are all moras created equal

RescueRiley

RescueRiley

Joined
Mar 22, 2006
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another mora thread.....I was just wondering, I hear so much talk on the moras I was wondering if one brand is better than another Ericson....frost etc. also Possibly the topic for another forum but I'm in looking for a small light hatchet, one light enough that I wouldn't mind throwing it in a day pack, yet still can do some decent chopping.
 
Eriksson offered a couple of knives that frost didn't and vice versa. Different handles, etc. Now, I've read that Eriksson and Frost merged, forming one company.

I like both Eriksson and Frost knives. The steel is primarily the same in both lines. Right now, I own 2 of the Frost SwAKs, one Eriksson 711 and the Eriksson Mora 2000 (M2K).
 
I was just looking at this hatchet on Ragnar's this morning. I want one!
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I have a Firestone Pocket Axe that is no longer made (it seems a few are still available), but they have a larger version, the Firestone Hand Axe that is much like the one above. Firestone also offers a Belt Axe model that is more of a real working tool-- but pretty heavy for my kind of hiking. The two smaller axes (what I would call a hatchet) can be honed razor sharp, but they don't have the weight to penetrate. The head does extend through the handle, so batoning is a workable technique. The handle becomes just away to hold the blade still while you smack it with the baton-- your fingers safely out of the way. They will lop up branches and saplings just fine. Wicked for self defense. They aren't a lot of money, but kind of toys really. Note I still have mine :)

I would go for a machete if I was going to haul something heavier to chop with. I've been looking at shorter machete models. I like the idea of the SOG Fusion Jungle Primative in the straight blade, satin finish, but haven't had a chance to try one yet. The black model with the saw back doesn't do a thing for me-- can't be batoned and looks like a Rambo-toy.

Gerber and Fiskars offer light pack axes too. Folding saws are another option.

Are all moras created the same? Pretty close. Eriksson and Frosts are the major players. Don't confuse Frosts of Sweden with Frost's Knives (yuck).
 
Noss tested a jungle primitive at knifetests.com, if you are interested.
Check out this small axe from western, real comfy handle and it chops decent for a small full tang hatchet. comes with a quality nylon sheath.
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Try Gerber or Fiscars, The latter are available in many hardware stores for 20 $ or so.

The gerbers have shorter more packable handles, I wouldn't go with the one with the knife in the handle, it is not a great knife plus it rattles a bit during use of the axe.:thumbdn:

The regular handles are hollow and allow for packing of a few supplies. :thumbup:
 
I thought that hollow handles are generally bad because they weaken the structure of the knife?unless they are chris reeve knives or something
 
kevshin21 said:
I thought that hollow handles are generally bad because they weaken the structure of the knife?unless they are chris reeve knives or something
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You wuld have to read up on these handles, They are very strong, their add shows them being run over by a truck, and I believe it. I have broken wooden axe and hatchet handles but I havent had problems with these.


Plus we are tlking about hatchets where a seperate handle and blade is par for the course not a knife where a one piece constructin is preferred.
 
so what's the story with that eriksson hand axe? anyone? at $65 with the m2k, if it amounts to anythin in comparison to the $35 wetterling then it's a good deal.
 
I have a Granfors Bruks Mini hatchet. It is a handmade Swedish work of art that is very small, light, beautiful to look at and cuts like razor.

Mora-wise, I go for the Frost's four inch laminated steel blades that I haft myself with deer antler. Anybody who's seen me use one on game or around camp has to have one, giving up their fancy, expensive stuff.

Luck
 
Get a GB Mini. You will NEVER be disapointed with GB.
 
Magnum22 said:
so what's the story with that eriksson hand axe? anyone? at $65 with the m2k, if it amounts to anythin in comparison to the $35 wetterling then it's a good deal.
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Nahhhh, I think the Wetterling would be a better tool overall. The only reason I considered these plastic-handled hatchets with a blade molded in was weight, pure and simple. The small Wetterling is 25oz; the Ericsson is 18oz. My Firestone Pocket Axe is 8oz with the sheath and IIRC, the next size up on the Firestone is about 12oz. The small Wetterling and the Ericsson are near identical for length. Assuming most of the weight difference is in the head, the Wetterling is going to have better penetration and with the extra width will be a better splitting tool, and it will make a much better hammer.

For a hiking strategy, a hatchet can be efficient going with a small group as everyone can carry a share of the load, so one hatchet spread over the equipment for say, three or four people isn't bad. For solo stuff, it would represent 13% of my base pack weight and I personally wouldn't want to commit that much effort to that much tool. 25oz is a lot of food, or other survival gear, etc.
 
pretty good way of lookin at it. i really just wanted an excuse to get a hold of an m2k and i don't have any nice axes, just the cheap hardware crap. if the two moras i just ordered from ragnar really please me i'll order a couple others and the wetterling from him too.
 
Lite and inexpensive, I would probably go with the Fiskars instead of the Gerber.

Although looking at Ragnars site with the axe and M2K combo, that would be very tempting for me if I were in the market.
 
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