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By Joe Price / Team Helle
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For a fellow who spends quite a lot of time in the Great Outdoors, I have gone through my fair share of knives until the Nordlys FG found its way onto my belt - a well-earned spot as a reliable, lightweight companion. The Nordlys FG has been designed with versatility and ease: it's a shrunk, user-friendly version of its big brother, the Nord. A knife that is also becoming a staple in the outdoor space. Let me tell you why this knife has now been my top choice in my range of Flat-ground knives to handle everything from carving to general outdoor tasks.
A lightweight yet strong companion, weighing only 100 grams (3 ounces), this version of the Nordlys is by far the lightest I've had and doesn't sacrifice any of the elements that make the Nord line of knives great. Weight matters in the field, especially when you will be on longer hikes or have to climb over large sections of rough terrain. With its reduced size and weight, the Nordlys FG allows me to tackle tasks without feeling encumbered or weighed down. Freely mobile, I keep my pack light while still having a robust blade right by my side.
It's All About the Grind (pretty much)
What sets the Nordlys apart is the flat grind. Flat grinds on knives are popular because they provide a versatile balance of strength, sharpness, and ease of maintenance. In a flat grind, the blade tapers evenly from the spine to the cutting edge, creating a V-shaped cross-section. This design reduces cutting drag, allowing the blade to slice more efficiently through materials like vegetables, meat, and wood. Flat grinds also offer a thin edge, which makes them easy to sharpen and maintain.
The balance between edge thinness and blade strength makes flat-grind knives suitable for various tasks, from food preparation to outdoor activities, without sacrificing durability. The flat grind offers an easily maintained and consistent angle, making for quick and easy sharpening. It's perfect for anyone who likes a low-maintenance blade yet still wants premium performance.
Equipped for Bushcraft and Beyond
The Nordlys FG retains the utility-focused blade shape of the Nord but in a size that feels nimble and manageable. The 12.2 cm blade features a subtle drop-point profile, pulling double duty in felt agility for delicate creations like carving and serving well for general slicing tasks. This is one of those rare blades that feels just right for almost any outdoor situation: perfect for anyone looking for a "do-it-all" knife.
The Nordlys FG is made from 12C27 stainless steel, which I have found very resistant to wear and rugged enough to withstand the unpredictable elements outdoors. Its 3.1 mm thickness is a nice balance: tough sufficient for heavier work, yet light and easy to carry. This one feels manageable, unlike heavier knives, even after a long day.
One of Nordlys's most satisfying features is in my hand. The curly birch handle - oiled, not lacquered - provides a natural feel and is comfortable no matter how I hold it. Whether I use a forward grip for carving or a pommel grip for chopping and slicing, the 12.4 cm length of this handle gives me complete control without feeling bulky. It's a small detail, but it is intuitive and under that thoughtful design.
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Joe Price is a passionate outdoor professional based in rural Sweden, with a love for nature and wilderness skills. His work takes him across the globe, combining his expertise with his deep appreciation for the great outdoors. |
