Forged by Norwegian-born blacksmith Kjetil Groven, this matched carving set represents the traditional Scandinavian approach to woodworking knives. Designed as a complementary pair, these knives move naturally from rough shaping to fine detail work, making them equally at home carving spoons, kuksas, bowls, figures, and other green woodworking projects.
These blades are no longer in production. I was fortunate enough to acquire a small number directly from Kjetil years ago, and once these six knife sets have been completed, there will be no more available from Diomedes Industries.
Each knife features a hand-forged laminated blade consisting of a high-carbon 15N20 cutting core forge-welded between layers of 1018 steel. This traditional Scandinavian construction combines the exceptional edge retention and fine cutting performance of the hardened core with the toughness and resilience of the softer outer layers. The result is a blade that sharpens easily, holds a razor edge, and is remarkably forgiving during hard use.
Both knives are fitted with octagonal handles. Beyond their classic Scandinavian appearance, the faceted shape naturally indexes the blade in the hand, helping maintain consistent edge orientation while providing a secure, comfortable grip during long carving sessions.
Overall Length: 8⅞"
Blade Length: 4"
The larger knife is designed for efficiently removing stock and establishing the overall form of a carving. It excels at roughing out spoons, bowls, kuksas, and decorative carvings, while remaining versatile enough to serve as an excellent woods or camp knife.
Overall Length: 8⅞"
Blade Length: 3¼"
Comparable in size and purpose to the classic Mora 106 pattern, the smaller knife is built for refining shapes, cutting crisp lines, and adding the final details that bring a carving to life. Its slender blade offers excellent control while remaining comfortable through extended carving sessions.
Set No. 2 is fitted with stunning stabilized redwood burl handles, complemented by black canvas Micarta spacers and handsome Axis deer antler bolsters.
Redwood burl is renowned for its dramatic swirling grain, rich color, and remarkable natural depth. Each block has been professionally stabilized, infusing the wood with resin to enhance its durability and dimensional stability while preserving every intricate eye, curl, and feather of the burl. Because every burl forms differently, no two handles will ever be alike.
The naturally shed Axis deer antler bolsters lend each knife a timeless, organic character while providing a durable transition from blade to handle. Their warm ivory tones pair beautifully with the deep reds and golden highlights of the burl, while the black Micarta spacers provide a clean, understated contrast that ties the design together.
Together, these two knives form a complete Scandinavian carving system: one designed for efficient stock removal, the other for precision finishing work. Whether you're shaping your first spoon or completing an heirloom-quality carving, this pair provides the versatility and control to take a project from the first rough cuts to the final clean facets.
Only six sets of these Groven blades exist in my shop. Once each has been finished and sold, this offering will be permanently retired.
Forged by Norwegian-born blacksmith Kjetil Groven, this matched carving set represents the traditional Scandinavian approach to woodworking knives. Designed as a complementary pair, these knives move naturally from rough shaping to fine detail work, making them equally at home carving spoons, kuksas, bowls, figures, and other green woodworking projects.
These blades are no longer in production. I was fortunate enough to acquire a small number directly from Kjetil years ago, and once these six knife sets have been completed, there will be no more available from Diomedes Industries.
Each knife features a hand-forged laminated blade consisting of a high-carbon 15N20 cutting core forge-welded between layers of 1018 steel. This traditional Scandinavian construction combines the exceptional edge retention and fine cutting performance of the hardened core with the toughness and resilience of the softer outer layers. The result is a blade that sharpens easily, holds a razor edge, and is remarkably forgiving during hard use.
Both knives are fitted with octagonal handles. Beyond their classic Scandinavian appearance, the faceted shape naturally indexes the blade in the hand, helping maintain consistent edge orientation while providing a secure, comfortable grip during long carving sessions.
Overall Length: 8⅞"
Blade Length: 4"
The larger knife is designed for efficiently removing stock and establishing the overall form of a carving. It excels at roughing out spoons, bowls, kuksas, and decorative carvings, while remaining versatile enough to serve as an excellent woods or camp knife.
Overall Length: 8⅞"
Blade Length: 3¼"
Comparable in size and purpose to the classic Mora 106 pattern, the smaller knife is built for refining shapes, cutting crisp lines, and adding the final details that bring a carving to life. Its slender blade offers excellent control while remaining comfortable through extended carving sessions.
Set No. 2 is fitted with stunning stabilized redwood burl handles, complemented by black canvas Micarta spacers and handsome Axis deer antler bolsters.
Redwood burl is renowned for its dramatic swirling grain, rich color, and remarkable natural depth. Each block has been professionally stabilized, infusing the wood with resin to enhance its durability and dimensional stability while preserving every intricate eye, curl, and feather of the burl. Because every burl forms differently, no two handles will ever be alike.
The naturally shed Axis deer antler bolsters lend each knife a timeless, organic character while providing a durable transition from blade to handle. Their warm ivory tones pair beautifully with the deep reds and golden highlights of the burl, while the black Micarta spacers provide a clean, understated contrast that ties the design together.
Together, these two knives form a complete Scandinavian carving system: one designed for efficient stock removal, the other for precision finishing work. Whether you're shaping your first spoon or completing an heirloom-quality carving, this pair provides the versatility and control to take a project from the first rough cuts to the final clean facets.
Only six sets of these Groven blades exist in my shop. Once each has been finished and sold, this offering will be permanently retired.
