Hi there, that was a really hard test ! I have 2 Marttiini Leukus a 295 double and a 250, both knives the blade came loose during chopping and batoning (not extreme), the blade of the 250 fell right out of the handle on the second day of use :-( The rivets did not hold. I repaired them with epoxy. Warranty of Marttiini factory was great, they send me new knife ! But because of this experience, I have bought a Stromeng KS8-F , the same as yours, but with a black blade and a fingerguard for safety, it is a fine knife, suitable for hard use. Also I have the Stromeng KS7, which is more lightweigth, only about 300 grams including sheath, I like that knife too, it is easy to carry in the backpack, because it is smaller and lighter. The KS7 is a "womens and childrens knife" for the Sami people, so the handle is also a bit thinner, so for large hands it will not fit so good (try the feeling of the handle before you buy it !). When using the Stromeng knives, do not forget to oil them after use, they are not stainless ! In very wet environment, I would choose a Helle Lappland, or a Jarvenpaä stainless leuku, or the Marttinii 250 / 255 (with good rivets ;-) Thanks for your test, greetings from the Netherlands.
Just wanted to thank someone for actually doing a solid review for a change. I'm SO damn tired of people getting a new knife and doing a "review" that consists of basically zero viable information. Love your channel, outlook, and sense of taste buddy. Did you end up getting rid of this? Curious how this stromeng stacks up to the old school fatties like that Pasi (or a YP/Roselli). I'm with you on the edge retention. Heat treat (and edge geo) is king regardless of the steel. My 8 inch Erapuu has a shockingly uncomfortable pommel. The only thing I can deduce is perhaps they didn't design it for choking down, but more as a slip guard for your palm when wrist flicking in a pinch grip. I'd like to take my Erapuu leuku thinner (shorten the micro) so it can do fine work like this stromeng.. But I'm worried it won't hold up. Btw, Lamnia linked to this video as part of the sales pitch for their stromeng offerings.. Congrats..lol
Thanks for taking the time, I appreciate the kind words! I did end up selling the Stromeng, but I do often regret it and have considered picking another one up on more than one occasion. I've just largely moved over to a hatchet, saw and puukko / small knife tool set lately. Just works better where I live. The Stromeng would be my choice for a thinner blade in this style, when compared against the similar thickness leukus using Lauri blades (such as Erapuu, Wood Jewel, Kauhavan Puukkopaja, etc), but it doesn't really compare to the thicker (traditional) Finnish leukus, like most customs (including my Hurttila), a YP or a Roselli. It's just apples to oranges, IMO. Despite very similar designs, the extra weight and thickness makes for blades which perform very differently. Your Erapuu is made with a Lauri blade, which is 80CrV2. I personally recommend taking that secondary right out, and turn the bevel into a nice convex. You'll see a massive increase in performance, and it shouldn't be much more prone to damage, but will certainly hold up to normal use.
First off, I love your videos! So much bullshit out there to sift through.. Thank god there is a reasonable chap out here ;) I would love love love to know how the Pasi Leuku compares to the Stromeng (thicker stock vs 1/8). The old school thicker stock options are limited to YP and Roselli and I'm curious if a 1/8 stromeng 9 would get reasonably close in use..
One of the better video's on the Leuku, ever since I seen my first video that a Leuku was mentioned I knew I wanted one, I do like my knives so I was always buying knives finally I pulled the trigger on my Leuku I bought (3) the KS-9, KS-5, and the Buhku STAK, I do have to agree Stromeng makes a great Leuku but having other knives and almost all of them are Full Tang I wonder how long I could baton with my Leuku before it breaks, although I haven't seen or heard of any failures, I do like using Traditional Tool's but then the people that use Leuku's claim they use an axe or hatchet's to split wood, and here your batoning with yours, that's why I think your video is so good, aren't you worried of breaking that stick tang, almost all my knives are heavier full tang knives even my Traditional Khukuris, I know any knife can break but it seemed you trusted your KS-8, I went with the KS-9 for my chopper and no regrets it does chop good. Thanx for a great review, hope to see more with your Leuku.
paulie 4x Thank you for the kind words. Most of my blades are full tang as well, but I am quite partial to traditional Finnish blades, so I do have a fair amount of experience using knives with stick tangs. If a blade with a hidden tang is made correctly, I have absolutely no doubt it will be very tough. This leuku is perfectly suited to what I do most - chopping down, limbing and sectioning saplings under 2" in diameter. On top of this, it is beyond strong enough to endure fire prep including batoning. If this knife were to fail, I truly believe the handle would fail before the blade or tang, and the construction of the handle is very solid. European swords and modern kukris use hidden tangs, and they both endure intense forces. It's all to do with how the blade is made, and the proper construction of the handle. Get those two correct, and you will have a very tough blade on your hands.
I have a theory can it be that the Northern Colder Countries the wood is not as hard as the North American Woods and perhaps the Stick Tang's can be used, but my question is how long will a Stick Tang last by batoning on it, I hear alot of TH-cam say they don't trust a stick tang and that failure is possible that's why I think your video is great, probably the best I've seen and it defenetly eased my mind, but,,,,
Hi, have you ever use Stromeng ks9? I want to buy Stromeng and cant decide between ks8 and ks9. I ask because I want to know if there is big difference in performance between those two models, mainly in chopping. Is ks9 a way better chopper, or is comparable with ks8? Thanks
Sorry for the delayed reply! I've never used the KS9, but I can tell you without doubt it will be a better chopper. Comparable, yes, but better nonetheless.
Reno Lewis Thanks for answer. I'm still not resolved which one to buy. On Lamnia.com they have both but its hard decision, because I never handle neither of them. I want it mainly for chopping and from that point of view KS9 is better, but I worry a little, if it will not be unwieldy in another use because of longer blade. Play that extra 2,5cm/1inch in blade lenght a role from the perspective of usability by you opinion and experience? Thanks again.
Pavel Kvak , , , Pavel, Lars Munson used the Stromeng KS-9 when he crossed Canada, You can see the video on TH-cam, He vlraned fish, cleaned game and made firewood. It is a Stick Tang, But when properly tempered and the Stromeng's are, Infact I have the Stromeng KS-9, KS-5, and the Bhuku STAK. They are my Traditional Set, and even though the wood where I live is harder than the European wood such as the bBirch and Pines because of our weather and growing season, I find my KS-9 is a better choice for me because I do chop with mine alot. If I just batoned I don't think a inch would make that much of difference, But then a shorter blade you control better, But in my case since I multi carry, I'm glad I have the Stromeng KS-9. ,, .
Depends on the specific grade of each type of steel and the quality of heat treat. Generally speaking, carbon makes a better cutlery steel, but that's not to say stainless isn't good. Even 440 with a good heat treat will preform better than the best carbon steel with a poor heat treat.
I have had one for decades now, now I know why I have never felt the need to replace it. Thx Reno :)
Hi there, that was a really hard test ! I have 2 Marttiini Leukus a 295 double and a 250, both knives the blade came loose during chopping and batoning (not extreme), the blade of the 250 fell right out of the handle on the second day of use :-( The rivets did not hold. I repaired them with epoxy. Warranty of Marttiini factory was great, they send me new knife ! But because of this experience, I have bought a Stromeng KS8-F , the same as yours, but with a black blade and a fingerguard for safety, it is a fine knife, suitable for hard use. Also I have the Stromeng KS7, which is more lightweigth, only about 300 grams including sheath, I like that knife too, it is easy to carry in the backpack, because it is smaller and lighter.
The KS7 is a "womens and childrens knife" for the Sami people, so the handle is also a bit thinner, so for large hands it will not fit so good (try the feeling of the handle before you buy it !).
When using the Stromeng knives, do not forget to oil them after use, they are not stainless !
In very wet environment, I would choose a Helle Lappland, or a Jarvenpaä stainless leuku, or the Marttinii 250 / 255 (with good rivets ;-)
Thanks for your test, greetings from the Netherlands.
Just wanted to thank someone for actually doing a solid review for a change. I'm SO damn tired of people getting a new knife and doing a "review" that consists of basically zero viable information. Love your channel, outlook, and sense of taste buddy. Did you end up getting rid of this? Curious how this stromeng stacks up to the old school fatties like that Pasi (or a YP/Roselli).
I'm with you on the edge retention. Heat treat (and edge geo) is king regardless of the steel.
My 8 inch Erapuu has a shockingly uncomfortable pommel. The only thing I can deduce is perhaps they didn't design it for choking down, but more as a slip guard for your palm when wrist flicking in a pinch grip.
I'd like to take my Erapuu leuku thinner (shorten the micro) so it can do fine work like this stromeng.. But I'm worried it won't hold up.
Btw, Lamnia linked to this video as part of the sales pitch for their stromeng offerings.. Congrats..lol
Thanks for taking the time, I appreciate the kind words!
I did end up selling the Stromeng, but I do often regret it and have considered picking another one up on more than one occasion. I've just largely moved over to a hatchet, saw and puukko / small knife tool set lately. Just works better where I live.
The Stromeng would be my choice for a thinner blade in this style, when compared against the similar thickness leukus using Lauri blades (such as Erapuu, Wood Jewel, Kauhavan Puukkopaja, etc), but it doesn't really compare to the thicker (traditional) Finnish leukus, like most customs (including my Hurttila), a YP or a Roselli. It's just apples to oranges, IMO. Despite very similar designs, the extra weight and thickness makes for blades which perform very differently.
Your Erapuu is made with a Lauri blade, which is 80CrV2. I personally recommend taking that secondary right out, and turn the bevel into a nice convex. You'll see a massive increase in performance, and it shouldn't be much more prone to damage, but will certainly hold up to normal use.
Yeah I hate tabletops so pointless.
First off, I love your videos! So much bullshit out there to sift through.. Thank god there is a reasonable chap out here ;) I would love love love to know how the Pasi Leuku compares to the Stromeng (thicker stock vs 1/8). The old school thicker stock options are limited to YP and Roselli and I'm curious if a 1/8 stromeng 9 would get reasonably close in use..
Hmm what's the degrees per side on the bevel? Looks like a rather heavy grind.
One of the better video's on the Leuku, ever since I seen my first video that a Leuku was mentioned I knew I wanted one, I do like my knives so I was always buying knives finally I pulled the trigger on my Leuku I bought (3) the KS-9, KS-5, and the Buhku STAK, I do have to agree Stromeng makes a great Leuku but having other knives and almost all of them are Full Tang I wonder how long I could baton with my Leuku before it breaks, although I haven't seen or heard of any failures, I do like using Traditional Tool's but then the people that use Leuku's claim they use an axe or hatchet's to split wood, and here your batoning with yours, that's why I think your video is so good, aren't you worried of breaking that stick tang, almost all my knives are heavier full tang knives even my Traditional Khukuris, I know any knife can break but it seemed you trusted your KS-8, I went with the KS-9 for my chopper and no regrets it does chop good. Thanx for a great review, hope to see more with your Leuku.
paulie 4x Thank you for the kind words. Most of my blades are full tang as well, but I am quite partial to traditional Finnish blades, so I do have a fair amount of experience using knives with stick tangs. If a blade with a hidden tang is made correctly, I have absolutely no doubt it will be very tough. This leuku is perfectly suited to what I do most - chopping down, limbing and sectioning saplings under 2" in diameter. On top of this, it is beyond strong enough to endure fire prep including batoning. If this knife were to fail, I truly believe the handle would fail before the blade or tang, and the construction of the handle is very solid. European swords and modern kukris use hidden tangs, and they both endure intense forces. It's all to do with how the blade is made, and the proper construction of the handle. Get those two correct, and you will have a very tough blade on your hands.
Thank You so much for your reply, you defenetly made me feel good about my 3 Stromeng's. Thanx
Reno Lewis strømeng is norwegian
alex82 Indeed it is.
I have a theory can it be that the Northern Colder Countries the wood is not as hard as the North American Woods and perhaps the Stick Tang's can be used, but my question is how long will a Stick Tang last by batoning on it, I hear alot of TH-cam say they don't trust a stick tang and that failure is possible that's why I think your video is great, probably the best I've seen and it defenetly eased my mind, but,,,,
WOW!
Hi, have you ever use Stromeng ks9? I want to buy Stromeng and cant decide between ks8 and ks9. I ask because I want to know if there is big difference in performance between those two models, mainly in chopping. Is ks9 a way better chopper, or is comparable with ks8? Thanks
Sorry for the delayed reply! I've never used the KS9, but I can tell you without doubt it will be a better chopper. Comparable, yes, but better nonetheless.
Reno Lewis Thanks for answer. I'm still not resolved which one to buy. On Lamnia.com they have both but its hard decision, because I never handle neither of them. I want it mainly for chopping and from that point of view KS9 is better, but I worry a little, if it will not be unwieldy in another use because of longer blade. Play that extra 2,5cm/1inch in blade lenght a role from the perspective of usability by you opinion and experience? Thanks again.
Pavel Kvak , , , Pavel, Lars Munson used the Stromeng KS-9 when he crossed Canada, You can see the video on TH-cam, He vlraned fish, cleaned game and made firewood. It is a Stick Tang, But when properly tempered and the Stromeng's are, Infact I have the Stromeng KS-9, KS-5, and the Bhuku STAK. They are my Traditional Set, and even though the wood where I live is harder than the European wood such as the bBirch and Pines because of our weather and growing season, I find my KS-9 is a better choice for me because I do chop with mine alot. If I just batoned I don't think a inch would make that much of difference, But then a shorter blade you control better, But in my case since I multi carry, I'm glad I have the Stromeng KS-9. ,, .
Hi, do you have a link to that video please
@@livinghearth9720
Here you go:
th-cam.com/video/1HoHfqgyia8/w-d-xo.html
Can you do a sharpening video.
Thanks
Roland Silva Anything specific you'd like me to cover?
Hi. The thickness ?
Exactly 3mm.
Carbon or stainless, and thanks for the good video
Depends on the specific grade of each type of steel and the quality of heat treat. Generally speaking, carbon makes a better cutlery steel, but that's not to say stainless isn't good. Even 440 with a good heat treat will preform better than the best carbon steel with a poor heat treat.
+Reno Lewis The knife in the video, is it carbon steel, thanks.
+dannyrybeck My apologies sir, I misunderstood you (been up for 38 hours). It is carbon.
+Reno Lewis no problem, why up so long.
+dannyrybeck SAR call out last night around midnight.
hay press down on the brass thats on the sheath when you take out the knife otherwise the knife will cut the sheath
Im only subscribing because im dont have much subs like u
🤮