CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

Like the Dokka and Bleja before it, Helle’s “Kletten” is an over-built workhorse – ready to impress, just on a smaller scale. Like its aforementioned siblings, the Kletten features curly birch handle scales, 1/16” stainless steel liners, and a triple laminate, drop point blade with a Scandi grind.

EASE OF USE

For a knife that is only 5.25” long – that boasts a 2.125” blade – the Kletten is incredibly easy to use and manipulate for all kinds of work. Where I would prefer it had a thumb stud for easy opening, and a pocket clip or sheath for easy carry, that doesn’t detract from how it performs when it’s put to work. 

STEEL QUALITY/EDGE RETENTION

Helle’s triple laminate stainless steel (12C27MoV) holds an incredible edge and is highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion. Helle is a big fan of drop point style blades with Scandi grinds, which you’ll find make easy work of tedious chores – like feathering sticks, and harvesting crumbling heartwood for prepping a fire.

DURABILITY

Helle is known for their fixed blades, so it makes sense that they beef up the build and hardware on their folders so they can be used and abused like fixies. A knife this size, with handle scales this thick, doesn’t require stainless steel liners – but they’re here on the Kletten, and when coupled with the robust lock back mechanism and equally stout blade, you’re left with a knife looking to be knocked around.