The companion hd can be modded very easy to get the features the bushcraft has: grind the 90° angle on spine , patina the blade in vinegar to stop rust and protect the blade also makes the blade back, also you can do many sheath mods to make them amazing.

Kirk one of the most honest to the point reviews! You said it at "Use the knife for the task it was designed for" Knowing it will do more with out proving it when it is needed, is a good feeling. I carry 2 to 3 different knives, for the job at hand.

Good analogy on the Mora's and I'd have to concur that the black isn't really worth twice the price of the Mora heavy duty MG. I've just brought myself the Mora MG: Took a rat tail file to the spine of the knife, filed in grooves so that a firesteel will work with the knife, then applied gun-blue on the spine of the knife as a weatherproof substitute - Works a treat. -All the best from the otherside of the pond.

Nothing wrong with having a bushcraft knife _and_ a survival knife! Just refine the spine edge on that companion and you can throw all the sparks that your heart desires. I edc my companion ($11/free shipping on ebay) for the most part, haven't done any testing with my black yet, though. Nice video :)

Thank you for the kind words. The camera person is my brother. I see some bushcraft/wood working videos in the nearer future. -Krik

Very good review. Fair and to the point. You made an excellent point about knowing the intended use for a tool. I've been guilty of buying some nerves just because I like something about them, without really giving it any thought about what that knife was really designed for. I search for ways to use the knives, but they generally just get left at home.

Your draw of both knives in the first few seconds was spectacular. Love me a good comp video too, great job blokes

mora best knife for the money !!

I'm a huge Garberg fan and when it first came out I was one of the many who complained about the price. Fortunately I scored one back when Amazon had them for $57, the Garberg has proven its worth and IMHO is rightfully worthy of a $70 price point. The Black on the other hand has no reason to be in the $50-$70, my Mora HQ Robust with some Gunblue coating and a 5 minute file job on the spine and presto you got yourself a Bushcraft HQ Robust "Black". The Bushcraft black has the same carbon steel same thickness same rubber over mold grip and plastic sheath, a complete marketing scam. The Garberg has 14C28N Steel with a better in house heat treatment, a full tang that is actually quite big. It also has a nice new grip material that kicks butt IMHO and is NOT some cheap plastic like some reviewers and haters say. After using the knife for 5 months I've learned that the grip becomes smoother and feels a lot like micarta, its tough as nails. The 14C sandvik steel is awesome I've had no rolls or chipping and the balance is awesome. To sum it all up, the Garberg is the real deal worth every penny, the Bushcraft Black is the real deal to and should be $25-$30 of worthy penny's😅 Imho If people want to pay that much and believe that its worth $40 more than a Companion HD or HQ Robust so be it, who am I to stand in their way. What bugs me though are the folks who bought a Bushcraft Black for $50-$60 and now are those who trash talk the Garberg and freak out over its price?????? completely ridiculous if ya think about it.

I am getting sea sick watching this one

thanks for going out and purchasing these items to share with us like you do. Keep on keeping on and peace out brothers

Mora Black knife March 2017 is now anywhere from $94 to $106 here in Canada, glad I purchased mine when it was $60 back in 2015! This is a great knife for what I use it for, it was money well spent.

those who are considering i'll throw in what i learnt of the two, a Japanese youtuber virtuovice that I follow and he's a very good vlogger too he previously mentioned that Mora's Bushcraft series have deeper tang length into handle than Companion series. it is confirmed because he had access to x-ray so he was able to show the comparisons. so that's one plus. I personally have a regular Companion carbon and I recently purchased Bushcraft Forest (with dual knife profile grind) with great influence from virtuovice's (so thanks doctor). i find both awesome. have fun y'all!

you can mod the Companion to throw sparks easy, good job on the vid.

Equator Bushcraft channel says the same about the Mora Companion sheath's lack of secure hold on the knife. I have one and I would testify to that. The clip on the other hand would never come off your belt in a million years.

im getting the mora companion HD

I live in Australia the MG HD is still about $20 here but the BC Black is $70 so there is no comparison at $70 it's in another category. I have 2 MG's one for myself as a secondary knife and one for my son. I put a 90 degree spine on it and modified the sheath to carry firesteel/striker about 3m paracord and a paracord 'dangler' set up plus I added a lanyard which helps keep the blade in the sheath. My point to all this is that my 20 dollar knife is now a fully functioning bushcraft knife, the bushcraft black is a senseless indulgence.

Either one will work just fine. The companion heavy duty is about half the price of the bushcraft black. And you'll get plenty of capability with the heavy duty. At that price, it may be a good knife to start with. -Krik

I'm glad I could be of help. And thanks for the encouraging words. They mean a lot to Stony and I. -Krik

Given the major price difference, I'd go with the HD SS Companion over the Bushcraft carbon, all day. Also, It's easy to file the HD Companion's rounded spine into a flat 90 degree grind for easy ferro rod sparking. Plus, SS requires much less maintenance than does carbon steel, especially in humid weather, where a carbon blade will rust and stain easily. However, it is simple to patina carbon steel with vinegar. This will reduce rusting quite well. So to balance out the similarities and differences between the two knives, both are virtually equal, in my opinion. Only the price is different.

Excellent video, and excellent advice. Thanks for sharing. Just picked up a Companion (my first Mora), yesterday. INCREDIBLE value. $27.00 Canadian dollars. Lose it, break it, lend it out...it's twenty-seven dollars. WOW. I'll be getting a few more, and most likely both of these. File down the spine on the HD and it'll throw sparks just fine. PEACE!

An honest comparison you have made amigo. I own the Mora Companion F, Robust, and the MG knives and I trust all of them.

Nice video man. Well done and appreciate you can tell you're a real genuine guy looking to help people with info. Subbed.

Liked the way you wrapped this issue up, makes perfect sense. Excellent video!

I really appreciate your perspective in the end, brother. About folks who hammer on a purpose-built camp utility knife like a Mora because it's not an indestructible sharpened prybar like a 'survival'. Also the part about survival not being fun or a game. Also, a note on the sheath. A knife designed elegantly like the Swedish style bushcraft knives is very easy to make deep carry leather sheaths for as long as the handle isn't riddled with finger choils.

Thanks for the post. You did a great job! God bless. John

Thanks for the suggestion on the Mystic Tarpent. I'd like to get my hands on one and give a try. Thank you for watching. -Krik

Just got a Bushcraft Black today and sheath came with both attachments. First Morakniv in my collection. Probably cwon' be the last. Like the comparison.

GREAT vid young man thank you,I've used the same Mora companion knife for over twenty years for field dressing Deer,knife is perfect.YOU can't beat a Mora.I was about to purchase the Enzo trapper price 130 dollars but I think I'll be buying the Mora Black.I have a big collection of Scandinavian knives Helle martini Mora but they are on display in the gun room.THE Mora companion does all my jobs.Stay safe.

Not yet, though I will eventually. As you said in the video, it'd be nice to have as a back up, in case the striker itself is lost.

The Bushcraft Black comes with a clip as well. The sheath on the companion is much better, no rattle like the BB and it has the thumb ramp which is much better than the BB's.

In February the black was selling for $27. The other day I saw a dealer who had one for sale for $91. The sudden rave talk that went around about this knife this summer has pushed the price through the roof. That aside I really like the knife. I have both the orange and black. The orange is nice because it is easy to see when you look for it in camp. It is just as good a knife as the black. The only difference that is now rectified by Mora, was that the handle was plastic on the orange. Now it is rubber. So I think from my use that you nailed it Krik. The HD Companion, the Black, the Orange, and the Robust are all about the same knife and they each have features that are unique and will suit different people. But just because the black has gotten a little more attention, and is a little more pricey, that doesn't make it a better knife. If I had to do it again, I think I would just buy the orange and say "done".

You can make a small (1 1/2 inch) loop out of paracord and tie it through the belt clip on the Comp HD. Then pull it over the butt-end of your knife when it's in the sheath. Knife's not going anywhere. Easy to make, easy to deploy. Some of the many Mora mods are part of the fun of owning the things. There's a cottage industry in how-to on this subject.

Thank you I bought the companion with those ideas in mine and I'm glad you reinforce them for me thank you so much.

Lets all send Mora an email and ask them to make Bushcraft Black with a stainless steel as well! :-)

There is a Mora Companion HD in stainless steel too. Less issues with rusting etc. Good opinion for some.

Sorry, I don't. But if you find one, please let me know. I've been wanting to try different sheaths for my Moras. Thanks for watching. -Krik

Really like your insight on survival. And your right, if there's a chance you'll get lost bring a survival knife. But it's also true that the knife your have on you IS the survival knife.

Both knives are great cutting tools!

Really excellent video. Something to note for anyone choosing between these two knives, whilst the Heavy Duty cannot use a firesteel out of the back, using a dremel tool, or grinding wheel, or even a file, you can make a nice rough surface of about an inch or two on the spine, and that will throw sparks. A very easy mod, if that's something your after.

Update needed....the heavy duty throws sparks just fine if u strike toward the point on the spine, furthermore if you take 30 second with a file u can square off the back VERY easily

thanks for watching. and lately we've updated our shooting style to be a little less high paced with all the zooms. check out some of our newer videos and let us know what you think. thanks for watching! - stony

You're welcome and glad you like our videos. I try to be practical. -Krik

I love my old companion MG carbon, also got the stainless versión a bit thicker stock blade and also the HD version in carbon even thicker, but i prefer my old one over the newer and thicker ones.

Thanks for this video. It helped me decide to go with the Bushcraft Black instead of the Companion Heavy Duty (Needed to strike a ferro rod. Found another video that explained why the Companion Heavy Duty couldn't). So thanks.

I just subed a few days ago and I gotta say I have been enjoying you simple and straight forward reviews and info vids. Thanks for them and keep them comin!

Just got a Mora HD Companion today for $15. Perfect knife. The Bushcraft is better in almost every way, but not $25 dollars more. Anyway awesome video Krik, love your videos.

Great video. Your camera quality is excellent, it's making me impatient, waiting for spring to get here for some camping and hiking!

Great comparison. I agree that the Bushcraft is not worth twice as much as the Heavy Duty Companion. One thing that you said that I haven't heard anyone say before, that I think is important was, "Survival is not fun". Thank you for putting that out there, you may have saved someone by planting that seed in their brain. Survival is what you do when you're desperate and/or in an emergency situation. It's always good to be prepared, but you don't really want to be in a survival situation.

Most of the time I carry the Mora Companion HD, Ka-Bar Becker BK2 and Bahco Laplander saw for wood processing and carving which works perfectly for up to 4 inch trees which is the biggest anyone needs to do unless its a winter camp situation than an axe and large saw is great. I have a nice Wetterling scandi forest axe and in search of a good saw to pair it with. Oh and something on my wish list that you may want to check out is the Flexcut Carving Jack.

I have no idea what glock did to make a half tang knife with a hollow handle so strong but if that bushcraft black blade was put on a glock handle, it would justify the price jump because those glocks are stronger than many full tang blades.

All the issues with the mg can be fixed with a grinder and a hot vinegar bath to force the black patina if you want that black blade. Did that to one of the older clippers and it turned put great and throws sparks like a madman

AWESOME BRO, answered everything i needed to know. I really wanted/needed to know the difference as i wanted to purchase one of them next week. So THANKS for direct comparison. i`ve made my decision. i`m getting BOTH!! LOL, BUT THE BLACK ROCKS!!!

I have the light my fire knife,really like it for smaller chores,great comparison of these great knifes,thanks

My bushcraft black came with the swivel and clip attachment, and I got it on sale for $29 on a group purchase site.

Been told when the Mora plastic sheaths get a little loose, warm up the top of the sheath with a hairdryer, put the knife back in sheath and squeeze it back around the handle of the knife. My Robust Pro sheath is getting loose so I'll be putting my money where my mouth is soon. If it works I'll come back here and mention it. Thanks for the review!

This channel rocks, thanks guys.

Thx for vid! you have 100% right, i keep my trusty Mora Classic 3, and will buy new model 2020 .

The clip point part of the spine on the Companion HD, is squared off and will strike a firesteel. The top of the spine is rounded and willl not. Tried it on mine, and works fine. Same deal with the Bushcraft Triflex, only that clip point part of the spine is squared nicely. Best Regards.

I like the green one with the clip. I use it as a neck knife.

Take a pony tail elastic band and attach it to the belt clip double the elastic and hook it around the paumel of the knife handle !

i agree with your perspective. moras are nice field knives, but it's $20 and if it fails you throw it away. if you're putting your life on the line you need a serious investment in a hardcore fixed blade like busse/swamprat/scrapyard, they are tankbusters and guaranteed for life.

My black has the tiny second bevel too. I guess its for adding a touch more durability? I would prefer it without because its a bit duller than the other moras I have.

You make a great point, Its totally depends on what you are using it for. I am using mine for a wood cutting knife in a Hunting Day Pack just in case I need to make a fire and to help me make a shelter. I like the Bushcraft Black only because it feels better in weight and gives a little more confidence. Both are good for what I will use it for but they are not survival knifes. Both are light enough to carry in a small bag and for a night or two, should meet all my needs. Thanks for the video!

Nice job comparing these two knives. I totally agree that the heavy duty is an amazing deal. They are going for $14 bucks on ebay now. And that includes shipping

Great video, your cameraman has got to settle down though! He/she's all over the place! Got yourself another subscriber.

Your videos are well done. I have watched several of them tonight, and saw this one. I have wondered how much difference there was. I agree with you, these are not survival knives. Could they be? Yes, if it's all you have. They could do most if not all you needed them to do. Is it the One I want if it is the One? No way! I have the HD, love it. With a small folding saw, hawk or small forest axe, you can't beat them for the price. Put a 90 on the HD. It's not hard. After seeing your video, I'll stick with that one. Thank Ya'll for a job well done.

I can't comment on the Bushcraft Black, but I own a HD Companion which I like very much. I got it after being very impressed with the standard size Companion I bought for my son. Anyone looking for an inexpensive outdoors knife should also consider the Hultafors Craftsman knives. I have the HVK which is the lighter model but there is a Heavy Duty, which is comparable to the knives on test here. Not the prettiest looking, but superb quality and mega cheap to buy (I paid under £6.00 Sterling for mine on Amazon).

I really liked your observations on survival (starting around 9:35). I completely agree about what you call "that good stuff"-having a good time in the outdoors and building outdoor tools-as opposed to actual "survival," which isn't fun. (I'd say "that good stuff" can be described as "bushcraft," but everyone seems to have a different meaning for that term, which is perhaps why you avoided using it.)

At about $50+ on Amazon right now for the Black, I'm sticking with the Companion HD.

Had the same Q's in my mind before seeing this video. Glad you came to the same conclusion as me! I went for the HD. Battoning is really hatchet work anyway. Like you say, it isn't about survival, it's about fun.

My son's companion does that with the sheath. Simple fix. Athletic tape inside sheath increases hold of the knife.

You can use a hair dryer or heat gun and tighten the sheaths up

Nice vid! I love watching earth, explore and relax...

Of course that's my personal opinion, so you can do whatever you like really if you'd rather have the bushcraft black go for it.

As is comes the companion knives won't throw sparks because the spines are rounded from the stamping process. However just a little time with a file, dremel, or something like that to square up the spine and they will throw sparks from a fire steel very well.

Really love what you are doing man youve helped with alot of my buying decisions...keep up the good work!

Nice review. Good to see someone honest enough to use cue notes ! Continue the good work. Tradron MD

I’m trying to decide between the bushcraft survival black carbon or the stainless steel version. Plan to use it in humid areas so worried about the carbon, although I’ve never really had issues with Mora. Oh as for the loose sheathe on the companion, I’ve had one for 12 years and it stuck clicks in and I have to use the thumb on top to pop it out so I think you may have gotten a bad one or I got lucky and got a good one. Great review. Love the knife community on here.

Okay, I like the review and comparison. Well thought out (in my opinion) and well presented. However, half way through, I was already cussing the cameraman. Sir, please, for all that is holy, shoot at a steady angle and move slowly. For a minute there from 3:00 to 3:05, I was like "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS GUY DOING DODGING BEHIND THEM LEAVES??!!". Your angles, while perhaps was an attempt at "artistic" shooting, makes your audience nauseated.

Great video Krik! Thank you . Mora Robust a great knife , but I now us Hultafors Robust . Very cheap , excellent steel and a real beater ! Try one , I think you may be impressed ! Regards from the UK !

Great review man.

Well said on "survival". Very fresh perspective. Most of us just want to go camping with our kids and don't have to (or are allowed to by National Parks) baton down a tree :) I'm thinking of carrying this with a fiskars x7 just for processing firewood and teaching the kids about wood crafting. Any suggestions on what combination to bring on camping trips knife/ax/saw/machete wise? Again thanks for a great video. The honesty was refreshing!

I own the mora companion hd, stainless steel(living in england we have terrible weather so it's better for lastability) i also own a carbon steel companion aswell, i find the friction in the sheath for my carbon steel blade has reduced to the point where it slides out easily when drawn, however it doesn't fall out when i'm running through woodland terrain, so it still holds the blade nicely regardless. But as for my stainless steel blade the sheath still holds it very well and is tighter to pull out, overall it's a great knife at a great price, get the companion for a cheap fixed blade, though if you're prepared to pay 40 dollars(28/29 british pounds) for the bushcraft black, you mayaswell fork out a bit more for a full tang blade, just so you have a more robust knife that you can abuse more. The companion is more than enough for little jobs like woodworking as explained in the video.

Dave Canterbury has a video to flatten the spine of the blade to give it that sharp 90 degree edge for throwing sparks. Great mod to the cheaper version if you don't have the budget for the BC Black.

Thanks for the vid. I really like my mora knife and its all has to do with what you are using the knife for. Just like you said. My mora cost 15 bucks I think, its been awhile. I use it for two things feathering and other small cut up stuff like fun stuff and cutting my meat. Have another knife for wood cutting, splitting so on. You make really good vids Tks

good vid very fair i own the mora mg and mora robust HQ. your right about not throwing sparks way i fixed that was to cut about one inch of jimping with a dremel tool on top of blade, now it throws sparks really well. again great video keep them coming

I couldn't make up my mind, so I bought them both. Can't say I am disapointed in either. I still can't say which I truly prefer; both are great knives.You get less than 1/4 of an inch longer blade with the black. Same thickness, same blade shape, etc. Can't go wrong with either.

Nice comparison

Be honest with you Krik the thinness of the 3 and it's large belly is what I attribute it to. Both 3's I have the coating as well. I imagine the non coated 3's are going to be even sicker at cutting and slicing.

Nice review. One thing though as far as the spine and striking a firesteel, it takes 30 seconds with a file to make it doable. Out of the box yes I understand. Love your channel!

I bought 4 Companions (stainless steel) and 2 Companion Heavy Duty (carbon steel) from White River Outfitters a couple of years ago for just under $100 including shipping. The Heavy Duty Companion in carbon steel CAN throw sparks. Put slight clamping pressure on the scabbard and heat it to 150-200 degrees and let it cool. The scabbard will tighten up. The belt clip scabbard is my choice but it will break if the tip gets hung up in a seat belt. Put the clip on the belt and the tip of the scabbard down inside your hip pocket. As to not being a survival knife... BS! Cody Lundin has used one for years. I carry and use mine daily. I use a leather strop to maintain my edge at razor sharpness.

I have the mg hd already so it was interesting to see the comparison. I think today im going to do the file work on the spine and look at how to do bluing or patina on it.

I rather have the robust then the companion hd same thickness and handle different colors and also the sheath allows you to add another sheath right beside it and that's were i put my bush craft black :D

All questions answered. thanks man

I forgot to also say. It only stands to reason a thinner blade regardless of grind is going to cut better. I think it's a loaded question when asking if a FFG is better on a thinner blade than on a larger blade. Because me thinks your talking stock size. And of course thicker the stock in general the more obtuse the grind is going to be. 20DPS on 3/16's is going to be thicker still than on a 1/8 inch stock size.

keeping the camera still would be better i get seasick. nice review.

I believe that you should have a big Knife (like at least 9 inch blade) with a mora for survival it’s crazy to think one tool will do everything, that’s why a person should be prepared for such things. Good video

There is a difference in the grind of these two knives. The companion hd is ground at a 23 degree angle and the bushcraft black is ground at the standard 27 degree angle. The mora site says they did this to the companion hd for extra sharpness

If money is tight then the HD is a great knife. 5 min with a bastard file and the HD will throw sparks like crazy. I have both and the Bushcraft stays in the hiking bag and the HD handles the chores around the house.