Mors Kochanski's SECRET Knife Modifications (2023)

Рет қаралды 19,429

Жыл бұрын

The legendary Mors Kochanski is considered by many to be the father of modern “bushcraft”. He has devoted his entire life to studying and teaching bushcraft and survival skills.
At least since the 1990s, Mors Kochanski mostly used knives made in Mora Sweden. Most of these were low-cost, plastic-handled knives made by KJ Eriksson and Frost.
Link for the Mors books
Bushcraft - amzn.to/3QZ9YRQ
Basic Safe Travel and Boreal Survival Handbook - amzn.to/47RCThq
Grand Syllabus: Instructor Trainee Program - amzn.to/411cdsr
One of the most famous models is probably the KJ Eriksson model 511.
More info on the knives he used here oldmora.blogspot.com/2021/12/...
In the words of Mors, the knife is the balance point for survival in the bush. Without it, you have to stay on the move. With it, you create the opportunity to rest.”
Mors always made 4 changes to better match his needs:
• The finger guard was sawn off
• The spine was sharpened to allow to scrape the firesteel
• Hole at the end of the handle to attach a string to help in case the knife gets dropped on the snow
• Hole in the middle of the handle for a wrist lanyard
NOTE: Although I was using relative slow speed with the drill and using anti-cut gloves because of the knife grab and start spinning, I should have clamped it down to reduce even more the risk of that happening.
🎥 This video is a treasure trove of knowledge for those interested in knife customization, bushcraft, and outdoor skills. Immerse yourself in the world of Mors Kochanski as we unveil the secrets behind his legendary knife modifications.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more captivating content on outdoor gear, survival techniques, and knife customization!
🔗 Links:
Learn more about the history of the Mora knives: oldmora.blogspot.com
Explore our collection of vintage knives for sale: www.ebay.com/usr/jpgrilopt
Checkout my Leathercraft store: www.etsy.com/shop/BushgearLea...
T-shirt swag: bushgear.creator-spring.com/
⚔️ Stay connected with us:
Instagram: / oldmoraknives
Instagram: / jpgrilo
Instagram: / bushgear

Пікірлер: 96

@Ve-suvius Жыл бұрын

The 511 is a fine knife. And Mors was a humble but very knowledgeable man.

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

It was one of the greatest's that for sure!

@Ve-suvius Жыл бұрын

@@Oldmora Yup. I always enjoy myself to tell those smartass-kids(those who belittle lower priced knives) with their overly expensive knives, that Mors spoke about a Mora is all you need. If you're paying more than 10 bucks for a knife than you'wasting your money. You don't need a 300 euro Tops etc.(they are not better anyway) We all have preferences . But the 511 is good enough. No doubt about that.

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

I see so many times people in the woods, with 300 knifes on their belt and a mora in their hands :) makes me smile every time

@Ve-suvius Жыл бұрын

@@Oldmora True. It works like that. Mora's are working knives. They are light weight, comfortable in hand, and no guilt feelings when they get damaged. Those more expensive knives are to be seen as a fetish, a talisman, amulet, something to cherish. 😋😁 For knife tasks, the Mora will do really well.

@brunovrancic8330 10 ай бұрын

@@Ve-suviusmora 510 carbon, no guard.

@Mike-kr9ys 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing this information. It was good to think of Mors again. I only knew him from videos he was on, but he made a good impression on me. Respect.

@Oldmora 10 ай бұрын

Is was one of the titans and influenced the Bushcraft scene in a way that no one else did. A true legend

@CostaBushcraftandSurvival Жыл бұрын

Obrigado por compartilhar irmão! Belo vídeo!

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

Grande abraço Humberto

@tugawolfoutdoor Жыл бұрын

Great job and history of great Mors, great video and modifications to that great KJ Ericksson, big Hug João 😉👌🤩🇵🇹

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

Grande Hugo

@adventurersclub1 22 күн бұрын

great work !

@Oldmora 22 күн бұрын

Thanks 💪

@glbwoodsbum2567 Жыл бұрын

Can't go wrong with that knife!!!

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

indeed.

@mauricioruiz9021 Жыл бұрын

Mors was a great person! And this mora is also a great knife!

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

indeed Mauricio!

@Dominique_Oliveira Жыл бұрын

Obrigado por mais um excelente vídeo, principalmente por mostrar na prática, aquilo que para o grande Mestre, era a ferramenta essencial de "sobrevivência". Eu sou um grande adepto da 510, e também lhe faço pequenas alterações, como a mudança na bainha para usar ao pescoço, e colocar uns ângulos rectos na espinha para usar a lâmina como raspador... Grande ferramenta.

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

Muito obrigado Dominique. 👊

@pierrejohnson6264 11 ай бұрын

The Mora 510 already has this handle shape with a little longer blade and handle.

@Oldmora 11 ай бұрын

Indeed, but the 511 was more readily available. and that was why he used the 511 and not the 510. oldmora.blogspot.com/2021/08/KJE-510-511.html

@brunovrancic8330 10 ай бұрын

He bought what was available in big batches for his students.

@uncletoad1779 Жыл бұрын

Muito bem feito! Bem haja!

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

Muito obrigado

@Reallybigmonkey1 Жыл бұрын

Did you put that metal paste on a block of wood or was that some leather attached to wood?

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

There is a thin but very hard layer of leather on top.

@jaredleland6667 Жыл бұрын

i'd order this from you! SO cool

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

thanks! Maybe i can get some of this old ones and do some to sell

@squalo82 Жыл бұрын

Could you explain the utility of making two holes for lanyard in the handle because I didn't quite understand it. Thank you

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

The hole in the middle, is for the wrist lanyard, in Mors view, this is the correct way to use a wrist lanyard, not in the end of the handle like we normally see. the knife will hang in a way that you can reach it without much trouble. The hole in the end of the handle, he attaches a piece of cord about 50cm long and to that a florescent ribbon, making the think probably 1 meter long, if the knife is dropped in deep snow the ribbon will sticking out so it allow you to recover it. This is only important if you are in a deep snow environment like Mors was in parts of the year

@misterz2719 Жыл бұрын

They sure use good plastic on mora knives.

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

Indeed

@xderiwx 6 ай бұрын

When you reached the point of stropping, did you strop at the angle of the scandi grind or at the angle of the microbevel? Thanks!

@Oldmora 6 ай бұрын

I normally make a micro bevel in the finest stone and then strop to that angle.

@xderiwx 6 ай бұрын

@@Oldmora Thank you!👍🏻

@cujomojo 2 ай бұрын

You’ve just turned a 511 into a 510. I’ve still got a K J Errikson 511, they came with a lanyard hole at the end of the handle already. I’m sure the reason for the conversion from the 511’s was because of the lack of 510’s available, the addition of the finger guard made them a bit safer to use.

@Oldmora 2 ай бұрын

After the introduction of the 511, the sales took off and became the best selling model. For what I been told, in Canada the 511 was readily available and that’s why he use this models and not the 510

@cujomojo 2 ай бұрын

@@Oldmora Mors was a legend, he was always one for sharing the knowledge. He taught everyone, from absolute beginners to more experienced “Bushcrafters”. He was never about the money and he knew a good deal when he saw one, the 511 is a fantastic knife for a beginner and rather than sell you a new knife as your experience grew he just showed people how to improve the knife you already had. I do remember a time when it was really difficult to find a 510 for sale anywhere, other than the finger guard the sheath was slightly different.

@Oldmora 2 ай бұрын

@cujomojo2007 Mors was part of the Titans generation. He and hand full of others, were in this space because they loved the subject and not because of views or subscribers. They not only studied a hide range of subjected but made those subjacent evolved with their research. There are still a group of people that is is developing the craft but we don’t see them on KZfaq doing “party tricks” very often

@Krzemieniewski1 2 ай бұрын

What is point of removing guard?

@Oldmora 2 ай бұрын

For a very long time, Morakniv made knives without guards, in keeping with the Nordic tradition. However, it will all depend on the situation. You will undoubtedly need a guard if you plan to perform stabbing motions or even wield the knife while oil is in your hands. In the craft context, the guard blocks some grits.

@3vil3lvis 10 ай бұрын

Looks like what he was aiming for handle shape wise was a Puukko. I can see why he might reshape a plastic handle knife, instead of getting one with the traditional wooden scales. Not a fan of his lanyard, the Lofty Wiseman thumb loop is much better (because the knife drops toward the outside of your body resulting in less chance to cut yourself) especially for larger knives like machete's.

@Oldmora 10 ай бұрын

The plastic ones where more readily available and cheap then the classic wood handle. The original model of this knife didn’t had the guard( model n510) but in the 1980 onwards this model with guard (model n511) became more “then norm”. Have to check that lanyard that Lofty used.

@alliswell-pb9vo 6 ай бұрын

but that lanyard limits the movement of your hand quite much. Though I don't really get Mors' lanyard, I never see him use one

@cujomojo 2 ай бұрын

I have and use a Lofty B model, John’s recommendation for using the lanyard definitely works, but it’s a lot of knife to drop. I use a very slight variation on John’s method, I just wind a couple of turns with my thumb through the lanyard, if you want a demo I’m more than happy to show it.

@harrylowry-jd9hs Жыл бұрын

Do you know where i could 1 of those knives ?

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

Only on the auction sides. But you can still find the 510 shape but with a 2mm thick blade instead of the 2,5mm of the old one, here morakniv.se/en/product/no-510-c-black/

@brunovrancic8330 10 ай бұрын

You don't need to find exact same knife. Mors couldn't care less about brand and colour. The more you know, the less you need, was his words. You can hardly get better knife for bushcraft than Mora 510. Light, carbon, excellent at woodcarving, but strong enough. Mors had test for the knife - try stick.

@harrylowry-jd9hs 8 ай бұрын

So true ..i have 2 w black handle . Want red handle 2 pass on 2 gr. Kids. I have more expensive knives that r covered n dust ..my moras dont c dust there always busy .

@user-eh8qy6lj5n Ай бұрын

Concerning my own use, it turns out that I use my short machete more often than my little bushcraft/puukko knife. I'm not going to spend 2 hours cutting a piece of wood in two with my little knife when in 2 or 3 blows with the machete the job is done.

@Oldmora Ай бұрын

There are no right or wrongs just personal preferencies. I may self always carry a Mora and a hatchet for the harder work. But is just that, personal preferences. Others prefer heavy duty knives etc. it depended on the person, on the environment, availability etc

@user-bu6vs1pv8x 6 ай бұрын

Why did you cut the guard?

@Oldmora 6 ай бұрын

This is part of the customizations Mors would do on his knives. According to him the guard would get away in some of the grips he used.

@michelemerico2329 7 ай бұрын

How did you create a sharpening choil on this knife ?

@Oldmora 7 ай бұрын

I don’t remember if I did a sharpening choil on this one or not. But is something I do in many knife with a small diamond file, normally I start with a triangular one to get it started and then go the round one.

@michelemerico2329 7 ай бұрын

@@Oldmora I only have a triangular file available, do you think that having a sharpening choil on this knife and creating it only with a triangular file could create weak points, breakages in the steel?

@Oldmora 7 ай бұрын

@michelemerico2329 i confess I don’t know. I never had problem with breaks in the choil but on the other hand I don’t batton that much, specially with such a small blade

@michelemerico2329 7 ай бұрын

@@Oldmora Ok thanks

@clivedunning4317 9 ай бұрын

I just wish Mora would put out their knives with a factory fitted lanyard hole. If they can do it for the Garberg and Kansbol, why can't they do it on all their knives ?

@Oldmora 9 ай бұрын

I think a question of requirement. The basic knives are design not for outdoor but the craftsman and handyman(not for outdoor). Maybe things change in the future.

@clivedunning4317 9 ай бұрын

@@Oldmora I hear what you are saying , but lots of folk cross over with their Mora knives. If a lanyard hole was fitted then folk would have option of using it , or not. Without a lanyard hole being a standard feature many people drill/burn their own , with various degrees of success. A factory made lanyard hole would be a great bonus on the Campanion/Heavy Duty/Bushcraft Black , for example.

@Oldmora 2 ай бұрын

@clivedunning4317 check this out morakniv.se/en/morakniv-duty/

@clivedunning4317 2 ай бұрын

@@Oldmora Thank you, now all they need to do is to introduce this to all their models. Many thanks for bringing it to my attention.

@Alsayid Жыл бұрын

Why remove the finger guard?

@RustyGunn7 Жыл бұрын

There is no stabbing in bushcraft. No need for a guard. Besides, you can use a lanyard to wrap around your wrist to keep the hand from sliding forward.

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

in Mors own words: "they are in the way". Guard get in the way with some grips.

@Ve-suvius Жыл бұрын

@@RustyGunn7 Depends on where you live and the creatures being dangerous. I read an article where Gene Moe stabbed the hack out of a 750lbs grizzly. With a Buck 110, the one with the finger grooves. He had a rifle/gun, but it was just out of reach when the bear was noticed and approaching. Self defense can be a part of bushcraft too. Hopefully it never happens. Mors also spoke about making a big wooden bat , and to hit the bear on the nose or something like that. Shit happens. Not long ago, even in Italy a man was killed by a bear . He was a runner. This ofcourse triggers the hunting instinct of predators. As certain behavior triggers evil desires in human predators.

@RustyGunn7 Жыл бұрын

@@Ve-suvius Thank you for your comments. I've read the Buck knife story. My "no stabbing" comment is repeating what Kochanski says of no-guard knives. No one goes to do bushcraft intending to defend themselves against bears. Crap happens, regardless of 'bushcraft' or not. Again, there is no stabbing in bushcraft.

@Ve-suvius Жыл бұрын

@@RustyGunn7 Normally, there is no stabbing , that's true. I like a little guard myself. I have great respect for Mors. But I do not worship him or anyobdy else on the planet. No religion either. We all have to walk our own path. Many times I appreciate his thoughts though. 😁👍

@ricardoa6186 4 ай бұрын

A eso le llamo yo estropear el cabo del cuchillo,una pena

@angelmonroe1750 2 ай бұрын

Why have you removed the finger guard ? This IS a safety issue

@Oldmora 2 ай бұрын

For ages, Morakniv followed the Nordic tradition, of making knives without guards. But it will all depend on the context, If you are going to do stabbing movements or maybe use the knife with oil in your hands, for sure you will need a guard. In the context of crafting, the guard impedes certain grits

@ricardoa6186 5 ай бұрын

A eso lo llamo y joder un cuchillo,ke mania tiene la gente de torturar los filos

@morrisjensen1959 3 ай бұрын

Best not to use a file for metal on plastic, you can see that he's clogged the teeth. (3:45) Use a file for wood on plastic.

@Oldmora 3 ай бұрын

True. i am still missing one of those in my tool box!!!

@brr8888 10 ай бұрын

🤦‍♂️

@lindawyatt4379 Жыл бұрын

I can turn most basic kitchen knives into what you call this. the end

@Oldmora Жыл бұрын

Is not I called it that, was Mors that called it that in an article from the 1990s. IStill today many tribes in Africa and Asia use kitchen knives as their only knife to survives. With the propor knowledge you don’t need any special knife to do what I want. I am just showing what he used for more then 30 years teaching outdoor living skills and survival.

@RustyGunn7 Жыл бұрын

Kitchen knives are too flimsy. Makes a poor bushcraft knife.

@lindawyatt4379 Жыл бұрын

I do and always will. I pick thicker knives to start 12 inch knife runs into 7" with handle and thick. So please Don't hate the end meets the need.

@brandonbozsa5303 Жыл бұрын

Linda's correct I can make about 25 for 25 dollars picked out at garage sales then perfect them, too me at home.all that spark from a stone and your carbon blade just get two stones save your blade. I'm not knocking survival nerd but look test learn. Your idea today may not be that way tomorrow. Be cool everyone don't cut yourselfs.

@brandonbozsa5303 Жыл бұрын

@Survivalnerd I'd like to know how and what you baton? I would only baton green wood. For a heavier baton then whittle wedges too utilize a baton for splitting larger pieces. Usually no batoning needed. Use your brain before your blade.