Mora Companion vs Bushcraft

After extensively using both the Mora Companion and Bushcraft Black for a full year of outdoor activities, I can definitively say these knives serve different user needs despite their shared heritage. While the Companion represents one of the best values in outdoor fixed blades at around $15-20, the Bushcraft Black’s upgraded materials and features justify its $50-60 price point for more serious users. I’ve tested both knives through multiple camping trips, wood processing tasks, and general outdoor use.

The Companion consistently proves itself as an exceptional value tool that most users won’t outgrow, while the Bushcraft Black offers tangible advantages for those who depend on their knife in more demanding situations. The choice between them ultimately comes down to intended use and budget. Through extensive testing in varying conditions, I’ve found the Companion more than adequate for casual outdoor use, while the Bushcraft Black’s additional features and more robust construction make sense for those regularly practicing bushcraft skills.

Mora Companion vs Bushcraft: History

Morakniv has been producing knives in Mora, Sweden since 1891. It came to be the Companion, an evolution of their classic outdoor designs, purposed to bring great value without sacrificing Swedish quality. Later would come the Bushcraft Black, which was Mora’s answer to the growing bushcraft movement and requests for stronger survival tools.

The Companion has seen minor refinements over the years but maintains its core design philosophy of simplicity and functionality. The Bushcraft series, including the Black version, was developed with input from survival experts and incorporates features specifically requested by serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Mora Companion vs Bushcraft: Technical Specifications

Mora Companion: Blade Length: 4.1 inches Overall Length: 8.6 inches Weight: 4.1 ounces Steel: Carbon Steel or Stainless (12C27) Handle: TPE Rubber Sheath: Basic plastic Price Range: $15-20 Mora Bushcraft Black: Blade Length: 4.3 inches Overall Length: 9.1 inches Weight: 5.7 ounces Steel: Carbon Steel Handle: TPE Rubber Sheath: Heavy-duty plastic Price Range: $50-60

Mora Companion vs Bushcraft: Real-World Experience

I’ve used both knives extensively across four seasons of camping, bushcraft, and general outdoor tasks. The differences become apparent through sustained use rather than just casual handling. The Companion arrived sharp enough to shave paper, requiring no initial preparation. Its lighter weight and thinner blade stock make it immediately comfortable for detailed cutting tasks.

During the break-in period, the rubber handle softened slightly, conforming to my grip pattern after several weekends of use. The Bushcraft Black, while also sharp out of the box, features a more robust edge geometry that took a few hours of use to reach its peak performance. The thicker handle and blade stock required some adjustment to my cutting technique, but the added stability during batoning and heavy cutting justified the adaptation period. Daily Outdoor Tasks In camp kitchen duties, the Companion’s thinner blade excels at food prep, especially slicing vegetables and preparing meat. Its lighter weight reduces fatigue during extended cutting sessions.

The Bushcraft Black, while capable, feels somewhat overbuilt for these delicate tasks. However, when processing wood for fire preparation, the Bushcraft Black’s additional weight and thicker spine prove advantageous. During one particularly wet camping trip, the Bushcraft Black’s ability to strike a ferrocerium rod (thanks to its sharp spine) proved invaluable, while the Companion required modification to perform the same task. Specific Examples: During a weekend camping trip, I used both knives to process wood for a fire in wet conditions.

Companion mastered small feather sticks and food prep, while the Bushcraft Black dominated in splitting wet wood and making larger kindling. For longer carving sessions, Companion was preferred due to its lighter weight, while the robust construction of Bushcraft Black gave more confidence for heavier cuts.

Mora Companion vs Bushcraft: Performance Details

Edge Retention The Companion’s thinner blade geometry maintains its razor edge during normal use but requires more frequent touching up during heavy tasks. Through a weekend of campsite work, I found myself stropping the Companion every evening, while the Bushcraft Black maintained its working edge longer despite harder use.

During an extended wood processing session, the Companion’s edge rolled slightly when hitting a knot – easily fixed with a strop, but noteworthy. The Bushcraft Black’s more robust edge geometry prevented similar issues, though it never achieved quite the same level of slicing refinement as the Companion. Maintenance Needs Both carbon steel versions (tested) require similar care against corrosion. After three months of regular use: The Companion developed a nice patina during food prep tasks, requiring only occasional oiling to prevent rust. Its simpler construction makes cleaning and maintenance straightforward – just wipe down after use and occasionally oil the blade.

The Bushcraft Black’s DLC coating provides additional corrosion resistance, though the exposed edge still needs attention. The more complex sheath system requires additional cleaning, especially after muddy conditions, to prevent retention issues. Handle Comfort Extended use revealed distinct comfort characteristics: The Companion’s thinner handle works exceptionally well for detail work but can cause fatigue during heavy cutting tasks. During a four-hour shelter building session, I found myself occasionally needing to rest my hand.

The Bushcraft Black’s thicker handle provides more comfort during heavy use but feels slightly bulky during detail work. The more pronounced finger guard adds security during chopping tasks but can interfere with certain grip positions. Sheath Systems Real-world carry highlighted significant differences: The Companion’s basic plastic sheath performs adequately but shows wear after months of use.

The retention loosened slightly over time but remains secure enough for inverted carry. The Bushcraft Black’s heavy-duty sheath maintains consistent retention even after extensive use in muddy conditions. The multi-mount system proves valuable for different carry options, though it adds bulk compared to the Companion’s simpler system.

Mora Companion vs Bushcraft: Long-Term Assessment

After a full year of regular outdoor use, both knives show distinct wear patterns and long-term characteristics worth noting. The Companion’s blade has developed a beautiful working patina, while its handle shows minimal wear despite hundreds of hours of use. The plastic sheath has some scuff marks and slightly looser retention, but still functions reliably. The blade has been resharpened approximately ten times, with minimal loss to the profile thanks to the thin geometry.

The Bushcraft Black’s DLC coating shows wear patterns along the spine from ferrocerium rod use, but otherwise remains intact. Its thicker blade stock has maintained perfect geometry through heavy use, including repeated batoning sessions. The more robust sheath system looks practically new aside from some surface scratches. Durability Notes: Neither knife has developed any concerning issues.

The Companion’s tip remains sharp despite some abuse, though I did need to repair a minor roll once after hitting a hidden nail. The Bushcraft Black has shrugged off similar accidents without damage, justifying its more robust design.

Mora Companion vs Bushcraft: Pros/Cons & Buying Guide

Mora Companion Advantages:

• Exceptional value Lighter weight
• Better for detail work
• Excellent food prep capability
• More manageable for beginners

Limitations:

• Basic sheath
• Less robust construction
• Requires more frequent maintenance
• Not ideal for heavy batoning

Mora Bushcraft Black Advantages:

• More robust construction
• Better for heavy tasks
• Superior sheath system
• Excellent coating
• Ready for fire starting

Limitations:

• Higher price
• Heavier
• Overkill for basic tasks
• Bulkier carry

Best Pricing: Watch for sales at outdoor retailers during seasonal changes. The Companion often drops to $12-15, while the Bushcraft Black can be found for $45 during major sales.

Mora Companion vs Bushcraft: Alternatives

Condor Bushlore ($50) Similar to Bushcraft Black in purpose but with different aesthetics and materials. Consider this for a more traditional look with comparable capability. ESEE 4 ($120) More expensive but offers lifetime warranty and thicker stock. Choose this if budget allows and absolute durability is priority.

Mora Companion vs Bushcraft: Final Thoughts

The choice between these knives really comes down to intended use and budget. The Companion represents perhaps the best value in outdoor fixed blades, capable of handling 90% of camping and outdoor tasks while remaining affordable enough to be essentially disposable. The Bushcraft Black, while more expensive, offers tangible benefits for those who regularly practice bushcraft skills or need a more robust tool. Its additional features and stronger construction make sense for users who depend on their knife in more demanding situations.

Where to buy: Purchase through established outdoor retailers or authorized dealers to ensure authenticity. Amazon often offers competitive pricing but verify the seller is authorized.

I recommend: The Companion for:

• Casual outdoor users
• Those new to fixed blades
• Budget-conscious buyers
• Camp kitchen duties

The Bushcraft Black for:

• Regular bushcrafters
• Those needing fire-starting capability
• Heavy wood processing tasks
• Users wanting a more robust tool

Remember: Both knives represent excellent values at their respective price points.

The Companion’s lower price doesn’t reflect lower quality, just different design priorities. Choose based on your actual needs rather than just the price difference.