The mora companion

[aelfred_allspach]

I've been researching the mora companion pretty extensively. I've seen the torture tests and read reviews, but what do yall think from experience?

 

[jdk1]

Welcome! Spend some time in the Great Outdoors Forums and you'll see plenty of Mora use.

 

[cuttingboard]

I've been using the Mora Companion and Mora Craftline as my primary hunting knife for the last three years. I have had excellent results from field dressing through butchering without a touch-up. -Ed

 

[bralexander]

I really enjoy my Mora Companion. I have the orange and black stainless version and it stays in my tackle box year round. I use it mainly for cutting fishing line and rope, but have used it for some minor wood carving. The companion has a nice handle feel both in size and grip. The knife came sharp enough and I soon put a quick micro bevel on. I have a 511 Mora and never really cared for it and was dissapointed after reading all the great reviews. However the companion is a totally different story, and is better than I could have ever expected. Just a wonderful knife overall and great quality.

 

[collim1]

Been carrying one for years. I love the Mora No 1, but when it's time to field dress a deer or clean up some fish the Companion is the go to due to it's improved grip.

They take a very sharp edge and sharpen easily with most any means out there. I maintain the scandi grind in mine and all mine except the Mora fillet knife are carbon steel. The blade will stay sharp for a long time with frequent stropping.

Unlikely there is a better value out there than Moras for general outdoor knives. I use my Companion for hunting mostly and carry the no 1 or 2/0 fairly often as well.

I also have a Bushcraft Black but prefer the thinner and lighter other models most of the time.

Not a great picture, but here are Moras minus the Bushcraft and fillet knife:

 

[aelfred_allspach]

So should I be looking at the number 1 or companion more? I want start learning to strike out on my own. I have my recurve now and an MTech xtreme fighting knife (for battoning and heavy duty use) and I think I want a mora for more delicate use like skinning game, gutting fish, feather sticks, ferro rods, that sort of thing. And if the companion is recommended should I get regular or heavy duty?

 

[retzius]

I wouldn't spend to much time researching and pondering the pitfalls of a $15 knife...

Buy it and use it. See if it works for you. Spend that "research" time outside cutting things and you will learn more than sitting at the computer.

 

[aelfred_allspach]

Good point.

 

[Munzer]

Go for the Companion. Especially of you are planning on using it for tasks where the handle could become slick. The small guard of the companion will help prevent your hand from slipping down and onto the sharpened edge.

 

[22-rimfire]

Great knife. You won't go wrong choosing one especially when you consider the overall quality and price. They are light. So comparing them to a BK-2 or ESEE 4 is not the comparision you want to make. They feel much like a kitchen knife with a better handle in your hand. I like mine. I don't pay much attention to the torture tests..... treat it reasonably well and it will last you a long time or at least until you start buying other fixed blades.

I'd go with the heavy duty version of the Companion if you are going to use it very hard. But for light tasks, the regular version is just fine.

 

[aelfred_allspach]

That's the thing. I'm not going to shell out the money ESSE wants lol

 

[Munzer]

That's the thing. I'm not going to shell out the money ESSE wants lol

If price is a priority, have you looked into any Condor offerings? Low price, good quality, and a wide range of blade styles.

 

[aelfred_allspach]

I havn heard of condor

 

[22-rimfire]

So should I be looking at the number 1 or companion more? I want start learning to strike out on my own. I have my recurve now and an MTech xtreme fighting knife (for battoning and heavy duty use) and I think I want a mora for more delicate use like skinning game, gutting fish, feather sticks, ferro rods, that sort of thing. And if the companion is recommended should I get regular or heavy duty?

The Mora Companion (either HD or regular) version should work very well for you. One other inexpensive fixed blade that I like is the Condor Bushlore. Not really a skinning blade per se, and the Mora would probably be better for that. But it would work just fine for everything else. I tried the Condor Kephart. Like the design, but it is a bit too much like a steak knife for me to take to the woods when I have other choices including the Bushlore.

I understand about your ESEE comment. I bought a ESEE 4 and like it but was never really that in love with the sheath. I resisted the other models even though I know the ESEE 3 would make an excellent woods knife. I tried the Kabar Becker line and really like the BK-16/BK-17 and BK-15 for 4-5" fixed blades that are economical in price (at least to me). Those are all full tang knives (including the Condor Bushlore) which give you a bit more strength. This is the size that I have gravitated to as my most used and most chosen for a woods walk/hike/camping overall.

 

[Munzer]

+1 for the Bushlore.

Look also at the Sapien, and Bushcraft basic knives (4" and 5" blade options).

Look on youtube for reviews of the Old Hickory line of knives. Very basic, very inexpensive, and good quality. No sheath, so you'd have to get an aftermarket one, but they are worth looking into. They make good woods knives and can take a lot of abuse.

 

[collim1]

Moras are cheap enough I say buy several. I have a no 1, Companion, no 2/0, fillet knife, and Bushcraft Black.

I prefer the no 1 for neck carry as it is a light and thin blade.

Moras are great to have around, even if you decide to get some high dollar blade for outdoor use later, Moras area good knives to have a spare stashes in your pack, truck, boat, etc...

I personally don't feel the extra blade thickness of the Companion HD is necessary, but some like the heavier blade. I have the Bushcraft and it's a tough knife for sure, but seems overly heavy for what I use it for.

 

[8steve88]

Have a look at the Hultafors range, the Heavy Duty is a very strong knife.

 

[sodak]

If you are only spending $15, go for it. Once you get to the $50 range or so, there are much better knives to choose from.

 

[link2derek]

I havn heard of condor

Hmm, more research and less posting will serve you well, young Padawan learner.

 

[RX-79G]

I don't think the Condors, cheap as they are, are very good steel or HT. IMHO and all that.

A basic Mora 511 costs $8.35 on ebay. Have fun.