Morakniv Basic and Pro Models

Described by Morakniv of Sweden as ‘all-rounders’, these four knives more than live up to their reputation. The first two are the Basic 511 and the Basic 546. As the name suggests there is nothing fancy about these models which both have moulded one-piece impact resistant plastic handles that are textured and shaped for a good grip and balance. They have a half-guard and a similarly shaped pommel at the end, giving added ‘anti-slip’ protection when working with wet or slippery materials. The Morakniv logo is moulded into both sides of the handles. The carbon model has a deep red-coloured handle while the stainless model is blue.

The blades are also identical in shape with a very mildly clipped point – almost a straight spine – and a simple ‘scandi-grind’ (a single 0.8cm long bevel on each side) for a sharp edge and easy sharpening. They are both 91mm (approx. 3.5-inches) long x 18mm at its widest point. The only difference between the two knives is that the Basic 511 has a high carbon steel blade while the Basic 546 blade is made of selected stainless steel. The high carbon 511 knife steel is hardened according to a secret process in Mora, Sweden. High-quality carbon steel is easier to re-sharpen than stainless steel but it can be affected by moisture and corrosive environments, therefore it is good practice to get into the habit of wiping off the knife and oiling the blade after use. The edge runs the entire length of the blade from the tip to the handle guard – there is no ricasso before the tang. This is where you normally find information, but on this knife it is etched on the flat of the blade: “MORAKNIV, Made in Sweden, Carbon Steel” on the 511 and “MORAKNIV, Made in Sweden, Stainless Steel” on the 546. The stainless steel of the Basic 546 may require a bit more effort than carbon steel when it comes to re-sharpening but it will stay sharper for a longer time, and as the name ‘stainless’ suggests it copes with water and harsh materials better, so it’s a good choice when working in an outdoor environment.

Pro Series

The two Mora Pro series knives are of similar design to the Basic models with Pro ‘C’ indicating a carbon blade while Pro ‘S’ is the stainless steel model. Mora describe these as “…the new generation of professional knives”. Additional features for the Pro model knives are a newly developed ergonomic handle made of TPE rubber, which provides optimum grip friction. The TPE handle is black with red inserts for the ‘C’ high carbon type while the ‘S’ stainless steel model is black with blue inserts. The Pro series blades are also larger and even more robust with a 22mm wide blade.

Each knife comes in a grip-fit plastic scabbard with a drain hole in the base and a simple snap fit belt, harness, or clothing attachment. On top of the belt attachment is a slot with a locking catch that corresponds with a lug at the front of the scabbard ‘mouth’. This clever little device allows other Mora knives in similar scabbards to be easily clipped together and carried piggy-back style, so you can carry one general purpose model along with a specialist model (such as a filleting knife, diving chisel or wood-carving blade etc.)

Don’t lend them to mates!

I use Mora knives all the time and for all sorts of tasks, and because of the low price I have quite a lot of them in various toolboxes, fishing box, range bag, shed cabinet etc., etc. While most people will buy one thinking “at this price it will do until it wears out or breaks, then I’ll buy another one”, the plain facts are that I’ve never broken one or worn one out. Sure they are cheap and cheerful, but the materials are good and they are well put together, so in normal use they last for ages. The only losses I’ve had over the years is when ‘mates’ have borrowed one (and not returned it) or just plain nicked one! These practical knives have to be a star buy at under a tenner each.