Tool-roll: Mora (Frost) 106 Carving Knife

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Probably the best wood working knife out there at this price. 



From the Frost (Mora) website:

Our woodcarving knives are well known and appreciated precision tools that are used by wood carvers in Nusnäs, for example. This is where one of Sweden’s most recognized national symbols – the Dala Horse – is carved.

Woodcarving knive with a thin, tapered blade of laminated steel. Oiled birchwood handle. Plastic sheath. Blade Thickness: 2,7mmBlade Length: 82 mmTotal Length: 188mm

The Mora 106 is a brilliant woodworking knife, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just beginning. The first thing that I think makes the 106 great is that it’s a cheap knife, but is top quality. The laminated steel blade takes a razor’s edge without a great deal of effort, and holds it. The barrel shaped birch handle, whilst plain, is comfortable to hold in a variety of grips.

The shape of the blade is really what makes it a winner for me. It tapers to a thin point, great for delicate curves or kolrossing. The stick tang goes all the way through the handle, allowing you to make bigger, more powerful cuts. I prefer this longer, thinner blade to the Mora 120 (another great woodcarving knife from Mora at a similar price).

The plastic sheath supplied with the knife is cheap and cheerful, protecting the edge but with no real style or grace. If the knife isn’t pushed solidly enough into the plastic sheath it can fall out. If the knife if wedged in too tightly, just trying to pull it straight out can be dangerous when the sheath suddenly releases its grasp. A much safer way is to twist the handle, jiggling it as you gently pull it out.

The birch handle is symmetrical, which means you can’t tell where the edge of the blade is by just gripping the handle. If you’re paying attention to what you’re doing, this shouldn’t poise a problem. However I have rested my thumb on the edge of the blade by accident on a couple of occasions. However, the handle is easily customized.

The 106 blades are also available without a handle, allowing you to make your own. 

106 blade fitted into an oak handle I made myself.