Morakniv 120 vs. 106: Which Woodcarving Knife is Right for You?

If you are diving into the world of Sloyd, you have likely narrowed your search to two Swedish legends. These are the Morakniv 120 and the Morakniv 106.

Both knives feature the iconic oiled birch handle and high-quality carbon steel blades. However, the difference in blade length changes everything. It affects your leverage and your ability to carve fine details. Consequently, this guide breaks down the specs to help you choose the right tool for your kit.

At a Glance: Key Differences

The Morakniv 120: The Detail Specialist

The Mora 120 is the “little brother” of the lineup. Its short, 60 mm blade is designed specifically for precision.

Why Choose the 120?

• Ultimate Control: Because the blade is short, your hand stays closer to the tip. This makes it incredibly easy to navigate tight curves.

• Beginner Friendly: Additionally, many beginners feel safer with a shorter blade. There is less “unprotected” edge to manage.

• Small Projects: Therefore, if you are carving chess pieces or Dala horses, the 120 is your best friend.

The Morakniv 106: The Versatile Workhorse

In contrast, the Mora 106 is often called the only knife you really need. With its 82 mm blade, it offers versatility that the 120 cannot match.

Why Choose the 106?

• Powerful Cuts: The extra length allows for effective “slicing” cuts. As a result, you can remove more wood with much less effort.

• Ideal for Spoons: Furthermore, the long, narrow tip is perfect for reaching into corners. It makes quick work of shaping a spoon handle.

• Multi-Purpose: Although it is longer, it remains narrow. This means you can still do detail work while maintaining the ability to “rough out” a project.

Can’t Decide?

Most carvers eventually own both tools. Typically, the 106 does the heavy lifting while the 120 handles the finish work. 

Caring for Your Carbon Steel

Both knives use high-quality carbon steel. Therefore, they require a little love to stay in top shape.

• Keep it Dry: First, always wipe the blade down after use to prevent rust.

• Oil Regularly: Next, apply a light coat of camelia oil to keep the steel protected.

• Strop Often: Finally, use a leather strop frequently. This maintains the razor-sharp Scandi grind without needing stones.

Ready to start carving? Check out our post 5 Best Woods to Carve in Australia for Beginners and browse our Spoon Carving Kits to get everything you need in one go!

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