Thinking About a Mora: Suggestions?

[turnsouth]

I'm thinking of finally getting a Mora or Mora style knife. I've had a Kershaw 1017 for years, but the edge is about 2/3 serrated, which isn't very handy for sharpening on the go.

Anyone have any suggestions on which one I should get? I'd like to stay around $20.00

Thanks.

[Sparky415]

I have two, I think they are great knives and very good value for money whichever one you go for 

A couple of things to think about
Is it going to get wet a lot if so its worth thinking about SS versions
What handle colour do you want? Orange might be a good choice if you want something easy to locate when dropped 

I found some here to look at but have never used this shop

http://www.knifecountryusa.com/store/manufacturer/142/1/mora-of-sweden-knives.html

Also Hultafors make some very good 'Mora like' knives in the same price range, it might be worth keeping an eye out for one 

[Gareth]

There's such a range of Mora style knives I wouldn't know where to start.  Things to think about; synthetic or wood handle, plastic or traditional sheath, blade length etc. 

I've never dealt with Ragnar myself but IIRC he's got an excellent reputation and carries a huge range.

http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html

[turnsouth]

There's such a range of Mora style knives I wouldn't know where to start...

Exactly my problem 

[Sparky415]

There's such a range of Mora style knives I wouldn't know where to start...

Exactly my problem 

I reckon decide on your steel first (stainless or carbon)
You can't go wrong with any of them after that 

[turnsouth]

Well, poking around the links you guys gave me, I've decided on a few things that I want:

• Carbon steel
• Synthetic handle
• Synthetic sheath

I figure that should narrow it down to a few dozen choices...

[Gareth]

Well the old Clipper was pretty much the standard for a lot of outdoors types for a long time.  I see that the Companion range is just the updated version of the Clipper, so I'd suggest this; #11863: The Companion MG Carbon is probably the knife for you. 

[turnsouth]

Thanks Gareth, and Sparky 

I went ahead with the Clipper, like Gareth said it does seem to be the standard

I ordered an black and orange 840, I like the look of the colors:



I'll write a new post with some some pics of mine when it gets here.
 

[AimlessWanderer]

I don't think you'll be disappointed Paul. I only have one model from Mora (the Miki) and it lives up to everything I had heard about the Mora range. For years I avoided the Moras and Opinels as I didn't think they'd be up to par at such cheap prices - and I was very happy to be proved so wrong

[turnsouth]

I don't think you'll be disappointed Paul. I only have one model from Mora (the Miki) and it lives up to everything I had heard about the Mora range. For years I avoided the Moras and Opinels as I didn't think they'd be up to par at such cheap prices - and I was very happy to be proved so wrong

I was kind of like you Al, but my prejudice against them came when I read Cody Lundin's book "98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Smurf Alive". The whole book came across to me as "How to survive as cheap as humanly possible", and his knife of choice is a Mora, which kind of put a sour taste in my mouth for them. Which was wrong of me, I know.

Anyway, I'm going to give it a fair shot. Put it through some hard abuse work and see how it does.

My biggest worry is that if I do like it too much, it may be the start of having to buy more knife storage...

[AimlessWanderer]

I don't think you'll be disappointed Paul. I only have one model from Mora (the Miki) and it lives up to everything I had heard about the Mora range. For years I avoided the Moras and Opinels as I didn't think they'd be up to par at such cheap prices - and I was very happy to be proved so wrong

I was kind of like you Al, but my prejudice against them came when I read Cody Lundin's book "98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Smurf Alive". The whole book came across to me as "How to survive as cheap as humanly possible", and his knife of choice is a Mora, which kind of put a sour taste in my mouth for them. Which was wrong of me, I know.

Anyway, I'm going to give it a fair shot. Put it through some hard abuse work and see how it does.

My biggest worry is that if I do like it too much, it may be the start of having to buy more knife storage...

Well they can be broken of course if you beat them hard enough, and will never stand up to the abuse of a full tang blade. However, despite the partial rat tail tang they are no frills hard workers and will cope with a surprising amount from what I've seen. I've not worked mine too hard yet (and have also got a spare just in case) but I'm really happy so far. The best thing is that even if you did manage to somehow wreck one, you can afford to buy a few more and still have change from what you might have bought otherwise.

My main scandi bashing has always been on wooden handled stainless blades, and I've given then a damn good thrashing several times over with no ill effect. My far cheaper Moras with their carbon blades and polymer handles are probably even more durable, so feel free to give it some welly mate.

I'll be keeping my eyes on the trade forums to see what you're getting rid of to fund you're future acquisitions 

[Sparky415]

Thanks Gareth, and Sparky 

I went ahead with the Clipper, like Gareth said it does seem to be the standard

I ordered an black and orange 840, I like the look of the colors:

(Image removed from quote.)

I'll write a new post with some some pics of mine when it gets here.
 

Good choice I reckon   

Its often surprises me when I drop something in the garden it will just disappear 

It also surprises me people buying knives and multitools with camo scales    

[Gareth]

I don't think you'll be disappointed Paul. I only have one model from Mora (the Miki) and it lives up to everything I had heard about the Mora range. For years I avoided the Moras and Opinels as I didn't think they'd be up to par at such cheap prices - and I was very happy to be proved so wrong

I was kind of like you Al, but my prejudice against them came when I read Cody Lundin's book "98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Smurf Alive". The whole book came across to me as "How to survive as cheap as humanly possible", and his knife of choice is a Mora, which kind of put a sour taste in my mouth for them. Which was wrong of me, I know.

Anyway, I'm going to give it a fair shot. Put it through some hard abuse work and see how it does.

My biggest worry is that if I do like it too much, it may be the start of having to buy more knife storage...

Well they can be broken of course if you beat them hard enough, and will never stand up to the abuse of a full tang blade. However, despite the partial rat tail tang they are no frills hard workers and will cope with a surprising amount from what I've seen. I've not worked mine too hard yet (and have also got a spare just in case) but I'm really happy so far. The best thing is that even if you did manage to somehow wreck one, you can afford to buy a few more and still have change from what you might have bought otherwise.

My main scandi bashing has always been on wooden handled stainless blades, and I've given then a damn good thrashing several times over with no ill effect. My far cheaper Moras with their carbon blades and polymer handles are probably even more durable, so feel free to give it some welly mate.

I'll be keeping my eyes on the trade forums to see what you're getting rid of to fund you're future acquisitions 

Quite right.  I've done a good bit of battoning with my Frost's and just about any task you'd ask of a knife. 

However that bloke who hammered one into a tree, and then complained that it broke when he stood on it, is just a numpty IMO.  The handle's made of plastic, the tang is only partial and the blade's only 2mm or so think, it's not made to survive a nuclear explosion for goodness sake.   If however you want a knife that cuts things really well, then you won't be disappointed.   Like Al says; they'll take some good hard work, just not out-and-out abuse.

[turnsouth]

I was watching the knife destruction test for the Clipper over on YouTube, and the thing held up incredibly well. He modified his tests slightly, taking into account the design off the knife, but it did not fail any test, until he bent the blade past it's breaking point (which was of course designed to find at what angle the blade would break).

Quite impressive 

[django.cj]

My Mora handles any task I've asked it to very well.  My last deer practically fell out of itself; it takes a wicked edge.  My only complaint is that it begins to discolor very easily, get it DRY after you use it.
For the price, I don't think you can get a better steel.  Mine has a hard steel sandwiched between softer steel. 

[sergemaster]

Amici,
If you're willing to give them a shot, try out a Mora SL2 which is a full tang, laminated stainless steel with an unpainted Birch handle which is perfect for staining if you so to desire.

It also comes with a better quality vulcanized fiber sheath but you can always upgrade the sheath with a custom made leather one as I have for all of my Mora and Marttiini blades.

The plastic sheath which is offered with Mora red handled partial tang models is not too shabby, so don't be persuaded by the "cheap quality" argument because it isn't.

As for Cody Lundin's choice, he makes it a point also in his book to explain that a Mora is HIS choice for what he feels is a perfect blade for his use when it comes to survival and it really isn't a bad one either.

He actually makes a good argument on why his choice of a Mora and does make allot of sense from it's cutting ability, sharpening, weight, and comfort ability when gripped in the hand. From my own experience and also being a Scandi nut, I can totally identify with all of his talking points and could actually add a few more of my own, all positive.

Remember everyone is different with varying tastes when it comes to fixed blades, and a Mora isn't any different. So don't base your opinion on what one fellow likes or dislikes, try it out on your own and then base your opinion on your experience with it.

Cheers,
Serge   

[Sean]

Very good choice!  That knife was my carry on a week long camping trip back a few weeks ago.
Wonderful knife wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a good inexpensive
fixed blade.
I have a few Mora's and this one is my favorite.

[turnsouth]

Amici,
If you're willing to give them a shot, try out a Mora SL2

I may do that 

As for Cody Lundin's choice...

I would have to agree that Cody does make very good points in encouraging the use of the Mora. And similar to what I said earlier, I realize that I was wrong in dismissing the knife, just because I do not agree with the totality of his survival philosophy.

Remember everyone is different with varying tastes when it comes to fixed blades, and a Mora isn't any different. So don't base your opinion on what one fellow likes or dislikes, try it out on your own and then base your opinion on your experience with it.

Agreed  Exactly why I'm getting one 

[turnsouth]

Very good choice!  That knife was my carry on a week long camping trip back a few weeks ago.
Wonderful knife wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a good inexpensive
fixed blade.
I have a few Mora's and this one is my favorite.

Thanks, I think that I will enjoy it. 

[dks]

Hard Use knife



Cuts meat fine, rubbish at apples (wrong grind, too thick for that)

[turnsouth]

Hard Use knife
...
Cuts meat fine, rubbish at apples (wrong grind, too thick for that)

Well that looks promising 

I may have to take mine to the upcoming Mid- Michigan meet up and see how it works on schnitzel. 

[Sean]

I'll have to try it on an apple sometime and see.    It worked wonderful on softer fruits and
veggies as I used mine on Tomatoes and it worked very well.  I loaned it out in camp some
and others commented on it.  Part of it was it was very sharp.
I also did some notch carving in some cedar and that is one area where it excelled.  I ended up
carving the length of the stick and called it a "White Mans Totem Pole."

[dks]

Just like my other thicker sharp grind angle knives (even the SRM 763) it starts well but after the first few mm into the apple it starts to want to snap the apple in half, like driving a wedge through it, rather than slice it. It needs a lot of force to go through. It gets, in a way, stuck. Meat is soft so it accommodates that extra thickness well, allowing the knife to continue cutting.

[turnsouth]

Just like my other thicker sharp grind angle knives (even the SRM 763) it starts well but after the first few mm into the apple it starts to want to snap the apple in half, like driving a wedge through it, rather than slice it. It needs a lot of force to go through. It gets, in a way, stuck. Meat is soft so it accommodates that extra thickness well, allowing the knife to continue cutting.

Something like this, I would imagine:

[Sean]

Yeah I can see that happening with an apple and that grind.

[Freudian Frog]

Wait wait wait, I'm confused. I think I just skimmed through the thread and... am I reading this right?

He asked for a Mora and ended up with ONE?
Why didn't he buy like 5 to try, I'm so lost...

This is the right place right? Am I still at MT.O?

[turnsouth]

Wait wait wait, I'm confused. I think I just skimmed through the thread and... am I reading this right?

He asked for a Mora and ended up with ONE?
Why didn't he buy like 5 to try, I'm so lost...

This is the right place right? Am I still at MT.O?

[turnsouth]

Well, it arrived today, and I must say that I'm impressed (when I consider the price, I'm very impressed).

• Fits a big hand well
• Firm, comfortable, non-slip grip
• Good balance, not heavy in the handle, but stays in your hand when you open your fingers
• Super sharp
• Love the carbon steel, has a real "old world" look and feel to it

 

[Gareth]

Very nice mate, I'm sure it'll serve you well.

[theonew]

Moras are like dogs, if you don't like them, there's something wrong with you