A pint-size blade, the made-in-Sweden Morakniv Eldris knife packs a ton of performance in a stout package.
Morakniv recently created a fixed-blade knife so small that you may mistake it for an April fool’s joke. When I first saw this little knife, I raised an eyebrow and chuckled.
But after a few months of use, this unlikely partner rarely leaves my side.
Morakniv Eldris: Small Fixed-Blade Reviewed
Meet the Eldris (about $30). Named after a region near the Morakniv factory in Mora Sweden, the Eldris blends the beauty of the Nordic landscape with the function and quality the company’s blades are known for.
The Eldris comes in five color variations, each unique to the region. At 5.6 inches in total length, the 2.8-ounce Eldris dedicates more real estate to the polymer handle than it does to the 2.2-inch-long, .08-inch-thick blade.
The 12C27 stainless-steel blade is equipped with a Scandi grind (no secondary bevel) for controlled slicing and easy sharpening. It has a square-edge spine to use with a fire starter.
Each Mora Eldris comes with a click-locking, symmetrical sheath. It provides users ambidextrous sheathing options.
There is also a neck-knife, sheathed version of the Eldris ($50) that includes additional sheath security along with the benefits of paracord and a fire-starter.
Morakniv Eldris: Why I Like It
I had a Morakniv classic with me when I first saw the Eldris. I didn’t envision this infant knife competing with the comparably-mature knife at my waist.
But the moment I held the little Eldris, a look of surprise came to my face. It felt really good in the hand.
I made the mistake of assuming a small blade meant a small handle; not true. The double-polymer handle gives you a sturdy platform to grip while providing a level of tackiness that doesn’t remind you of fly paper.
When using the knife I am continually surprised at how well the blade utilizes its short length — the 2.2-inch blade is essentially on a continuous curve before reaching its apex.
The short blade gave me control when doing detailed work, while still giving enough surface area to do faster projects without feeling limited.
What sets this knife apart is that it blends the benefits of a well-built fixed blade knife with the undeniable convenience of a pocket blade. At just under 3 ounces, I can just toss this knife in a pocket or pack and forget about it until it’s time for use.
At the end of the day, Morakniv took full advantage of our desire for convenience by making a knife that gives the best of both worlds and provides us with little excuse not to carry it on a daily basis.
Once you get done smirking at how cute the Eldris appears to be, pick it up and use it. Just don’t forget it’s in your pocket the next time you do the laundry.
Check it Out–Seth Orme is a founding member of the ‘Packing It Out’ crew. In 2015 and 2016, the team hiked the AT and PCT, respectively, picking up trash along the way. Learn more about the project here.
