MoraknivCompanion Carbon Steel Fixed-Blade Knife with Sheath, 4.1 Inch, Military Green

My first Mora, I bought from a famous knife store in Sevierville, TN six years ago for $6. I needed one while since my family was going to explore the Smoky Mtns. Bought it because it was the cheapest one that had a decent scabbard, blade length, and grip, but boy, it proved to be more than just an emergency purchase!I've bought at least 12 Moras since then, all of whom I treat as utility tools when I play shade tree mechanic for cutting thin wires, boring holes on plastic shrouds/parts, opening parts packaging or hacking away at shrubs poking my back while I mess around the wheel well. When working on the house, I have it with me since there's always something that needs to be cut. I find it easier to use, control, and keep around than a utility knife. It is also my woodland companion together with a huntsman swiss when I just go into the woods for a couple of hours to forage for mushrooms, cut down, and trim a sapling for a walking stick if I need one, and for slicing the shrooms at the base. Around the campsite? I normally bring tools appropriate for food prep and a Fiskars hatchet and saw for firewood so it's not used as much other than cutting rope, making notches on sticks or poles, or opening a can when the can opener is misplaced. Having no guard on the blade, there is nothing in the way when cutting, trimming and sharpening sticks. One time I used it while fishing. It is always in the pack but only used it once. The fish always gets cleaned at home, that's why.Its value to me is it's a high-quality cutting tool that holds its edge, is easy to sharpen, grippy even when covered with fish slime or car grease, wouldn't bother me if it gets nicked and scratched up, easy to clean, and at a price point that's hard to beat. I have one in the trunk of the 6 vehicles we own, my fishing bag, day pack, and trail bag because of the price. And I know I can beat on its spine with a baton, rock, mallet, pliers, or whatever is handy to achieve my cutting goal at that moment and not be concerned if I break it in the process. I believe I do what I do to it because over time I've owned a mora, it has proven itself remarkably tough and I have learned to trust it. The funny thing is I've never broken one.On the other hand, I own a Cutco hunting knife since 96. High price, high quality with a leather scabbard. That same year, on its first major outing, the tip broke off while opening a can, (canoeing AuSable river in MI). Althought the blade is easy to clean, the leather scabbard is not, impossible to keep dry, and heavy in the pack. And the tip broke off. That knife is now in the basement, with other rarely used camp gear.I've lost several Moras, giving them away to friends who compliment them after they've used them. And two years ago, to a grieving elderly couple by the riverbank who found themselves in need of a cutting tool to cut open the thick plastic bag holding the ashes of their loved one taken by COVID. That mora is the only one I lost that was followed by group prayer.

This was my first Mora. When I received it, I was impressed with the light weight, sturdy construction, and well fitting sheath. The blade is beyond shaving sharp out of the box, to the point that a hair test on my arm left me looking for the neosporin. This is my first carbon steel blade as well, and I have been impressed with the edge retention and sharpenability of the steel. The handle is grippy, solid, seamless, and sturdy. No slippage even after a blast of WD-40 on the blade.On a rainy, high humidity hike in southern VA, the blade did develop a thin film of rust, which was easily polished out with some olive oil. This comes with the territory when talking about carbon steel. I did not properly prepare this blade for the environment, it was dry and unoiled when we started the hike. If you're thinking about purchasing a high dollar carbon steel blade like an ESEE, you might do well to experiment with the steel on a cheaper blade like this. I believe the benefits out weigh the drawbacks in comparison to stainless. Stainless WILL rust, just takes longer.This blade pairs well with a larger knife, 6-7in. This blade is nimble and can handle finer tasks easily, which allows you to carry a larger blade for harder work like wood processing. I would not be disappointed, however, if I found myself stranded with only this blade. The craftsmanship is top notch.Couldn't ask more of this knife at double the price. Moras do live up to the hype. I will be purchasing a few more of their blades for storage in vehicles.The fact that they cost as much as a 12 pack of beer means you can beat the crap out of them and not feel bad. With a little care, they will go the distance for sure.Gotta remember the old adage, "Two is one, one is none". So buy two. The price allows it.

I bought this knife 4 years ago. I have carved with it, my brother field dressed deer with it, and it has never let me down. The sheath retention is still relatively solid and the handle is still very "grippy." It takes a very fine edge and is pretty easy to fix if you mess it up. I can't sing this knife's praises enough. If you're looking for a knife to hammer through a tree, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a knife that does a knife's job (cutting), you can't go wrong with a morakniv. I have a lot of nicer knives, but this one always consistently performs and punches way above its price point.Be aware the spine is unfinished, but it's ground down enough that you won't get caught or cut on the spine.