We wanted a short, descriptive, and locally inspired name for our puukko. The naming competition we organized received around 230 suggestions, from which our jury selected the one they felt was the most fitting. The jury’s favorite was Roihu, a name proposed by 12 participants. Among them, Niina Luomajoki was the lucky winner, earning the honor of being the first owner of the Roihu Puukko. She came up with the name while sitting by the fireplace.
In collaboration with local company Kivalo Design, the City of Rovaniemi has created a stylish and practical tool designed to fit the local hand and meet the needs of everyday life – the Rovaniemi Puukko. You can purchase the knife from our online store at www.rovaniemi.fi/shop, from the Osviitta service point (Koskikatu 19), or at the Arktikum Science Centre. Roihu is also available in Kivalo Design’s online store.
Why Does Rovaniemi Have Its Own Puukko?
For people in Rovaniemi, the puukko is an everyday item—but also an essential and valued tool. It’s used for countless tasks, from cooking to carving kindling or dried meat. A good puukko is appreciated, and people often form a strong emotional connection to it. In Rovaniemi, using a puukko comes naturally, and many learn to handle it safely and usefully from a young age. Has there ever been a more versatile tool for life in the North?
Rovaniemi Puukko Specifications
Blade: Carbon steel (alloy 80CrV2, hardness HRC 59, Scandi grind).
Manufacturer: Laurin Metalli, Kauhava. Final sharpening by Kivalo Design.
Handle: Main material is certified Finnish birch. Treated with Osmo Color wood wax.
Colored Veneers: Red and blue, through-dyed Finnish birch with FSC / PEFC certification. Supplied by CWP Coloured Wood Products.
Sheath: Vegetable-tanned leather from Finnish cattle. Supplied by Pelo. Red stitching sewn by hand.
