Every so often you come across a product that so beautifully blends form and function that the two are inextricably linked. Forged on the ancient Norwegian traditions of knife making, the Helle Alden is the embodiment of that artful fusion resulting in a knife that is as elegant as it is tenacious.
On Performance and Design…
Still an important landmark for fishermen coming home from the sea, the island of Alden is situated just off the coast from where the Helle factory is located. Designed for real work in the world beyond your concrete confinements, the Alden knife is as robust, rugged and alluring as its namesake.
Unlike the plethora of “bargain” knives available, Helle’s non-laminated stainless steel blade (12C27) is imbued with a strength and edge retention of which Magni, the Norse god of strength, would be envious. To date, no fixed blade coming through our doors has offered a more enduring, razor-sharp edge than the blades forged from Helle’s triple laminated stainless steel.
The four inch blade makes this a workhorse of a knife, up to virtually any task you lay before it. It’s wide enough to give you leverage without being so wide as to compromise precision on smaller tasks. And whether you choose it for your backcountry excursions, a survival companion, or a dependable tool on the ranch, the full shank renders the Alden nigh indestructible.
Complementing these features, the Alden features distinguishing trims and treatments that set this workhorse up as a virtual piece of art. The striking design is galvanized with a substantial curly birch handle and stainless steel fittings towards the blade. Like fingerprints, the grain of the wood ensures that every handle is unique in and of itself. More importantly, the elegant build virtually melts into the palm of your hand.
When you build a brand based on craftsmanship, function and enduring quality there’s no cutting corners. That’s why the sheath of the Alden is designed to match the beauty and character of the knife it encases. As with all Helle sheaths, the included case is made of specially tanned leather, and treated with saddle grease for increased luster and durability.
Notes from the Field…
Like most Helle Knives, the Alden does not offer a full tang build. “Full tang” indicates that the blade and handle are constructed from one continuous piece of metal. This type of design not only makes the knife more robust, but is generally considered a better option for a survival/bushcraft knife as it provides the entire knife with increased strength as well as force leverage through the handle against the resistance of material being cut by the blade.
Instead, the Alden employs a stick tang. Admittedly, stick tangs are still plenty tough and fit for most tasks short of outright abuse. That being said, the balance of the knife is definitely blade biased, but in terms of field use we never considered it in any way unwieldy.
Bottom Line…
The Alden pairs elegant style with the legendary tenacity that has been the cornerstone of Helle knives for generations. Consider it your new lifelong outdoor companion.
*Gumption Gear Review received the product samples featured from Sport Hansa at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured were provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.