The Spire knife is small and has a blunt tip, but it still has a point to make. The Spire embodies all the classic features of a full-grown knife in a small package. Designed with the intention to be used by a new generation of outdoorsmen and women. This knife quickly became a favorite in the Helle design team for it functionality and EDC (every day carry) size.
The well-proportioned handle is shaped to fit smaller hands as a full grip, and at the same time it works really well as a three finger grip for grown-ups. So, in the end it became a small and sturdy knife suitable for beginners, (and kids – when accompanied by grown-ups) and at the same time a real knife that you can enjoy and grow with.
The Spire has 12C27 Sandvik steel scandi grind blade with a blunt tip for safety reasons, suitable for a beginner. Yet it became a favorite within the test team as a tool to have around all day.
Helle's thoughts on creating this knife
'When we started the development of the Spire and Gro knives, our focus was to make a group of knives for a younger generation. A knife we use when passing the knowledge on how to use a knife to our children as their first tools, and none of our kids wanted a “kid’s knife”, so it had to be the real thing.
As the old saying goes, "To learn to use a tool, you need a proper tool to work with". Knives are no exception, and learning to know something is best done through interaction. Our two new knives – Gro and Spire – take these simple realizations seriously.
We believe that teaching and learning about nature and live in tune with it is extremely important. Letting kids use a knife is for some controversial and may feel scary. Learning to use knives for what they are intended to be used for is part of our tradition and will remain so. Learning to use a tool should always be done with supervision.
The two sibling knives are similar in material, quality and straight forward design. They differ in size and quickly became a favorite project in the design team for its small package and usability. Functional for all size hands, small or big, young or old, and the bigger knife for bigger tasks. Both equally useful and a great set of knives for anyone who wants to be introduced to the joy of using a proper tool in the outdoors.
MaintenanceHelle knives are designed to retain their sharpness as a lifelong outdoors companion. But it is still important to take care of your knife and its sheath.
The Handle. Dry the handle with a soft cloth if wet and wax occasionally.
The Sheath. The leather needs to be impregnated occasionally with colourless
impregnation agent (grease or wax) to keep supple. Dry the sheath
carefully in room temperature if it becomes wet.
The Blade. Wipe the blade with a soft cloth if wet and treat with grease occasionally.
Sharpening
Use a diamond tool or a wet stone for sharpening. Place the knife bevel flat to the sharpening tool and work the entire blade. Work one side until you can feel a slight burr on the opposite side. Switch side and repeat the procedure until you feel the burr on the first side. You have now established an edge.
Remove the burr by stroking the blade gently over the sharpening surface on both sides, as if cutting very thin slices. Keep the bevel flat towards the sharpener and move from side to side until the burr is gone.
If the blade is very dull or damaged, use a fine-grained grindstone and plenty of water and sharpen until you have a raw edge. Use much cooling liquid and never sharpen on a dry stone. A hot-ground edge looses its heat treatment and ruins the blade.