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. 4 is fitted with rosewood handles, complemented by black and red paper Micarta spacers and naturally shed Axis deer antler bolsters.
Rosewood is prized for its rich coloration, fine grain, and remarkable natural depth. Warm reddish-brown and chocolate tones are crossed by darker streaks, giving each handle a distinctive character that changes with the light. Dense, durable, and naturally beautiful, rosewood has long been favored for fine knife handles. Because every piece develops its own grain and coloration, no two handles will ever be exactly alike.
Naturally shed Axis deer antler bolsters provide a warm ivory contrast to the deep tones of the rosewood while giving each knife its own subtle variations in color and texture. Thin black and red paper Micarta spacers create a crisp transition between the antler and wood, with the red accent picking up the warmer tones running through the rosewood. The result is a classic combination of natural materials with a restrained touch of color and enough individual character to make each knife distinctive.
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. 4 is fitted with rosewood handles, complemented by black and red paper Micarta spacers and naturally shed Axis deer antler bolsters.
Rosewood is prized for its rich coloration, fine grain, and remarkable natural depth. Warm reddish-brown and chocolate tones are crossed by darker streaks, giving each handle a distinctive character that changes with the light. Dense, durable, and naturally beautiful, rosewood has long been favored for fine knife handles. Because every piece develops its own grain and coloration, no two handles will ever be exactly alike.
Naturally shed Axis deer antler bolsters provide a warm ivory contrast to the deep tones of the rosewood while giving each knife its own subtle variations in color and texture. Thin black and red paper Micarta spacers create a crisp transition between the antler and wood, with the red accent picking up the warmer tones running through the rosewood. The result is a classic combination of natural materials with a restrained touch of color and enough individual character to make each knife distinctive.
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.
