Antler Knife

Antler Knife: Making a Sami-Style Knife Handle and Sheath by Ulf Avander offers an in-depth look into one of northern Scandinavia’s most distinctive traditional crafts. Drawing on more than five decades of experience, Avander guides readers through the complete process of making a Sami-style knife, from selecting reindeer antler and hardwood to shaping, assembling, and finishing both handle and sheath.

Each stage is illustrated with 208 clear, full-colour photographs and detailed drawings that show the tools, materials, and techniques involved. The author explains how to work safely and effectively with antler—knowledge rarely documented in such detail—and offers guidance on leather selection, tanning, softening, and decoration. Supplementary sections cover curly-grained woods, bark work, and methods for achieving authentic Nordic finishes.

The book also includes a bonus project: how to make a traditional Kosa (a wooden drinking vessel), expanding the reader’s understanding of Sami design principles and craftsmanship. Avander’s text balances technical instruction with insight into the heritage and cultural context of northern Sweden’s knife-making tradition.

Produced in hardcover (25.5 × 18 × 1.3 cm), this 112-page volume is both practical and visually rich, serving as an instructional guide and a celebration of a living craft.

Highly praised by reviewers and professional makers alike, Antler Knife is considered one of the most comprehensive and inspiring manuals on Scandinavian knife making available today. It is ideal for knifemakers, leatherworkers, blacksmiths, and craftspeople who wish to develop their skills or explore the enduring artistry of Sami design.