Morakniv Garberg Review: The Full-Tang Beast You’ve Been Waiting For?
For decades, the name Morakniv has been synonymous with incredible value. You spend $15, you get a knife that cuts like a laser, and if it breaks, you buy another one. But for years, hardcore bushcrafters whispered a single complaint: “If only it were full tang.”
The Morakniv Garberg is the Swedish company’s answer to that prayer. It is the first—and currently only—full tang knife in their lineup. It’s beefier, heavier, and significantly more expensive than the Morakniv Companion. But with a price tag hovering around $80-$90, it enters a fiercely competitive arena dominated by American and Japanese blades.
Is the Garberg just an overpriced Mora, or is it the ultimate survival tool that bridges the gap between budget beaters and premium bushcraft knives? We took it into the deep woods to find out.
Finally, a Mora you can’t break. Experience the legendary Swedish quality in a bombproof package.
Check Price on AmazonTechnical Specifications
The Garberg is built like a tank compared to its siblings. It swaps the delicate rat-tail tang for a slab of steel that runs the full length and width of the handle, protruding at the pommel.
| Blade Length | 4.3 inches (109 mm) |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 9.0 inches (229 mm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.13 inches (3.2 mm) |
| Weight | 9.6 ounces (272 g) with sheath |
| Blade Material | Sandvik 14C28N (Stainless) or Carbon |
| Handle Material | Extra Rugged Polyamide |
| Grind | Scandi Grind |
| Tang Style | Full Tang (Exposed Pommel) |
Why “Full Tang” Matters
In the knife world, “full tang” means the metal of the blade extends all the way through the handle to the back. Most Moras use a “rat-tail” tang, which is perfectly fine for carving but risks snapping if you baton through knotty wood or use the knife as a pry bar.
The Garberg solves this. You can abuse this knife. You can hammer it through logs, pry open crates, and strike the exposed metal pommel with a rock if needed. This structural integrity turns the Garberg from a “bushcraft” knife into a true “survival” knife. It provides peace of mind that your primary tool won’t fail when you are miles from civilization.
Blade Performance: 14C28N Steel
The stainless version of the Garberg uses Sandvik 14C28N steel. This is a significant upgrade from the basic stainless found on cheaper models. It is extremely tough, takes a terrifyingly sharp edge, and holds it reasonably well.
The Scandi Grind
The blade features a classic Scandi grind. This geometry is optimized for wood processing. It bites deep into timber, making feather sticks and shelter building effortless. However, Scandi grinds can be fragile on ultra-hard materials (like hitting a rock), so you should learn the difference between using a sharpening stone vs. honing steel to maintain that zero-edge geometry.
Some users debate between the Carbon and Stainless versions. Unless you are obsessed with forcing a patina, we recommend the Stainless 14C28N. It is tougher than most carbon steels and virtually maintenance-free in wet environments.
Go Stainless. The 14C28N steel offers incredible toughness without the rust anxiety.
Check Price on AmazonHandle Ergonomics & Durability
The handle is made from an extra-rugged polyamide plastic. It features a diamond pattern texture that provides excellent grip, even when wet or muddy. Unlike the rubberized grip of the Companion, this hard plastic feels indestructible.
The shape fills the hand nicely, allowing for long periods of carving without creating hot spots. The lack of a large finger guard allows you to get right up close to the blade for detailed work, although beginners should be careful not to slip.
Sheath Options: Multi-Mount vs. Leather
When buying the Garberg, you have to make a choice regarding the carry system. This significantly affects the price.
The Multi-Mount System
This is a tactical, modular system. It includes a plastic sheath that snaps into a MOLLE-compatible backplate. You can strap it to your pack, your truck’s visor, or your belt. It is incredibly secure and versatile, though a bit bulky.
The Leather Sheath
For traditionalists, the heavy-duty black leather sheath is a beauty. It is a fold-over style with a snap closure. It rides lower on the belt and looks much more “bushcraft” than the tactical plastic version.
The Ultimate Fire Starter
One of the Garberg’s best features is often overlooked: the 90-degree spine. Most knives have rounded spines that slide off ferro rods. The Garberg’s spine is ground to a sharp, crisp 90-degree angle.
When you scrape a ferrocerium rod with this spine, it throws a massive shower of sparks. It saves your blade edge from damage and makes fire lighting incredibly efficient. It is widely considered one of the best fire-starting knives on the market.
Garberg vs. The Competition
Morakniv Garberg vs. Morakniv Companion
The Companion is $15; the Garberg is $90. Is it 6 times better? If you are just slicing sausages and whittling sticks, no. But if you need a knife that can be batoned through a log to split wood for a fire, the Companion might break. The Garberg won’t. It’s about insurance.
Morakniv Garberg vs. Gerber Strongarm
The Gerber Strongarm is its main rival. The Strongarm looks more “tactical” and has a flat grind (better for slicing food). The Garberg has a Scandi grind (better for wood). The Garberg’s 14C28N steel is generally considered superior to the Strongarm’s 420HC in terms of edge retention.
If you prefer folding knives for EDC, neither of these is for you—check out the Ontario RAT 1 for a rugged folder option.
Pros & Cons
The Pros
- Full tang construction is bombproof.
- 14C28N steel is tough and corrosion-resistant.
- 90-degree spine is a fire-starting machine.
- Multi-mount sheath is incredibly versatile.
- Made in Sweden quality control.
The Cons
- Expensive for a Morakniv (~$90).
- Scandi grind is poor for food prep (wedges in apples).
- Handle material is hard, less grippy than rubber.
- Heavier than traditional Moras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Morakniv Garberg worth the high price?
Yes, if you view it as a “forever knife.” You are paying for the full tang construction, premium steel, and upgraded sheath options. It competes with knives costing $150+.
Should I choose Carbon or Stainless for the Garberg?
We recommend the Stainless (14C28N). It is exceptionally tough and won’t rust. The Carbon version requires oiling and doesn’t offer a significant performance advantage in this specific model.
Can I baton wood with the Garberg?
Absolutely. That is what it was designed for. The full tang and 3.2mm thick spine can handle heavy batoning through seasoned logs without issue.
Does the Garberg fit in the Companion sheath?
No. The Garberg has a thicker blade and a different handle shape. It requires its own specific sheath.
Is the handle slippery when wet?
The polyamide handle has a diamond texture that provides good grip. However, it is not as “sticky” as the rubberized handle on the Companion Heavy Duty.
How do I sharpen the Scandi grind?
The Scandi grind is easy to sharpen. Lay the wide bevel flat against the stone and push. No angle guessing is required. It is ideal for field sharpening.
Is it legal to carry?
It is a fixed blade with a 4.3-inch blade. Open carry laws vary by state and country. It is generally legal for camping/hiking but may be restricted in urban environments.
Does it spark a ferro rod well?
Yes, it is widely considered the best in class. The spine is ground to a sharp 90-degree angle specifically for this purpose.
Stop buying cheap replacements. Buy the Garberg once, and pass it down to your grandkids.
Check Price on AmazonFinal Verdict
The Morakniv Garberg is a statement piece from Sweden. It proves that they can build a hardcore survival tool that stands toe-to-toe with the best in the world. It is no longer just a “cheap backup knife.”
If you are serious about bushcraft, survival, or just want a camp knife that will never let you down, the Garberg is the gold standard. It is rugged, reliable, and ready for anything.
