Nordklinge Knives

The production of Nordklinge knives

Nordklinge knives are handmade in Finland by an award-winning blacksmith (whose emblem is exclusively found on the blade). The refinement of the knives with "extra sharpening" is done in Germany by the Kubesch sharpening workshop in Fulda, a master craftsman business with a long tradition. For the Nordklinge brand, the unusual combination of Finnish blacksmithing and German quality work is a successful synthesis that the company is proud of. Henrik Terschüren also values fair treatment of manufacturing partners, as he envisions the name Nordklinge to represent not only exceptional knives, but also sustainable top craftsmanship from the EU.

The suitability of Nordklinge knives

The blade silhouette of the "Vankkas" is based on traditional forms and is inspired by both European and Asian styles, resulting in true all-rounders. These all-purpose kitchen knives are suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks. The wide blade allows for safe and comfortable cutting, whether it's raw or cooked meat or delicate fish. Vegetables can be easily chopped with it, and the pointed shape of the knife blade is useful for opening and coring peppers, for example. However, at least the knives in the "extra sharpening" category have one weakness: Although Nordklinge knives may resemble cleavers, they are not intended for chopping - such as bones - and the blade would suffer irreparable damage. Frozen foods and woody herb stems are also off-limits for a Vankka with extra sharpening.

Nordic Blade - The Material

The Blade

The knife blades are made of Uddeholm STR carbon steel, one of the best European blade steels. It is a fine steel with high hardness (= HRC 58) and excellent cutting properties, similar to Japanese blue paper steel, whose quality is highly valued not only in Japan, but worldwide. The dark color in the upper part of the blade is a natural coloring: the so-called forge skin - also called rolling skin - which is created during the blade forming process by pressure and heat.

The advantages of the steel used: knives made of carbon steel achieve an extreme sharpness and have a high service life, meaning the blade stays sharp for a long time. However, carbon steel is susceptible to rust and tarnishing with staining, as carbon steel oxidizes under the influence of water and acids - unlike stainless steels. Proper and consistent care prevents this. It is important: do not leave knives wet or damp after use! Rinse under running water after cutting and DRY. Also in between. We also recommend treating the knives with camellia oil. Nordklinge has the Sinensis camellia oil from Dictum in the program - also available here in the Butch Shop.

You think all of this sounds a bit laborious? In our opinion, knife care has a spiritual aspect and with some practice becomes a habit. As a reward, you will have long-lasting joy with your Nordklinge knife.

As was customary in the past, carbon steels are still used in Japan today for the production of knives and are very popular. The care requirements are known - this is part of an old tradition there and is not seen as a disadvantage. Even today, China, Japan, and Vietnam remain true to traditional production and like to use knives made of carbon steel.

The Handle

The ergonomically shaped handle of each "Vankkas" consists of solid Karelian masur birch. This wood only grows in eastern Finland and adjacent Russia and has been a highly valued material for knife and tool handles since ancient times. Masur birch is botanically called a special, abnormal growth of a birch, which is rare. The trunk only increases in circumference by a few millimeters each year. Therefore, this type of wood is characterized by high hardness and long durability. In addition, this type of birch has a beautiful grain and fits very well as a handle with the original effect of the blades.

Nordklinge - the knives

Nordklinge Vankka Pieni

The “Vankka Pieni” is an all-rounder. A true multi-purpose knife and excellent for cutting meat, fish, and vegetables. “Pieni” is Finnish for “small”.

Nordklinge Vankka Suuri

The “Vankka Suuri” is particularly suitable for cleaning and weighing herbs and cutting vegetables. With a “Suuri”, very fine cuts are possible with vegetables. It is practical that the cut food can be picked up with the wide blade and placed directly in the pan. And you have probably already guessed it: Finnish “Suuri” means “big”.

Nordklinge Vankka Tasku

The “Vankka Tasku” from Nordklinge is a small all-purpose knife. Whether at home in the kitchen or on the go - protected in the appropriate leather case - as a snack, mushroom, or outdoor knife: The Tasku is a practical and attractive companion. “Tasku” means “pocket” in Finland, derived from its use as a pocket knife.

Nordklinge - the versions

With the Vankka Pieni and Vankka Suuri (*) knives, the following versions are available:
- Original grind & forged skin
- Extra grind & forged skin
- Extra grind & sandblasted
- Extra grind & satin finish

* The Vankka Tasku is only available in the “Original grind & forged skin” version.

Original grind

In the “Original grind” version, the Nordklinge knife comes directly from Finland. The blade is slightly convex ground - this makes the edge more robust than with the extra ground knives. A so-called convex blade shape can be found, for example, on axes. The cross-section of a blade with a convex grind is more reminiscent of a U, while a flat grind represents a V. With the Original grind knives - but only with these! - even thin bones, gristle, and slightly woody herbs can be cut without danger to the blade.

Forge Skin

The black surface on the blade is called forge skin, or rolling skin. It naturally forms during the rolling process. This layer consists of various iron oxides and protects the underlying steel from external influences. The Nordklinge knives with forge skin get their characteristic vintage look from this discoloration.

Extra Grinding

In the "Extra Grinding" version, the blade receives its finish from the German master workshop Kubesch in Fulda. The roots of the Kubesch knife forge date back to 1930. Today, the forge, grinding shop, and sharpening service stand for high craftsmanship and considerable expertise in metalworking. At Jens Kubesch, the Nordklinge knives are expertly sharpened, making them more effective than the "Original Grinding" variant. The cutting material can be divided with little effort. The blade of these knives becomes thinner through sharpening. Therefore, as already explained, bones, woody herbs, and frozen foods should not be processed with the "Extra Grinding" knives.

Extra Grinding & Sandblasted

Extra Grinding: see above

Sandblasted:
The gray color of the blade surface comes from sandblasting. During the sandblasting process, the forge skin is removed by the bombardment with fine glass beads. This technique polishes, satinizes, and compacts the blade in one step.

Extra Grinding & Satinized

Extra Grinding: see above

Satinized:
The forge skin is sanded off, and the shiny steel is exposed. The surface of the treated blades is absolutely smooth.

Our Butch Statement on the Nordklinge Brand:

If you're looking for a knife that doesn't show any visible manufacturing marks, looks snazzy, and requires zero maintenance, then you're definitely wrong with Nordklinge! The products of the Nordklinge brand reflect the country they come from. These knives are genuine, honest, and unpretentious. They are not everybody's darling and don't want to be. No invented marketing story, no superlatives. Why bother? Arrogance is foreign to them, as is perfectionism. These knives are real characters, unadapted and super sharp. They give the impression that you could survive in the vast Finnish forests thanks to them.
Yes. We admit it. We at Butch appreciate these straightforward knives. They are simply: "Hyvä asia" - a good thing …