Spotlight: Mora Kansbol

The Morakniv Kansbol is a versatile fixed-blade knife that is just above the entry-level models in price, just below the Morakniv Garberg in size, but with a number of handy, cool features and options that the entry-level models don’t have. In this article, you’ll find out what makes the Morakniv Kansbol so special. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, a bushcrafter, hunter, hiker or hobbyist, here you’ll discover why the Morakniv Kansbol is the ideal choice for your needs compared to the other Morakniv models.

Morakniv: Swedish tradition and quality

Morakniv is a legendary Swedish knife manufacturer with over a century of experience in designing and producing functional, affordable, high-quality knives. As a proud family business, Morakniv has gained worldwide recognition for their combination of traditional design and innovative, modern manufacturing techniques.

This traditional design is also clearly reflected in the Morakniv Kansbol, which in its design style appears to be a modern interpretation of the Scandinavian Puukko knives.

A closer look at the Kansbol

The Kansbol’s blade is unique in that it is a bushcraft knife and a utility knife in one. This versatility means the blade is strong enough for heavy-duty tasks like woodworking, yet delicate enough for more intricate jobs.

Morakniv Kansbol: steel type

The Morakniv Kansbol is available in one type of steel: Morakniv stated that it is 'stainless steel'. But it’s more than reasonable to assume this is Sandvik 12C27 steel. It's a good stainless steel type that retains its sharpness relatively long. Sandvik 12C27 can also be easily sharpened in the field, even with limited tools. It’s a well-balanced steel type, offering excellent value for money; this makes the Kansbol an attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts, and even professionals are more than satisfied with it.

The Morakniv Kansbol’s scandi-compound grind

What immediately stands out about the Morakniv Kansbol is its distinctive ‘Compound Grind’. This means the knife has two different grinds for two different purposes. In the Kansbol’s case, the front half of the blade is thinner than the rest. With a thickness of 2.5 mm at the base, tapering gradually to a narrow 1 mm tip, the front part is perfect for delicate tasks such as food preparation. Try cutting vegetables or fruit with a regular Scandi knife! You’ll quickly find it doesn’t go quite as smoothly as you’d hope. This is because most Scandi knives tend to split rather than slice when it comes to food prep. The beauty of the Kansbol is that it can do both. The thicker part of the blade has a Scandi grind suited for woodworking and similar tasks. The narrower section towards the tip tapers not only to a thinner edge, but the Scandi grind also transitions into a razor-sharp V-grind. This means you can, for example, gut a fish as well as do woodworking with the Kansbol. Incidentally, the Kansbol’s blade (2.5 mm) is thinner from the outset than other Morakniv models, such as the Garberg (3.2 mm).

So the blade features both the traditional Scandi grind and a V-grind. The thinner V-grind part of the Kansbol is almost comparable to a ‘hollow grind’. Although, it’s not really a traditional hollow grind, as it doesn’t taper from top to bottom towards the edge. Instead, the Kansbol tapers from back to front, giving the knife a razor-sharp and precise edge towards the tip. This variation in blade thickness and grind makes the Kansbol extremely versatile and suitable for both heavy-duty tasks and more detailed tasks.

The spine of the Morakniv Kansbol

Another feature of the Kansbol is its angular spine. This is specially designed to work optimally with a firesteel (ferro rod). In survival and emergency situations, the sharp angle of the spine can be used to scrape sparks or create wood shavings as tinder. These features are invaluable for many outdoor enthusiasts, bushcrafters, preppers and survivalists.

Morakniv Kansbol handle

The ergonomic, cylindrical handle of the Kansbol is designed for optimal grip and comfort. Thanks to its rounded shapes and balanced design, the knife feels great in the hand, which is crucial for precision and safety during prolonged use.

The handle is made from a durable polymer with a soft, non-slip finish. This material and finish not only withstand various weather conditions but also provide a firm grip, even when your hands are wet. This makes the Morakniv Kansbol ideal for use in damp environments. The end of the handle is enhanced with a lanyard eye to make sure you can attach a piece of paracord. A paracord lanyard can provide more surface area to hold the knife, improving its manoeuvrability.

Thanks to the symmetrical design of the Morakniv Kansbol’s handle, it is also suitable for people with large hands or when wearing gloves. This same symmetry also allows for nearly all the different grips and holds used in woodworking. For example, the chest lever and thumb push cutting techniques.

Different options and accessories

The Kansbol comes with a symmetrical polymer sheath suitable for both right- and left-handed users. The sheath is robust and offers adequate protection for the knife, while remaining easily accessible. With the leather belt loop, you can easily hang it from your belt.

Additionally, the Kansbol is also available with a Multi-Mount system, allowing you to attach the Kansbol to MOLLE-compatible surfaces or, for example, to the straps of your backpack.

This version of the Kansbol is enhanced with a survival kit that is secured around the sheath. This kit is enhanced with a diamond-coated sharpening stone and a firesteel. Great during emergency situations when you need to build a fire or a sharp edge.

Of course, there’s also the option to purchase the Multi-Mount system, the belt loop and the survival kit separately; either as replacements or as additions to your gear.

How it compares to other Morakniv knives

Morakniv Garberg

The Garberg is a bushcraft knife with a full-tang construction and a traditional Scandi grind and a thick blade. This makes it highly suitable for heavy-duty tasks like splitting wood. The Kansbol, on the other hand, is ideal for all-round outdoor tasks where quick switching between activities like cooking and woodworking is important. The Garberg, with its extra thick blade, is also a lot heavier: 170 grams vs the 100 grams of the Kansbol. When you go hiking or ultra-light camping and each gram counts, this is definitely something to keep in mind. See [here (link)] an article that compares the Morakniv Garberg and the Morakniv Kansbol in more detail.

Morakniv Eldris

The Eldris is a compact and lightweight model, perfect as a neck knife or as a complementary knife alongside a Kansbol or Garberg. While the Eldris focuses on being as compact as possible, the Kansbol offers more power without compromising on versatility. Thanks to the Kansbol’s longer blade, you can also use it for cooking, which is less ideal with the Eldris.

Morakniv entry-level models

Compared to the more affordable entry-level models, the Kansbol shows that a higher price often comes with a better balance of performance, durability and versatility. Take the Morakniv Basic, for example: the fully plastic grip lacks the non-slip texture that the Kansbol offers. The Basic’s finger guard also makes food preparation more difficult, as it limits the usable length of the cutting edge.
In short, within Morakniv’s wide range, the Kansbol holds a special place. It’s larger than the compact Eldris or the budget-friendly Basic, and more versatile and affordable than the specialised Morakniv Garberg, making it suitable for a wide variety of tasks. The Kansbol proves that quality and affordability can go hand in hand.

Who is the Morakniv Kansbol for?

The Kansbol is for everyone! The Kansbol is an all-round knife that meets the needs of a broad audience, including:

Outdoor enthusiasts and bushcrafters

Thanks to its light weight and versatile compound grind, the Kansbol is ideal for use around camp, for wood carving, and for many other bushcraft tasks.

Hunters and anglers

The fine tip and sharp edge make the knife perfect for skinning and cleaning game or fish, and the steel used is easy to sharpen in the field. The Kansbol is also exceptionally well-suited for outdoor cooking. With one and the same knife, you can skin your fish and prepare it!

Survivalists and preppers

The combination of a robust blade, a sharp spine (for firesteels), and its highly affordable price point makes the Kansbol an excellent choice for emergency kits and bug-out bags. Buy a second one and keep it in your car for emergencies!

Hikers and backpackers

Its low weight and versatility mean you can carry the Kansbol on long hikes without sacrificing functionality.

DIYers

The Kansbol is suited for various tasks and precision work, making it a reliable tool in the workshop or at home.

Conclusion: the Kansbol is the ultimate allround tool

The Morakniv Kansbol blends Scandinavian design with modern technology to deliver a knife that is both budget-friendly and tough. With its excellent price-to-performance ratio, versatile applications and unique design, the Kansbol is a top choice for anyone active in the outdoors or simply looking for a dependable tool.

Think the Morakniv Kansbol might be right for you? We believe everyone should own one! Check out the Morakniv Kansbol now and discover for yourself why this knife is an essential piece of gear for every adventurer!