Field Notes
Eight years of camp use on AT sections, car camping trips, and teaching outdoor skills. I have used it to prepare food on trail (slicing cheese and salami, cutting rope), process small wood (battoning through kindling), and carve improvised tent stakes when I forgot extras. The Scandi grind means it is effortless to touch up with any flat stone or a folded piece of sandpaper. I have replaced it once in eight years — not because it failed, but because I lost it and the $20 replacement cost less than 30 minutes of worry.
$20, Swedish stainless, Scandi grind — the knife wilderness guides have trusted for generations
Who This Is For
The Morakniv Companion is right for: anyone who needs a camp knife and does not want to overthink it, first-time backpackers who want quality without investment, hikers who want a dedicated food prep and camp utility blade separate from their multi-tool, and budget-conscious campers who will not be compromised by price.
I review gear the way most people actually use it — weekend trips in the mid-Atlantic, day hikes on the AT, car camping in the Smokies and down at the Outer Banks. Normal outdoor life for normal people.
A note on pricing and links: Prices are current as of May 2026. Some links are affiliate links.
How It Compares
Common Questions
Is Morakniv a good brand?
Yes — Morakniv has been making knives in Mora, Sweden since 1891. They supply knives to wilderness schools, scout programs, and bushcraft guides worldwide. The quality is genuine: Swedish stainless steel, consistent heat treatment, and functional design honed over 130 years.
What is a Scandi grind?
A Scandi (Scandinavian) grind is a single flat bevel that runs from the spine of the blade to the edge without a secondary bevel. This makes the knife extremely easy to sharpen on a flat stone — lay the bevel flat and push. It also makes the blade strong and predictable for carving and camp tasks.
Is the Morakniv Companion legal to carry?
Legality varies by location. Most US states allow fixed blade knives with blades under 4-6 inches for outdoor use. Many cities have stricter knife laws. The Morakniv is not legal for concealed carry in most urban areas. For trail and campsite use, it is legal virtually everywhere in the US.
Can the Morakniv Companion be used for food prep?
Yes — it is an excellent food prep knife. The stainless steel is food-safe, the blade length is right for slicing, and the sharp edge handles cheese, cured meats, bread, vegetables, and fruit cleanly. Clean with soap and water after use. Dry before returning to the sheath to prevent any moisture accumulation.
