Helsinki-based Karhu (Finnish for "bear") has equipped skiers ranging from the Finnish army to World Champions such as Harri Kirvesniemi. They focus more now on footwear and apparel; the former still bearing the "M" striping that refers to "mestari", the Finnish word for champion. Fun fact: in the 50s Karhu used a three-stripes branding on its footwear, but sold it to a fledgling German sports equipment maker.
This pair of skis hails from the mid 60s. The Kilpa or racing line was the second from the top-of-the-line for the period. This pair has been only lightly used, and the bases have never been tarred. This is not uncommon with Finnish skis from very cold parts of the country (relatively, the whole place is cold!); one of the main purposes of tar is to seal the wood base from moisture. Cold snow has very little moisture that can penetrate bases. "Kovareuna" = hard edge, which in this case means hickory.
Over the years these skis have been touched up and/or repaired, so you may notice some slight color differences on the paint. But the logos are in great shape, and the skis have been protected by a coat of satin urethane. The result is beautiful! Kisa ("competition") 4-pin bindings and vintage pop-up Karhu heel plates complete the package.
Karhu-Välke!! (Karhu shines bright)
Size: 200cm
Camber: medium (3-6cm at ski center)
Weight (pair): 2270gm w/ bindings
Width at center: 52mm
Mfg date: mid 60s
Base: hickory
