Little and Hip: Kárášjohka

Karasjok is a junction between East and West in Finnmark County and Finland and Finnmark. It is the gateway to Saami country. Many of the most important Saami national institutions are located here, incl. The Saami Collections Museum (De Samiske Samlinger) and the Saami Parliament. In many ways, Karasjok is the cultural and social capital for the Saami people in Norway. Do you long for contrasting exhilarating scenery that changes its mood according to the season? Then this is the place for you!

In Winter, Karasjok´s plateau and mountains are covered in snow, with mild-weather valleys where green pine trees stand tall and lend a sense of warmth to the landscape - encouring people to live here, even when the temperatures reach -40C.
In Autumn, the landscape is a dazzling display of colour that cannot be equalled anywhere else. You will discover all species of fish in the many lakes and rivers - from salmon, trout, Arctic trout to powan, harr and perch.

Last time we visited, the girls were only this big...

This time we look like this...

We went to visit the place where the genuine Sámi knife is made. The Strømeng family’s ancestors brought the art of knife making to Karasjok in the 18^th century. Since then, this craft has carried on from generation to generation within the family. Today, knife-maker Strømeng is one of just a few craftsmen who still produce knives for the Sámi people.

The same knife is propably one of the most practical outdoor equipment ever made. But the same knife also has its own "magical power". From the old days and in Sámi folkmedicin, the knife has a magical healing power which was used to stop blood, take away pain etc.

Niibi Sierrálagan Vuoibmi = the magical powers of the knife:

The blade closest to the handle should be used mainly for heavy-duty work

The middle section of the blade is for precision cutting of wood and bone or other tasks that require force and precision. For chopping, place one or two fingers behind the brass fitting to achieve the optimal effect. Only use your wrist for chopping, not the entire arm – this gives you better control.