Video Player

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Video by Sgt. James Garvin

The Finnish Puukko Knife Explained

U.S. Army Europe and Africa

Feb. 23, 2023 | 1:19

“Tools of the trade” - Meet Sgt. P. Kemppanen, a Finnish Army Reservist who shares his cold weather knowledge with U.S. Troops who are currently participating in Arctic Forge 2023 in Finland.

A sheath knife (or ‘puukko’, as they are called in Finland) is an essential instrument for those people who love the outdoors and the puukko can often serve as first aid in the wilderness and in moments of danger, the puukko can act as an ice-pick, cut through a rope or strap, or cut wood for a fire. The puukko has a rich tradition in Finland and has served the people all the way back to ancient times. Even now graduates from the Finnish Military Academy are given a puukko as a memento.

Up Next

Now Playing

The Finnish Puukko Knife Explained