Helle’s ‘Kletten’ Has 87 Years of Nordic Design on its Side

The fjords and mountains of Norway have stood for millennia, and no doubt will still be there for thousands of years to come. That same durability, ruggedness, and longevity are forged into the knives made by Norwegian knifemaker Helle. Based out of Homedal, Helle has always focused primarily on fixed blades, but late last year, the legendary knife maker introduced a folding blade that could be the best every day carry that you’ve ever owned. “Getting outside is often a spontaneous act, a short walk at lunch or a bike commute home, activities that don’t require a fixed blade knife,” says Svein-Erik Helle, the managing director for Helle. “We designed the Kletten as a small knife for small trips, a pocket-sized companion for simple, everyday tasks.” You'll also like: 20 Best Valet Trays for Your Favourite EDC The James Brand and Daneson Make the Toothpick an EDC Origin Handcrafted Makes an Incredible EDC Blade Buy it here The Kletten is a 3.1-inch knife that has a meager weight of just 3 ounces. By far it’s the smallest blade that Helle has ever made—even taking into consideration the two other folders that Helle has made. The knife is made with triple-laminated steel for the blade. The scales on the handle are curly birch, and offer stunning grain patterns. The blade is done in the classic Puukko shape—albeit in a size that is much smaller than you would have ever expected to see the iconic profile. The blade itself measures just 2.1 inches, and that Puukko design is reflected in its drop point shape. Helle sharpens the blade to a razor sharpness and gives it a flat-ground edge. The folder relies on a mid-lock to keep the knife open or closed. Buy it here “The outdoors always provides our inspiration, from the natural materials we use to how we create our designs,” says Jan Steffen Helle, the production manager for the Norwegian company. “Our first everyday carry knife needed to be a small yet functional design, one that stays true to our Nordic heritage and craft.” That inspiration is manifest in the Kletten, a name referencing the hill behind Helle’s offices, a hill that also represents the durability and longevity of this Nordic EDC folding knife. Buy it here You'll also like: 20 Best Valet Trays for Your Favourite EDC The James Brand and Daneson Make the Toothpick an EDC Origin Handcrafted Makes an Incredible EDC Blade