What is the difference between the Morakniv Bushcraft Black and the Bushcraft Stainless?

The Bushcraft Black has a carbon steel blade (RC 59), which takes a finer edge and sparks a ferro rod. The Bushcraft Stainless has a Sandvik 12C27 stainless blade — more rust-resistant and lower maintenance, but slightly harder to sharpen to the same edge quality. For most beginners, the stainless version is more forgiving. For experienced users, the carbon steel version performs better.

What is the difference between the Morakniv Bushcraft and the Mora Companion?

The Bushcraft series is heavier duty — thicker spine, slightly more robust construction, and it includes a better sheath with multiple carry options. The Companion is thinner and lighter, and costs less. For most beginners, the Companion is sufficient. The Bushcraft is worth the extra cost if you plan to use the knife heavily or want the slightly more robust build.

Is the Morakniv Bushcraft good for batoning?

Light to moderate batoning — yes. The partial tang is robust enough for splitting kindling and processing softwood. For aggressive batoning of hardwood, a full-tang knife is safer. The blade is stout enough (3.1 mm spine) that the limiting factor is the partial tang at the handle join, not the blade itself.

Does the Morakniv Bushcraft include a ferro rod?

The standard Bushcraft Black and Bushcraft Stainless do not. The Morakniv Bushcraft Survival model includes a ferro rod mounted to the sheath. If you want both in one package, the Survival version is worth looking at — though the ferro rod it includes is relatively basic.

How do you sharpen a Morakniv?

Lay the scandi bevel flat on a sharpening stone and work the edge with light, consistent strokes. The single-bevel scandi grind is the most intuitive grind to maintain — the bevel itself acts as a guide for the sharpening angle. A 400-grit diamond stone followed by a ceramic rod is a complete sharpening system for this knife.

Knives Review

Morakniv Bushcraft Review

A thorough look at the Morakniv Bushcraft Black and Bushcraft Stainless — the specs, real-world performance, and who they are actually for.

Published April 28, 2026 Research-based recommendation

Morakniv

Morakniv Bushcraft Black

★★★★☆ 4.2/5

Based on specifications, user reviews, and expert consensus. Not personally tested.

Pros

Razor-sharp scandi grind out of the box — no edge work needed
Rubber handle is secure in wet, cold, or gloved hands
The scandi grind is the easiest knife grind to maintain with a basic stone
Plastic sheath includes a snap-on clip and drainage hole
Trusted design made by a manufacturer with 130+ years of knife-making history
Under $35 for a knife that genuinely works in the field

Cons

Partial tang — not ideal for extremely hard batoning
Plastic sheath, while functional, feels cheap compared to the knife
Carbon steel rusts if left wet — requires drying after use
No ferro rod loop on the sheath (Bushcraft Survival model adds one)
Rubber handle is not comfortable for extended fine carving — it gets tiring

Blade length	4.3 in (109 mm)
Blade steel	Carbon steel (RC 59)
Blade thickness	0.122 in (3.1 mm)
Grind	Scandi (Scandinavian)
Handle	Rubber / TPE
Overall length	9.2 in (234 mm)
Weight	6.2 oz (176 g with sheath)
Tang	Partial tang
Sheath	Plastic with multi-mount

The Morakniv Bushcraft Black is a working knife at an honest price. The scandi grind is the right choice for beginner to intermediate bushcraft. Buy it, sharpen it, use it hard, and learn on it.

Check Price $35

Morakniv has been making knives in Mora, Sweden since 1891. The Bushcraft line is their purpose-designed outdoor series — heavier spine, better sheath, and a thicker rubber handle compared to the budget Companion.

The Bushcraft Black is not the cheapest knife in their lineup, but at $35 it remains one of the most practical fixed-blade knives you can buy at any price.

The Blade

The carbon steel blade is 4.3 inches long and 3.1 mm thick at the spine. The scandi grind starts from roughly the midpoint of the blade and runs flat to the edge — no secondary bevel. This geometry is forgiving for wood work and practically self-guides when sharpening.

The steel is rated at RC 59, which is appropriate for this application. It takes a very sharp edge and holds it well through normal tasks. Carbon steel will rust — dry the blade after use and apply a light oil if it is going into storage.

The black coating (DLC on the Bushcraft Black) reduces reflection and provides a degree of corrosion protection, though it will wear in the areas you use most.

The Handle

The rubber handle is one of Mora’s genuine advantages. It is not comfortable in the same way a shaped walnut handle is comfortable — it is more utilitarian. But it is extraordinarily secure in wet, cold, or gloved hands, and it does not absorb water or swell.

The handle shape is fairly simple — a gentle pinch waist and a flat spine. It works well for most grips but does cause some fatigue during extended fine carving sessions.

The Sheath

The polymer sheath is functional. It holds the knife securely with a snap release, includes a drainage hole at the tip, and ships with a clip mount that accepts MOLLE, belt, or pack straps. It is not elegant, but it does the job.

The Bushcraft Survival model adds a ferro rod keeper loop to the sheath, which is a useful addition if you want to carry both in one unit.

Who Should Buy This

The Morakniv Bushcraft Black is the right knife if you:

Are new to bushcraft and want a knife you can use hard without worrying about it
Want an easy-to-sharpen scandi grind with minimal investment in sharpening equipment
Prefer a rubber handle that performs in wet conditions
Are buying a second knife as a camp beater or loaner

Who Should Skip It

The Morakniv Bushcraft is not the right choice if you:

Need a full-tang knife for aggressive batoning
Want a traditional wood handle
Prefer stainless steel — get the Bushcraft Stainless version instead
Are buying your second or third knife and want something more refined — look at the ESEE-4 or Hultafors at this stage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Morakniv Bushcraft Black and the Bushcraft Stainless?: The Bushcraft Black has a carbon steel blade (RC 59), which takes a finer edge and sparks a ferro rod. The Bushcraft Stainless has a Sandvik 12C27 stainless blade — more rust-resistant and lower maintenance, but slightly harder to sharpen to the same edge quality. For most beginners, the stainless version is more forgiving. For experienced users, the carbon steel version performs better.
What is the difference between the Morakniv Bushcraft and the Mora Companion?: The Bushcraft series is heavier duty — thicker spine, slightly more robust construction, and it includes a better sheath with multiple carry options. The Companion is thinner and lighter, and costs less. For most beginners, the Companion is sufficient. The Bushcraft is worth the extra cost if you plan to use the knife heavily or want the slightly more robust build.
Is the Morakniv Bushcraft good for batoning?: Light to moderate batoning — yes. The partial tang is robust enough for splitting kindling and processing softwood. For aggressive batoning of hardwood, a full-tang knife is safer. The blade is stout enough (3.1 mm spine) that the limiting factor is the partial tang at the handle join, not the blade itself.
Does the Morakniv Bushcraft include a ferro rod?: The standard Bushcraft Black and Bushcraft Stainless do not. The Morakniv Bushcraft Survival model includes a ferro rod mounted to the sheath. If you want both in one package, the Survival version is worth looking at — though the ferro rod it includes is relatively basic.
How do you sharpen a Morakniv?: Lay the scandi bevel flat on a sharpening stone and work the edge with light, consistent strokes. The single-bevel scandi grind is the most intuitive grind to maintain — the bevel itself acts as a guide for the sharpening angle. A 400-grit diamond stone followed by a ceramic rod is a complete sharpening system for this knife.