Mora Knives & Morakniv Bushcraft Blades

Why Mora Knives Remain a Bushcraft Favorite

When you choose a Morakniv, you get 135 years of craftsmanship tradition. Made from either Swedish stainless steel or European high-carbon steel, Morakniv blades undergo heat treatment to boost hardness, toughness, and edge retention. 

Looking for dependable survival gear you can rely on? Mora knives are designed to perform in a wide range of outdoor conditions, regardless of price point.

Mora Knife Carbon vs Stainless Steel

When looking for the Morakniv that’s best for you, it’s important to understand the uses of Mora knife carbon vs stainless steel. Choosing one or the other depends on your goals for your Morakniv, the environment you plan to use it in, and the amount of effort you want to dedicate to maintenance. 

Choose Carbon Steel If You Prioritize Edge Performance

Carbon steel has excellent edge retention and is easy to resharpen. This makes it the ideal choice for wood carving, feather sticking, and general bushcraft. However, it is more prone to corrosion in humid environments and requires more maintenance. It must be cleaned and dried after each use to prevent rust buildup. Over time, carbon steel develops a natural patina that protects against corrosion.

Choose Stainless Steel If You Want Maximum Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance, making it well-suited for environments where moisture is difficult to avoid.

Hunters, backpackers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts who navigate humid climates appreciate stainless steel's corrosion resistance and low maintenance. It provides dependable performance with less upkeep.

Which Mora Knife Is Right for You?

With their impressive reputation among bushcrafters and survivalists, any Mora Knife will be an excellent choice. Need help finding the Mora bushcraft knife that’s right for your experience level, budget, and goals? 

Here are a few options to consider:

Morakniv Basic 511: The Bushcraft Beginner Knife

A lightweight must-have for anyone who values quality and performance, the Morakniv Basic 511 is an affordable and reliable option for those just starting out in bushcraft.

Ergonomically designed for a secure grip and reinforced with a finger guard, the Morakniv Basic 511 enhances safety, making it a trusted tool for everyday tasks and adventures.

Mora Companion HD: The Ultimate All-Purpose Knife

With a heavy-duty carbon steel blade, ergonomic handle with soft friction grip, and a practical belt clip sheath, the Mora Companion HD is often considered the best Mora knife for bushcraft.

Built for reliability, comfort, and long-lasting performance, the Mora Companion is the best budget bushcraft knife in our Morakniv collection. It is a sturdy wilderness knife designed for demanding outdoor activities, such as carving, cutting branches, and building shelters. It is also a great option to bring along to bushcraft training courses.

Mora Bushcraft Black: The Dedicated Bushcraft Knife

Designed for splitting wood, carving, cooking, and fire-starting in the wilderness, the Mora Bushcraft Black is a great tool for outdoor enthusiasts with some experience under their belts.

Its black blade reduces glare, making it a stealthy choice for hunting and tactical use. Built to handle everything from building shelters to starting a fire, the Mora Bushcraft Black is a practical choice for bushcraft, survival, and backcountry adventures.

Mora Kansbol: The Outdoor Adventure Knife

Designed with durability and versatility in mind, the Mora Kansbol is perfect for a range of tasks, from skinning and wood carving to striking a ferro rod to start a fire. 

The Mora Kansbol is a reliable field knife for hunters, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the most challenging environments.

Mora Garberg Carbon: The Flagship Full-Tang Survival Knife

The most robust and durable knife Morakniv has ever produced, the Mora Garberg Carbon is built to tackle the toughest challenges. Its full-tang carbon steel blade is built for hard use, with a Scandi-Grind Edge for razor-sharp cutting power. It also comes with a leather sheath for durable, secure carry and a traditional bushcraft look. 

The Mora Garberg Carbon is the knife every dedicated, expert survivalist needs to withstand the harshest terrains.

Mora Knives FAQ

Are Mora knives good for bushcraft?

Yes, Mora knives are widely regarded as some of the best knives for bushcraft. With high-quality steel blades, ergonomic handles, and practical blade designs, they are a great tool for:

• Fire-starting
• Cooking
• Splitting wood
• Carving
• Other bushcraft necessities

Morakniv offers a selection of bushcraft knives at a variety of price points, allowing you to find the tool you need within a budget you can afford.

Can I use Mora knives to strike a ferro rod?

Yes, many Mora Knives feature a 90° ground spine that can be used to strike a ferro rod to start a fire. Simply place your blade’s spine against the rod’s surface and scrape in a quick, controlled motion, aiming so the sparks reach your tinder or kindling. 

What is the best Mora knife for beginners?

Choosing the best Morakniv for beginners depends on your budget and intended use. The Basic 511 is an affordable entry point that allows new bushcrafters to learn fundamental survival skills without a significant investment. For a more versatile option, the Mora Companion HD is a great heavy-duty knife designed for demanding outdoor activities. Many consider it the best budget bushcraft knife in our Morakniv collection.

What is the difference between Mora carbon and stainless steel?

Carbon steel and stainless steel Mora knives are excellent tools with their own unique advantages. The best choice depends on how you plan to use your knife. Carbon steel blades typically offer better edge retention and are easier to sharpen in the field. Stainless steel blades offer superior corrosion resistance and require less maintenance after each use, making them ideal for fishing trips, hunting, and humid climates.

Is the Morakniv Garberg worth it?

For many outdoor enthusiasts, the Mora Garberg is a worthwhile investment. As Morakniv’s flagship knife, it features full-tang construction, with the blade steel extending through the entire handle for added strength and durability. The exposed rear tang can be used for batoning, scraping, or striking a ferro rod. It handles demanding tasks such as splitting wood, carving, cutting branches, and building shelters. The Mora Garberg is a reliable survival tool for expert bushcraft and wilderness expeditions.

Can you baton wood with Mora Knives?

Yes, many Mora knives can handle light batoning tasks, though some models are better suited than others. The Mora Garberg is specifically designed for heavy-duty use, and is often the preferred choice for splitting kindling and processing wood with a baton. Other Mora knives that can perform light batoning tasks include the Mora Bushcraft Black and the Mora Companion HD.

How do I sharpen a Mora Knife?

Proper care helps your Mora knives maintain their edge and perform reliably in the field. Knowing how to properly sharpen a knife is one of the most important parts of knife care. Not only is a sharp knife more effective, but it’s also safer to use. With a quality sharpening tool and proper technique, you can sharpen your Mora knives quickly while preserving the steel.

Most Mora knives feature a Scandi grind, which makes sharpening straightforward because the existing bevel helps guide the correct angle.

Here’s how to sharpen a Mora knife:

1. Clean the blade before sharpening to remove dirt, debris, and moisture.
2. Place the Scandi grind bevel flat against your sharpening stone.
3. Slowly drag the knife from heel to tip while maintaining contact with your sharpening tool.
4. Repeat on both sides until a sharp edge is restored.
5. Remove any burr and test the edge before use.

Regular touch-ups help maintain edge sharpness and reduce the need for longer sharpening sessions.