Beat the Icon: Morakniv vs Alternatives

In 1999 when i was 5 years old we went to Mora on a vacation and my Father bought me a Morakniv. (Frosts Morakniv 860) It was the knife i carved my first stick with and the knife that i gutted my first fish with etc. To this day that knife is still what i bring when i go into the forest or go fishing etc and it has never failed me despite everything i have put it through over the years!

I know Knifecenter does not carry them. But around here (Switzerland) Hultafors is king. While they do have outdoor knives, they are especially popular as "beater" knives among tradespeople. They are quite similar to Morakniv, but even cheaper.

The best part about knives in this price range is there is no reason to limit yourself to just one! I have four or five of the blades on the table. I just love well made budget knives.

Hi from Sweden. When I was young the classic Mora was the knife to have. Lack of finger guard resulted in a number of injured fingers. Switched some decades ago to the modern basic Mora or Hultafors. Both at around $6 to $7. Being a farmer, uses them daily for lots of different tasks. Sharpen them when needed. Prefer carbon steel, sharper than stainless. For hunting a pricey knife.

One thing I love about Mora is that they also sell several of their knives as blanks. You can make your own handle/sheath and have a "custom" knife without having to make the blade. I've made several and they've all been good for different purposes. I can also recommend their woodcarving line (the 106 and 120 in specific). They've got a laminated construction with the full scandi grind and feel like way more knife than the money would suggest.

I experimented with a lot of knives in my decades of being an outdoorsmen, survivalist and bushcrafter. I wear a Mora Garberg on my belt and an Eldris around my neck. Those two cover every need I can come up with.

Mora sets the pace for packing A LOT of fixed blade love into a budget price point. DCA, I hear you about the Garberg but even at $80-90, I believe Mora still delivers on their legacy of thoughtful design, utility, and quality. Regardless, where would the knife world be without Mora keeping everyone honest? Another great Beat The Icon episode. Thnx!

It is hard to beat a Mora design for price. The Kansbol is a model that fits the Hunting and Bush Craft slot with a versatile sheath, handle and blade design. I believe a full tang blade is less important than most consider as necessary.🤔👍

Fun fact: almost every single person in the construction industry in Sweden carries a Mora.

Companion for the win! Best Garden knife I own.

Major knife collector here. Mostly US made knives. I heard all the raves about Mora’s and decided to get a 2000 first. Loved it. Gifted it to a friend and upgraded to a Garberg. Very happy with my Garberg. Wish I would’ve bought it first. Great knife that will last a very long time.

As a Swede, I am biased and I would say nothing beats Mora knives, but if I had to pick one of the others I liked the Marttiini Condor Timberjack. I liked the rustic look on the blade, and it also has a low-key appearance that is similar to Mora. I would pick that one.

Years ago I got a carbon Mora Companion Heavy Duty, and it came with me while camping, hiking, doing historical re-enactment so building a XIII century camp, cutting thick ropes, preparing tent wooden spikes, shaping stuff and handles, etc. I had to sharpen it exactly once, it takes just a quick stropping and two drops of random oil to keep going. I'll probably get another non-HD version with a thinner stock blade to use as a slicer and food prepper, because slicing food is the only thing the thicker HD blade is not that awesome at.

I’ve been waiting for this video!!!! I love Moras! I really like you showed the Garberg but didn’t include it in beat the icon. I love that you said, “Outperforms its price”. That’s exactly why the iconic Moras are so love, in my opinion. The Garberg is a great knife, but it belongs in its own category. I’d love to see that video too, when Garberg reaches icon status. I truly think only the Finn knives and the Terrasaur come close to matching this icon. Maybe I’m fangirling a bit. I have several Mora’’s and am always looking for more. Great video!

Morakniv is a part of every survival kit I have.

I'm happy you showed the old timer heritage knife in there!!! I love mine especially for the price, it's sweet!!!

Just scraped meters worth of 3m skateboard tape out of bathroom tiles with a Robust and rolled that 12c so hard the whole belly shines like a secondary bevel, what else on Earth as a knife would you happily put through that task and expect it gets the job done? can't think of any.

You start using the Mora knife not to risk damaging or wear out your expensive luxury knife. Next day you have a nice expensive knife well protected in the bottom of a drawer..

Just busted up some firewood with my bushcraft black. Can't beat it.

If you want a unbreakable Mora knife. Go for a Mora Robust. It can’t be beat, on par with the Hultafors Grov kniv. Monster knifes.