I'd like general opinions on which is a better overall choice for utility and bushcraft- the Morakniv Bushcraft Black or the Gerber StrongArm. Perhaps a better Mora for comparison would be the Garberg since it is full tang, but it is also almost twice the cost. Regardless, I think the steel of the Moras is better, but dang am I impressed with the strength of the aptly named StrongArm.
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Morakniv vs. Gerber StrongArm
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The Gerber 420HC gets pretty good reviews all things considered. The Mora Bushcraft Black is carbon (Orange is Sandvik 12C27 stainless) while the Garberg is Sandvik 14C28N stainless. Apples to apples, the Gerber StrongArm is a pretty great deal. Since I have the Bushcraft Black and Orange, Garberg and the Gerber StrongArm, I guess I'm set to experiment regardless!
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Hickory n steel
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I'd start with a 10$ Mora like the clipper to see if you like the steeper cutting angle of a scandi grind, and sharpening said scandi grind.
I have found that for woodcraft type tasks I prefer a thin blade with a sabre grind or higher.
You may not like the Scandinavian grind, but if you do you may not even need to buy a more expensive model if your not batoning with it ( hatchets are better anyways )
I have found that for woodcraft type tasks I prefer a thin blade with a sabre grind or higher.
You may not like the Scandinavian grind, but if you do you may not even need to buy a more expensive model if your not batoning with it ( hatchets are better anyways )
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This. Hickory n steel, and I usually see eye to eye on things and this is no exception. Strongarm is, by all accounts, a tough knife. But is that toughness needed? If you are using a knife to do knifey things like cutting, likely the Mora would let just as long. I love my Moras. My only disagreement with HnS is that I'd go with the Mora Companion first or maybe even Companion HD if you like thicker stouter blades.
For "utility and bushcraft" as you put it, I'd think a Mora Conpanion and a Fiskars X7 would give you an incredible pairing and for the same money as just the Gerber.
Oh, I definitely like Mora and the Scandi grind. I've got 8 of them (Eldris to Garberg). I was just generally musing about the comparability with the StrongArm as it is such a value blade. Too tough? Maybe, but as long as it slices and dices, toughness is just a bonus.
For overall utility, I like the suggestion of Fiskars X7 and Companion, although for such use I'd stay with the stouter 3.2mm Moras (Bushcraft or Companion HD).
For overall utility, I like the suggestion of Fiskars X7 and Companion, although for such use I'd stay with the stouter 3.2mm Moras (Bushcraft or Companion HD).
Hickory n steel
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See, now I'm going to have to disagree with you a little bit
The fiskars axes / hatchets are just not as good as a traditional option. If you love yours just fine but my recommendation would be a standard
craftsman / Vaughan hatchet, Vaughan sub zero hatchet, Vaughan half hatchet, or any vintage hatchet of choice.
If the hatchet is used in place of batonning on a knife though then I suppose the primary need would be splitting and the fiskars would be just fine for this.
Hickory n steel
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For overall utility, I'd suggest checking out a Vaughan half hatchet. They're only about 20$, are made in America with better steel than the fiskars, they have a thinner bit which makes them chop better than a wedge shaped fiskars, you'll get an actual hammer poll , and they're made to be a general utilitarian tool for carpenters so they really just do a lot of things well.
I don't have one anymore, but Vaughan makes a top notch tool.
I'm not a fan of Fiskars in general. Not a bad company/product but the hatchet I had didn't stand up to fairly easy use. I'll check out the Vaughan- I've never heard of it but look forward to learning more. It might pair well with my (surprise surprise) Bahco Laplander.See, now I'm going to have to disagree with you a little bit
The fiskars axes / hatchets are just not as good as a traditional option. If you love yours just fine but my recommendation would be a standard
craftsman / Vaughan hatchet, Vaughan sub zero hatchet, Vaughan half hatchet, or any vintage hatchet of choice.
If the hatchet is used in place of batonning on a knife though then I suppose the primary need would be splitting and the fiskars would be just fine for this.
Hickory n steel
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I've never owned a bahco laplander but have heard nothing but good things about them, and they're orange hacksaw blades are great so I'd imagine they can make a decent saw.
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Just an FYI morakniv are on sale today at amazon. I bought the garberg and the konsbal.
Also dont waste your money on the gerber. Get a Mora.
Also dont waste your money on the gerber. Get a Mora.
I've got 9 Moras, having added a second Garberg on the sale. Such a nice knife, and a value steal at $60 with the leather sheath.
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A Companion works best for anything you might want it for in the woods. It just plain cuts better, with less hot spots, more ease of use, and it's super easy to sharpen. If you're talking using a knife to baton or as a machete, it's probably best to get an ESEE, Becker or Condor as they are all well proven in the field. I honestly don't have much faith in anything made by Gerber.
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I just picked up the kansbol and the garberg. The Mora companion heavy has a thicker blade than the kansbol, I would say the kansbol is the same thickness as a normal companion. I do like the handle and blade geometry better on the kansbol its also super light weight.
The Garberg for as much praise it gets, I find it doesnt do much for me. Sure its full tang but you can baton with all of the mora knives without issue. I beat the daylights out of my companion and heavy and never had a single issue with either. The ticker knife is a better battoner as you would expect but that thinner blade makes it a better slicer and a better carver so give and take. I scored the garberg for $53 new which is dirt cheap and the Kasnbol for $30 which is a OK. Even though I got the Garber for almost 45% off I think Ill keep the konsbol. You cant really EDC it without a different sheath like I could my esee 4 or fallkniven f1. So its mostly going to be used for woods hiking, backpacking and indoor fire stove knife which I already have several knives for those dutys. But I would go Mora
The Garberg for as much praise it gets, I find it doesnt do much for me. Sure its full tang but you can baton with all of the mora knives without issue. I beat the daylights out of my companion and heavy and never had a single issue with either. The ticker knife is a better battoner as you would expect but that thinner blade makes it a better slicer and a better carver so give and take. I scored the garberg for $53 new which is dirt cheap and the Kasnbol for $30 which is a OK. Even though I got the Garber for almost 45% off I think Ill keep the konsbol. You cant really EDC it without a different sheath like I could my esee 4 or fallkniven f1. So its mostly going to be used for woods hiking, backpacking and indoor fire stove knife which I already have several knives for those dutys. But I would go Mora