Helle Knives (Holmedal)
Helle Knives: knife production in Holmedal since 1932
Helle Knives was founded in Holmedal in 1932 by brothers Steinar and Sigmund Helle. This is the knife business in Askvoll, not a similarly named jewellery workshop. Distinguish the company from any individual who may have fitted a replacement handle or sheath.
From utility knives to cutlery and outdoor knives
Askvoll municipality’s industrial history describes the move to the former Flora factory in 1943 and the start of table-knife production in 1948. The history therefore extends beyond outdoor knives. Kringom records the merger of S & S Helle Knivfabrikk and Stangfjord Staal into A/S Helle Fabrikker in 1966.
Helle-marked cutlery and a sheath knife can consequently belong to different product lines and periods. The founding year is not the manufacturing date of every object.
Fjording as a historical model
Kringom illustrates model no. 50, Fjording, describing it as a bestseller in the 1970s and 1980s. This supplies a documented model name and historical context for further investigation. It does not date every knife with a similar outline to those decades.
Catalogues and materials
Helle describes its own catalogues from the 1930s as illustrated with drawings rather than photographs. Its catalogue history connects later growth in outdoor knives with laminated three-layer stainless steel. Check such material information for the particular model and period rather than applying it to everything bearing the Helle name.
A dated catalogue illustration can help compare blade shape, handle, fittings and sheath. The publication date shows that the model was documented then; it is not necessarily its introduction date or the manufacturing year of the example being examined.
Identification and condition
Our practical advice is to photograph both blade faces and distinguish inscriptions on the knife from those found only on its sheath. Compare dimensions and profile before confirming a model. An original blade may have a later handle.
Record regrinding, shortening, corrosion pits, looseness and visible repairs in a condition report. Retain old receipts and modification records in the ownership history. A model name alone does not establish collector value.
Next step
Browse OBA’s knives and compare the stated maker, model and condition of the individual item.
Sources
Helle: grunnleggerne; Askvoll kommune: industrihistorie; Kringom: Helle fabrikker; Helle: kataloghistorie.
