Bushcraft knives comparison - Cheap vs Expensive

[@lardyguts2]

yes, the Ray Mears knife does produce more sparks especially when you tell your wife how much you just spent on it!

[@wizard9403]

First of all, kudos to lardyguts2 for a great comment and if you think you get an additional $580 worth of performance from the Mears knife, then you are in an alternate reality!

[@margaretadler6162]

That's a crazy amount of money to pay for the Ray Mears name! I'd take any Mora over some overpriced shit with someone's name on it, after all it wasn't made by GOD! You can buy a Mora garberg for less than $ 100.00 and I'd bet that it would be just as good if not better than the Ray Mears!

[@sweetcostarica]

I like your frankness in your video. Thanks for this thought provoking topic: "Inexpensive vs Expensive" bushcraft knives. I know myself and I know if I spent $600 USD (400 British Pounds) on a knife I would be afraid, very afraid of: - losing it - scratching or damaging it (bringing it's value down) - having it stolen at base camp by some low life who saw it If I had a Ray Mears Woodlore knife it would be on my mantle with the $1000 plus USD katana that I would never dare to use. Only for show and tell. I mean how could anyone save the very well off, use such an expensive investment on the trail in the mud and conditions were you could lose it? Especially when many most excellent high value knives are sold like: - Mora Bushcraft Black $46 USD / Orange $26 USD - Mora Heavy Duty & Robust Pro knives $15 to $18 USD - The Gerber StrongArm $50 USD - Glock Field Knife $30 USD - The Condor Bushlore $34 USD - ESEE Knives &80 to $100 USD(coming out soon with Scadi grinds) - Ontario knives &50 to $80 USD - Etc. Most of the above tools, as in your test can preform as well or close to the Ray Mears Woodlore. Another thing to consider and this maybe is just my opinion but what kind of person goes camping & hiking with an expensive knife on his/her hip and doesn't want to be noticed. Just like when in the days of old when most everyone carried a seax, if you rode up to town with your nice expensive double edged sword then people took note. So a self check should be done. Why would you take a very costly tool into the woods when a far less expensive and expendable tool would more than do the job? Hmm... Other options for $600 USD (400 British Pounds): - vehicle trip cost to State Park (2 days) - $200 USD - food (2 days) - $100 USD - tools selection: Gransfor Bruks Axe $120 USD Silky Saw $ 35 USD Mora Robust Pro $15 USD Larger type Swiss Army Knife $ 35 USD Surplus Pack & other necessary equipment $100 USD Total cost = $605 USD

[@WoodcraftHamster]

I can honestly say I'm not in the very well off category and I use lots of inexpensive kit but I do buy some expensive items when I think they are worth it. I saved for the knife and bought specifically to use and also to be an heirloom as it will certainly outlast me. I use other knives and have my eye on another that I may well buy in the near future (video to come if I do). I guess to reiterate the point in my video is that to be completely honest the knife is not worth the money simply based on the fact that there are many less expensive knives that will do exactly the same job however there is personal factor which, to me, leaves me with no regrets about buying it as even used and abused as it is it is a great piece of work.

[@sweetcostarica]

Woodcraft Hamster No problem, and I hope you did not take my long winded comment as an insult or that I think you're a royal. I was just communicating my views. When I buy expensive gear I end up not using it because it IS expensive. So it stays home or maybe ends up in a video once or twice. Everyone is different and I know you are a man who will use his gear, expensive or not. Thanks for your latest comment to me. Stay Frosty.

[@WoodcraftHamster]

No offence taken, I must admit my reply was hastily typed and having reread can see what you mean. I think for me functional gear not being used is worse in my eyes than something made just as a viewing piece. I do find with my more expensive gear in tend to be more considerate using it and take better care of it afterwards. It probably should be that way but my £15 mora will get a lot more abuse as I know I can easily replace it.

[@losinamccarthy8693]

Woodcraft Hamster

[@dwightehowell6062]

+Woodcraft Hamster With respect buying something to leave as an heirloom is not prudent when in all too many cases they're going to toss it or sell it for chump change. Most people simply don't want heirlooms or not many when they don't need the things or have a place or use for them. God bless.

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

Couldn’t agree more. My son and I both have Moras, but I have several expensive bushcraft knives too. There’s something about the feel of a handmade knife.

[@alexlongpre4527]

You just saved me lots of money as a beginner. Thank you very much for a well made and very informative video!!!

[@kyle-qw5yx]

Kudos to you for spending all of that money on the Ray Mears and not lying to yourself or others about it's performance.

[@bigyin2794]

Mora companion, bahco folding saw, gransfors small forest axe, take down bow and arrows, tarp hammock, woodgas stove, pans and clothes for the same price as one fancy knife.....

[@dougieranger]

+Ken Murray Each to their own, as he says he can pass that knife to his grandkids one day. The Mora... not so much. I have several Mora's, very little wrong with them but I use an F1 for my go-to knife. It's just personal preference.

[@bigyin2794]

+Dougie dont get me wrong I would love a woodlore they are works of useable art, but if the debate is value for money my point was to compare not the knives but the bushcraft capability that £400 will get you.

[@dougieranger]

Ken Murray I get that Ken, what do you use personally?

[@evanhammond7305]

I'd go for the mora bushcraft in stainless myself

[@WhoThisMonkey]

I'd go for the smaller outdoor axe, fits better in my pack, got a folding silky and stihl and a full length silky. Would probably choose the full length and strap it to side of my pack if I wasn't returning.

[@dannyrexknight]

Nice effort and it does highlight some important points. I would like to have seen some edge retention tests, sharpening tests, corrosion test, comfort, toughness testing, sheath review etc, etc. It really comes down to what you want from a knife. Pick the one that best meet your criteria. Most importantly get out there and beat the hell out of it!

[@pathrst]

One of the things I consider is durability in the unexpected extreme. I have a slight anxiety that I could end up in a situation where the quality that comes with a knife like the ray mears is paramount to survival and the longevity of the tool. For me that is a determining factor.

[@canopus101]

A good review and I heartily agree with your summation. I have a Mora (Robust) and some more expensive knives such as Brothers of Bushcraft TOPS, TBS Grizzly, etc. There is no doubt that the expensive knives look nicer, feel better in the hand and are probably more durable in the long run. But - what do I take on most camping expeditions, walks in the woods and so on? - I take the Mora. This is because, as you prove, it will do the work asked of a knife. If I break it or it gets stolen because I have to leave it in a tent when I go into town to visit a pub it does not matter as much as if I lost a £400 knife. That said I always enjoy working with a quality, full tang knife and if I was pitched into a situation where I had no other tool I would want the TBS Grizzzly because it is bomb proof. Despite that for a walk in the woods or bikers rally the Mora goes with me for the reasons explained and the evidence of your review. I would just like to add that if beginners just cannot afford a Ray Mears, or similar, knife they should not be afraid, nor ashamed, to buy the Mora of their choice. They may just end up loving theirs as much as I do mine!

[@essen961]

Two things I would love to see: a durability and servicability comparison. How did they hold up so far. And also comparing "pretend knives" (i.e. knock offs, rambo knives tacticools etc.)

[@dobypilgrim6160]

I have a couple of expensive knives that I absolutely love. I am out in the desert ALL the time. Do I carry them with me on all this exploring/hunting trips? Nope. Lol, I end up carrying my cheapos. When a knife (or a rifle or a pistol) gets to be too valuable, they don't end up in rough usage. But that's just me.

[@SmellNRoses]

Nice comparison and thoughts about each knife. You can't go wrong with the Mora, I have the same Companion Heavy Duty and picked it up for less than US$20, but I agree there is something special about holding and using a finely crafted tool. I enjoyed your video, thanks!

[@daryooshfatemi]

%100 with you. Great review great open ended conclusion. Mora is a great tool and high end costumes and semi costumes are great tools too. These have more art and lovely natural materials included, not letting life get too boring.

[@davidcooper6704]

I totally agree with you. My attitude is if you like it and can afford it, buy it and enjoy it. You only have one life. For me though, a good compromise is a Helle Harding or my Karesuando Willow Grouse. Both of which were under £100.00. Thanks for sharing. Dave

[@vikingbrowski3718]

very good review. i like how you conclude things with multiple answers. it makes sense, because there is multiple people with different opinions, and there can't be just one answer. subscribed.

[@WoodcraftHamster]

Thanks that was pretty much my intention. Although I completely agree about different people having their own preferences I was surprised by the amount of haters this video attracted.

[@vikingbrowski3718]

Woodcraft Hamster everyone has haters. don't matter if your God, satan, or the average evolutionist lol someone in the world will hate. just keep on keeping on lol.

[@jr618]

Well done sir, and I couldn't agree with you more on your final notes regarding which is best vs. the price. There is something just, "Different" about how one is made and feels in your hand even if they function the same.

[@daza3620]

I would not have expected much difference over this small amount of use. It would be nice to know if these 2 knives have stood the test of time.

[@Nebulax123]

I have both and for a day outing the Mora is the one that gets the call. If I am going out for an extended time or in a rough wilderness area the Ray Mears gets the call it is overbuilt and is not going to fail.

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

Aesthetics, edge retention, longevity, for the woodloe, but you can abuse the mora, horses for courses, I could sit round the campfire and gaze at the woodlore in admiration, not so the mora, but then the mora doesn't hurt the wallet. Great review hamster, pros and cons for both.

[@chrisaitken4192]

Thank you, I appreciate the demonstration. I also am thankful for the ideal you've shown. Why hold back in going out to the woods or forests and enjoying yourself because you don't have the top notch, higher priced gear. The cost effective gear most times works just as well. I do agree with you though that there is a major difference between the two, holding them in the hand. The Ray Mears blade may need to be sharpened less often and may be made of better materials, but either knife is functional enough to be relied upon to go out and enjoy yourself.Thanks again.

[@Navigatorbythestars]

Great and honest comparison. love to see you do a review on the BKS HK1s. I won't offer my opinion right now on it as to I would like to hear your review of the knife first.

[@learnspeakthai]

Thanks for that honest and full review of two really good knives. Even Ray Mears has the Mora knife on sales on his website shop, which also reveals a lot about his integrity, as he only offers his very expensive Bushcraft knife and the 'budget' priced but highly regarded Mora as the alternative option. IMO both knives justify the high reputation they have, and I think your review has done justice to both. Your review is the first time I've seen the Mora knife in action, and I'm impressed. No way I can afford Rays knife. Have been looking at the Condor Bushcraft 'copy' and the Condor version of Rays original Woodlore knife, both available at amazing low price,and both getting rave reviews too. Must say I'm tempted by both but I think you've thrown the Mora knife into the decision making pot. I suspect my decision will turn on wooden handled knife with nice leather sheath versus proven functional knife with plastic handle and sheath. Aesthetics - do they justify the additional cost? I certainly need to sleep on it!

[@one-WildCard]

Ray's knife is near $700 Canadian, lol... that's insane!! Spending that kind of money on a knife is a rip-off. A $40 Condor Bushlore I'm sure can do the same work and has a very high quality leather sheath as well. Thanks for the video, but man you got ripped off buying that knife.

[@edubs5662]

That is just your opinion

[@derekpoosbug]

Ethan E. no 700$ for a knife is insane, even my friends dad who is a carver who owns alot of carving knives didnt spend that much, his are around 150-200 ea. my bush knife Ka-BAR BK7 costed me under 130... 700 is insane

[@edubs5662]

Some people spend thousands of dollars on knives. $700 to them could be like pocket change

[@WoodcraftHamster]

I'm not sure I would define spending $700 on a knife as insane, more than I needed to for that type of tool but not insane. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would say the same thing about spending $150 on a knife when there is a perfectly good alternative by the likes of mora for $15. As I've said both in the comments and on the vid I regularly use a mora alongside the Mears and my other knives. I'm not suggesting anyone needs a particular knife cheap or expensive or that it will do a better job. Part of the allure for me at the time I bought it was in the name (not something I am overly concerned about now) and the reputation for quality which in my opinion holds up under scrutiny. It definitely has a much more solid feel than many of its counterparts that I have used and as I had a much more disposable income at the time I don't feel in any way it was a waste. My view is there will always be people who are happy to pay for higher end items be it bushcraft knives, cars, computers when there are other cheaper alternatives available the same way there will always be those who will take the more budget option. I don't look down on anyone who goes down the cheaper route either by choice or necessity and let's face it no matter how expensive a tool it is only ever as good as it's user.

[@juskojj]

+Woodcraft Hamster Not that long ago I saw a knife go for $1450 US, that's insane! to be honest most of that $700 is for the name of Ray Mears...... just like car's your mostly paying for the name then the quality..... there are some very very good custom knife makers out there that you can get a very high quality knife for less than $700 but obviously more than $15

[@thecraftybushman5376]

Great video. I own a Falkniven F1, Helle Eggen and a few others but I bought my 11 year old son a Mora Companion in stainless steel and soon found I was using his blade in preference to any of mine, so recently I bought myself a Companion but in carbon steel. The handle is more comfortable and the blade more capable when performing more intricate tasks. I rarely baton with it as when I go bush I always have a hatchet or SFA. That said I do agree with your sentiments about enjoying a great quality piece of kit and own several expensive 'toys!'

[@ireachy]

Thanks, I have the Mora, which was incidentally bought from the Ray Mears site - '300 years of bushcraft' on one side of the blade. I am on a budget, so it is just reassuring to know that the performance is relatively comparable. As my dear ol' dad would say, performance over appearance my son, if it means you can stretch to more kit'! Thanks again, Reachy

[@johnruckman2320]

The big difference is that the Ray Mears knife is full tang whereas the Mora is not. Down the line, that can make a big difference. There are certainly cheaper full tang knives as well. So you have to take into consideration the type of metal it's made from, thickness, length, hardness, tempering, etc. for its intended purpose.

[@themonohub5455]

Absolutely fantastic review. As a commenter said before, it's your frankness, but for me it is also your 'I'm no trying to win awards here, this is just how I feel in my heart about this' approach. Which I guess is frankness, in a way. I see the comparison as the difference between an off the peg suit, say like a Chester Barrie, and a fully bespoke Henry Poole & Co. suit. Both from Saville Row in London, and both exceptional quality, but one is more of an artisan crafts person piece that is obsessively finished by hand, where as the other is still exceptional quality, but slightly more mass(ish) produced. Great video. Just about to subscribe.

[@WoodcraftHamster]

Hi Monohub, thanks for watching and glad you liked the vid. I much prefer to give my personal views on a bit of kit, most of my kit has either been extensively used by me already or well researched before I buy so will generally get a favourable review but if do end up with anything I don't get on with I fully intend to give it brutally honest review.

[@themonohub5455]

Woodcraft Hamster I have this Mora knife and I fully agreed with everything you said. My only thing I would add is the sheath is horrible. Not from a practical purpose, but more from an aesthetics point of view. The Mora is just too noisy when you slide the knife in or out. Not great for a stalker/hunter, or someone who doesn't like that metal on plastic sound while in the middle of the nature. I do plan to get the Bushcraft knife, but once all the bills are sorted.

[@jgreystoke]

+TheMonohub You can get a really nice quality leather sheath that will fit any of the popular sized "bushcraft knives", including the Mora. No need to spend hundreds on an overpriced knife just to get a quiet sheath:).

[@steveoutdoors5964]

Very good video. I own a mora companion but the standard thinner version. I also have a knife I built using a karesuando blade that cost about £12. To buy the karesuando knife complete would of cost around £150 although these are still a mass produces knife. The reason for such a difference is down to the meats knife being 100% hand made and its the makers skills your paying for. As you say the mears knife is a bit more of a quality feel than the Mora. I am now looking to build a knife using a condor bushlore blade or similar. A complete condor is under £50 but I feel I can fit my own handle and commission a sheath and end up with a knife to rival many high end knives that would cost over £200m.

[@steveoutdoors5964]

Mears knife. Stupid phone auto correct.

[@jelkel25]

It all depends on what you want out of the knife, if you want to go running around the woods pounding the daylights out of your knife you'd probably be better off with a K-Bar, if you want a thing of beauty, Rays knife. I keep my Mora as my back up as it's a great ''jack of all trades'', weighs very little and is very easy to keep stupid sharp, boom!! Job done!!

[@bbaaaalll]

I'd rather get a dozen Mora's.

[@recycled3654]

Keep your thousands of Moras. I'd take a single Woodlore any day.

[@dermotmcgreevy5220]

@@recycled3654 For the name or quality

[@waveman0]

@@recycled3654 when all said and done it is still just a another O1 steeled bushcrafter (the Woodlore) and you are paying a extremely high premium for Rays name to be associated with the knife. It isn't revolutionary or anything extraordinary. I concede it is a very well built and nicely done drop point bushcrafter with a scandi grind, but for the sort of money they are asking for (£495.00, just looked it up) you could easily have a full blown custom built to your exact specifications in what ever exotic steel you wanted. As an example recently I had a 8 1/2" bladed custom camp knife in CPM-3V at HRC 60 with cyro treatment built and it cost me a £330 (or there about's, I have converted it to pounds to make it easy to compare)

[@dermotmcgreevy5220]

@@waveman0 Exactly, if he answered me quality i would tell him there are astronomically better knives for the price but if he was a fan of ray mears and knew going in that it wasn't the best steel I get why he could of bought it

[@waveman0]

@@dermotmcgreevy5220 I even think it is overpriced for what it is, as I look at it and I don't see a knife that screams £495.00 worth of value and I don't care who's name is on it. Don't get me wrong I like Ray Mears, and love all he does and love watching his videos but can't justify that sort of money for a knife that is essentially just another generic O1 steeled medium sized scandi grind bushcrafter.

[@jgreystoke]

Nice vid. For a bushraft knife that you are actually going to use, the Mora is great. But paying 400 pounds/600 bucks for something that might be better, but hardly in a totally different category, is ridiculous. Something like the Becker BK9, or even the inexpensive Martindale Paratrooper(once you sharpen it:)), would be in a totally different category.

[@AscendingBliss]

A knife is a knife. If it is sharp, it is going to do its job. The difference, however, comes from a knife's longevity, edge retention, hardness, and toughness. The reason one knife will cost $300 more than another (if we are talking solely about knife quality) is because it is going be able to complete nearly any task you would need it to; carve a couple deer, create a shelter, baton a stack of firewood, and still be able to shave your face after it all. A good example of this kind of knife, and one of my favorites, would be the Fox River LT, Elmax. Any knife under $50 is not likely to achieve even half of those things without having a wet stone taken to it several times in the process.

[@concernedpatriot.2221]

great video and information. I appreciate a good tool but the difference in price cannot be disregarded, in my opinion. I own several MORAS, each of our bags has one as a back-up knife. they are awesome. thanks for sharing

[@jonfisher9214]

If anyone likes the design of the Ray Mears knife but doesn't want to pay silly money, I'd recommend the Casström No. 10 Swedish Forest Knife. Great quality and under £100.

[@peterszondi]

I like that video a lot, (1) I like the fact you're realistic about the surprising capability of the Mora, (2) I like that you show that the Ray Mears is both, an awesome tool and a piece of art (almost, at least), (3) I like the British accent. :-) PS: faultroy is an impolite troll, thus let me remind you: Don't feed the troll!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Good demo, I would go with the Mora. I could by more items for camping and bushcraft with the money I save. Thanks and take care.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

The answer surely lies with longevity? The RM knife is far more robust and will last a lifetime. The Mora is a damm good knife and whilst not as durable represent unbelievable value for money. If you're going to regularly baton with the Mora it will have a much shorter shelf life for sure. My question would therefore be - would you rather have the RM knife or 20 Moras? A wonderful compromise would simply be to carry both using the Mora as a secondary blade. Best wishes.

[@longrider42]

Just got my Mora Heavy Duty Companion/Military Green, and I think it is a good knife. Got mine for 18 US dollars off of Amazon. The tank is a rat tail, but goes all the way down to the but cap so tang ends about .5 inches from the end of the handle. And yes I still need to "sharpen" the spine for firesteel use. And yes I do have more expensive knives. But like some one said in the comments, I'm afraid of damaging or loosing them. Any ways, thats my two cents worth.

[@WoodcraftHamster]

James Hart They are great knives and for the cost you can afford to put them through their paces and test their ability in a way you may not want to with a £££ knife.I used to very much treat my expensive knives with kid gloves and not use them in certain ways or for certain tasks due to their value. I don't know what changed or when but I came round to the view that I bought them very much to be used and that's now exactly what I do with them. That said I am always aware of their value which I think makes me consider how I use them a little more and treat them with more respect than say my Mora's.

[@Hellbrokeluce]

The Mears knife looks fantastic but 400 quid for an O-1 knife is just plain nuts. I wish they would make them more affordable. I personally feel a custom knife is totally worth it and I have no problem spending money on knives but its all about value for money. Fact is, you can get a very similar custom piece for well under US$300 if you look around.

[@recycled3654]

They do, buy a clone. It won't be a Rolex but a Timex will do if all you want is time keeping. You're right, I found a wonderful Woodlore clone in the $200 range that I'm tickled with. I feel fortunate to even have it.

[@alanwilliams5836]

A very good review of these two knives. Straight up! Thank you.

[@estima8tor1]

I own 4 mora knives and I do love using them. However, I have a hard time getting exicted about plastic and rubber construction. Mora's carbon steel is OK but not on par with 01 or A2 steel. A quality bushcraft knife like an LT. Wright or Bark River cost about $200 here in the states and I believe they are worth the investment. Made with high quality materials. No rubber or plastic that will deteriorate over time. They can be handed down for many generations.

[@HighCarbonSteelLove]

Great insight, brother! I enjoyed the testing. I love Moraknivs, as well! -Dave

[@mobeenmohammed]

firslty, love the sound of rain, I live in Dubai.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah M8, Yeah my Fav's is my Son of Badger as my Bush Craft Knife, It's a Busse in the INFI Steel, because my RatManDu has a Choil, I can choke up on it that I can use it as a decent Bush Craft/Field Knife, I also have one in the INFI Steel and the SR101. Then another Fav's is my Benchmade Bushcrafter #162 in S30V and I also have a Gerber Freeman Hunter in the S30V with Stag Handles, I also have a Rod Garcia Skookum Bush Tool in 3V and a John Brawley it's called the "Worlds Finest Camp Knife" in the Austempered 52100, I also had a Bush Craft Knife made By a Gent I like choil's so he made me a 4" blade a 1/4" thick to a very thin Zero Grind and the blending from that spine to the zero grind edge, is Simply TiT's, Magnificent he made his knives under the G.E.K. Logo in a Diamond, I don't use it too much anymore George passed on and his stuff is being highly collectable, Oh Yeah I also have a Puma Eiche Wolf, and Mora's. But I actually find a longer blade from 4"-6" work best for me in the bush, until recently I liked batoning wood, now I make my Firewood and kindling with a axe, But I still carry fir instance my Rodent 5 with a choil, , ,

[@redhedkev1]

I believe the Mora is not full tang, so, not as robust. Also, stainless steel does not throw sparks like high carbon. That said, for the money, I've heard good things about the Mora and the Condor series of knives. Nice video.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah M8, This weekend we went out again, and I took my Benchmade Bushcrafter #162 along, I also had my Hultafors Bruks 17" Agdor range Hatchet and ofcource my faithful Wicked Tough Saw. Anyhow both the Bushcrafter #162 and my Hultafors Bruks 17" Agdor range Hatchet are very interesting as I was evaluating both myself. First the Hultafors I was very lucky since I got a great price since they are discontinuing the Adgor Range for another range. But the reason I consider myself lucky, it's right in the middle of a 14" hatchet and a 20" Small Forest Axe, and it also came out very well made, the wood grain was perfect and so was the edge was very centered and I was able to sharpen and polish the edge every bit as well as my Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe, that said, now my Bushcrafter #162. At first the handle was different, it's thick towards the front then slender towards the pommel. But interesting enough, even when I used it for extended periods of time, I didn't experience any hot spots, I did take and filed very little on the corners now it feels perfect in my hand. The interesting design of the handle, everytime I hold the knife, it positions itself to a angle similar to the blade on a plane, Yeah, that's awesome especially when I need to plane wood smooth, or when slicing feathers, it simply amazed me. There is no doubt that alot of guy's that had the Benchmade Bushcrafter #162 in their hands didn't understand this, as far as it feels different, once I understood how it angled itself when I hold the knige, it became a pleasure to have it. Seriously, I never had a hot spot after using it for a long time and just the way it positions itself like a plane, it became one of my Fav's. In traditional sence, some may not consider it a Bushcraft Knife because first it's not O1 Carbon Steel, and it's not a Scandi Grind. But it's rather a High Saber Grind that I Convexed only for strenght, but I can easily make it into a Zero Grind also. Oh, and the steel is S30V and in my personal opinion a very good stainless steel that's as good as a O1 steel. and yet it's alot better for corrosion than O1, Another point I also noticed, and this comes from one of Mors Kochanski Books, he said "a Survival Knife such be a prybar that works wood well" and indeed the Bushcrafter #162 sure is, I don't hesitate batoning with it, but I am practical and only baton tinder for kindling since I do like processing firewood with my Hatchet after I saw it down to the right suze. But now that I know how the knife works and it dies plane, I think it's an awesome design in a mid-range price, Infact I think it's a great knife. The only thing I did is used it and reaped it's benefuts. That handle design was designed for that purpose, yet not too many understand it. Last note. When I filed down the corners just a little, I mean I did it just ever so little, I just went over the whole handle and now it's uniformed the edges are very slightly rounded and it centers in my hand perfectly so the angle is that of a plane, and blip, blap, blame I can shave wood and make great thin curls and use it continuously without experiencing any hotspots, It's an awesome design. I bet if Jack would of made it, It would also be a expensive knife. Yet I have it in the S30V just the right blade lenght which is just a little longer than a 4" blade and still a little shorter than 4 1/2" it's perfect as far as a bush craft knife. , ,

[@whiskeyriver4322]

For one thing, the mark up on that expensive knife, is only because of the name associated with it. There are dozens of knife makers that produce this exact same knife, using the same exact material, in some cases even better material, and ensuring the same high standard of quality control; but these knives will cost roughly between $200 - $300 US dollars (roughly just under 200 BPS). A truly great difference when someone's name is absent. Ray Mears is a remarkable man, but I am not willing to pay double for a piece of merchandise just because his name is on it; certainly not when countless others produce the same item that is just as beautiful, functional and robust as anything Messrs. Wood and Townsend create. For this particular reason, the video loses a bit of validity; simply because of artificial price manipulation............. and an important question that was avoided; "Is there a possibility either of these knives could break?" "Doubtful" would be an answer for one of these; the other..........well, you know where I'm going with this. By all means, invest smartly in a tool that will exceed all your expectations; but decide wisely before spending a ridiculous price for anything, simply because it has a famous name on it. There are way too many magnificent knife makers out there, both in the U.S and the UK, to be so fool-hardy to throw money to the wind. I personally carry an exact copy of this "Woodlore" design with O1 steel and Ivory G10 scales from Adventure Sworn, $250 (it works for a living and is never a show piece); and my Mora Classic 1 is always carried in my pack as a back-up. They never go anywhere, one without the other.

[@bogoljubdjordjevic7528]

everybody forget in the end it's a tool for cutting and if it's sharp every knife will do that!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

It is not just 'Ray Mears:' the knife is made by (a recently deceased-2017) fine British blade-smith. Its tolerances are just that bit better, its blade is just that bit stouter and it has a carefully-designed handle to allow a range of grips comfortably. That is also some fine leather and top-class stitching in the sheath! I wish our commentator had offered a test of sturdiness in each edge/edge retention: properly sharp, using fresh and moist wood is one thing; working with seasoned wood is another. Would differences have emerged there? We won't know.

[@FiciousCritik]

Anyone, everyone...Please reply with a critique of my choices of blades, they are as follows: Becker Bk 2, Mora Orange (stainless) Cold Steel Bushman and Spiderco Delica ( my EDC). Have I made good economical choices?

[@jackworster3643]

I own a few expensive bushcraft knives. Yet I find myself using my mora companion ( standard not heavy duty ) more often... Honestly I feel I would need to intentionally try damage it. They are fantastic. And the only reason ive ever sharpened them was to try out my falkniven dc4...lol. Actually, the mora's feel better in the hand both. In dry and especially in wet conditions... My son's first bushcraft knife will be a mora, not because of price but for safety reasons...

[@Soulman-lb3gg]

$400 pounds?!? So $600 U.S. for a Ray Mears knife?? He is truly awesome, but come on, he's just gouging obscenely at that price. Crazy.

[@Mykford1]

Yeah, I really hate when people use their name to hike up the price of their products. I would do the opposite, I would make a quality product but make it affordable for the average person.

[@howardvarley8795]

@@Mykford1 Yeah right!

[@k956upg]

Splitting wood shows it's a sharp ish bit of metal... Cutting shavings shows it's currently sharp.... The ergonomics of the handle & thickness of the blade the type of steel & bevel that's where money comes into it & of course pretty handles made of unicorn horn costs more just for pretty. Most bushcraft instructors I have met use a mora....easy sharpen & not the end of the world to lose. Bit thin for battening but it does it & realistically how many of us are living in the woods & use it that hard.... £400 for a knife...hmmmm I just bought a TBS bear & it's easy to see it's a more lovable knife than my bear grills ultimate pro (always blunt after cutting butter but otherwise a nice knife) My new TBS Bear is a lovely but £170 knife so if you spend more you can love it a bit more smell it & it's a beautiful thing but if you buy a mora it will work almost as good for bushcraft for most people but it's just another screwdriver in the box..... If your new to it the mora gives you a good starter & learn to sharpen that easy to sharpen edge & it's a backup if you spend more later.you can loose dark knives easily so there not a tool for life always if u spend more.

[@dogmandoug1715]

I appreciate this comparison. Thank you.

[@SwampValley]

Both knives are awesome, I'm probably never going to financially justify a ray mears knife but maybe one day. All the best Skye

[@americanpatriot3667]

Swamp Valley the ray Mears wood lore is like every knife maker out there they all have waiting list make a handful at a time and hike the price up as much as they can

[@glenw3814]

Left out some obvious and IMPORTANT comparison checks: (1) ability to take an edge, (2) ability to hold an edge, (3) weight, and (4) warranty. One valuable, but destructive, comparison would be to check knife tip resistance to bending.

[@wanderingthewilderness]

good word man. i agree. a good knife is worth the money but get what u can afford

[@jahvaults6500]

2 great knives u got there...the ray mears is a work of art!! If i had 1 id prob never use it lol hence why i went for the mora. Can give it a good beating without worrying about the cost. Good review

[@leighrate]

Sorry, forgot to mention: I met Alan Wood (made the original Woodlore ) at Pistol (Bisley) a number of years a go. He has always been expensive, which is no more or less than one would expect from a master cutlerer.

[@davidsomerset8411]

It's an interesting choice. the Mears is without question the stronger built knife. But you can but a lot of gear including a very good knife for the price. Personally I would go with a Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter and a mora and still have plenty left for other necessities. The Mears is more of a fully functional status symbol for wealthier people but have very serious doubts it's any better than the Benchmade.

[@apcdpajpodp]

good vid, I just bought the companion 3.2mm new for £17 cant argue with that :)

[@stockholm1752]

Great review. I agree with almost everything you said. I like Ray Mears and appreciate his skill and teaching, but £400 is an extortionate amount to pay for any knife but a "safe queen"', which this is not. I understand the aesthetic value, but would I trade it for my Mora? Well, yes, but then I would sell it, buy a new Mora, a new tarp, some cool Ti cookware, and some other things. I really like your vids, though. Well presented and honest. Cheers.

[@kennyhazlie5440]

I don't believe you have to be on a budget to appreciate the Mora. Great knife's. It's all about the brand for some people.. Usage is the thing. All in all a good review.

[@1HotBeefJerky]

Good video. I only have reasonably priced knives and I am happy with them, but if I had the do-re-mi I would love me a Ray Mears knife.

[@Mistraker]

They're both very very similar in grind and performance. For costing around $15-$20 (US), I can forgive the mora its low, fat bevel. I could not begin to do the same on a $700 knife. I know scandi grinds have been used a long time, but a higher grind performs better, and stays sharp longer. Some people get worked up about the strength of the knife. Well, the blades I make have full flat grinds, and they can be batoned through logs as well as any scandi ground blade, without so much as a rolled edge. If you're going to spend this much on a knife, at least get a knife that gives performance that compares with its price.

[@linktheelf1630]

Now all you need is a small fire and part of split log with the innerside carved smooth for a choping block kinda aspect

[@andrewnowotarski9037]

mora one 12 13 bucks on amozon great bloody deal

[@terryoneill9163]

400 POUNDS PURE RIP OFF ,

[@howardvarley8795]

@terryoneill9163 If the price bothers you, you couldn’t afford one in the first place.

[@13bravoredleg18]

I use the new Mora Kansbol for all my bushcraft needs. It is WUNDERBAR!!!

[@paulie4x1]

Oh, and the Benchmade Bushcrafter #162 also baton's wood great, Infact I find that knives tgat have a relief edge such as Sandi Grind and Saber Grind baton wood much better than Full Grind blades because there's more wood drag with a Full Grind, , ,

[@bill2472]

Both are excelent knives but i would never pay that amount for the Ray Mears knife, its not that it is a bad knife its just as soon as you assign a persons name to knife ie Ray Mears Bear Grylls, the price multiples massively. I would rather buy a tank of a knife like a BK2 and have a Mora for the lighter tasks, that way i have 2 knives so if i lost 1 ive got a go to for less than £100 rather than spend £400 on 1 knife and spend the rest on something else.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah M8, I agree with your opinion and Horce Kephart, he said that we should get the best tool we can afford, because you never know when your life will depend on it and I agree with his ooinion too. But a opinion is like a nose and everybody has one.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah M8, I would love to have a R.M. Woodlore, but I supported my home boys and got a Busse Son of Badger, another home boy Rod Garcia makes a Skookum Bush Tool and I had to have one and mine is in 3V, another home boy John Bradley makes a knife called the "Worlds Finest Camp Knife" (and others), but he uses an Austemper that allows a thin edge to be strong, it's a flat grind but thin 5/3 2nd ' s but scary sharp, it's a piece of art too, I could also very easily use my Busse Anneversary Mean Street LE as a bush knife too, then both my Bushcrafters, one by Blind Horse and the other by Benchmade, the BH. is O-1, the #162 is S30V, one scandi one in a saber vex grind, which the two grinds are similar IMO except the Saber has a much higher relief edge, but I have both just as sharp, the thinner blades do slice better, but I have my knives pretty sharp and for what I do in the wood's they work great for me, I also have a interesting design by a friend named George K his Logo use to be (G.E.K.), he past a few years ago, he made me a bushcraft knife out of a saw, it's 4" and 1/4" thick, and even has a choil, my Fav. design he blended the edge from a 1/4" down to a Zero Edge and what a piece of art, beautiful and very functional and similar to the R.M. except for the handle. Thanx M8 for sharing your video, I enjoyed it because it reminded me of my knives.

[@neilt7191]

Mora Companion or the slightly more expensive Bushcraft Black AND a Condor Mini Duku - Job Done .

[@lucavittor6327]

What s beautifull tree in the back!!! Green roots!!!!🤙🏻

[@commonsensecamper]

great comparison. I just subbed to your channel.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah, my Fav's is the Busse Son of Badger as an all purpose Bush Craft Knife, it's not $700.00 but more than $150.00 But it's the steel that interested me, I also have the next size up my INFIMandu. Prolly my Fav's Camp Knife, It too is sort of rare, So I got two, , ,

[@RenciOfficial]

I think, this tutorial is fine. :) maybe here is less practice than teory, but good. The mora classic 1 I think is good knife for funny price! Exactly! :) thank u for ur nice video.

[@tonynapoli5549]

Both good tools Would I spend 400 pounds on a knife no I have more than one Mora knifes and never let me down they are used as tools, thank you for sharing.

[@vlads2088]

Ok i have that Ray Meares and the original Woodlore and the Wade Cox version and also i have over 20 hand made and just as many production knives none come close in comparison as a everyday carry bushcraft knife compared to the TBS Grizzly, highlight this so people know because you do don't deny it!

[@vlads2088]

+Vladimir Milenkovic By the way i ;love your reviews they are great, both informative and entertaining!

[@tullahomaC]

The only issue I see with the comparison is what steel is the RM knife made with, looks like the Mora is stainless steel and inherently will throw less sparks... the SS lacks the carbon.

[@Leima1]

You can bye 2-3 mora knives so you dont los your onlyone knive, i have alvays 2-3 mora knive wiht me, one in belt, one in ruksack and one in pocket... All under 60€

[@leighrate]

The Woodlore is what you buy if you're doing it for a living. It's noticeable in your video how much less effort is required with the Woodlore. The Clipper will give you blisters if used hard all day, the Woodlore will not. Same way that a professional wildlife photographer uses Zeiss binoculars. A pair of Nikon's will do the job, but expect very sore eyes after looking through them for 12 or 14 hours a day.

[@Maedelrosen]

I've got a Mora and a simple 1095 carbon steel knife with the same features as the Ray M. knife for 30€. It looks to be more of a comparison between two different knife types rather than the price.

[@darcyleepearson4416]

thanks for sharing mate , rays knife £400 i bet he doesn't know they are charging that much, he's pretty grounded hed kick off over that dont get me wrong i want one and i can't even afford a mora:)x

[@miles12814]

The fact that Ray Mears priced his knife like that actually makes me lose a lot of respect for him.

[@matthewjeffres1289]

Great points.

[@leighrate]

Mind you, if you want better than a Mora but want something within reason, you could always buy a Fallkniven F1.

[@AlpineTrails]

What you didn't take in consideration is how much abuse will the knives take before they need sharpening. Does the metal roll, chip? How comfortable is the handle on long use? £100ish knife like TBS, casstrom, enzo will do pretty much what a £400 will but a lot more than a Mora. And yes they are fantastic value for money for a first knife but there is a difference for that extra ££

[@dawnraidz]

Nice and straight++ Would nice to see folding knife of the two~?

[@linktheelf1630]

Well the raymer,s or raymor,s is it well your paying four mainly that leather sheath and the wood handle other wise it being full tang as well so thats why it cost more

[@randyhuffman7175]

Good vid. I am a mora guy myself.

[@WoodcraftHamster]

Thanks Randy, they are great knives and to be honest I would happily pay more than they currently charge for them. The Ray Mears is a real high end bit of kit and I wouldn't part with it but when it comes right down to it they both do the dame job.

[@mistermatsuda]

I'd carry both or perhaps instead of the HD, a standard Comp or Clipper.

[@knurled1]

The standard mora companion is not meant as a main bushcraft knife. I have the standard companion in stainless for food prep and the heavy duty in carbon for heavier tasks.

[@WoodcraftHamster]

I would have to disagree, at least for bushcraft in the uk, as the companion will carry out any knife related task I can think of needing. I agree that I wouldn't choose it as my only bladed tool if I were planning on splitting wood or heavy tasks but many blades are not suited to those kind of tasks. I do baton with most of my knives and have done so with my companion but much prefer using a small hatchet as I would rather have the best tool for the job at hand.

[@knurled1]

+Woodcraft Hamster Yup, an axe or hatchet is much better for splitting. The mora may well be capable enough to split wood but for me it's the small forest axe all day long.

[@bradleystrand81]

+Woodcraft Hamster Agreed. The standard companion can do any task any field knife can be asked to do per equal blade length.

[@joi777]

Feathersticks looked easier with the mora. Better grip & handle?

[@sliderulelover]

Both the Mora and the Ray Meers knife are scandi grinds. But the Mora can be had for 20 pounds, while the Ray Meers knife will set you back 400 pounds. Both performed equally in your tests. You didn't discuss sharpening, but since both are scandi grinds (which are easy to sharpen if you know the technique) maybe you chose to not discuss this important aspect of bushcrafting blades. As for me, I would choose the Mora over the Ray Meers because of the price savings. But if you're a collector or a lover of certain knives, I understand your reason to shell out the huge amount for the Ray Meers. Just don't lose it! If you lose the Mora, no big deal, it's easy to buy another one.

[@Hustler1856]

Great video it's all hype to sell expensive equipment for the same quality. I'll go with the Mora if I was on a budget or I'm just frugal.

[@howardvarley8795]

Recon Smith - theyre not the same quality, and if you owned both you'd realise that

[@XM15M4Guy]

Well done! Thanks for making this video

[@chrischurm8821]

Mast production is always going to be a lot cheaper than a bespoke item.Mora unbelieveably have been able to produce a quality product at a cheap price, which is rare. Which model of Buffalo jacket are you wearing? Kind regards Chris.

[@shadow2010shadow2010]

great video /the ray mears is good but you also pay for the name some really good knives with quality feel and balance cost half the price

[@jim-bob-outdoors]

I have a custom made knife to my own spec and it only cost me £120. I like Ray, but he is taking the piss with his kit from Woodlaw.

[@prasadashish911]

I have two Mora Robusts, a Terava jaegar knife + a saw