Øyo (Brødrene Øyo)

Øyo: from scythe forging at Geilo to knives and tools

Øyo, formerly known as Brødrene Øyo, is associated with Geilo’s smithing and toolmaking history. The business began with Knut Øyo’s smithy in 1882. The later limited company was formally established in 1957. These dates concern different historical stages and should not be used interchangeably.

Axes, knives and a wider tool range

The manufacturer’s history dates axe production to 1927 and the introduction of stainless working knives, including sheath knives, to 1939. This does not mean that every Øyo knife dates to 1939 or that every older knife with an Øyo blade is a complete factory model.

The Øyo name also occurs on cutlery and other tools. Identify the specific object type and markings rather than transferring axe information to a knife.

A documented recent knife example

Jakt & Fiske examined Finnskogen in a test published in 2021. That example had an 11 cm blade, a rubberised plastic handle and a green leather sheath. This is a dated example of a recent model, not specifications automatically applicable to older Øyo knives or later variants. The test’s price and score are not used as a current valuation.

Norwegian brand and actual manufacturing place

The manufacturer states that tools are no longer produced at Geilo. A Norwegian brand name therefore does not document the country of manufacture for every period. State a specific manufacturing place only when supported by marks or relevant product documentation.

Documenting a used knife

Our practical advice: photograph both sides of the blade, the complete handle and sheath. Transcribe stamps exactly. Distinguish the blade manufacturer from anyone who may have fitted a replacement handle or sheath. Compare blade profile and dimensions with model documentation; do not date an object simply by an “old-fashioned” shape.

Record shortened or reground blades, corrosion pits, looseness and visible repairs in a condition report. Separate family recollections from receipt-supported information in the ownership history. Preserve marks instead of polishing them away.

Next step

Browse OBA’s knives. Assess maker, model, originality and condition together before suggesting a specific collector value.

Sources

Øyo: virksomhetens historie; Brønnøysundregistrene: Øyo AS; Store norske leksikon: Øyo; Jakt & Fiske: testeksemplar av Finnskogen.