Tradition & ‘Magic’: Finnish Puukko Knives

Season 3 Episode 34

I discuss the traditional Finnish Puukko knife with Ethnologist and Bushcraft champion, Marcus Lepola. We talk about it’s importance in the history of  violence, love & marriage, and everyday life in Finland.

Download an MP3 of Tradition & ‘Magic’: Finnish Puukko Knives

Video of Marcus’ victory in the Bow Drill Competition | Bushcraft Festival 2016

Finnish words

• Pargas – Marcus’ hometown near Turku in Southern Finland
• Riitapukari – a troublemaker
• Vörå / Vöyri – Town near Vaasa
• Vaari – Grandad
• Vihta / Vasta – birch whisk used in a sauna
• Puukko junkkari – youthful troublemakers who would fight with puukko knives

Links

• Podcast episodes mentioned
  • The History of Emigration from Finland
  • Reconstructing Finland’s Emigrant History
• Marcus’ blog http://northernwildernesskills.blogspot.fi/
• Marcus’ YouTube channel ‘Skäri’ https://www.youtube.com/user/mlepola1

Next episiode – The Mysterious Stables of Sankta Maria Church