Small Vintage Horse Head Puukko Knife made by Luomanen & Kumppanit of Kauhava, Finland c1930

Here on offer is a great example of a small vintage horse head Puukko knife made by Luomanen & Kumppanit, knife makers of Kauhava, Finland, circa 1930.

The Puukko is a Finnish knife and the name lends itself to the Finnish word “puukotta,” which means “to stab/knife.” The prefix, “puu” means “wood” in Finnish. The design of the Puukko is attributed to the indigenous Sami people, who created several knives to use for day to day tasks; the Puukko was the smaller option, used to skin fish or animals. Although historical records vary, the Puukko dates back about 1000 years. Both men and women carried (and carry) Puukkos, although the sizes change depending on the person, as the Puukko handle is meant to fit the hand size of the user.

This early vintage example is a decorative version, with nickel silver fittings, including a horse head pommel and engraved ferrule.

The grip is made from a beautiful section of smooth black horn, with white flecks, that has been expertly fitted between the pommel and ferrule with thin clear red and white perspex spacers at both ends.

The polished hand forged carbon steel blade has a single cutting edge, a fuller on both surfaces and a solid hidden tang with a flat spine.

It shows signs of sharpening and greying to the finish on the blade that would probably polish up bright. The tip also shows signs of sharpening, so this knife has clearly been loved and used, during its life.

On the front of the blade, you can still just make out the etched makers’ name, which reads as:

L & K Kauhava

Made in Finland


I think this knife would have come with an ornate brown leather sheath with decorative upper and lower metal fittings.

Now it comes with a vintage hand stitched black leather pouch type sheath, that it fits perfectly into. The sheath has a slot at the top to allow it to be hung from a hook or even a button.

Luomanen & Kumppanit was a company that made knives in Kauhava, Finland, a region known for its knife-making tradition.

They were active during the period of 1922 to 1945 mainly producing traditional Finnish Puukko knives.

Their knives often featured hand-forged, stone-ground carbon steel blades, birch handles, and leather sheaths.

They are recognized for their quality craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of their Puukko knives.

The knife is a fine used example of an early vintage horse head knife and would make a great addition to any Finnish knife collection.

The knife itself measures 6” (15.3cm) long and has a 2.4” (6cm) blade.

It weighs 53g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 51763