Below are pictures of my great grandfathers Toten knife. The maker was N.P.Talebakke from Toten Norway. Its really a dress knife but judging from the many sharpenings its had greatgrandad used it more than just on sundays. 

opinion pole: the metal on this except the blade, is silver. it has an even tarnish on it now. would you polish it lightly with never dull, or leave it alone. at the moment im on the fence leaning toward a light polish to bring up the silver shine. as a collecter of old stuff i do understand patina, but silver was meant to shine right or wrong? 

That's a great looking knife Michael ! you sure are lucky to be left such a great thing. Have you any idea of what age it is . 

As far as polishing is concerned I guess most folk would say don't . However if it was my knife and had belonged to my Great Grandad then there is no way that I would ever be selling it so the financial value would mean nothing.  I am a polisher by nature but even I wouldn't use any chemicals on the knife . Personally I would just try to buff it up with a clean cloth .

Michael--- Holy crap !! From what I can find out, that is an extremely valuable knife-- Do not polish !! From what little I can find out  Nils Pedersen Talebakke was a master knifermaker and engraver-- Awarded the  Kings Medal of Merit for excellence in knifemaking-- your knife is circa-1845-1931-- Having a little trouble translating Norwegian, but from what I can gather -- A VERY RARE and valuable knife-- Perhaps some of our Norwegian speaking  brethren can help find some details !!

Found some stuff here and translated with Google,

http://kniver.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/dato-2009-topp-toten-en-av-tot...

P.S-- If I am translating correctly, that is indeed silverwork and most of his knives were unsigned-- Thus, making a signed piece that much  MORE valuable !!

Michael, a beautiful knife and gift from your grandfather. I would not do anything to this one, the patina on it is a part of your history also.

Michael, now that I have stopped hyperventilating-LOL-- The collector interest lies within the Norwegian community--  Think Loveless or Scagel  in US terms--Per your pictures, no restoration is required beyond a little wiping with a soft cloth-- An amazing  discovery !!

thanks guys, by the way its my great grandfather, not grandfather. I never me t him as he died in 1929 so imguessing the knife is early 1900s. the interesting thing is he was American of Norwegian parents and i dont know where or when he got the knife. he liked nice things so im sure he got it new. still torn on the shiny, great grandpa probob

y polished it up often, to bad he was not the best sharpener. 

Here is my latest purchase, a Wood Kewel from Kolari Finland. 

thats Wood Jewel, not Kewel although i do think its cool, ha ha. 

Im not sure if this is Scandanavian or not. It has the right look, the handle is antler, birch bark washers and leather washers. The clipped tip was added by someone much later. Notice the makers stamp on the blade. Any guesses?

Michael, I can't tell from the photos--- Was the makers stamp obliterated or can any of it be read ??

John, I cant make it out. it looks like two symbols not letters to me. 

if you zoom in on it it could almost be an stylized "I K" or an " I R" . ill try to sketch what i think it is and post it in a few days. someone really went wild wth  a grinder on this one unfortunaly. 

Michael,

You have some great examples of scandi!  Your great grandfathers is amazing!

Happy Knife Year!!! 

http://youtu.be/wfxDwsSaDLQ

Watch this old video of Puukko making in Finland, very cool. 

Great video Michael, thanks.

I like the part where he puts the bark wasers on, no holes just jam them on and it it works great.

ok puukka people, anything new in scandi's? 

Im really wanting a Helle Viking, just thought I'd share that thought. its getting quiet in here, lets see some puukka  pictures

My two favourite Helle are the Utvaer and the Les Stroud designed Tamagami.  A solid mention for the Taiga as well.

I had bought two of the Vikings (to support the Longship Voyage) when I was in Norway and gave it to two of my daughters who really liked the design (which I didn't).

I would say my favorite Helle knives are pretty much all of them!

Welcome new members, show us your Scandi's. 

one of my favourites !!

Kees,

I can seriously understand that being a favorite!  Maker?

martiini  makes this superheavy knive jan, they also have some like this !!

but when i bought it is was only in pakkawood  there is a nice review on youtube !

google for martiini full tang !!

greets

sorry for the bad picture jan....:-)

great video   michael  !!   i love it

I really like that knife, its a far cry from the Martiini filet knife walmart sells. 

thats true i guess...  but dont try filleting with this one michael  LOL  oh yes a whale perhaps !!

the blade is 4 mm !!

Any new Puukkos in here? Ive been looking at antique gun shows but the dealer seem to price the old ones a bit high for me. 

My newest a Scandi Neck Knife in Damascus Blood wood scales brass guard and pins. Tapered full tang construction.

I just got this from a friend in Sweden a Karesuandoknivens

Moose Special

Ben and Chris...

Great looking knives.  There is a trend for men of action, to carry a shorter fix blade knife.  These two would be perfect for the job.  Thanks for sharing.

Very nice puukko Shlomo. 

Have any of you Scandanavian knife lover heard of P. Holmberg knives? Im intrigued because thats my wifes maiden name. If there was ever a better excuse to biy a knife let me know. lol. 

Seems Mr Holmberg made a good many barrel knives.  There is some research that mentions him here http://iknifecollector.com/group/odds-ends/forum/topics/what-s-driv...

Michael-Pontus Holmberg started his factory in 1876-The company closed in the early 1960's-More history here-http://thebladeblog-ulf.blogspot.com/2011/09/pontus-holmberg-eskils...

As stated before, they were 1 0f the3 major knife Co's from 1900-1950. Although probably best known for the barrel knives, they also produced hunting knives & even kitchen knives.Most sell these days in the $100-200 range-- Here is one I found for $139 you might like, knowing your taste in knives-LOL

WOW! Nice knives.

Thanks for the imfo Jan and John, something new (old) to search for.

As you said Michael, no better reason to be searching!

working on a new Finnish Style Puukko. Scandi Grind Traditional shaped blade and handle "rat tail" tang riveted with a brass nut at the pommel. Mammoth Ivory for the Handle with a very Traditional shape. Will post pictures when I get it all finished.

Really looking forward to seeing that Chris .

Chris,

Thank you!  Is this a mini or a full size?  I always enjoy seeing your knives!