The shape of the 632 Myra is a classic Helle design. With a 10cm handle and a 7,2cm blade, it is not a big knife, but the ergonomic shape of the handle and sturdiness and sharpness of the traditional three-layer Helle laminated steel means that it performs the basic functions of a Nordic knife particularly well: carving, slicing and cutting comes naturally for Myra.
The composite handle and sheath brings a modern flair to the design. The handle combines Helle’s signature curly birch with a layer of red leather and darkened oak. The leather is matched by the red stitching which makes the brown leather sheath stand out among its Helle peers.
Homage to past in year of transition
The story behind the knife is all about the timing. 2019 is a year of change at Helle. Former Director Torodd Helle is stepping down, and a new generation Helle is taking over. It is therefore a time to look back as well as forward. This year´s limited edition knife has been developed under the close supervision of Torodd as well as the new leadership team. “632 Myra brings together much of what Helle has developed into during my 40 years with the company – the traditional Nordic design emboldened by modern details from the new generation,” Torodd comments.
The name 632 Myra is also not a coincidence. The 2019 limited edition knife is the only current Helle knife that has the model number inscribed on the blade. 32 is an important number for Helle, given that it was the year Steinar and Sigmund started their work. And “Myra” is the local nickname for the farm where Steinar and Sigmund grew up – and where outgoing director Torodd lives today. “Myra was where it all started,” Torodd explains. “At the time there was no electricity in Holmedal, so Steinar and Sigmund would work when it rained, powering their grinding wheel with water from the local stream.” Though electrification and new markets made it possible for Helle to move to a larger factory in the 1940s, many of the principles of production that Helle work after today can be found in Myra. It is therefore fitting to honor the location with a knife.
The first in an annual series of special edition knives
Helle has only produced 1000 copies of the Myra. These 1000 copies have been taken up by our distributors and retailers in Norway, USA, Canada, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Finland, Holland, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia and South Africa. Please contact the Helle distributor in your country for more information on how you can acquire these rare items.
Producing a limited edition Helle knife is something that Helle will do annually from this year onwards. These Helle LE knives will be remakes Helle models, twists on current designs or particular models made for particular occasions. 632 Myra is a bit of both the first and last.