Birch Handled Mora knives

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This is my Mora 2/0 (sadly discontinued). It is one of the Classic Moras with the birch handle. These used to cost a little more than the plastic models, like the 511. Now, their price has almost doubled, while the plastic model prices have stayed steady. What gives?

This is from the Mora website
The previous Morakniv Classic No. 1 and No. 2 had a glued tang, something that was due to that we used the same blade for the Morakniv 510, old Morakniv 511 and the HighQ collection (same blade as Classic No 1) as well as for the Morakniv 521, Morakniv 711, Morakniv 911, Morakniv Companion and more that had the same blade as the Morakniv Classic No. 2. The new collection Morakniv Classic knives have a full rat-tail tang that runs through the handle completely and is riveted at the back-end. You can also see some traces from the woodturning machine making the handles, as its previous version had a cross pressed into the wood to get the torque when milling the handle. It has been replaced with a diamond-like shape that we refer to as our rhomb, a design pattern on our knives.

IMG-2022-01-24-09-10-09-969-2.jpg
 
The birch Moras have all gone up significantly in price, even the 106 and 120 which have never been discontinued. Maybe the cost of birch has gone up, maybe the increased labor in working wood over injecting and molding plastic and rubber is responsible for the disparity.

Though pricier, I still prefer the wood handled Moras.

51097023487_5c63d59764_c.jpg
 
screened porch said:
I think the through-tang might have something to do with it. Some of us would probably be happy to pay extra for the perception of additional strength.
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That is a possiblity ... but how many times have you heard of a Mora Number 1; 2; or 3 ... or any of the other models that use the same blade, for that matter ... having a broken handle?

While my memory might not be as good today as when I was in my teens (if it ever was as good as I think I remember it was), I don't believe I've ever heard of a Mora's handle breaking, short of abuse, such as prying and batoning.
 
afishhunter said:
My number 1.
Sandpaper took care of the to my 6 (with bifocals) eyes ugly too thick/heavy red paint or stain.
That red handle always reminded me of a fine lady that wears too much makeup. I know it's *supposed to* "look like Mahogany", but it don't. At least not to me. Maybe if they wiped off the excess?
View attachment 1727858
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There is a history behind the red color. I rather like it, because it reminds me of Sweden :)
www.smithsonianmag.com

Why Are All Swedish Cottages Painted Red?

One company has exclusive rights to the source of the iconic pigment—a copper mine's supply of iron deposits that may last just a century more
www.smithsonianmag.com www.smithsonianmag.com
 
Haven't checked prices in a good long while but not shocked. Price of everything is going up ... including any and all knives, new and used

I have a red handled No.1 and No.2/0 pictured on the right
To the top is my natural birch (I treated with some boiled linseed oil)
It is the 125th Anniversary edition and came with a leather sheath. True to the original pattern size
Slightly larger than a 2/0 ... and slightly better steel. It may be one of the sharpest knives I own
... well, all my Mora's are pretty dang sharp for that matter

LZmHo8c.jpg
 
BrotherJim said:
Haven't checked prices in a good long while but not shocked. Price of everything is going up ... including any and all knives, new and used

I have a red handled No.1 and No.2/0 pictured on the right
To the top is my natural birch (I treated with some boiled linseed oil)
It is the 125th Anniversary edition and came with a leather sheath. True to the original pattern size
Slightly larger than a 2/0 ... and much better steel. It may be one of the sharpest knives I own
... well, all my Mora's are pretty dang sharp for that matter

LZmHo8c.jpg
Click to expand...
You can still pick up a 511 for $10. It's amazing how the price has not gone up significantly for a basic Mora. Economy of scale, I guess.
 
afishhunter said:
That is a possiblity ... but how many times have you heard of a Mora Number 1; 2; or 3 ... or any of the other models that use the same blade, for that matter ... having a broken handle?
Click to expand...
My perception is that the through-tang would be stronger, but I'm not an engineer.
Whether more strength would make any difference is a separate question. I would guess not, because I've never heard of any Mora blowing up in anybody's face either.
 
screened porch said:
My perception is that the through-tang would be stronger, but I'm not an engineer.
Whether more strength would make any difference is a separate question. I would guess not, because I've never heard of any Mora blowing up in anybody's face either.
Click to expand...
I think the rat-tail tang+rivet is plenty strong for most uses. If you bust it, you just end up with a nice blank and a re-handling project :)
 
afishhunter said:
That is a possiblity ... but how many times have you heard of a Mora Number 1; 2; or 3 ... or any of the other models that use the same blade, for that matter ... having a broken handle?

While my memory might not be as good today as when I was in my teens (if it ever was as good as I think I remember it was), I don't believe I've ever heard of a Mora's handle breaking, short of abuse, such as prying and batoning.
Click to expand...
because everyone is on you tube battening them to breaking point.
 
In my countrified late 20s, I always had a Mora on my belt, useful and edge-keeping, it was a great, inexpensive knife! In much later citified life, I came across a close-out sale, and out of nostalgia, grabbed a bunch of these great knives!!
I may be an accumulator, as opposed to a collector!! :rolleyes:Mora More 3.jpgMora Ragnar 1.jpg
 
I have a vintage Swedish Army linesman satchel/tool kit next to me.

It comes with lots of bits including a hammer/axe/prybar tool,Bahco pliers and a lovely old wooden handled Mora with a finger guard it just feels right.🥰
 
waynorth said:
Pictures or it didn't happen!! 🤣
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I got it from my long gone local Army and Navy stores I had a choice from quite a few some with more modern knives (memory's hazy) I of course chose the old un.
I didnt mix and match as that seemed dishonest to me,so I only took a complete kit as was.

This is NOS not been used.

points to note.

Special pattern nails which must go through the cotton reels that carry the signal wire.
The pliers are well balanced and quality but clearly cant make up their mind if French or Swedish.😁
The multi tool is tough and looks very useful for a variety of jobs.
2 rolls of tape from different contractors.
Leather thong to secure tools when working up high (I think).

Mora very light,feels just right in the hand,finger guard for soldiers safety (when working cold and wet up a hoiking great tree).
Perfect balance see the photo.

forum is so slow it’s taken me ages to do this grrrr.






















 
My first Mora was a 612, essentially a No.2 with a finger guard, replaced in their lineup by the No.2C. It’S still my favorite, although I use the Companions and the Kansbøl a lot more.

A Mora makes a fine EDC. it is light, and easy to drop into a pocket. The performance bar is pretty low for most EDC tasks, and most of us carry way more knife than we need. The particular grind makes no difference at all for most of the cutting we do, and even if not, any sharp knife will almost always get the job done.
 
waynorth said:
In my countrified late 20s, I always had a Mora on my belt, useful and edge-keeping, it was a great, inexpensive knife! In much later citified life, I came across a close-out sale, and out of nostalgia, grabbed a bunch of these great knives!!
I may be an accumulator, as opposed to a collector!! :rolleyes:View attachment 1727907View attachment 1727910
Click to expand...

Charlie, I believe that you fit into both categories.
 
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