with a professional before trying a new hobby, learn how to do things safely.
My videos are designed for entertainment and to give viewers creative ideas.
The way I work is not necessarily the best or safest way to work!
Please be responsible for your own safety and for those around you.
Please follow all instructions and safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment.
Wear a visor and a respirator dust mask when required, treat all dust as hazardous.
Be safe, be creative and enjoy your hobby.

[@thetopicala]

You can be proud of you Jim! Good job and the blade wasn’t the easist to start puukko knife making either. Yes, you regocnized the clamping/glueing issue while clamping the package which probably opened the shoulders slightly. So happy for your puukko creation. For your knowledge Puronvarsi tang tips are softened by the blacksmith. Also you can sand the tang underneath a bit to the profile of blade’s grind and assembling front bolster becomes easier for the tighter fit that way. You have a handsome puukko now with beautiful masur; curly birch handle with brass fittings! Greetings from Finland, Osmo

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Osmo glad you like the knife, and many thanks for the curly birch. Yes I will definitely need to re-profile the tang on the smaller Puronvarsi blade when I make it. Good to know the tangs are already softened. Part 2 coming soon. Cheers Jim

[@markbenn1907]

Woah really appreciate knife makers in a different way now

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much

[@Hampton72]

Hi from Finland! You make it man! don't worry mistakes. Best knives like these we are calling puukko. These are for work, not for showroom. knife makers do these for use. we don't care scratchies or holes. it is a tool! of course everybody wanna make beautiful tool! all the best for you!

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Kim. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch my video. One day I will hopefully visit Finland and some knife makers. Cheers Jim

[@Little_Red_Riding_Hoodlum]

Its not the ONLY reason I cone running when you post a video, but I am always excited to see what your daughter has to say! 🥰

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Kerri. I need to record some more voiceovers. Cheers Jim

[@ratroddiesels1981]

your knife is one of the finest example of a puuko . we think it would pass muster amoung the indigenous saami of lapland. thank you for sharing and are looking forward to part ll cheers

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much, delighted you like it. Part 2 very soon. Cheers Jim

[@THEAPRILFOOL-1983]

Absolutely amazing handle the wood you used was absolutely gorgeous can't wait to see more projects like this

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much, yes a beautiful piece of birch. Cheers Jim

[@robertdeming8195]

Great job. Thanks so much for showing your process

[@JimsonMakes]

You are so welcome!

[@Sludgepump]

Beautiful Jim. Enjoyed that. Love that you covered your "failure" with the bolster in here. That stuff is worth sharing too. Lovely job!!

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Sludgepump , yes we learn by our mistakes Cheers Jim

[@stephenwade8093]

Thanks for the lesson, love your work

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Stephen 👍🏼 Cheers Jim

[@williamellis8993]

Really beautiful knife, Jim. Now I absolutely have to go watch part 2.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Bill Cheers Jim

[@baconsoda]

This was really interesting Jim, thank you.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Brendan👍🏼 Cheers Jim

[@AndyCPugh]

That's a beauty!

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Andy👍🏼 Cheers Jim

[@huntersmoon9724]

So well done. Brilliant job drilling the handle.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Cheers Jim

[@robertcompitelloii7793]

Part 1 of 2 and it already looks fantastic!

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Robert Cheers Jim

[@100BearPaw]

Nice!

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gavincoyle]

Brilliant job Jim love the handle material its absolutely gorgeous 👍👍👍

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Gavin👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Cheers Jim

[@leevalayudan5583]

Beautifully done

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Cheers Jim

[@kellythornton6583]

Beautiful piece. Fun project.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you

[@benofthenorth1884]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@JimsonMakes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Beautiful!

[@JimsonMakes]

Many thanks

[@alansimpson596]

Wonderful work,Jim. You are very gifted in so many ways. There are few benefits to this lockdown but one of them is that we're getting more great projects. Stay safe.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Alan, I am loving having the workshop time, I just wish it was under different circumstances. Cheers Jim

[@alexmason6652]

Beautiful wood!

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Alex Cheers Jim

[@alexmason6652]

Jim Overton - Jimson's Stuff I really wanna learn more about the puukko knife and it would be really cool if you put out a tips and tricks video. Just an idea. Thanks for the reply Jim Overton

[@SteveC38]

Very nice Jim, going to watch part 2 now👍

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Steve👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Cheers Jim

[@limmaanka]

Beautiful knife!

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much

[@elainehoward8822]

A truly beautiful work of art. Don’t be disappointed Jim, I’m sure it looks stunning, only you could notice a teeny tiny defect. .....You and your family stay safe xxxx

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much again Elaine, stay safe Cheers Jim

[@100redrose6]

bery good nice knife

[@JimsonMakes]

Many thanks for watching

[@Jeffjan1968]

Great work.

[@JimsonMakes]

Many many thanks

[@richardnash6009]

Excellent looks fantastic these a lot of people would love to be able to have your skills. Thank you 👏👏👏👏

[@JimsonMakes]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Admin-xk9pq]

Good Job. What a beautiful knife👍

[@JimsonMakes]

Thanks 👍

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

beautiful knives,i love that big one

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you

[@nanoreaper5002]

Very Nice job Jim I really like the Handle

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Cheers Jim

[@fishingpassion2412]

Wonderful 😍

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you

[@kevinschmith9379]

Nice 👍🏽

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Nice work Jim 👍 😊

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Cheers Jim

[@tompuskar4426]

Jim, I've made a few knives in my day but nothing as elegant as this. Maybe I'll get back into it. You always seem to send me off on tangents with your expertise! stay safe!

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Tom. There is something very satisfying about knife making. Stay safe Cheers Jim

[@eviljods]

I had my doubts about how that was going to look when it was finished, they were unfounded. It looks beautiful. Glad to see you're well, stay safe :)

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much, yes you never completely know how it is going to look. Stay safe Cheers Jim

[@user-kj9yf7qk1v]

Exelente trabajo 👍 felicitaciones

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you

[@glencrandall7051]

The handle and fittings are outstanding. I understand your disappointment with the problem fit of the bolster. However I think only a knife expert would notice. Looks real good to me. Thank you for sharing. Now on to part 2.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Glen, I am my own worst critic, I like everything to be perfect. Working on the editing of part 2 today. Cheers Jim

[@RussellSuenderIII]

Puronvarsi is perhaps the best puukko knife maker.I have the 95mm puukko which I made a leather spacer handle for it.

[@JimsonMakes]

Yes awesome blades

[@espr7564]

Fabulous job Jim you're a master!! ❤👍😎 you're a perfectionist that's why you are a little annoyed with that gap, it looks amazing to the rest of us 😁

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much. Yes I like everything to be perfect. Cheers Jim

[@WOODTURNINGBYBRANDSTRUP]

That is a nice knife, I like it ver much .. Have a great day 😀

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Cheers Jim

[@AndyJenkins999]

Blooming lovely Jim is there nothing you can’t do? Looking forward to part 2

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Andy, part 2 should be later today or tomorrow. Cheers Jim

[@booyaa1851]

I think it looks great Jim. You know if your not 100%happy I would be more than grateful to take it of your hands lol 😂 😉👍👊

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much, I’ll bear that in mind😂 Cheers Jim

[@jpwoodwork]

nice mate

[@JimsonMakes]

Thanks mate, glad you like it Cheers Jim

[@gregdykes8832]

Damn it Jim, I need to dig out some of the blades and brass at the back of my shed and make a knife now! This is awesome btw, I would be super proud if any of mine look half as good. Stay safe Greg

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Greg, get making ! Stay safe Cheers Jim

[@myjason1421]

Good idea with that screw

[@myjason1421]

Soooo beauauauauauauauauuatifulll

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much

[@3000waterman]

Outstanding, Jim. Quite like the one I sent you a picture of - but inevitably yours is to a profoundly higher standard. My handle was from a chunk of spalted birch from the garden, and it was OK at the time. Now I see your super-duper birch I realise I should have bought-in a handle blank. I spent a lot of time on lesser materials. Having made a couple of knives I'm not quite sure what to do with them. Nice things to own but unless they're work knives, like the one you use for leather, they can be a bit redundant. And Mr Plod doesn't approve of such things being carried. Like you, I'm fully engaged with craft stuff during lockdown. Thank God for OCD. All best, John

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much John. Yes it is worth using stabilised handle blanks, it will last a lot longer. Untreated salted birch is quite soft and porous. Yes limited use for these knives nowadays here in the UK. I use a few for craft stuff. Cheers Jim

[@infoaabanken]

Nice work. I an just startet to male knifes my self. Just startet with making blades and Can not wait to male at handel. Thanks for at very good video. BG Mad

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much. I hope you enjoy making the handle. Cheers Jim

[@christopherckarkson5605]

Hello, very nice knife that you have made. I have been looking at these blades for a while now, i like the look and finish of them. I think i will have to get one and have a go at making another knife. I will have to do it the long way as i live in a flat and the noise from a sander would upset the other residents. but i should be able to get way with drilling out the handle for the tang. Once again a good knife. Regards Chris.

[@JimsonMakes]

Many thanks Chris, yes they are fantastic blades

[@johnwhitehead4809]

nice tutorial jim great looking knife,ive a joonas kallioniemi blade that's waiting for a handle.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much John, time to get working on that blade.👍🏼 Cheers Jim

[@johnwhitehead4809]

@@JimsonMakes just watching your vid reminded me of the blade somewhere jim so that's the next project.cheers john.

[@giansotolongo8037]

at first i thought it was going to look really wierd and crappy but i was surprised looks beutiful

[@JimsonMakes]

Many thanks

[@TheJkaeser]

Beautiful job Jim. If you hadn't said anything about the tang error people looking at the knife would never have noticed.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Jeff, I am my own worst critic. Cheers Jim

[@barrycook4690]

Very entertaining Jim just love the handle in fact if you're not happy with the finished knife I'll be interested in buying it, mate's rate 😉👍👍👍

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Barry, I’ll bear that in mind mate. Cheers Jim

[@brokenrecord3523]

I made a couple puukko blades today (1095) and am thinking about handles. Thank you for your efforts, especially the mistake. I'm going to make a handle like yours on the bigger knife and layered, dyed cork on the smaller rounder handle.

[@JimsonMakes]

Sounds good, many thanks for watching

[@allaboutperspective650]

Hej from Jokkmokk (Sweden) the smallest Puukko is normally used to mark the reindeer calves.

[@JimsonMakes]

Interesting! Many thanks for watching

[@billclancy4913]

Nice job! I let the epoxy set before I peen.

[@JimsonMakes]

That's a great idea! Thanks for watching

[@ianoosthoek6341]

Sadly i had the same problem with the gap between the knife and handle. Ive had it twice, so it felt realy recognizable hahaha. But overall great knife man, keep up the good work🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@JimsonMakes]

Thanks Ian, yes a frustrating problem

[@johnpbh]

Beautiful Curly Birch but the knife blade is a bit damn gorgeous as well. That's without talking about all the work you have put into making the damn thing. Absolutely amazing. As Andy says, is there nothing you can't do... please don't answer that, I don't want to be disappointed.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much, I am delighted that you like it. A lot of work but very satisfying. Cheers Jim

[@shlomilaloosh3745]

Hi Jim, Love your work, looks beautiful. Didn’t find pirin varzi in google, can you refer me to some link of his knives?

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you. Here is a link to a site selling Puronvarsi blades www.brisa.fi/en/supplies/knife-blades/by-brand/puronvarsi

[@dawnmason9558]

Gorgeous knife & handle Jim. I need an Atheme with a black handle. I'd love to make a handmade one but don't have any of your tools etc. Will have to buy a ready made one.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Dawn. The first knife I made was done with very basic tools, it takes a lot longer but but was very satisfying Cheers Jim

[@geoffreyboyling615]

I do all my knife handle fitting with hand tools, it just takes a bit more time

[@markfarrier12]

Nice handle easy vid to watch.one prob is the job of the bolster is to stop your hand sliding down handle onto cutting edge.ouch!

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much. Yes I agree about the bolster, but that is the style of Scandinavian knives

[@laura7552]

Your knife is beautiful. So much better of a finish than Ive been able to manage. I especially appreciate you pointing out the issues you had with the peening process. How do you feel about doing the peening after the compression and glueing process?

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you Laura, Peening after the glue had cure would have stopped the problem I had but may have cracked the glue.I could have stopped the problem of the gap appearing if I had spotted it but the masking tape covered it. Using my knife clamp differently would also have prevented it.

[@theodorebarrettsr.705]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@JimsonMakes]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼many thanks for watching Cheers Jim

[@LarsKiel]

👍😃

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you

[@thepatientartisan]

Loved the video! Absolutely will be watching part 2 right after I post my comment/question. You mentioned and used what you called a 3d drill bit for drilling out your handle material. I really need some of those! Any chance you might share a part number, a vendor, or perhaps another name that these tools are called to aid in my search for them? I would be most grateful for the information. I hope that you and your family are safe and healthy, and have all that you need during this difficult time. Be well.

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much. I bought the drills as a set on eBay, they were very cheap, not great but they do the job. I think this is them www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113413863367 Cheers Jim

[@thepatientartisan]

@@JimsonMakes Thank you for the prompt reply. Didn't expect one so quickly, a most pleasant surprise! Unfortunately, now I have to pause part 2 so that I can use the link that you provided to get a set ordered right now! 😎 Just got yourself a new subscriber. Be well sir.

[@javiersoria9065]

hello, beautiful job!!! i ask you, how long, thick and heigh is the blade? I need to know if it's Puronvarsi 85 or 95. thank you very much!

[@JimsonMakes]

Many thanks for watching , I can’t remember which blade it was, I actually purchased it several years ago, but it was more likely the 85

[@geoffreyboyling615]

I have made two knives with rhomboidal cross section blades, and I have no intention of making any more; yes, making & fitting a bolster for this type of blade is difficult and fiddly For black spacers and liners I use old vinyl LPs, you can get them very cheaply from charity shops

[@JimsonMakes]

Many thanks for watching Geoffrey, yes very fiddly bolsters

[@myjason1421]

I want it

[@Rupertblade]

Wonderful job my compliments and thanks! About small flaws remember what the Persians say about small imperfections they purposely insert in their rugs:" A perfect thing brings the evileye! Only Allah, may his name be praised, can make perfect things!"

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you

[@RichardOutdoors]

You missed the shaping of the bolster. How did you do that? Thanks!

[@JimsonMakes]

The initial shaping was done on the disk part of my bench sander but the final shape was achieved by sanding the handle and bolster together once assembled.

[@spuqe69]

Suomi prkle!💪🇫🇮🇫🇮😂

[@dengudomlige8644]

Really beautiful, I fully understand your disappointment though... As my Finnish-Russian Mother-in-law would say: "Saatana Perkele"

[@JimsonMakes]

Thank you very much Den, I will have to look that up ! Cheers Jim

[@JimsonMakes]

Yep definitely, I didn’t see that it had moved until almost the end when I took the masking tape off.

[@guardsmenedwin6213]

Can you put a handle on the longer leuku, I’m a huge fan of that style of blade.

[@anthonystubblefield4987]

I understand your troubles from the gap could you silver solder the area without notice?

[@JimsonMakes]

Many thanks for watching, silver solder might work but clean up would be tricky and care would be needed not to generate too much heat .

[@drunkdogartwork4016]

I've redone handles before and had the same problem. I mixed resin and mica powder and filled in that gap with a matching or contrasting color. No one will ever know

[@JimsonMakes]

👍🏼many thanks for watching

[@lloydmorgan9074]

What sought brand of epoxy do you use

[@JimsonMakes]

Many thanks for watching. For knife making I generally use West Systems G/Flex epoxy. It is very slow setting but very strong and stable.

[@ryaldeveau207]

Do you have info on the blade maker?

[@JimsonMakes]

Sorry not a lot of info, best google Puronvarsi knife maker and that should tell you. Have a look on Brisa.fi website, they sell the blades and sometimes give info. Many thanks for watching Cheers Jim

[@fawien]

The makers mark looks like Yrjo Puronvarsi, possibly forged by his grandson Antti Makinen. That is if the mark is a kind of YP design anyway.

[@nguoila5196]

cho tôi xin 1 con dao đi pro

[@mlminto]

after peening the tang, why use the "knifemaker's clamp"?

[@JimsonMakes]

Not really needed but just extra insurance to stop things moving whilst the epoxy cured.

[@lopovnd]

nice job but big mistake, its hard to make a knife without mistakes. i make my knifes only with handtools

[@JimsonMakes]

yes very annoying , it did fit perfectly but shifted at some point, hidden by the masking tape until it was too late

[@bobbieschke599]

Puukko is " knife " in Finnish and Leuku is big knife ! 🤔

[@JimsonMakes]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@yanuriagusisworo6496]

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