This is a first-hand review of the Morkaniv Companion Knife. I used this knife during my recent trips to the North and South, and I had the opportunity to test this knife with other knives that are considered the best. This is also at the top of our best camping knives list. I am going to write a comprehensive Morakniv companion knife review and how it performed during my camping and hiking trips.
Related: Best Camping Knives
From preparing campfire feasts to crafting survival essentials, this knife has been by my side for the last two months or so, showcasing its versatility and performance. I’ve evaluated its features and functionality alongside its peers in the same price bracket to provide an unbiased and thorough assessment.
Performance Comparison and Testing Results
Features
The sturdy Morkaniv Companion Knife features solid carbon or stainless steel 104 mm blades, which perform well under different workloads. The high carbon steel version provides greater sharpness, while the stainless steel version offers better durability.
The blade thickness is only 0.125 inches which I love as it is compact. The blade is not curved, and the handle is constructed from high-density polymer with the finest rubber finish (TPE).
One of the things that I love about the build of this knife is its length. It is approximately 4.1 inches long and then comes another 4.5 inches handle. Imagine the grip and maneuverability!
I must say that the handle length is ideal for 95 percent of users. For people with unusually large hands, this may be a problem.
The blade is not capable of lighting up a fire, though. You would need additional film on the blade to light a fire using it. I also liked the design of the sheath, especially the belt clips. The sheath makes this knife a pretty good deal for the price bracket!
Weight and Portability
The knife is extremely lightweight. It weighs only 110 grams. It is like carrying a cup of sugar with you. I never felt inconvenienced while carrying this knife in my bag. Even when I had to keep the knife in my hand for somewhat longer durations, it was never uneasy for me.
It was also super comfortable for me to carry around in my backpack. I could even place this knife in my small crossbody bag. The knife almost feels weightless and easily fits everywhere. Thanks to the protective sheath, I never had any doubts regarding the knife damaging any of my belongings. I always kept it next to important things, and I didn’t need to carry a special bag or a minibag for the knife.
Comfort
I would like to especially mention that the knife is extremely smooth. When using the knife, the user’s biggest fear is that the vibration may cause uneasiness through the handle. However, this knife works as if it is going through butter.
I have been using this knife for two months now, and I don’t recall a moment when I didn’t feel comfortable using this knife. Also, if you would use a knife beyond its potential, it would be uncomfortable for you and the knife.
Blade Sharpness
I would like to tell you that this knife has a pretty decent blade sharpness. Please note that you can always sharpen your blade further according to your usage. As for me, the blade was sufficiently sharp for every application that I put it through. Here is my review of the sharpness and functionality of the blade:
The blade sharpness at the heel of the blade is 214 grams which is quite sharp considering the heel.
According to my expectations, the blade sharpness in the middle is a bit rusty, at 287 grams. So, you won’t believe what happened to me! I accidentally cut my finger when using my super sharp Morkaniv Companion Knife.
Trust me. This thing is no joke. It’s seriously sharp, so handle it with extra caution. The razor-sharp edge effortlessly slices through anything without much effort. I suggest you carefully hold the sheath and then pull the knife slowly from it.
As expected, the blade’s tip is extremely sharp at 173 grams. So, if you are a tip user, you can close your eyes and go for the kill.
Value for Money
What does 18.39$ get you in 2023? I really think that this knife is a steal deal.
The razor-sharp blade, with ergonomic length and width of the blade and the handle, and the quality of the build, all make it a strong competitor for the other knives on the pricier side.
I have been using this knife for two months, and that too for pretty heavy-duty tasks, and I can see that it is still sharp and fresh as new. So, full marks on the durability as well!
When it comes to value for money, I will give this knife a 10/10, eyes closed!
Quality and Durability
This knife is an excellent value-to-money option, outperforming its rival knives quite comfortably. The knife feels sturdy and comfortable in the hand. It initially seemed like on the lighter side, but its performance, quality, and durability are definitely on the heavier side.
Morakniv uses polymer in its handle, which is a high-density plastic, strongly water- and damage-resistant. Thanks to its straightforward design, Morakniv provides a strong grip and hence is easily maneuverable. The high-definition rubber finish prevents the knife from slippering through your hands and causing an accident! Besides, this thermoplastic elastomer finish also prevents temperature changes in the knife handle while you are working.
You may have some issues with very big hands, as the knife has a handle that is not ideal for people with “very” big hands. Apart from this, I can say that it is a versatile travel knife that is extremely durable and useful.
I also happened to drop the knife a few times, but as expected, there was not even a scratch!
What I Like
- Build quality. The knife is sturdy, lightweight, and portable. I can see this knife working just fine for years.
- Blade Choice. The knife is available in carbon or stainless steel types. You need to choose better blade sharpness or better durability!
- Value for money. 10/10 when you realize that you are getting a mirror finish, sharp blade with high-quality overall construction for less than 20$ only.
What I Don’t Like
- Less Tough. The steel is not as tough as compared to expensive knives. You can use it for hiking, camping, and mediocre-range survival tasks, but it cannot light a spark or help you cut sturdy tree branches.
- Carbon or Stainless Steel: The carbon blade is razor-sharp but tends to rust. While stainless steel is more durable, it is not as sharp. So a compromise has to be made!
- Tang. I would’ve loved a full tang instead of the slick tang. The full tang provides a better balance.
Comparison With Similar Knives
When it comes to Kershaw Clash Knife, I would like to say that it may outperform Morakniv Companion Knife in certain fields of usage, but there are a few distinctive details that come with it.
- The Kershaw knife costs almost twice as the Morakniv knife.
- The folding design is outdated, and I personally don’t like it. When folding the knife, only a little bit of carelessness can give a deep cut on your thumb that stands in the way of the folding knife.
If you are just getting into knives and you want to purchase your first knife, then you should definitely go for the more economical Morakniv knife.
As far as KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife is considered, you are paying 110$ for it. That is almost nine times the price of the Morakniv Companion knife.
- Of course, the BK2 is a better knife. It has a full tang, a better blade, better durability, and better strength; however, considering the price, it is for you only if you are a pro. For the newbies, I would still suggest the Morakniv and one of the obvious reasons for saying so is that the BK2 needs to be handled carefully.
- Without proper care, the BK2 knife is highly prone to rust in an outdoor environment. But again, most of the knives need to be wiped and oiled to avoid rust. So, it really comes down to your usage ultimately.
FAQs
What is a companion knife?
A companion knife is a versatile tool designed to fulfill a wide range of outdoor needs, such as tearing, cutting, and various other tasks encountered during adventurous trips.
How good is a Mora Companion?
The Mora Companion is a great knife when you consider its price and usability. It can be used for almost every outdoor activity. At its price range, it is a best-seller on Amazon with a very high 4.5+ rating.
Is Mora Companion good for bushcraft?
Yes, the Mora Companion is great for bushcraft.
Final Verdict
The Mora Companion Knife is a great outdoor knife. It is the best bang for the buck, and given its properties, it is impossible to find a better knife in a similar price range. The construction, blade properties, and applications are sufficient for people just getting into knives.
This knife is ideal for beginners and intermediate-level hikers and campers who are exploring knives. It can also serve the purpose of the pros, but the pros may like a bit of expensive blades on their hands. I would give this knife a 9/10 rating and say that this knife is ideal for people who travel seldom and don’t use the knife a lot to cut the trees!