Production Scandis- Comparison - Roselli & Helle

[Hillbille]

Hey Gang, Frequent viewer/lurker with a question on some of the knives from across the pond. I posted this on another forum but have not received any response. I know there are some actual users of these knives on this forum and I would appreciate all feedback on this comparison.

I would like to compare the Roselli Grandfather's knife to the Helle Trofe. The knife would be used (1)in the Home / in the Kitchen (2)on Nature Rambles (3)light Farm work. I take excellent care of my knives and do not mind cleaning/sharpening them often.

Without having ever owned either of these knives I will list my Pros and Cons from an appearance/style standpoint;

Roselli Grandfather Knife
Pro
- Great Worldwide Reputation
- Good Steel - excellent Heat Treat
- Unfinished Upper portion of the blade (rustic look)
- Very sharp point (for fine work)
- Partial Curly Birch Wooden Sheath
- Reindeer Fur attachment

Con
- Shorter blade Length
- Nontraditional blade Shape
- Less Guard on Handle (though I suppose a person could customize/grind more of a guard after the purchase)
- I have read some reviews that Rosellis are not as finely finished as they could be (rough/uneven grinds, etc)
- Price - around $100USD


Helle Trofe
Pro
- Laminated Blade steel (I have read many good things about Laminated steel)
- Good universal blade shape
- Attractive Handle material combination
- Brass Stud on Butt to secure knife to the Sheath
- Price - around $80USD

Cons
- More Rounded tip - less of a sharp point
- Thin leather on the sheath


I would like to hear from anyone that owns both or either of these fine blades, likes and dislikes.

Thanks in advance.

[fastbreak]

I have the Trofe and have used the Roselli Uncle blade which is very similar to the Grandfather in one of my own knioves. They are very different knives indeed. The Trofe I bought in a sale (internet shop). The Trofe I received was finished very poorly indeed. The finger groove was just crudely cut in with a sanding wheel and the whole handle was very rough. Incidentally while the knife looked alright from the side, (apart from the finger groove) from the back, a large area of marrow was visible in the back antler section by the rivet screw. The front antler piece by the blade was very marrowish too. I wouldn't have used either of these antler pieces for the front or back of a handle in one of my own knives. I completely refinished the handle with a sanding belt and finished it by hand, filled the marrow with superglue and oiled the handle. Only an hour or so of work, but it would be a lot more than that if you don't make knives yourself; the marrow is still ugly. If you do buy one, you would have to fill the marrow with superglue for hygiene sake. The blade of the Trofe is high quality stainless steel but has a relatively high angle grind from a rather small wheel, so the bevel is very hollow. I am not sure of the exact edge ange because of this hollow grind, but it is in excess of 25 degrees inclusive angle. It is completely unsuited to carving wood, or for general camp use in my opinion. But then the Trofe is a hunting knife and is marketed as such, though most people would probably prefer a little more belly in a pure hunting knife. Most of the blade is very straight indeed. When I get round to it I will probably regrind the edge of my Trofe to give it a more conventional Scandinavian grind.

The Roselli blade is much more suitable for general use in my opinion. The edge angle (included angle) is about 15 degrees, which is ideal for woodcarving and general work. Unless you do carve wood though, this blade might benefit from a small honing bevel to strengthen the edge for general use around the house and farm. The Roselli blades are rather wider than necessary for me, but this isn't a problem in use. I can't comment on the finish of the Roselli knife of course, I just bought the blade.

As a general use knife, I would definitely go for the Roselli myself.

I hope this helps.

Have fun

Mike

[Hillbille]

THANKS very much for your candid reviews. The information is very helpful.

[TLM]

My sons grandfather has the Roselli "Grandfather", I sometimes loan it and sharpen it. It was not very well sharpened when he got it. It took awhile to redo it. Ever since it has kept the edge fairly well on the general use it has been on. I like the handle for wood work. The original finish was -as seems to be general- not very good, I even know one shop here that does not carry Roselli's just for uneven finish.

TLM