Among the seemingly never-ending list that is my current to-bring-camping list, I have a series of a blades that assist me in making the most of my trip, while ensuring optimum chance of survival. Why so many? Well, because there are different uses for each blade: I take a felling axe in case I need to take down a standing dead tree, a maul axe to split firewood, a heavy duty fixed blade for survival (just in case), a medium knife for cooking and odd projects, and finally a smaller knife that sits on my belt or around my ankle, for general use. This may seem a bit overboard, but when you camp as much as I like do, you realize that you can never be too prepared. Sure, weight and gear are always an issue to consider, but it is important to cover all your bases, besides I have an affinity for fine craftsmanship.
All of the above reasons have brought me to my feature today: the Mandra knife by Helle Norway. The Mandra, or more accurately, The Mândra, is a Les Stroud designed knife, measuring 69 mm at a blade thickness of 2.6 mm. You may remember Les Stroud from his television show, Survivorman; an outdoorsman and survivalist show, where Les is stranded for a week in a remote location with no gear, apart from his camera rig. He documents through experience and execution as to what it’s like to live in the wilderness, offering detailed advice on how to survive if you’re ever stranded.
Helle’s and Les’ Mandra knife is a small, lightweight blade that offers the user a quality knife in a small package, in an even lighter than expected weight class. A little about the blade itself: The blade material is a triple laminated stainless steel, and the handle is a gorgeous curly birch and vulcan fibre finish, measuring at 80 mm. The handle itself makes this knife stand out, with its lovely wood grain pattern and rich, warm color. The Mandra comes with a standard brown leather sheath, a leather strap, and a cleaning cloth, which is nice, so that you may maintain and and secure the blade appropriately.
Helle’s and Les’ Mandra knife is a small, lightweight blade that offers the user a quality knife in a small package, in an even lighter than expected weight class. A little about the blade itself: The blade material is a triple laminated stainless steel, and the handle is a gorgeous curly birch and vulcan fibre finish, measuring at 80 mm. The handle itself makes this knife stand out, with its lovely wood grain pattern and rich, warm color. The Mandra comes with a standard brown leather sheath, a leather strap, and a cleaning cloth, which is nice, so that you may maintain and and secure the blade appropriately.
All in all, I came away impressed with the little Mandra knife, because it really is very lightweight, sitting almost weightless on my hip, but also because it’s eye-catching and useful for majority of small projects that I run into when I’m abroad. The style of the wood handle makes this model attractive as it is, but when you consider how many small projects a tiny knife can handle, without becoming a burden of weight, nor for a burden of price, I think it’s a solid choice. The Mandra holds in three fingers, and while it is smaller, it gives you enough control for most basic projects, as I’ve said, but if you need to skin or work with more precision, I might suggest a more full-handed knife. But overall, I think the Mandra is a perfect candidate for general camping and survival use.
If you would like to find out more about Helle, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
If you would like to find out more about Helle, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
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