Rare Tapio Wirkkala Designed Puukko Knife with Leather Sheath made by Oy Hackman - Finland c1961

Here on offer is a rare Tapio Wirkkala designed puukko knife with a tan leather sheath, made by Oy Hackman AB, Sorsakoski, Finland, circa 1961.

Tapio Wirkkala (2 June 1915 – 19 May 1985) was a Finnish designer who was trained as a decorative carver and sculptor. He graduated in 1936 from The Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki and in 1955 and 1956 worked for the famous American designer Raymond Lowey in New York.

He was very versatile and his work is known throughout the world, especially his glass, some of which is still in production today.

In 1961, he designed his own version of the famous Finnish puukko knife.

Wirkkala’s puukko is unique and is recognised for the shape of the handle. It is an iconic design that has been popular throughout the years and the originals, such as this mint example, are now sought after by collectors.

These knives were manufactured by Oy Hackman AB, Sorsakoski, in Finland, circa 1961.

They came in two versions, a larger version with a 4” blade and a smaller one with a 3.5” blade.

This mint example has a single edged fixed 3.5” stainless steel blade. You can still see the original blade cross graining and on one side it is etched with the details:

HACKMAN FINLAND STAINLESS
TAPIO WIRKKALA

It does now have some very light scratches towards the tip, caused by inserting and removing the knife from the sheath.

The bolster and pommel are made from shaped brass and they fit snuggly and securely to the unconventional/unique shaped, solid black nylon handle.

It comes with its original tan leather sheath that is embossed on the front with a bear paw print, the Hackman logo. Inside it has a plastic insert to guide and hold the blade. It now retains only part of the hanging loop at the top, but these are only made from twisted leather, so damage easily.

This is a great opportunity to obtain this rare puukko, that is now a classic that is appreciated and collected by knife enthusiasts and museums, such as the British Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

The blade measures 3.5” (8.9cm) long and the whole knife out of the sheath measures 7.25” (18.4cm).

With the sheath, it weighs 95g.

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.

Code: 52375