To keep it short, whittling is often considered as a classic hobby that offers its practitioners peace of mind and physical rewards. This activity involves cutting and carving wood pieces with the help of a knife which has a considerable influence on the final result. Therefore, from novice whittlers to seasoned pros, picking a suitable whittling knife is an important issue, it would make or break the project. In the case you are new to the craft and want to obtain the best whittling knife on the market, you come to right place. Down below is a couple of quality examples along with comprehensive shopping instructions, check them out to make a wise investment.
Contents
Top 10 Best Whittling Knife Reviews 2024
Best Whittling Knives | Steel | Type of Blade | Blade Length | Price | Review |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morakniv 11863 | Carbon | Fixed | 4.1 inches | $$ | ***** |
Opinel Carbon Steel | Carbon | Folding | 2.76 - 4.72 inches | $$ | **** |
Opinel Stainless Steel | Stainless | Folding | 2.76 - 4.72 inches | $$ | **** |
Flexcut KN12 | Carbon | Fixed | 1.25 inches | $$ | **** |
Morakniv Wood Carving 120 | Laminated with a Carbon core | Carbon | 2.4 inches | $$ | ***** |
Flexcut JKN91 | Carbon | Folding | 1.5 inches | $$$$$ | **** |
Flexcut JKN88 Whittlin' Jack | Carbon | Folding | 1.5 inches | $$$ | **** |
Flexcut KN300 | Carbon | Fixed | 1.25 inches | $$$ | *** |
Morakniv 164 Hook Knife | Carbon | Fixed | 2.0 inches | $$$ | **** |
Flexcut JKN89 Pocket Jack | Carbon | Folding | 1.5 inches | $$$$ | **** |
There many whittling knives you can choose from with different shapes and different sizes. Because of personal preferences, the best whittling knife to someone else could appear to be inadequate in your case. That is why you must not make a purchase before you have a firm grasp on available choices and your own demands. To buy something without proper consideration could make you waste money for little gain so be careful. Always remember to include your needs and requirements into the selection processes in order to come up with a logical decision. That being said, now let’s takes a look at the specifications and reviews of popular whittling knives.
1. Morakniv 11863 | Excellent Knife at an Unbeatable Price!
- Type of steel: Carbon
- Type of blade: Fixed
Morakniv is a well-known brand in the knife industry due to their quality yet affordable products and Companion Carbon MG is not an exception. Its small and slim profile possesses commendable portability so you could take it along with you on an outdoor trip. The hard rubber handle let the user makes very precise cuts and comfortable to hold. These factors make the knife very handy in a whittling project where accuracy and control are essential. Besides the knife itself, you would receive a belt clip – attached polymer sheath with a bottom drainage hole that is quite convenient by the way.
Morakniv Companion Carbon MG utilizes high strength carbon for its blade, edge retention and overall resistance are fair but it nonetheless needs regular maintenance. You should wipe and oil the blade after each use to prevent things like rust and corrosion. It’s much easier to sharpen than its stainless steel cousin though.
The HRC of the carbon blade is around 58 – 60 so you could use it to good effect as a whittling knife. With the 4.1 inch blade, the knife would have an easy time carving and slicing any wood pieces you can find.
About the performance, the Morakniv knife holds up together very well with no crack or chip in continuous use.
As long as you sharpen the blade for a bit after every 20 to 30 minutes of wood carving then there is nothing to worry. Because the blade is designed to handle heavy activity, you could get a lot of work done in a blink of an eye. Keep its blade away from moisture and Morakniv Companion Carbon MG would stick around for a long time. In term of all-around application, this is among the best whittling knives you can ever get.
Pros
- Effective handle
- Reasonable price
- Simple to sharpen
- Robust performance
Cons
- Require regular maintenance
- Edge retention is mediocre at best
- Certain customers receive damaged products
2. Opinel N°08 Carbon |Unique, Well made, and Utilitarian
- Type of steel: Carbon
- Type of blade: Folding
Though the French product has no fancy features and alike, Opinel N°08 Carbon does possess practical design and simple operation. As a result, the knife earns a well-deserved reputation as one the best whittling knives money can buy due to its robust performance. The Opinel knife has 5 pieces: The handle, the blade, the pin, the collar and the Virobloc lock, these components are carefully assembled. Opinel N°08 mobility is superb thanks to its limited weight and humble dimension. You should be able to wield and carry the knife with no issue at all.
The knife blade is made from carbon steel so it’s easy to sharpen, tough and could get rusty without sufficient maintenance after usage. Its edge retention is subpar yet all it takes is 10 minute of sharpening to transform the blade from dull to super sharp. The steel softness allows it to recover from abuse rather well and it also tends to roll instead of chip. In case you decide to bring tools like magnesium fire starter or flint, the Opinel N°08 excellent spine would come in handy. Generally, just take care of the blade regularly and the knife should serve you well.
For the curve handle, Opinel N°08 makes use of Beech wood which offers decent traction though other modem considerations are absent. The knife nail mark indicates two-handed operation so don’t expect to deploy the blade with one hand. Since the blade is secure deep within the handle, there isn’t enough space for your thumb to gain traction. Its opening process is smooth and straightforward nonetheless but could be a bit tricky when the wooden material gets swollen. The Virobloc is quite reliable and similar to the blade deployment, you have to use both of your hand to engage the lock.
Pros
- Strong lock
- Ergonomic handle
- Story and simple to use
- Versatile and affordable
Cons
- Get dull quickly
- Require constant care
- Quality control should be improved
3. Opinel N°08 Stainless | Simple, Sharp, and Elegant EDC
- Type of steel: Stainless
- Type of blade: Folding
Should you like the idea behind Opinel N°08 Carbon but want something with more resistance then Opinel N°08 Stainless is the perfect alternative. The knife blade employs stainless steel instead of carbon one and wit addition of chrome, it’s now anti-corrosive. There is still some carbon content left in the blade, around 0.40%, which offers nice cutting ability. Compare to N°08 Carbon, N°08 Stainless is considerably more expensive but it requires no special maintenance. For people in need of a tough whittling tool, the knife is a good choice.
Same as Opinel N°08 Carbon, Opinel N°08 Stainless also use a wooden handle that made of Beech, it’s comfortable to work with. However, wood is easily influenced by the working condition so the knife handle could swell or contract a bit from time to time. This phenomenon would impact the component tightness but for most of the time, it should not make the knife unusable because it’s temporary. To be safe, always store the knife in a dry place and never leave it in a damp or wet condition for long.
While Opinel N°08 Stainless is indeed a quality product, you still have to maintain it and grease everything on a regular basis. The best whittling knife could still fail if you don’t keep the knife component in good shape so be careful. Pay special attention to the Virobloc lock since the knife operation relies on it, there are two parts: one sliding and one fixed. The Virobloc lock is used to secure the blade in position so a malfunction here would put an end to the knife usefulness. When a sharpening is needed, wipe clean the knife blade and hold the sharpening stone at roughly 20-degree angle from the blade.
Pros
- Fantastic finish
- Simple construction
- Great corrosion and rust resistance
- Let you lock the blade in open and closed position
Cons
- Inconsistent performance
- Not exactly easy to sharpen
- Customers complain about receiving damaged products
4. Flexcut KN12 | The Best Whittling Knife for Beginners
- Type of steel: Carbon
- Type of blade: Fixed
Come with a 1.5-inch carbon blade, ergonomic handle and reasonable cost, Flexcut KN12 is a versatile tool for people that recently pick up whittling. Its user-friendly blade shafts and super sharp cutting edges allow you to have a firm control over the cut at all times. The blade of each knife is carefully manufactured from high carbon steel in order to achieve ideal sharpness and hardness. Before delivery, the factory hand sharpen the blade and test the knife performance so that only flawless products could reach customer’s hand.
To minimize hand fatigue, the Flexcut KN12 handle is designed to be held comfortably by your hand for an extended amount of time. Couple with the sharp blade, you could get a lot of work done with this knife which makes it a cost-effective investment. Even season pro come to appreciate the knife flexibility, you could see it as a general purpose tool with a multitude of application. Should you intend to start of a collection of whittling knife of your own then you must consider including Flexcut KN12 in it. The knife cheap acquisition cost should let you acquire it without straining your wallet in the process.
Since the blade of the knife utilizes carbon steel, there is a couple of issues you have to pay attention to. You may need to sharpen it regularly due to the fact that the blade cannot hold its edge for very long. It’s not a complicated process though so you restore the blade sharpness rather quick. Oil and wipe clean the knife after each use to protect it from possible corrosion. Flexcut KN12 does not have replaceable blades so keep the edge sharp and it would stick around for years to come.
Pros
- Inexpensive price
- A good knife for beginner
- Cut well and easy to weld
- Comfortable to hold in your hand
Cons
- Edge retention is not very good
- The delivery service is inadequate
- The handle is too big in certain case
5. Morakniv Wood Carving 120 | A Whole New Level of Whittling Knife
- Type of steel: Laminated with a Carbon core
- Type of blade: Fixed
Also come from Morakniv, Wood Carving 120 can be used with good results in extended whittling projects since it doesn’t need regular sharpening. The 60mm blade length and 2.7mm blade thickness allow you to achieve flawless wood carving without any problem. Because the blade makes use of laminated steel, edge retention and overall sharpness are very good in heavy use condition. For the handle, Wood Carving 120 utilizes oiled birch wood to make it feel natural and comfortable to hold in your hand. The wide rounded shape of the wooden offer tight grip and accurate control as well.
Given the performance and feature of Wood Carving 120, its price tag is quite acceptable to most people. The knife is durable and could sustain prolonged use so you shall obtain good value for money. Due to its excellent carving characteristic, the knife should make complicated whiting jobs much easier. These advantages made the Morakniv product among the best whittling knives available for purchase. As a proof of the manufacturer confidence, Morakniv is willing to back Wood Carving 120 with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Allow precise craving
- Ergonomic handle and nice edge retention
- Already sharpen so you could use it right away
Cons
- Mediocre sheath
- Less than ideal quality control
- People receive rust and bent products
6. Flexcut JKN91 – A must-have for Woodcarving
- Type of steel: Carbon
- Type of blade: Folding
An innovative design with 6 folding blades, the JKN91 Right-Handed Carvin’ Jack is a unique tool that offers its user respectable versatility. All the blades utilize 1095 carbon steel and well sharpened so you could use it right out of the package. Because the blades are neatly folded in the closed position, the JKN91 Right-Handed Carvin’ Jack is a portable compact pocket knife. You would have a chance to carve some wood pieces no matter where you are with the jack by your side. Instead of a complicated and sizable set of tool, you could perform numerous whittling projects using the JKN91 Right-Handed Carvin’ Jack alone.
The blades of JKN91 Right-Handed Carvin’ Jack are as follow: Chisel, V-Scorp, Straight Gouge, Gouge Scorp, Hook Knife and Detail Knife. When you purchase the jack, you would also receive a sharpening strop, a leather pouch and a Flexcut Gold polishing compound. Though the price of JKN91 is rather high, its flexibility and mobility are premium class, not many products could match its versatile performance. The jack is pretty much a folding toolbox of super sharp and long-lasting tools that every whittler would love to own.
Pros
- Ultra sharp blades
- Convenient strop block
- Compact dimension and light
- A care manual is also included
Cons
- Stiff blade operation
- Quite expensive to obtain
- Tiny blade extraction points
7. Flexcut JKN88 Whittlin’ Jack | The Best Whittling Knife for Outdoor Application
- Type of steel: Carbon
- Type of blade: Folding
While the utility of JKN88 is not as good as JKN91, it has a much more affordable price along with many strong points. Similar to its Flexcut cousin, the jack possesses a compact body with foldable blades: a 1.5-inch Detail Knife and a 2-inch Roughing Knife. These blades are really sharp and long lasting but since they have no curve on them, you cannot use the blades to scoop. The jack 4 inch closed length and 5-ounce weight mean you could barely notice the JKN88 presence in your pocket.
In general, the blades operate smoothly, you should have little trouble manipulating them but do remember that they do not lock in place. The jack ergonomic handle permits the user to achieve a tight grip and offers admirable control over the blades movement. A combination of wooden material and aluminum frame give JKN88 a classic appearance yet durable enough to withstand regular use without fail. In term of cost, JKN88 is considerably cheaper than JKN91 yet its price tag is still considerably higher than other products in the field.
Pros
- Versatile and flexible
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Sharp and tough blade
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Sub-par finish
8. Flexcut KN300 |Great Set of Carving & Whittling Knives
- Type of steel: Carbon
- Type of blade: Fixed
Consist of a KN27 Mini-Detail Knife and a KN13 Detail Knife, KN300 offer you 2 of best whittling knives from Flexcut. These knives have sharp blades, comfortable handles and fully ambidextrous so almost everyone can put them to use with ease. Thanks to the use of carbon, KN300 blades are hard, sharp and last for a long time if you could maintain them properly. The blades are pre-sharpened carefully before final delivery so the knives can be used the moment you receive them. A bar of Flexcut Gold polishing compound would be provided with the KN300 Whittler’s Kit.
For novice whittlers, KN27 and KN13 are excellent tools, the knives forgiving to wield and they would help to improve their whittling skill. Season pros also come to like these knives flexibility as well, especially when there is a need for precise carving. So by purchasing the KN300 Whittler’s Kit, you would get both KN27 and KN13 at a reasonable price. Flexcut ensures their US made products to be flawless and back them with a lifetime warranty. In case you spot a defect, Flexcut is willing to send you a replacement free of charge.
Pros
- Razor sharp blades
- User-friendly handle
- Nice post-purchase policy
Cons
- Slightly thin
- A bit small to be used conveniently
9. Morakniv 164 Hook Knife | A Great Choice for Detailed Wood Carvings
- Type of steel: Carbon
- Type of blade: Fixed
Come with a sturdy carbon blade, Morakniv 164 Hook Knife is able to tackle the hardest wood you could find. Its one of a kind curve blade lets you create rounded edges or perform detailing works with little effort. The blade of the knife is single edged which mean you could push and pull with one hand for improved control. Due to its lightweight body, it’s a breeze to manipulate the knife in a manner that suits your current requirements. The oiled birch handle provides the user with admirable grip given its compact size.
Pros
- Strong, sharp and light
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Good for carving bowls, spoons and alike
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Tricky to use effectively by beginner
10. Flexcut JKN89 Pocket Jack | Handy and Versatile
- Type of steel: Carbon
- Type of blade: Folding
Featuring 4 foldable blades, the JKN89 Pocket Jack is another multi-tool of Flexcut with excellent versatility and mobility. The jack blades include: Gouge Scorp, Straight Gouge, V-Scorp and Detail Knife, all are logically placed to offer simple and smooth operation. For the steel, JKN89 employs high strength carbon that is sharp and tough so the blades would swiftly go through the average wood. The jack handle is made to be used comfortably by both left and right handed user, its grip is top notch as well. Compare to other whittling tools, JKN89 is quite pricey but its performance would not disappoint you
Pros
- Versatile multitool
- Ambidextrous handle
- Razor sharp carbon blades
Cons
- High acquisition cost
- It’s tricky to manipulate the blades sometimes
The Characteristics of the Best Whittling Knife
1. Steel
The heart and soul of a whittling knife lie within its blade so the choice of blade steel is a factor you have to take into account. It would decide the knife ability to cut and slice so you better make sure the blade choose a quality steel type. On the Rockwell scale, the steel hardness of the best whittling knife should be between 58 and 62. Go below 58 and the blade could be too soft to achieve a razor sharp edge, edge retention is also not very good. On the other hand, should the blade hardness is above 62 then the blade would be too hard and tend to chip or even snap. To prevent snapping, some manufacturers sandwiched hard steels with soft steels.
2. Handle
Whittling requires a high degree of precision and control which mean you should closely exam the design of the knife handle. It should have an ergonomic construction that let you achieve a tight grip without fail. Whittling projects shall take a good amount of time and effort to complete so stay away from odd shape handles which exacerbate fatigue. Whittling knives with effective handles should permit excellent precise blade movement in a complex project without tiring out your hand. For most of the time, whittlers often go after wooden or rubber handles because they are comfortable to hold and possess good grip.
3. Size and Shape
It’s highly recommended that you get a whittling knife that fits in your palm, this particular size let you maneuver the knife easily. Compact – sized knives are simple to carry across long distance without weighing you down or taking up inventory space. A long thin blade without too much belly should let you make better cuts compare to other design. Hilt and blade guard are optional though some people feel that they are simply redundant or outright obstacles. If you want to buy a folding knife, make sure the product you like has solid snaps or reliable locks. As a whole, flexibility and portability are two essential criterions of a whittling knife.
4. Cost and Budget
In the usual case, a whittling knife could cost you anywhere between $10 and $50, depending on the quality you are aiming for. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to get the most expensive product on the shelf, especially when you are just a beginner. There are always affordable whittling knives around and these products would serve novice whittlers rather well. When you have become more experienced at whittling, you can consider buying high end whittling knives to meet your needs. However, premium grade products would require you to pay a considerable amount of money to get them.
5. Wood choice
There are two types of wood you can use in a whittling project: Hardwood and Softwood. Whittling beginners are usually advised to use softwood in their projects to gather experience due to its forgiving characteristics. It’s easy to carve, dig and slice softwoods like basswood or balsa as you see fit, they are available in various sizes too. After you get the hang of the technique, you could start using hardwoods like butternut which is a bit tricky to deal with at first. Generally, all market whittling knives should have an easy time going through the average wood pieces.
Morakniv Companion Carbon MG is the number one choice?
While it’s surely not perfect in every way, the Morakniv knife versatility and ease of use are well liked by many users around the globe. The cheap acquisition cost also makes it an economical choice, you could get it at a reasonable price. Take good care of it and the knife would not let you down.
Editor choice: Opinel N°08 Stainless
In case you hate to see rust on your whittling tool, the French made Opinel N°08 Stainless would be an ideal investment. While you could experience certain issues with the knife wooden handle, Opinel N°08 Stainless is nonetheless a sharp and tough product. It only requires a minimum amount of maintenance and the knife should last for years to come.
I hope this guide was detailed and helpful enough for finding the best whittling knife to fit your needs.
How To Whittle – A Beginner’s Guide
What Is Whittling?
To put it plainly, whittling mostly involve carving a piece of wood using a knife in order to create a particular design. As there is no such thing as general rules in the craft, whittling projects could be anything: a face, a shape, a sculpture… So what are the differences between whittling and wood carving? Well, whittling requires almost zero skill so everyone would have no trouble getting into whittling in a matter of minutes. Of course, you still have to familiarize yourself with some issues but generally speaking, whittling is simpler than wood carving.
Why Many People Practice Whittling?
For people that have a creative mind and times to spare, whittling is an excellent hobby that requires no frills. Get a piece of wood, a knife and you could start whittling at your leisure. In addition to that, a lot of practitioners feel that whittling let them calm down and release pent-up stresses. Nowadays, we all have to face various challenges which often place significant strain our mental as well as physical strength. So to take times whittling away wood pieces might be just what you need to keep your life under control.
How To Get Into Whittling
As mentioned above, you should be able to get into whittling without having to invest too much money in preparation. In most of the care, you are going to need:
- Knives And Some Sharpening Supplies: It’s possible to use whatever knife you have around but if you want to optimize your whittling experience, consider buying the chip carving knives. Such knives come in a variety of shapes which allow you to perform difficult cuts a bit easier than usual. As you are new to whittling, you need to prioritize whittling tools for beginners but before you purchase anything, assess the materials carefully and thoroughly. Besides the knives, stock up on sharpening supplies in order to deal with dulled edges.
- Lots And Lots Of Woods: Sure, you could take a walk around the park, pick up a random piece of wood and start whittling away. Overall, it’s not overly important that you know the kind of wood you are working on at the moment. In fact, use what you have is actually part of the fun of the craft. Nonetheless, regarding whittling wood, a couple of options indeed prove superior to others, especially if you are just a novice. More relevant information about ideal materials for whittling including the best wood for whittling would be elaborated further down below.
- A Few Designs For Newcomers: Needless to say, whittling enthusiasts could only hope to produce a masterpiece after accumulating experiences. If you want to have a good time practicing the craft, it’s of utmost importance that you choose easy whittling projects at the beginning. It’s pretty much fruitless to pursue high-level whittling designs from the get-go. There are multiple beginner whittling projects for you to choose and as you accomplish them, you are able to refine your techniques and associated qualities.
Safety Accessories: What You Need
You could never be too careful around knives and the same idea also applied to whittling tools as a whole. While you are processing pieces of woods, it’s widely advised that you wear suitable protective accessories to protect yourself. At the very least, you should put on a pair of gloves in order to prevent your hands from coming into contact with wood splinters, sharp edges of the knives,…At all time, keep in mind that safety is number one priority and whittling for beginners is not an exception.
The Best Knife For Whittling
Different people have different opinions about the best whittling knife so there is no such thing as the perfect product. That being said, in whittling for beginners, it’s a good idea to get knives from reputable names in the industry nowadays like Morakniv, Flexcut, … Despite the fact that models from reputable manufacturers would not always deliver satisfaction, they are still reliable choices compared to examples from lesser-known brands. All things considered, if you need whittling knives, consider buying merchandises from famous labels first.
Woods For Whittling: Top Choices
While talking about whittling for beginners, numerous expert and experienced whittlers tend to recommend softwoods. Unlike hardwoods, softwoods permit you to manipulate them as you see fit with relative ease. After you are certain that you have got the knack of things, move on to hardwoods in future whittling projects. Compared to softwoods, hardwoods require more skills but in exchange, they last longer and maintain texture fairly well over time. Once again, it’ all about the techniques the confidence you have in your own abilities.
With hundreds of softwoods, how could I tell which one suits my taste?. In that case that is your concern, here are a couple of suggestions for you.
- Basswood: At first glance, Basswood is a light brown softwood that boasts very fine grains. As it sports a pleasing coloration, whittlers around globe love using Basswood in their project. In addition to that, it’s a breeze for you to cut through the wood using a standard pocket knife. As a result, people often think of Basswood as the ideal material while discussing the subject of whittling for beginners. You should be able to acquire the wood at local craft store these kinds of days at rather reasonable prices.
- Butternut: Although Butternut indeed features somewhat coarser grains than Basswood, it’s still an excellent option for first-time whittlers. The wood proves forgiving to work with as it chips away easily in most cases. Moreover, Butternut is also popular enough that you could run into it in the average lumber yards around the world. With a bit of luck, you might secure good amounts of Butternut free of charge. In the case you do need to pay money to get the wood, the usual acquisition cost stays pretty low.
- Balsa: The profile of Balsa resembles Basswood, the only notable differences between them is that Balsa possesses a deeper brown. Considering the fact that the wood owns fairly straight grains, even starting whittlers would have no trouble working on Balsa. As you whittle, Balsa should turn yellow-brown after some time but that is just a natural characteristic of the wood so you don’t have to worry about that.
- Random Twigs And Branches (Optional): One of the great things about whittling is that you could readily use things you come across in outdoor strolls. While many people feel that twigs and branches are essentially mediocre choices for many activities, they remain superb whittling materials. Because twigs and branches would be soft, it’s possible to use them to put together various decorative objects, ornaments,… Moreover, no one is going to charge you for collecting twigs and branches which mean you don’t have to pay any expense at all.
Whittling References: Books For Novices
Want in-depth whittling guidance? Searching for beginner level projects? Wish to learn more about the properties of different woods? If you have questions like that in mind then you should definitely think about getting a couple of reference books. “Old Time Whittling: Easy Techniques for Carving Classic Projects”, “Complete Starter Guide to Whittling: 24 Easy Projects You Can Make in a Weekend” and “20-Minute Whittling Projects: Fun Things to Carve from Wood” are excellent choices.
Whittling Techniques: Tips And Tricks
With issues about whittling items and ideal materials taken care of, let’s see some instruction on how to whittle. Though it’s highly likely that you would have difficulty positioning your hands to fit specific whittling postures, it should work out in the end. After all, it’s whittling for beginners so take your times, no need to rush.
1. Hold The Whittling Knife Correctly
“How to whittle wood without sustaining injuries” is what first-time whittlers want to know and it’s quite simple. Use your left hand to hold the piece of wood while letting your right hand take hold of the knife. Place the thumb of your left hand on the back of the blade in order to deliver the cutting force. It’s strongly recommended that you avoid cutting through the wood using solely your right hand as it lacks accuracy. In any case, keep all your remaining fingers out of the path of the blade.
2. Don’t Force The Blade
Once you feel that the knife is stuck tight, stop right away and slowly backtrack. In the case you decide to brute your way through, you might slip your grip and accidentally hurt your fingers. You have to remember that speed is not a factor in whittling for beginners so why bother going fast here? Until you feel comfortable cutting through different layers of woods, proceed at a steady pace. Be patient and the result should come your way eventually.
3. Pay Attention At All Times
One minor mistake is enough to destroy hours worth of effort and that is why you have to stay focus. Your scooping motion should only remove a bit of wood at a time, nothing more. Practice a lot in order to deduce the correct angle for different types of woods. For most of the time, refrain from going too deep since you could end up tearing the wood piece all the way to the back.
Last Updated on January 1, 2024
Morakniv Companion is a wonderful blade. As I have stated in previous reviews of Morakniv products, if you don’t have one, you should try one. I really don’t think you will be disappointed, especially at these prices. Let’s do a short overview of three points here. The blade, the handle, and the sheath.
1. The blade – Carbon steel and although some will complain this isn’t a full tang knife, it is pretty close (I’ve seen the handle cutaway). There are thicker blades on other models, but in my experience this one has worked just fine. I would consider it a great general purpose working or camping blade. It’s no the best for filleting fish, but you can. It’s not the best to baton wood with, but you can, etc. These come pretty sharp and retain their edge very well. Since the blade is carbon steel, it will need to be oiled to keep corrosion at bay. If you intend to used this with a firestarter some material may need to be ground off. I personally don’t use it as such, but have seen many instances where others do and have had to remove some material from the back of the blade.
2. The handle – I like the style of these handles. They are functional and I personally think they look pretty good. In my experience these grip pretty well even when wet and also compliment the blade size pretty well for most tasks. This material and grip also come in handy for some tasks since there is no gimping on the blade, which I have never personally had a problem with. For a softer material, these handles seem to hold up very well, which was one of my concerns several years ago when I bought my first one.
3. The sheath – Could it be better? Yes, but probably not at this price. These are easy to clean, retain the knife wonderfully, and have a nice little weep hole in the bottom. Like the handle, the sheaths are tougher than they look and seem to hold up quite well. I like the belt clip design myself, although it does have it’s faults. This one in particular seems more prone to stay on the belt when you want it to come off rather than slipping off at unexpected times. As with most sheaths, its overall effectiveness will change depending on the belt it is being used with.
In conclusion, these are great knives, buy one for you and all of your friends. Don’t want a blade you have to oil? Get one in stainless instead. Regardless of your decision, don’t just let your purchase set there, get out there and enjoy it!
We bought this Opinel Stainless Steel as a first knife for our 8 year old son who is currently working to earn his whittling Badge in Cub Scouts. I was obsessively researching the perfect first knife for scouting – Benchmade Mini-Griptillian, Spyderco Delica 4, Buck 110, Leatherman Wave, Victorinox… And then I happened upon a review for this knife, and I knew this was it. Simple, safe(relatively, with the bonus that it locks in the closed position for pocket carry), and best of all, it is inexpensive so that when he loses or breaks it, no worries! I also liked the fact that it is all about the blade, no other stuff to focus on. Knife safety and knife skills are primary for a scout. The other things like the can opener, screwdriver, pliers, all that is good, but I want my kids to learn about the BLADE. I bought the No8 Carbone for myself, and for him, this Opinel No8 Luxe with Bubinga and polished 12C27M stainless steel blade – it is stunningly brilliant. This knife is lightweight ,fits in his pocket, the lock is bomb proof, and the handle fits his hands comfortably. We have not had to sharpen it yet, as it came cutting paper out of the box, and all he has done so far is open boxes, carve bars of soap, and sharpen a few sticks. I have sharpened my Carbone, and it was stupid simple with a diamond hone which a friend of mine showed us how to use. The Opinel Luxe stands out from the tactical crowd, which is refreshing to me. It is a reminder that this is tool for cutting, not combat – it does not pretend to be anything but what it is – a timeless tool, with superb functionality and a fantastic value. As I understand it, there are more Opinel No8’s in the world than any other single knife. There is a reason for that.
If you are looking for a general utility knife that looks classy, the Opinel No.6 Inox is a great choice; an elegant and non-intimidating “gentleman’s knife” that’s large, sharp, and sturdy enough to get the job done without being cumbersome.
The size is small enough to fit into dress pants yet large enough to get a solid grip on when using. The blade came from the factory with an excellent edge and the size and material makes it much more functional than those found on a Swiss Army Knife.
The wood you choose for the handle is personal preference, but I went with walnut and it looks beautiful; the wood has nice color, has an attractive grain, and contrasts with the bright stainless of the locking ring and the blade. As shown in the current seller images, the walnut handle does not have the brand markings.
Compared to the No.8, which I also own and pair with more casual outfits, the No.6 is my choice when wearing pants with smaller pockets, when wearing an outfit with a dressier style, or when in areas where there is a 3″ blade length limit. There are a few tasks I’ve had where the longer blade of the No.8 would have made it easier, but they are few and far between.
I only recently discovered how cool Opinels are, and I’m upset that it took me so long. I have a No. 8 with bubinga handle and just received this No. 6 with walnut handle. I know that the No. 8 is the most popular size, and it was because of this fact that I ordered that one. I definitely love that knife and have been carrying with me everyday for the last week. But now that the No. 6 has arrived, I am going to switch to the smaller one for EDCing. I prefer smaller knives for EDC, as they are less likely to draw unwanted attention. The No. 6 fits comfortably in my hand with a 3- to 3 1/2-finger grip. It is extremely light, and fits in my pocket much better than the No. 8. Like my No. 8, it too came with a pretty dull blade with an iffy grind on it. No big deal – a few minutes on the sharpening stone and the edge was hair-whittling sharp. With its nice walnut handle (although I do think the bubinga on my No. 8 is nicer), classic blade shape, and two-handed operation, the No. 6 is, in my mind, the perfect gentleman’s folder. It exudes Old World, classic, historical charm. Thank you Opinel!
I’ve been looking for an every day carry knife with the following characteristics:
1. Blade 3.5-4 inches
2. Light enough to not be noticeable in pocket.
3. Stainless blade, since I tend to not take very good care of things.
4. A useful blade shape.
5. Rated well by people who know knives better than I.
6. Reasonably priced, including shipping costs.
The Opinel No. 10 Stainless meets each of my criteria.
I’ve only had it a week, but it already is “family,” with a permanent place in my left pocket.
I remember this knife being popular for camping in the ’70s. At the time I couldn’t afford one. In the days of Chinese knockoffs, this knife is still not truly “inexpensive,” but it is affordable. The fact that it is made by a small business in rural France is a major plus. Overall, I will be recommending this to anyone looking for a very nice knife.
Opinel N08 Stainless is my first Opinel knife, and I am already a fan. It is unique, compared to the run of the mill pocket knives. The blade came very sharp, and is easy to maintain an edge. The locking mechanism works well, despite being a little more cumbersome than a conventional lock. I will be buying another of these in a larger size. Great knife!
I bought Opinel No. 9 for a travel/camping/road trip knife, mostly for cutting food (fruits and veggies). Works great. The neat-o locking mechanism tightened up after some time and some water absorption, but a twist of a screwdriver head in the gap of the metal locking collar fixed that (thanks to some knife nerd forum member).
I was on the fence between No. 8 and No. 9. Being a tall guy with large hands, I’m glad I got the 9. It might be a bit too big if you want a pocket knife, but I wouldn’t want anything smaller for a utility knife. It might even be a slight bit small, but it’s a decent balance between handling and portability. The blade came and stayed sharp. It’s light but sturdy. Pleased with the purchase.
I know that you should be very careful with knives. I have cared a pocket knife for over 40 years. This Flexcut JKN88 Whittlin’ Jack is more of a surgical instrument than a pocket knife. The blade has a mirror finish on it, not the typical edge where you can still see the grinding marks. Sure enough when I tested the sharpness with my finger to determine just how sharp it was, resulted in opening the first aid kit for a bandage. It cuts wood like cutting soft butter. Very happy with the purchase and my finger is much better.
Flexcut JKN88 Whittlin’ Jack was my first carving knife so I wasn’t really expecting it to be as sharp as it was coming right out of the package. I cut myself while trying to close it after using it for the first time.
That aside, this knife is a joy to carve with. It’s certainly small enough to fit in a pocket but has a decent enough weight and quality of build to it that makes it easy to control while using it. As I ketioned before, this knife comes REALLY sharp which makes it even more worth the money
Very sharp blade, very nice handle. I’m very pleased with Flexcut JKN88 Whittlin’ knife, great quality for such a low price! I bought this knife as a “let’s see if I like it before I buy the carving jack”. A year later, I have not bought the carving jack, I like the whittling Jack a lot and am not ready to replace it.
I have a nice set of woodcarving knives. Like many woodcarvers, perhaps more that I actually need. But there are times when you are out and about and feel the need to relax by whittling some wood into something pleasing. This Flexcut JKN88 Whittlin’ knife is big enough and rugged enough, and well honed, to do some serious carving. At the same time, it is neither to big nor too heavy to not throw it in your pocket when head out into the woods or the beach. I’m glad that I made this purchase.
Having purchased the Flexcut Tri-Jack Pro for whittling on my deck when I need time away from the PC, I thought I would try out the Flexcut Whittlin Jack so I’d have something to keep in my bag in case the mood strikes me to carve!
In short, It’s a little lighter than the Flexcut Tri-Jack Pro, missing the small blade and doesn’t have the locking blade feature. It also didn’t arrive as sharp as the Flexcut Tri-Jack Pro; but that was solved in seconds on the Flexcut SlipStrop Polish PW12.
In short, I’m happy with the purchase, it’s nearly 50% cheaper than the Flexcut Tri-Jack Pro so if something happens to it I won’t be as irked with myself. The blades are very stiff so there’s little chance of them closing on you, however extra caution should always be taken when using non-locking blades. The reduce weight is a plus given that it’ll be carried around with me. Lastly the missing blade isn’t as much of a big deal as I had assumed it would be. The larger blade on this item has more of a point, which with some care could be used to carve the finer detail that the small blade on the Flexcut Tri-Jack Pro is intended for. In the end, you’ll achieve greatness with either the Flexcut Tri-Jack Pro or the Flexcut Whittlin Jack. The Flexcut Tri-Jack Pro is the better tool for certain, but the Flexcut Whittlin Jack is much better to throw in your pocket and leave the house with.
My son has been wanting this knife for a very, very long time. After reading that it was unbreakable, it was a challenge for him to try to find a way to break it. He tried bending it, then hammered it into our tree and hit it sideways with a hammer. Still just as sturdy and no damage!!! Of course, boys will be boys, so he then decided it would be “cool” to hammer it into our brick driveway cracks and throw cinderblocks at it!!! All I can say, I have NO idea how in the world this knife has held up to everything he has tried!!!! It still looks brand new with no bends at all!!! I personally am not a knife person, however, it has been very impressive watching him try to destroy it!!! He is supervised by his dad while doing these things and I am not encouraging anyone to try this.
If by chance they do break it, I would order another.
For pure value, you simply cannot beat Morakniv. I recently purchased this Morakniv 11863 Companion, it was my 4th knife from the company. All of them, whether carbon or stainless steel, are of excellent quality and are extremely durably and sturdy. They also come wickedly sharp. I wish they made pocket knives, I just love their blades. Obviously one of these blades isn’t as strong as a properly forged blade (they are cut out of sheet stock), but they are made the same way as most mass produced knives and they start with better steel than most brands. Also their sharpening process is obviously superior, the only other knives I’ve had which come as sharp are MUCH more expensive (my $150 Benchmade, for example). If you want a great little knife, and you don’t need either a folder or a huge bush knife, then you will be VERY happy with one of these. And while you’re at it, buy a few extras, they make great gifts.
I’ve known about Morakniv and their brand of knives for years. I’ve wanted one for a long time and could not pass up the opportunity to get one at this price. Everyone complains about carbon steel rusting immediately, but honestly, for the price and quality, and keeping an edge, you can’t go wrong. You just have to take better care of it than you would stainless. A light oiling, which I’ve done, and oiling after every use is all you need to do. I didn’t think I would like the rubber handle, but it fits well in my hand, and so far no slipping, even when wet (and a gloved hand). I cannot wait to use it outdoors as it will get much better testing in the woods than in my garage. Overall, a great companion blade for my Helle knife.
I ordered Morakniv 11863 Companion Knife after reading your reviews, The knife arrived on time in good condition and is a very impressive item. It is the sharpest knife right out of the box I’ve ever seen! I stropped it a few times and it took the edge up a notch. I get the idea it will hold an edge well also, but time will tell. I recently got a Wicked Edge sharpening system which produces the sharpest edge I have ever put on a blade. Out of the box, this knife was almost as sharp as that. The sheath is solid and attaches to a belt by pushing the clip downward on the belt from above. A great gift or an extra to keep around. Just remember to put a little oil on it every now and then as it is carbon steel and will rust without some minimal periodic maintenance (light oiling).
Morakniv 11863 Companion is one heck of a knife for $10! Really…it’s a steal! I use mine to create feather sticks for my fireplace, and it excels at that task. The blade is sharp, and the handle is very comfortable. As a matter of fact I’m going to buy a second one so I can keep it in the shed for yard duty.
Now for those folks who are giving it 1 and 2 star reviews for rust issues and complaining about the unfinished spine please STOP!
Here are the facts about this knife. First it is made of CARBON STEEL! It WILL rust if not properly cared for! That means rinsing it off, drying it, and applying your favorite oil before putting it away. You can also force a patina on the blade to help prevent rust. Go on YouTube and search for how to do this. If you can not follow these simple instructions and the blade starts to rust then it is YOUR fault and not the knife! If you need a knife that is rust resistant then buy the stainless steel version for a few dollars more.
Now the second fact. Mora has purposely NOT finished the spine of this knife. Got that? It is NOT a manufacturing defect! My guess is they skipped this step in order to make the knife less expensive to manufacture and cheaper to buy which is A GOOD THING. The unfinished spine does not affect the performance of the knife. You might have a harder time creating sparks with a fire steel but that is easily fixed by using a file to square off the spine. If you must have a finished spine then buy the stainless steel version.
Ok I got that off my chest. So buy this knife…right now.
Morakniv Companion a wonderful knife. I have a small collection of pocket knives from around the world…. that are inexpensive. I read the reviews and saw the videos on Mora Knives. They are all positive and the only critique is they don’t have a full tang. That is true, but it’s very well made.
A true review would have this Mora performing in the bush. I haven’t done any batoning or feathering with this knife. I am reviewing the initial quality. Many Amazon reviews talk about slicing paper and “hair-popping” sharp, but there are levels of sharp. I have gone that route myself and have shaved hair with other knives. None of them takes hair off like a straight razor, except this one! I didn’t have to strop it or sharpen it first; it’s it the sharpest knife that I have ever used straight out of the sheath. This is my first Swedish knife with a Scandi-grind. It appears to be a superior design compared to others in my collection.
A sharp knife is a wonderful tool. It makes work more satisfying and more efficient. This is beauty in design and function. I use it often and beat on it a little because I don’t want to beat on a more expensive knife. This thing just keeps its edge. Just wipe it off and put a drop of oil on it, it looks almost new. I appreciate that kind of product. This is a really great knife.
Goes through green wood like butter, works great for notching cured wood to. I didn’t want to like this Morakniv Companion knife, but I ended up using it almost exclusively for small tasks during my last camping trip. I used it for making tent pegs, cutting tine, and processing kindling. Still have slight issues feather sticking with it because the blade always wants to bite too deep. But this is probably just an issue of me having to get used to the scandi grind. I really liked that I could clip it to my swim trunks without issue due to it’s weight. (I spent a lot of time wading a small river, going from one side to the other) One word of caution; this knife will rust FAST if you don’t take care of it. If you buy this knife do yourself a favor and put a patina on it with a onion, or some mustard. There are a ton of videos on how do this on youtube if you don’t know what I’m talking about. I would recommend this knife for hikers, campers and bushcrafters. I would not recommend this as a do-it-all survival knife. But it’s great for medium to lite camping tasks.
I bought the Morakniv 11863 Companion for my 12yo son who is left handed. He loved the handle design and size, but could not safely unsheath the knife with his left hand. The sheath is not reversible, and the belt/pocked attachment is not flexible.
To be honest, this was a bit difficult to operate even for my right-handed self. I have owned a couple other Mora Knives and did not have this issue.
It might be great of you’re worried about dropping it, but I’ve seen better solutions. Also, the finger guard is not very large. The rubber grip on the handle should prevent any fingers from sliding up the blade, but if you’re in water or mud, I could see it happening. Just something to be aware of. For normal use, I would say it feels great and secure.We will look for an alternative that can be operated by left-handed people.
I would really say that Morakniv Companion is an excellent knife. Mora is a widely reputable manufacturer and with this one they surely don’t disappoint. I’ve used this thing extensively over the past couple weeks from opening mail, to whittling, to cutting rope and bailing twine, and many things in between, it’s size makes it an extremely handy knife. It’s very sharp right out of the box and stays that way through many tasks. The handle on it fits my hand perfectly and the material is pretty unique, it almost seems to get ‘grippier’ if you will. I wouldn’t be afraid to use thing in any sort of wet weather environment. The sheath is also very nice, pretty solid hard plastic with positive ‘clicks’ when it locks in, and lock in it does. You could put this knife in the sheath, string it on your belt, climb a tree and hang upside down and swing around a bit and it’ll still be right there with you and not in the way. I bought mine here on Amazon for $12. That’s right $12. Initially you know you think it’s a $12 knife how good could it really be, I’ll probably break it or throw it away in a week. Definitely not the case here, this is a very high quality, reasonably priced knife that you can have and keep just about anywhere, throw it in the truck, your bag, the shed, garage, wherever. One of my best purchases on Amazon to date, I highly recommend it, and any other Mora products. Because its carbon steel, Keep a little oil on it over long periods of non use and it’ll last you for years.
I seen all these bad reviews of people talking about Morakniv Companion knife: “It rusted after the first use” or “it rusted after I left it in my shed”…. These people have obviously never had carbon steel blades which is top quality steel for a blade (it gets no better). You must clean these after every use and put a light coat of oil on these. Research how to care for carbon steel knives before buying and know what to expect. Youtube has plenty of videos on this. I buy nothing but carbon steel knives because I like sharp blades that hold an edge and you should to. Of course if you are gonna use one to process food then you will want a stainless steel blade. And this knife came out of the box slicincing through sheets of paper (razor sharp).This knife for this price, is unbeatable! Great knife! Great price! and a darn good sheath to go with it. I will be buying more.
Morakniv 11863 Companion – Excellent knife as an outstanding price!
I bought one a while ago. It’s very sharp, unlike some other blades that I’ve bought.
I think they did a great job on this knife and sheath, especially at this price. It fits my hand and indexes right away. The contour of the handle is great. The blade thickness makes it rugged and stiff enough to get through many things I slice open; heavy duty cardboard boxes, heavy fabric, and ropes.
The point penetrates very easily and it slices smoothly since it’s very sharp.
I like that it is stainless steel since I work outside alot.
The sheath is very sturdy and I like the ‘thumb-push point’ which helps getting the blade out. You don’t have to pull up and yank the knife out since it pops out. Very nice idea.
I have bought several over the past year. I put them in my tool kits, shop, fishing boxes, and bug out bags.
I ordered four Morakniv Companion knives for personal bugout bags for my family and I could not be happier.
Pros:
– Very, very lightweight. A perfect camp knife for a bugout bag or camping pack.
– Knife snaps tightly into the carry case and ensures that it will not fall out if you fall, slip, etc.
– Comes sharp enough to shave with. I have not dulled one yet to see how quickly and easily it takes an edge, but the factory edge is super sharp.
– Case is designed to put on your belt or a pack strap without having to undo the belt/strap and should hold quite well.
Cons:
– My only complaint is the lack of a lanyard hole in the knife handle. Because of the dark color of this knife I wanted to attach a brightly colored lanyard made of paracord so that if I drop the knife in the woods or water it will be easy to spot. There is none. However, there appears to be enough material at the base of the handle to allow drilling a hole into it without damaging the functionality of the knife.
All in all I would grade this knife a 9.5/10 with only the lack of a lanyard hole being a negative.
Morakniv Companion – One of my favorite survival knives. It’s inexpensive but quality made. I’ve not only used this, but seen it used by tons of wilderness therapy staff and we’ve abused this knife thoroughly. The knife is lightweight and 3/4 tang which is enough for most any application from smashing the back with rocks/sticks to chop wood, down to the basic cutting of food. The only time I saw one break was when it was being used incorrectly to the extreme. It was wedged about a foot deep into some thick wet wood that wouldn’t split and had a gorilla of a man with a rock who was trying to us the knife as a pry bar to split the wood the rest of the way and accidentally cracked the handle (steel was fine). That being said the knife he was using was about 7 years old and had been through 3-4 other staffers use, so it’d already seen a lot of torture. I currently have three of these: one in the truck, one with my camping gear, and a loaner that I hand off for other to use and abuse.
For $12 – $15 you’re not going to find a better knife. Guaranteed. (Just be sure to wash your carbon blade once you’re done and oil it when you get home from your trip.)
I am incredibly pleased with my Mora Companion! It’s really hard to go wrong with such a long lasting knife for such an affordable price! These suckers really hold an edge. I received a Condor Bushlore for Christmas and was considering whether or not I wanted to force a patina. I wanted to see what I thought about forcing a patina so I got a cheaper knife as I never forced them in the past. (I learned that it felt like cheating and I need to earn my patina). This mora is now firmly clipped to my sun visor in my truck. I’m getting more of these soon!
I am a Mora fan. Since finding Mora Knives I have gone crazy finding THE perfect one. I have found that there is one for each occasion. I have both the Companion and the Companion Heavy Duty. As expected, the Heavy Duty is just a beefier version of the Companion. If you don’t need a stockier, bigger handle, thicker blade and a slightly longer blade, then the Companion is for you. I liked the Companion and just wanted the Heavy Duty Companion for tougher jobs. The Companion is your quality scandi grind razor blade that is sharp enough to shave the hair off your arm out of the box. It is light enough to put on a pararcord or a sting of leather and wear around the neck, or you can just clip it on your pants or belt. It is useful in the kitchen as well as around the campfire. You can baton it as it is 3/4 tang, but the Heavy Duty is probably better for heavier duties. But for feathering the Companion is great! I encourage my friends who are starting to collect or who want a good knife at a good price to go Mora. You can’t beat a Mora for the quality and the price. I like the plastic sheath. It secures the knife well and is handy to just clip on without having to wear a belt or you can wear a belt if you prefer. I like to carry my Mora’s around the neck. They are handy to go out at night to walk the dog to have a bit of protection. I love the Companion. The regular Companion or the Heavy Duty. Get them both! They are the right price!!!
Morakniv 11863 Companion is a Damn fine knife. I use mine primarily for skinning, de-boning, and jointing small game and extensively on processing our farm raised rabbits and chickens. The grind and thin blade makes sharpening an easy task. Even a complete beginner shouldn’t have any trouble sharpening to a good working edge (sharp enough to easily cut paper, but not razor shave sharp) on a stone. Great edge retention. (people really aren’t kidding about how long it holds an edge – and contact with bone as with my application will dull lesser knives very quickly) Only my more expensive, older, american made knives, upwards of $50+ have similar edge retention. It’s light, and has a good feel to the handle, and the grip remains firm even when wet or soaked in blood. For my tasks I only keep it at the level of a good working edge, because razor sharp will be slicing off bone and cartilage chips in with the meat without my even noticing. With a simple vinegar patina, applied with just a paper towel soaked in vinegar for a couple hours, the blade doesn’t rust during my daily use. During a day of animal processing it is often submerged in water and washed multiple times, and still never rusts. At the end of the day, I simply clean it with soap and water, dry thoroughly, and put back in the sheath. I don’t even need to use oil with the vinegar patina on it. When I do sharpen it, which isn’t often even with extensive use, I just touch-up the patina with another vinegar wrap for a couple hours and it’s good to go….otherwise the newly sharpened edge will likely rust. You won’t find a better game knife, with this quality steel, at this price. I bought several more after seeing how great the first one performed in use. I definitely understand why Mora has such a fine reputation.
Everybody knows Mora makes a GREAT knife and this one was no different. The sheath has good retention, no issues with it coming out. Since it is carbon I went ahead and forced a patina on it to make caring for it easier (plus it just looks cool). It’s extremly light weight, in fact I usually throw it around my neck once I’ve made camp. The ONLY down side is that companions don’t come with a 90° spine, so you do have to grind the spine down to strike a ferro rod. Over all its an awesome product!
These Morakniv Companion really are fantastic knives.
They came very, very sharp. The construction is solid. The handles are slightly grippy, which is nice. The sheaths are sturdy with a good loop for hanging it either from your belt, or from a slide-lock connector. Since the sheath is plastic, time will tell how well the loop holds up. But it seems to be as sturdy as the loops on your standard OWB handgun holster. The knife locks tightly in place as well. Fairly easy to pull out, but it’s not going to drop out accidentally.
Side note: because the spine of these knives is rough, be careful when wiping them clean on your pants/jeans. They will catch on fabric.
Honestly I believe Morakniv 11863 Companion knives represent the best value per dollar. Rugged, versatile and amazingly affordable. Blade holds an edge well, much better than the usual garbage you’d get at this price. If you lose it you won’t flip out, well if you lose it in the middle of a backwoods hunt ok that’d suck, but losing it doesn’t mean shelling out major dosh for a replacement.
Morakniv Companion really are fantastic knives.
They came very, very sharp. The construction is solid. The handles are slightly grippy, which is nice. The sheaths are sturdy with a good loop for hanging it either from your belt, or from a slide-lock connector. Since the sheath is plastic, time will tell how well the loop holds up. But it seems to be as sturdy as the loops on your standard OWB handgun holster. The knife locks tightly in place as well. Fairly easy to pull out, but it’s not going to drop out accidentally.
Morakniv 11863 Companion – An outstanding knife! It IS carbon steel so you have to take care of it. If you leave it out in the weather or don’t dry it off after using or washing it will rust. As with any knife or tool you have to take care of it, but if it does rust, a little oil will take it right off again.
I prefer the carbon steel version because I grind the back spine of the blade flat with a nice 90 degree corner on it so that it throws a nice shower of sparks with a fire steel. A stainless steel blade doesn’t work with fire steels.
This isn’t my PRIMARY knife because it isn’t full tang. But I love it so much as my back up knife I now own 5 of them to have as back ups in different go bags and edc bags.
Morakniv Companion is the highest quality knife I have ever purchases at this price point! The knife is shave knuckle hair sharp right out of the box. I proofed this point to my father whom I bought one for Christmas. What won me over was searching in the reviews if this knife was suitable for skinning game which two reviewers say it is. So I pulled the trigger and now I am addicted to this knife. Anyone who does any sort of outdoor adventuring should splurge ($10-$16) on this awesome high quality knife. It really blows me away at how nice it is at such a low price. The reviews are also a good indicator that this knife meets up to the hype.
The sheath is also pretty cool that it clips to your belt or pants waistband with a snug design. It takes some effort to take the sheath off so that’s a plus that you wont accidentally knock it off.
Overall I could not be happier with this knife and would recommend it as a perfect gift to fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, and any tool minded person.
I own a few of Morakniv Companion, and they’re excellent knives. The hunters here in Hawaii tend to prefer the carbon steel over the stainless steel models, but personally, I haven’t really noticed a big difference in the cutting performance between the two steels. I’ve read some reviews of people complaining about their carbon steel Moras rusting, which always makes me chuckle. Carbon steel will rust if you don’t take care of it (dry wipe it after use & apply a light coating of food grade oil), and they probably won’t do well in your dishwasher, just saying. I live in a place with high humidity, acid rain, vog, and saltwater, and my carbon blades do just fine
Impressed! I wasn’t expecting much from this Morakniv Companion knife, in fact I thought it would be very thin metal, but was surprised at how good of quality the blade is. Made in Sweden and crazy sharp out of the box. These Mora knives are extremely popular because they are cheap yet are made extremely well. The sheath is not too bad, it’s plastic but custom made for this knife. The top edge of the blade is a little rough and unfinished which is especially usefull for using a fire steel. I only wish they had other handle/sheath colors to choose from. It’s either green or orange, can’t a guy just have a black or grey handle? =) I’ll certainly be buying more of these, one for each bug out bag and stash a couple away in various places.
I have to agree with all the positive reviews, this Morakniv 11863 Companion knife is wonderful. I use it exclusively to whittle wood. Had bought a Flexcut Carving Jack (as a beginner whittler) as many reviews suggested so, and on a whim, I also bought this Mora Companion for the wood roughing process to compliment the Carving Jack. All in all, I use this Mora knife for almost all of the whittling, period. It’s so sturdy, sharp, and usable. Of course, it’s large compared to a pocket, folding knife… But no regrets here. It’s whittling friendly and more. If I ever start a bug-out bag, this will be in it. I keep the carbon blade coated with mineral oil and sometimes wax. It came with a small cosmetic knick on the side of the blade, but, love this thing.
Morakniv 11863 Companion is awesome tool. What can you say about this legendary bargain knife. You can not beat this knife. The only downside that some may consider its a carbon steel knife it stains and will rust if you do not maintain the blade with oil or clean it well every time you use it on acidic things like cutting a orange or lemon. The scandi grind is fantastic for cutting wood or making feather sticks for fire. The Swedes know what they are doing and why they use this blade so much in the forest as its been used for decades. For the price point nothing comes close to these series of knives honestly especially for outdoors and bush craft camping. 15 bucks is a bargain for a knife that will probably last a lifetime. Can not say enough about this knife. Even the legend himself Mors Kasanski will tell you he gave these knives to his students since the 1970’s for a good reason. They where cheap and reliable good knives.
Opinel N08 Stainless is such a beautifully simple and perfectly elegant knife. Much lighter than I expected. Not the knife to rely on solely in the woods but absolutely great for light everyday cutting needs. The original style opening mechanism takes about 30 seconds to figure out but is very secure open and closed once you get the hang of it. Only complaint is that it does require two hands to open. I have several other (much more expensive knives) but I find this to be a great light knife at a fantastic price.
Bought Opinel No.8 as my first whittling knife after countless minutes of research online. It may have been a whim purchase. But it’s one I’ll never forget. After silently, effortlessly, triumphantly cutting through the amazon box which the knife came in, and later a piece of computer paper folded into itself 5 times, I put it in my will: I’d like to be buried with my Opinel No.8. This knife looks hotter than that chick at Starbucks, cuts better than grandma’s celebration knifes, costs next to nothing, and can hold onto an edge longer than the sands of The Grand Canyon. Just buy one on a whim and sharpen a No. 2 pencil with it. It’s a spiritual experience.