Gear Review - Mora #2 and The Pathfinder Sheath

For this first product review I have chosen to review the Morakniv Classic 2 more commonly known in the US as the Mora #2 and the sheath sold separately by Self Reliance Outfitters.  This is the same knife often used by many bushcrafters including Dave Canterbury and Cody Lundin.

I would like to note as a standard disclaimer that any product that I review on this blog or on youtube are products that I personally own and have used.  Unless noted as an un-boxing or first impression piece I have used the gear in some fashion to at least replicate average use in the wild.

The first item I am reviewing is the knife itself.  The knife has a 4.2 inch blade length and an overall length of 8.3 inches.  The knife has a carbon steel blade with a scandi grind. Out of the box it has a lacquered wooden handle and comes with a plastic sheath.

In my opinion the Mora #2 itself has the best value in a price per pound way of any fixed blade knife available for sale in 2013.  The one that I purchased cost $15 with free shipping.  It has a good carbon steel blade and is very sharp out of the box. Mine did come with a slight combo grind and took about an hour to re-profile into a true flat scandi grind.  On the first use I did find the handle to be a bit slippery when even slightly wet.  Beyond sharpening the first modification that I made was to sand off the lacquer, file some grooves and re-stain the handle.  This improved the grip 1000% and I personally think adds to the personality of the knife.  If you are trying to decide on one fixed blade knife to start basic bushcraft with, this is the one.

The Mora is easy to put an edge on and it is easy to keep it on.  The size of the knife is right in the goldilocks zone; not too big not too small. The knife is carbon steel so you do need to keep it clean and slightly oiled.  The stock sheath while made of plastic is fairly tough and works well with a neck carry but is not so great with a belt cary.  With a small para cord and tape modification you can very easily add a safety retainer.

Para cord mods with a sail needle taped to the sheath compared to the leather sheath.

The next companion item I want to review and strongly recommend is the Pathfinder leather sheath sold by Self Reliance Outfitters the partner store to the Pathfinder School ran by Dave Canterbury.  For the $12 price I paid, this sheath is outstanding.  The sheath is made of thick leather and makes carrying the Mora on your belt substantially safer and more convenient.    

The leather sheath also showing the handle mods

The knife fits perfectly into the sheath with a friction grip holding it securely and allowing for easy access.

The front side of the Pathfinder Sheath displaying the Pathfinder Logo

All of the stitching is high quality, done with care and attention to detail.  The belt loop is thick and accommodates most common belts.

The back side of the Pathfinder Sheath

The Pathfinder sheath is strikingly similar to the sheath on the Condor Bushlore knife.  The Condor is another high value knife with great reviews lauding it's sheath as well that I will review in a separate article.

The front side of the Pathfinder Sheath compared to the Condor Bushlore

For both of these sheaths I would like to press some beeswax into the thread holes to add to the longevity and water proofing capability.

The back side of the Pathfinder Sheath compared to the Condor Bushlore

I would strongly recommend this knife for anyone starting out in bushcraft.  For a fixed blade knife it is not too large as to become intimidating to other hikers on a trail.  I've found that when worn in a neck sheath it is not even noticed by most people.  The knife is also a good fit in the kitchen as paring knife, meat cutting knife or as a general kitchen tool.

As with any knife check you local laws before purchase.  Some urban localities have severe restrictions on fixed blade knives.  If it is legal for you to own one the combination of a Mora #2 and a Pathfinder sheath cannot be beat on a price per pound basis.