Mora Knife 510

I have been using knives by Mora of Sweden , Frost and Ericsson for a long time, but despite having owned many 511's I only recently decided to try the 510's. I teach a bit of carving and to all ages so I thought I would give one a go, off the back of buying and using the first one I bought a further 7. The blade being carbon steel is quite easy to maintain and sharpen. Due to the thickness it slices very well, so good when making "Power Cuts". The main difference between this and the 511 is obviously the finger guard is not as distinct, but it's still an excellent tool when carving. Probably best used by someone who has experience of carving, but with the correct care when using it, it's an excellent tool. If you're after a detail knife buy a dedicated detail knife or Sloyd knife, if you want a general carving knife and have experience then this is a great tool.

Bought this quite recently, simply down to nostalgia. I've had an *original*? 510 for over 25 years, so I can compare side by side. The original came in a polythene sheath with a faux leather/vinyl belt loop, the original stainless blade has a finished spine. The latest 510 version appears to be a slightly lower standard in that the spine is unfinished and the sheath is now all plastic, 3.28mm shorter, but does have a drain hole present where the old sheath did not. The original STAINLESS blade is 2.43mm thick, and the new CARBON blade is 2.02mm thick. I don't know if that will make it less sturdy, but perhaps more likely to break is abused? (thinner and harder blade material) The new model blade is surprisingly 3.65mm shorter than the original. The new handle is overall 4mm longer and 2mm of that is the grip area. Still, not bad overall, and still fantastic value for an everyday light duty workhorse.

I own two of these. It's essentially a Mora No1 with a much better handle. It's also effectively a full tang. Very easy to sharpen. Would I want it as my primary knife? Probably not. I've got a Bushcraft Black for that. Would I be unhappy if it was all I had? Hell, no. It will do anything I ask of it within reason. I'd also pick this if I have to travel light, and I really have to have a fixed blade knife.

I am a keen Mora user and own a Companion, Eldris, Hunter, Kansbol and two Robusts. All rugged and dependable knives that are great value for money. While the 510 ticks both the value and quality boxes I feel the somewhat slender design lets the model down. It really does remind me of a kitchen knife and I really could not imagine taking this into the woods. It is certainly not a fragile design but I feel it's use is limited. Also the sheath offers very poor knife retention. This is NOT a bad knife by any means just not a primary use one.

Excellent quality, low price and no pesky finger guard! One of the best models from Mora in my opinion. I bought two and gave one away, should have bought five...