Today we’re going to be comparing two of Moraknivs most popular blades – the Mora Garberg and the Mora Kansbol.
Both cost a fair amount more than most of Moras outdoor knives, but what separates these two knives from each other?
That’s exactly what we’re going to be taking a look at throughout our Morkaniv Garberg vs Kansbol comparison.
Let’s get right to it.
Morakniv Garberg Vs Kansbol: Specifications
Morakniv Garberg Specifications:
- Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel
- Blade Thickness: 0.12 inches (3.2mm)
- Flex Grade: Stiff
- Blade Length: 4.3inches (109mm)
- Total Length: 9.8 inches (248mm)
- Weight: 0.6lb (272g)
- Handle Material: Polyamide
- Grind: Scandi
Morakniv Kansbol Specifications:
- Blade Material: 12C27 Stainless Steel
- Blade Thickness: 0.1 inch (2.5 mm)
- Flex Grade: Stiff
- Blade Length: 4.3 inch (109 mm)
- Total Length: 9.8 inch (250mm)
- Weight: 0.3 lb (134g)
- Handle Material: TPE-Rubber
- Grind: Scandi
Mora Garberg Vs Kansbol
Handle
Let’s start off this comparison by taking a look at the handle of each knife, and what they have in common.
Both knives possess a 2-panel handle design – an exterior panel and an interior one. This interior panel features a hexagonal pattern designed to increase traction between the handle and your hand.
Also, both knives have a lanyard hole located within the handle itself. While I don’t really make use of a lanyard with my knives, it’s always nice to have the option.
Neither knife has a ton of finger protection, which is my main quarrel with both the Garberg and the Kansbol.
As you can see from the image, there is one feature that clearly distinguishes the two apart. The Garbergs pummel features a small exterior piece of metal. This metal has the same 90-degree spine as the blade itself, which can in turn be used to strike a ferro rod or be used as a hammer. This is great if you don’t want to darken the blade whilst starting a fire.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that the feel of the handles are also different between the two knives. The Garberg seems to have a more uniform feel to it, whilst the Kansbol feels as though each panel is made from different material.
In hand, you can definitely tell that the Garberg is the heavier duty of the two, despite being virtually identical in appearance.
Blade Material
When it comes to blade material, both blades make use of Sandvik Stainless Steel. The Kansbol uses Sandvik 12C27 steel, whereas the Garberg uses Sandvik 14C28N steel.
While these two materials are remarkably similar, the 14C28N featured on the Garberg is the more durable and professional of the two. The 14C28N steel provides fantastic edge retention and corrosion resistance, two particularly important qualities in a knifes steel.
That’s not to say the Kansbols blade is going to rust on you within a week of use. Both are made from top quality steel, however, the Garberg slightly outshines the Kansbol in this area.
To summarise, both blades are very, very good quality for the price that you pay for each knife.
Blade Design
Grind
The grind is where the Kansbol stands out from the Garberg, and virtually every other Mora knife for that matter.
Mora has used somewhat of a dual grind design with the Kansbol. Towards the base of the blade, it’s got your standard scandi grind that we expect from Mora, however it tapers off towards the tip into a profile grind.
While this has definitely received mixed opinions, it makes the Kansbol pretty versatile. For example, you can use the base area of the blade for your typical bushcraft tasks such as feather sticking, and the tip for other tasks such as food prep.
The Garberg however, features a scandi grind throughout the entirety of the blade.
Which is better? Well that really comes down to personal preference.
If you’re looking for an all-round knife, a sort of jack of all trades blade, then the Kansbol is going to be your best bet. That said, if you’re looking for a good, solid knife purely for bushcraft tasks, then the Garberg is going to be better suited to that.
Spine
Both the Kansbol and the Garberg feature a 90-degree spine.
Having used both of these knives, I can say that without a doubt, you won’t have any trouble getting a fire started whit either knife and a Ferro rod.
Tang
I should probably start off this section by describing what is meant by the word “tang”. Tang refers to the back portion of the blade which is embedded within the handle.
I won’t go into the various types of tangs, however, it’s worth noting that the Kansbol features a partial/ three-quarter tang, whilst the Garberg sports a full tang design.
What is a three-quarter tang? A three-quarter tang is where the back end of the blade runs approximately three-quarters of the way through the handle.
What is a full tang? A full tang is where the back end of the blade runs through the entirety of the handle.
So, what does this mean and why is it important?
Essentially, full tang knives tend to be stronger and more durable. On the flip side, three-quarter tang knives tend to be cheaper and lighter.
In my opinion, with knives this size, it doesn’t matter too much whether or not the knife is full tang. You’re not going to be doing overly intensive worth with a 4-inch blade, so a full tang knife isn’t strictly necessary.
That said, if push came to shove, a full-tang knife is definitely stronger and will last longer under pressure.
At this point, it really comes down to personal preference. Would you prefer a cheaper blade that’s significantly lighter? Go for the Kansbol.
Do you want something a bit heavier and sturdier? Go for the Garberg.
Length, Thickness & Weight
Before we jump in and discuss the two knives weight, here’s a quick refresher:
- Kansbol weight: 4.7oz
- Garberg weight: 9.5oz
As I briefly mentioned above, the Kansbol is a good bit lighter than the Garberg. This is due to the fact that the blade is thinner and only a partial tang, meaning that there’s less metal overall throughout the knife.
If you’re going to be walking long distances, and want to reduce the amount of weight that you’re carrying, then opting for the Kansbol will be your best bet.
In terms of length, they’re pretty much the exact same, with both the Garberg and Kansbol measuring in at around 9.8inches.
Sheath
Both knives have a couple of options when it comes to their sheath – either a molle mount sheath or a traditional belt loop sheath.
The traditional belt loop sheath of the Garberg is made using thick leather material. Whilst the sheath of the Kansbol uses a plastic material, much like most other Mora knives.
I prefer the sheath of the Kansbol, as the sheath itself can detach from the belt loop. This means that you can unhook the knife from your side without removing the knife itself from the sheath. This is great if you need to pass your knife over to someone else, but don’t want to do so with the blade exposed.
That said, the Garbergs sheath is definitely high quality and comfortable. One issue I do have with the leather sheath is the lack of a drainage hole at the bottom. This means that residue and dirt can build up there and soak into the material if you don’t clean off your blade after use.
Price Point
The price is probably the area the differentiates the two the most.
The Garberg costs significantly more than the Kansbol.
Both in my opinion, offer great value for money. Both are made from great quality steel, feature Moras top notch scandi grind and have a good durable tang.
That said, if you’re not looking to spend a lot on a knife, then the Kansbol will definitely be the better option.
Morakniv Garberg Vs Kansbol: Which Should You Choose?
Ok, crunch time. Which one should you choose?
That really depends on a few factors, such as how much you’re looking to spend, what you’re planning on using the knife for and whether or not you’re bothered or not by the blades tang.
With that in mind:
Choose the Garberg if…
- You’re set on having a full tang blade.
- You don’t mind spending a good bit more on a knife.
- You need something a bit more heavy duty.
- You only want a scandi knife blade.
Choose the Kansbol if…
- You don’t mind a partial tang blade.
- You’re shopping on a budget.
- Want a versatile knife capable of both food prep and other bushcraft tasks.
- Want a lightweight knife.
Final Thoughts
Well, there we have it for our Mora Garberg vs Kansbol comparison.
Hopefully this has a shed a bit of light on the differences between the two, and you know which is better suited to your needs.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch via the comment section below.
