This Mora knife review explains why a simple Swedish fixed blade that often costs less than $25 ends up in so many backpacks, tackle boxes and bushcraft kits. Morakniv knives are light, scary sharp out of the box and easy to keep sharp, and the range now runs from the classic Companion to the full-tang Garberg. Below we cover the history, the steels, the famous Scandi grind and the best models for each job.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: Morakniv Companion, the cheap, sharp all-rounder.
- Best for heavy bushcraft: Morakniv Garberg, a full-tang knife you can baton with.
- Best for camp cooking and carving: Morakniv Kansbol.
- Best for fire starting: Morakniv Bushcraft Black, with a spine ground for a ferro rod.
- Best compact knife: Morakniv Eldris.
- Best budget work knife: Morakniv Craftline Basic 511.
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Who Makes Mora Knives?
Knives have been made around Mora, in Sweden’s Dalarna region, for centuries, which is why “Mora knife” became a generic name; you can read about that tradition on Wikipedia. The modern company traces back to 1891, when Frost-Erik Erson opened a sled factory in the village of Östnor and began making knives for his workers. His factory later merged with rival KJ Eriksson, and since 2016 the business has been called Morakniv AB.
Unlike many budget brands, Morakniv still makes its knives in its own factory in Östnor, and it holds a Royal Warrant from the King of Sweden. The official Morakniv history page covers the full story.
Mora Steels and the Scandi Grind
Most stainless Mora knives, marked (S), use Swedish 12C27 steel at about 56–57 HRC. It resists rust well, takes a very fine edge and sharpens quickly. The Garberg (S) steps up to harder 14C28N.
Carbon models, marked (C), use high-carbon steel such as German C100S on the Garberg. Carbon is a little easier to sharpen, strikes a ferro rod well and can be very tough, but it will rust and stain if you leave it wet.
Most Moras use a Scandi grind: one wide, flat bevel that runs straight to the edge. It bites hard into wood for carving feather sticks and notches, and it is easy to sharpen because you simply lay the bevel flat on a stone. The trade-off is that it is less slick for slicing thick vegetables than a thinner kitchen grind.
The Best Mora Knives
1. Morakniv Companion: Best Overall
The Companion has a 4.1-inch (104 mm) blade that is 2.5 mm thick, a grippy rubber handle and a plastic belt-clip sheath. The stainless version uses 12C27 and weighs about 4 ounces. It handles fishing, camping, whittling and general chores, and at its price it is easy to keep one in every kit. If you want more strength, the Companion Heavy Duty uses a thicker 3.2 mm blade.
2. Morakniv Garberg: Best for Heavy Bushcraft
The Garberg is Mora’s full-tang flagship. It has a 4.3-inch (109 mm), 3.2 mm thick blade in 14C28N stainless or C100S carbon, and it weighs about 7.3 ounces. You can baton firewood and build shelters with it without worrying about the tang, which is the main weakness of cheaper Moras. Read more on the Garberg product page.
3. Morakniv Kansbol: Best for Camp Cooking and Carving
The Kansbol uses a 4.3-inch, 2.5 mm thick 12C27 blade with a profile grind that slices food better than a pure Scandi edge. It is lighter than the Garberg and more comfortable for long carving sessions, making it a great all-round camp knife.
4. Morakniv Bushcraft Black: Best for Fire Starting
This carbon-steel knife has a 4.3-inch blade with a black coating and a sharp 90-degree spine designed to scrape a ferro rod. It is a favorite budget bushcraft knife, though, like most Moras, its tang does not run the full length of the handle.
5. Morakniv Eldris: Best Compact Knife
The Eldris has a stubby 2.2-inch stainless blade and a short handle, so it rides around your neck or in a pocket. It is ideal for light tasks, hiking and as a backup to a larger knife.
6. Morakniv Craftline Basic 511: Best Budget Work Knife
The 511 is a no-frills 3.6-inch carbon-steel knife often sold for around $10–15. It is perfect for tradespeople, gardeners and anyone who wants a sharp beater knife.
Mora Knife Review: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional sharpness for the price | Most models are not full tang |
| Light and comfortable to carry | Basic plastic sheaths on cheaper models |
| Scandi grind is easy to sharpen | Carbon versions rust if neglected |
| Made in Sweden by the brand itself | Thin blades are not for heavy prying |
Mora vs Other Outdoor Knives
A Mora is the lightest, cheapest way to get a truly sharp outdoor knife. If you need something you can baton and pry with, a thick Becker from our Kabar knife reviews or a model from our ESEE knife comparison is tougher, but both cost and weigh far more. For folding pocket knives, see our Coast knives review and best Gerber knife guide.
How to Choose the Right Mora
- Light, general outdoor use: Companion.
- Batoning and hard use: Garberg, the only full-tang Mora.
- Cooking and carving: Kansbol.
- Fire starting: a carbon model with a ferro-ready spine, such as the Bushcraft Black.
- Wet climates or fishing: a stainless (S) model.
For more budget picks, see our best outdoor knives under $75.
How to Sharpen and Care for a Mora
- Lay the wide Scandi bevel flat on a stone and push the edge forward with light pressure; there is no angle to guess.
- Finish with a few passes on a leather strop to remove the burr.
- Dry carbon blades after use and wipe on a little food-safe oil.
- Do not twist or pry hard with a partial-tang Mora; save that for the Garberg.
Is a Mora Knife Worth It?
For most campers, anglers and beginners, a Mora is one of the smartest knife purchases you can make. You get a Swedish-made blade that arrives sharper than many knives costing five times as much, and the Scandi grind means you can restore that edge with a single flat stone. Because they are so affordable, many people keep one in the car, one in the fishing box and one in the camping bin.
A Mora is not the right tool if you need a knife for heavy prying, digging or chopping thick branches. Apart from the Garberg, most models use a partial tang that can break if you abuse it. In that case, spend more on a full-tang knife and keep a Companion as a lightweight backup.
The Classic Wooden-Handled Moras
Morakniv also sells its traditional Classic series, with red-painted birch handles and simple leather or plastic sheaths. They carry the look that made Mora famous and work well for whittling and spoon carving, although modern rubber-handled models are grippier in wet weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mora knives good?
Yes. They are among the best-value fixed blades available, with excellent sharpness and comfortable handles for the price.
Are Mora knives full tang?
Most are not. The Garberg is Mora’s full-tang model; others use a strong partial tang that is fine for normal use.
Where are Mora knives made?
Morakniv makes its knives in its own factory in Östnor, near Mora, Sweden.
Is carbon or stainless better on a Mora?
Carbon is slightly easier to sharpen and better for ferro rods; stainless resists rust and needs less care. Choose stainless for wet use and food prep.
