Helle Didi Galgalu 14C28N Bushcraft Knife | Curly Birch & Full Tang

The Experience

The Helle Didi Galgalu 14C28N Bushcraft Knife carries the spirit of a transcontinental African expedition in a distinctly Scandinavian field tool. Developed with South Africa’s Voetspore overlanding team, its prototypes were tested across the African wilderness and refined beside the campfire before the finished knife took its name from northern Kenya’s Didi Galgalu Desert.

Its 5.17-inch blade provides the working reach needed for camp preparation, controlled carving, firecraft, and demanding backcountry chores without becoming cumbersome in hand. A contoured curly birch handle adds warmth and individual character, while the full tang construction and 14C28N stainless steel blade give this expedition-inspired knife the strength and edge stability expected from a dependable bushcraft companion.

Scientific Engineering

• Alleima 14C28N Stainless Steel: Combines corrosion resistance, edge stability, and practical field-sharpening characteristics for extended outdoor use.
• Full Tang Construction: The steel extends through the entire handle for dependable strength during demanding camp and wilderness tasks.
• Traditional Scandi Grind: Provides precise control when carving, shaping wood, preparing tinder, and performing general bushcraft work.
• 90-Degree Spine: A factory-sharpened spine produces reliable sparks from a ferrocerium rod without sacrificing the cutting edge.
• Balanced 3 mm Blade: Substantial enough for heavier outdoor work while remaining capable of controlled slicing and detailed carving.
• Double-Contoured Handle: Supports a secure grip in medium to large hands, including when choking forward for greater control.
• Brass and Pipe Rivets: Two brass rivets secure the handle scales, while the rear pipe rivet provides an attachment point for a lanyard.
• Purpose-Built Leather Sheath: Genuine black leather with contrasting white stitching provides secure, traditional belt carry.

Boutique & Conservation Values

• Born Through Field Testing: Developed through real expedition use rather than designed solely from behind a drafting table.
• Natural Material Character: Every curly birch handle carries its own grain pattern, tone, and visual identity.
• Built for Long Service: Quality steel, full tang construction, and replaceable maintenance practices support years of responsible use.
• A Tool with Proven Purpose: Equally suited to bushcraft, camping, fire preparation, carving, and general wilderness utility.
• Norwegian Craftsmanship: Made in Norway with the practical elegance and natural materials that define Helle’s approach to outdoor tools.

Steward’s Insight

Use the sharpened spine—not the blade edge—when striking a ferro rod. After wet or humid outings, remove the knife from its sheath, wipe the blade completely dry, and allow the leather to air-dry separately before storage. Periodically treating the curly birch handle with a light application of food-safe linseed oil will help preserve its natural finish and prevent the wood from drying out.

Specifications

• Knife Type: Fixed-blade bushcraft and expedition knife
• Overall Length: 9.70 in.
• Blade Length: 5.17 in.
• Handle Length: 4.53 in.
• Blade Thickness: 0.118 in. / 3 mm
• Blade Steel: Alleima 14C28N stainless steel
• Blade Hardness: 59–61 HRC
• Blade Finish: Polished
• Blade Grind: Scandinavian grind
• Edge Type: Plain edge
• Tang: Full tang
• Spine: Factory-sharpened 90-degree spine
• Handle Material: Curly birch
• Handle Hardware: Two brass rivets and rear pipe rivet
• Recommended Hand Size: Medium to large
• Sheath: Genuine black leather with white stitching
• Weight with Sheath: 8.96 oz.
• Design Collaboration: Helle and Voetspore
• Original Design Year: 2015
• 14C28N Edition Introduced: 2023
• Country of Origin: Norway
• Manufacturer: Helle Norway
• Manufacturer Model Name: Didi Galgalu 14C28N
• Approximate Shipping Weight: 1 lb.