I searched but couldnt find anything that helped me, im in the market for a mora but was looking for one of full tang design. i was wondering what models you guys suggest. i want something relatively small and light prob like in the 3in to 4in range and saftey orange if it could be had. anyone know which models by frost or erikson* have full tangs?
Also if you guys could help me out with blade composition that would be great i know the difference between stainless and carbon but what is laminated? and which overall would you suggest for a novice knife guy and repeated backwoods abuse? im leanin towards stainless but am in need of some seasoned advice
Unless I am sadly mistaken, Mora knives have a full tang; most of them do not have a full scaled handle. You are probably confusing a full tang with a scaled handle.
A full tang is an extension of the blade that is narrower than the blade but extends the full length of the handle and is often bent over at the end of the handle. They are made several ways: most common is simply drilling a tang-sized hole in the handle and then epoxying the tang into the hole. My preference is to split the handle block into two uncarved scales and then closely inlet the tang. Once the tang is inletted, the blade is epoxied into place at the same time the scales are epoxied together. Done properly, there is no perceptible glue line and the grain matches across the glue line.
Below are two photos of a full-tang Mora-type knife that I recently made. The handle is velvet mesquite, the sheath is cowhide. I bought the blade blank. It is a laminated blade with a carbon steel core and stainless exterior. The carbon steel core will hold an edge better than any stainless yet it is protected by the stainless exterior. The tang on this knife extends completely through the handle. The blade is 3.5" long. The first photo shows both the knife and sheath; the second shows the glue line on the bottom of the handle.
A scaled handle is based on a knife blade with a handle shaped extension of the blade. Scales are pinned and glued to this extension together with bolsters and other appliances. When this type of knife is finished, the steel blade extension is visible all the way around the handle and there are generally 4-6 pins showing around the handle. Go here for a photo of a knife blank for a full scale handle.
The full tang knife is lighter and almost as robust as a knife with a scaled handle. To me, the only advantage of the scaled handle is that it is somewhat easier to continue to use this type of knife if the handle comes off; an unlikely event with a well-made knife.
Note added later. I have just looked at several knife supply catalogs. Some of them use the term "full tang" to describe what I call a scaled handle. They use the term "hidden tang" to describe what I call a full (length) tang. So, I apologize to the OP for thinking that he was confused about terminology: it appears that I was the one who was confused.
I have a Mora 780, 911, and 711. I will definitely buy some more. They are great knives. Pika did a good job explaining the laminated blade. But, remember that the stainless from Mora, or other Scandinavian knife makers is a very high quality, hard stainless that holds an edge very well. The high carbon will still hold a better edge, but if you compare the mora stainless with other more common knives, the mora would be better. I believe it is called Sandvik something or other.
hey guys thanks so much for info, Pika thats exacty what i was wondering about the laminated blade. those sights you guys posted are awesome as well. just one more question i know that the mora sheaths are praised or despised (mostly despised) but alot of people but they look like theyre not to bad to me only a bit ugly. FinallyMe are the models you suggested supplied with the rotating belt clip sheath( the newer model from what i read) or the older belt loop style? and furthermore does the knife clip into either of these sheaths so that it wont slide out? id like the option to mount the knife upside down and the security knowing i wont lose it. if not any reputable kydex sheath makers around? thanks so much guys really helped alot.
Nm i answered my own question haha the 911 is lookin like the one i want, its got the swiveling belt clip any complaints on FinallyME? sheath or knife?
Alex I have the 2000. Kind of a "safe" choice. The sheath works well, it's hard,grips the knife so it does not fall off but very fast to remove the knife from. It has the leather loop. I like the very grippy handle, feels soft, very safe. I use a Lanski kit to sharpen it. Franco
With the three I have, they came with three different sheaths. The 780 came with a sheath that I didn't like, similar to the 760. It is a pain to put the knife in, it doesn't hold it very well (I can shake it out) and it diggs in my side when I put it on my belt. I like the 911 sheath. It has the swivel thing. I also can't shake it out. But that has to do with the handle being rubber. I think it would fall out if you used it as a neck knife and hung it upside down, but I haven't tried it out yet. When I get home, I will try and really see if it will stay in good for upside down carry.
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anyone own a 440? i like the sheath and the handle and blade length looks just right, anyone know if its tang runs the length of handle or is it similar to the clipper/craftsman series?
FinallyMw No offence, but is it really so hard to hit a link provided WITHIN this thread ?
My apologies. I was way wrong. I should have clicked your link Franco. Now, to the original question. I don't have the 440, nor have I x-rayed it. But, it is made by the same company as the craftsman/clipper series', so take whatever guesses you want with that.
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FinallyMe Well, just to annoy you I am sending you this. Suffer.
For Alex, maybe the 740 Carbon (in safety orange) could be the one. (Mora and Frost are the same company now) I am not sure now how I ended up choosing the 2000, but that is what I have. The Carbon blade on my Opinel is certainly easier to sharpen but needs to be done more often. Franco Yesterday I posted two other links (not here..) that provided a picture in each that clearly answered the question. Both were ignored. Grrrr...
franco do you mean frost and erikson? mora is a style/ line of knives not a company and i like the saftey orange for sure. And i looked at your original post when you first posted it, it was very helpful but it didnt help me with the 440 question lol
FinallyMe thank you very much for the all the help i shall be purchasing my very first mora tom, i think im gonna go with a yellow 440 but we shall see ill keep you guys updated on it maybe we could get a little mora database goin on this thread for others confused about moras haha
Yes, sorry. Frost and Eriksson. Just like those two "Swiss Army" knives that are also combined.. (Wenger and Victorinox) Franco And I am glad that Phat has discovered that Foster is not the beer we drink here...
I have a Finnish Mora style knife W/ a laminated blade of hard & soft steel. But I love my Canadian Russell trout model knife for its ergonomic design. It has a Mora-type sheath.
Eric
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