Which Morakniv for kids?

Kraken · **on:** October 05, 2020, 06:39:20 PM

Hi all, I normally spend most of my time in this forum over in the Swiss Army Knights section, but had a question for the fixed-blade group. I'm looking to purchase a Mora companion for myself because 1. I don't have a fixed blade knife in my collection ( I know, I know), 2. They're ridiculously affordable and 3. They get rave reviews just about everywhere I look. I'll use it primarily for recreation, as a general purpose knife around the property and out in the woods when my son and I go for a hike. Eventually it will come camping with us as well. That said, I'm looking to get him his own Mora as well, but I'm not sure which model as I don't have any experience with this manufacturer. He's 7 and has his own Victorinox Evo Grip 17 which has a locking blade and it stays with me until we have use of it and then under my direct supervision. The same would hold true with his Mora as well; it would stay with mine until we are going to use it. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

RF52 · **Reply #1 on:** October 05, 2020, 06:44:24 PM

https://morakniv.se/anvandningsomrade/barnkniv/

Link to Morakniv's kids knives

Kraken · **Reply #2 on:** October 05, 2020, 10:35:10 PM

Thanks for the link RF52

RF52 · **Reply #3 on:** October 05, 2020, 10:53:05 PM

Also the Morakniv Eldris is a fun little knife

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Gareth · **Reply #4 on:** October 05, 2020, 11:45:10 PM

The Morakniv Pro has a nice grippy rubber handle and integral finger guard. carbon or stainless blade options too. https://morakniv.se/en/product/pro-c/ https://morakniv.se/en/product/pro-s-blue/

Kraken · **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2020, 05:54:11 PM

Quote from: RF52 on October 05, 2020, 10:53:05 PM

Also the Morakniv Eldris is a fun little knife

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I'll check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

Quote from: Gareth on October 05, 2020, 11:45:10 PM

The Morakniv Pro has a nice grippy rubber handle and integral finger guard. carbon or stainless blade options too. https://morakniv.se/en/product/pro-c/ https://morakniv.se/en/product/pro-s-blue/

I had taken a look at the Basic 546 for him, but thought that the handle might be a bit too larger for his hand. But I might get the Pro S for myself instead of the Companion...or maybe in addition to! One of the things I love about this forum is that the members are so eager to share their knowledge and experience and help...help me to find ways to lighten my wallet, but I'm not arguing!

Aloha · **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2020, 06:21:32 PM

Quote from: RF52 on October 05, 2020, 10:53:05 PM

Also the Morakniv Eldris is a fun little knife

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Aloha · **Reply #7 on:** October 06, 2020, 06:38:20 PM

I also like the options linked. The Rookie is neat as the tip is blunted and the guard offers some younger users a reminder /stopper of how far up to handle a knife. The stainless blade is a good starting point in terms of care.

The Wood Carving Jr is also a good option. The guard for the same reason stated above. The carbon blade will be nice teaching moment on care of knives.

For you, maybe a Mora Craftline 511 with a little over 3 1/2 in blade? Carbon steel blade and all the other goodness of Mora. A Mora Craftline 546 which has a SS blade.

A Companion in either SS or carbon would also be a nice option. A little more blade length just in case.

I gave my daughter a Companion. My partner has a HD and Elders both of which she really loves. I've tried to gift or have her pick a new knife but she has refused each time.

Lastly I'll offer the Classic Mora with red wood handle for you. I love mine.

To make your decision very easy, YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH ANY CHOICE.

Gareth · **Reply #8 on:** October 06, 2020, 07:14:49 PM

My only hesitation in recommending the Eldris is that, IMO, the really short blade can lead to the blade slipping off a bit of woodwork.

RF52 · **Reply #9 on:** October 06, 2020, 07:15:35 PM

with Aloha's last sentence

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Aloha · **Reply #10 on:** October 06, 2020, 07:26:27 PM

Quote from: Gareth on October 06, 2020, 07:14:49 PM

My only hesitation in recommending the Eldris is that, IMO, the really short blade can lead to the blade slipping off a bit of woodwork.

Fair enough

. I have one of the smaller Moras with Gurad and its lovely. I'd likely lean in that direction for a younger/learning user. The guard for teaching purposes is a STOP as any knife handled incorrectly can and will bite. Good handling and hand placement along with proper cutting grips and technique are always crucial.

Side notes, I always taught my kids the knife should only be unsheathed for use. This includes cleaning, sharpening, inspection, etc. Knives are not to be handled just to be handled. Also, always let a falling knife FALL. I've taught my kids to put hands up and step back as they keep eyes on falling knife.

Back to topic. Even the most basic Mora is a blast to use and a great first or 15th knife

.

comis · **Reply #11 on:** October 06, 2020, 07:41:20 PM

Quote from: Aloha on October 06, 2020, 07:26:27 PM

Fair enough . I have one of the smaller Moras with Gurad and its lovely. I'd likely lean in that direction for a younger/learning user. The guard for teaching purposes is a STOP as any knife handled incorrectly can and will bite. Good handling and hand placement along with proper cutting grips and technique are always crucial.

Side notes, I always taught my kids the knife should only be unsheathed for use. This includes cleaning, sharpening, inspection, etc. Knives are not to be handled just to be handled. Also, always let a falling knife FALL. I've taught my kids to put hands up and step back as they keep eyes on falling knife.

Back to topic. Even the most basic Mora is a blast to use and a great first or 15th knife .

These are great tips!

My young one is really way too young to learn, but when he's ready, I think I also gonna teach him always, always slice and cut in one direction, never pull the knife back even when the blade is stuck in material. This is important habit to develop, especially when working with a slip joint.

Gareth · **Reply #12 on:** October 06, 2020, 07:46:50 PM

Quote from: Aloha on October 06, 2020, 07:26:27 PM

Fair enough . I have one of the smaller Moras with Gurad and its lovely. I'd likely lean in that direction for a younger/learning user. The guard for teaching purposes is a STOP as any knife handled incorrectly can and will bite. Good handling and hand placement along with proper cutting grips and technique are always crucial.

Side notes, I always taught my kids the knife should only be unsheathed for use. This includes cleaning, sharpening, inspection, etc. Knives are not to be handled just to be handled. Also, always let a falling knife FALL. I've taught my kids to put hands up and step back as they keep eyes on falling knife.

Back to topic. Even the most basic Mora is a blast to use and a great first or 15th knife .

I completely agree.

:

I'm going to modify my thought on the Eldris; I'm fine with a shorter blade but I think the fact the Eldris is all curve that is giving me pause.

Kraken · **Reply #13 on:** October 06, 2020, 08:14:50 PM

Quote from: Aloha on October 06, 2020, 06:38:20 PM

I also like the options linked. The Rookie is neat as the tip is blunted and the guard offers some younger users a reminder /stopper of how far up to handle a knife. The stainless blade is a good starting point in terms of care.

The Wood Carving Jr is also a good option. The guard for the same reason stated above. The carbon blade will be nice teaching moment on care of knives.

For you, maybe a Mora Craftline 511 with a little over 3 1/2 in blade? Carbon steel blade and all the other goodness of Mora. A Mora Craftline 546 which has a SS blade.

A Companion in either SS or carbon would also be a nice option. A little more blade length just in case.

I gave my daughter a Companion. My partner has a HD and Elders both of which she really loves. I've tried to gift or have her pick a new knife but she has refused each time.

Lastly I'll offer the Classic Mora with red wood handle for you. I love mine.

To make your decision very easy, YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH ANY CHOICE.

I do like the option of the guard on the knife to protect his hand. I have a feeling that my foray in to the land of Morakniv might go the same way as my Victorinox...I'll find creative ways to justify my next knife purchase! I like the Companion, but am leaning more towards the Craftline. The fact that they are very affordable helps to ease my 'paralysis by analysis' that normally accompanies such purchases.

Quote from: Gareth on October 06, 2020, 07:14:49 PM

My only hesitation in recommending the Eldris is that, IMO, the really short blade can lead to the blade slipping off a bit of woodwork.

I do like the idea of the Eldris as an all-around utility blade, especially if my hands are too wet or cold to deploy the main blade on my SAK.

Quote from: Aloha on October 06, 2020, 07:26:27 PM

Fair enough . I have one of the smaller Moras with Gurad and its lovely. I'd likely lean in that direction for a younger/learning user. The guard for teaching purposes is a STOP as any knife handled incorrectly can and will bite. Good handling and hand placement along with proper cutting grips and technique are always crucial.

Side notes, I always taught my kids the knife should only be unsheathed for use. This includes cleaning, sharpening, inspection, etc. Knives are not to be handled just to be handled. Also, always let a falling knife FALL. I've taught my kids to put hands up and step back as they keep eyes on falling knife.

Back to topic. Even the most basic Mora is a blast to use and a great first or 15th knife .

I'll add these to our knife safety brief for the next time and subsequent outings. Thanks Aloha!

Aloha · **Reply #14 on:** October 06, 2020, 08:21:33 PM

I think as a more experienced knife user myself and my partner who uses the knife, I initially thought the size and wonderful grip of the Eldris handle were benefits for a novice user. I'm not sure a neck knife is the best choice as a first fixed blade tho I still think the Eldris is a great little knife. I retract my Edlris option for a first time fixed blade user.

I'd like both guard varieties for a younger less experienced user. I also think the other Moras would be good choices. The smaller length blade ones in particular. The handles are a good size and they offer very good grip. While there is no guard there is a decent index finger "choil" area that is a good reminder of where one should not extend grip.

My daughter added paracord and ranger bands to her Companion set up. She likes the ranger band at the top even tho the knife is pretty snug in the sheath without

. Her blade is carbon and she's fairly good at keeping it tidy, I do help. Sometimes she wears the knife and other times its in her pack.

Again you cannot go wrong with a Mora of any flavor. The price points are very fair, and you get quite a lot of knife for the money spent.

Aloha · **Reply #15 on:** October 06, 2020, 08:29:01 PM

@ Kraken, You pick the flavor of Craftline, SS or Carbon, and you can have TWO great knives for about $20 - $25. They come with very serviceable sheaths as well. I like some of the color combinations so for me that'd be the harder decision

.

You cannot go wrong with SS or Carbon either. You decide. I love both and both get silly sharp.

Kraken · **Reply #16 on:** October 07, 2020, 03:04:28 AM

Quote from: Aloha on October 06, 2020, 08:29:01 PM

@ Kraken, You pick the flavor of Craftline, SS or Carbon, and you can have TWO great knives for about $20 - $25. They come with very serviceable sheaths as well. I like some of the color combinations so for me that'd be the harder decision .

You cannot go wrong with SS or Carbon either. You decide. I love both and both get silly sharp.

@Aloha, I think you've just about sold me on the craftline for both my son and I. Not that it was a very hard sell mind you!

Aloha · **Reply #17 on:** October 07, 2020, 03:53:35 PM

Cant go wrong. Its a great way to get/try a pair of Moras for not much investment.

Kraken · **Reply #18 on:** October 07, 2020, 04:34:20 PM

I really appreciate everyone's insights and suggestions!

comis · **Reply #19 on:** October 07, 2020, 04:43:19 PM

Pardon me for totally being late to the reply, but already there's no shortage of great answers to the thread. Just like to add my 2 cents worth, personally, I would also highly recommend the Mora Rookie Junior. It is one of the most overlooked fixed blade in Mora lineup, since they are advertised it as kid's knife. But it is actually a great pocket carry fixed blade--it is light weight, has a decent handle length for a full grip(my hand size is M-L in mechanix glove), and comes with a finger guard.

Aloha · **Reply #20 on:** October 07, 2020, 05:28:16 PM

Shhh, Kraken will be back online ordering More - Moras, hence the similar sound of the words.

Great pic comis. I am really into a classics these days. The Rookie is a neat knife. My kids would have loved to have one when they were younger, heck they might still love one.

I think a Mora knife is a terrific starting point and a knife many of us come back to. Its also a very good grind to teach freehand sharpening. The large bevel is a good surface to follow while on a stone. Over time a slight rounding ( convex ) wont be a problem at all. Even a micro bevel wont be a problem. Theres some much to Mora beyond its price point and variety. Cody Lundin carried one around his neck for the show Dual Survival.

My partner just loves hers as does my daughter. I particular love my Classic Mora.

RF52 · **Reply #21 on:** October 07, 2020, 08:50:49 PM

Quote from: comis on October 07, 2020, 04:43:19 PM

Pardon me for totally being late to the reply, but already there's no shortage of great answers to the thread. Just like to add my 2 cents worth, personally, I would also highly recommend the Mora Rookie Junior. It is one of the most overlooked fixed blade in Mora lineup, since they are advertised it as kid's knife. But it is actually a great pocket carry fixed blade--it is light weight, has a decent handle length for a full grip(my hand size is M-L in mechanix glove), and comes with a finger guard.

(Image removed from quote.)

Wow! You have long nails

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Kraken · **Reply #22 on:** October 08, 2020, 03:08:27 AM

Quote from: comis on October 07, 2020, 04:43:19 PM

Pardon me for totally being late to the reply, but already there's no shortage of great answers to the thread. Just like to add my 2 cents worth, personally, I would also highly recommend the Mora Rookie Junior. It is one of the most overlooked fixed blade in Mora lineup, since they are advertised it as kid's knife. But it is actually a great pocket carry fixed blade--it is light weight, has a decent handle length for a full grip(my hand size is M-L in mechanix glove), and comes with a finger guard.

(Image removed from quote.)

I'll take your two cents Comis! You make some valid points for your choice. Looks like I might add a Mora Rookie to my cart now. So many Moras, so little funds at the moment.

comis · **Reply #23 on:** October 11, 2020, 04:04:02 PM

Quote from: RF52 on October 07, 2020, 08:50:49 PM

Wow! You have long nails (Image removed from quote.)

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I was wondering about the same thing when I was posting this photo!

Work from home totally has totally warped my sense of tidiness, but that problem was solved right after the photo was taken.

RF52 · **Reply #24 on:** October 11, 2020, 05:57:40 PM

Quote from: comis on October 11, 2020, 04:04:02 PM

I was wondering about the same thing when I was posting this photo!

Work from home totally has totally warped my sense of tidiness, but that problem was solved right after the photo was taken.

Good to hear

I feel long nails gets in the way, but mine are always to short instead

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Kraken · **Reply #25 on:** October 30, 2020, 01:59:25 PM

Well, I finally pulled the trigger on my Morakniv purchase. I decided on a SS Companion in orange for myself and the Mora Rookie for my son. His birthday is coming up soon and I'm thinking of trying to hold off on giving it to him until then, but I don't know if I'll be able too. I think it would come in handy to help build a travois to haul the firewood we forage in the woods behind our house as well as practice his knife skills making tent pegs. Thanks to everyone for their advice and recommendations!