The Härmä Knife is based on a model called Visapää No. 1, designed by Iisakki Järvenpää in the late 1800s, which was very popular at the time. Over time, this model became known as the Härmä Knife, particularly in its double-knife version. The double version features a highly decorative sheath encasing two Härmä knifes side by side, a larger and a smaller one. Along with the Helavyö belt, the Double Härmä Knife is a part of the traditional South Ostrobothnia folk costume.
This single version features the larger knife in a simpler sheath. The knife itself is exactly the same, featuring a red-stained curly birch handle, with the wood grain visible through the stain, and six layers of lacquer. The blade is 10 cm long and made of carbon steel, making it well-suited for various uses, including carving and outdoor activities. The knife features nickel silver fittings, with a hand-engraved sawtooth pattern on both the upper and lower bolsters. The sheath is available in either light or black leather, with a smooth brass cap at the top.
The Single Sheath Härmä Knife is versatile, serving as a traditional utility knife for hunting or hiking, but it can also be paired with the Helavyö belt for formal wear. It has also been used as a military knife in various divisions of the Finnish Defense Forces.
A carbon steel blade requires proper care; it should be cleaned, dried, and oiled after use. However, it is also very sharp and easy to sharpen yourself with a whetstone. At the factory, we protect the blade with tar-scented CRC Sisu oil. Other protective oils like WD-40 work well too. If you’re using the knife with food, it's advisable to protect the blade with food-grade oil, such as sunflower or canola oil, though these may become sticky over time.
Note: the so-called blood groove is not a traditional part of the Härmä Knife.
