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Permalink Reply by Brian Martin on October 31, 2013 at 16:00

I have gone boker nuts here as of late. I got to work with some german engineers on a mri machine. They had no idea what a boker knife was I was crushed! They then informed me that most germans preferred old swedish steel!! Guess it is a grass is greener deal. I like the knife and hope someone can give more info.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on October 31, 2013 at 16:39

I wish I could help. I do know I like it, though. Great score. I love vintage knives.

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Permalink Reply by Indian on October 31, 2013 at 23:00

Well in my books...Mora is a Mora...all around great knives...this model is also known as the scout / camper....if it is carbon steel you should have a great cutter...and it will clean up and sharpen up just fine...I enjoy my Mora's...they are all great cutters!

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Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on November 1, 2013 at 14:07

I believe that Tom's knife is at least 50 years old. I have an example similar to it. There were several styles with and without guards. The lamination line is not always visible. There were periods (especially during WWII that metals were not available and so there were variations. But, a high carbon steel was still used consistently.

The Jonsson brothers were associated with Eric Frost and KJ Erickson prior to 1950. I'll try to dig out more info to establish some dates. I believe there was a period that one of the brothers E. Jonsson had a separate company. During that period there were several firms in the Mora area making the typical Mora styles. Frosts and Mora being the most prominent. There was a cooperative attitude among them all, in that if one firm could do something like make bolsters or handles for everyone else, and the others would be spared the expense of the equipment and workers, it all worked out. The result being knives that could be called Mora knives. Some firms never had a stamp placed on a knife. All of these companies made other products such as tools and farm equipment. This was a period of transition from independent blacksmithing to modern industrialization. There were a number of distributors in the 40s selling the knives with their stamps on them. I have a few in my collection and have photos of at least 20 other stamps used on Mora knives. I recently purchased an Eskiltuna knife that had the seller and myself convinced that it is a Mora, but the stamp under close inspection revealed its origin, so, it keeps you on your toes as a collector. Many Mora knives were never, and still are not, imported to the U.S., And, when they appear on the market, they command a high price due to collector demand. Even the more common vintage styles are getting too expensive for me. I still watch for those that come on the market.

More info

The blade of mora is forged of three slabs of steel. The heart section of the blade has traditionally been crucible steel of extremely high toughness and quality. The sides of the blade are of softer but more resilient steel. The result is an excellent tool which does not break easily, holds its edge well, and can cut even wrought iron and softer steel. Modern basic mora knives are blanked out of rolled steel and heat treated on an industrial line.

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Permalink Reply by Howard P Reynolds on November 1, 2013 at 16:14

Thanks for the history, Clay.

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Steve Koontz on November 2, 2013 at 13:41

Thanks Clay great information.....I have no more to add here....Sorry for my delay, I've been super busy, getting ready to go deer hunting for a few weeks and working on some SHOT show stuff. 

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Permalink Reply by Tom Radde on November 3, 2013 at 10:05

WOW, Thanks for all the Info. I have decided to put this knife, in my, "box'.

And order a couple of, 'new', ones with the old fashion wood handles,

from , Ragweed Forge,  

Those are the ones I will use.

Thanks again !

   

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Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on November 3, 2013 at 12:16

You will like doing business with Ragnar. He is knowledgeable and offers free quick delivery.

Tom Radde said:

WOW, Thanks for all the Info. I have decided to put this knife, in my, "box'.

And order a couple of, 'new', ones with the old fashion wood handles,

from , Ragweed Forge,  

Those are the ones I will use.

Thanks again !

   

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Permalink Reply by Tom Radde on November 8, 2013 at 10:38

Thanks to the info/help here, I know more about the old, 'little' one.

I liked it, and decided to put it in the, 'Box".

So, bought two, 'new' ones to use.

Ragweed Forge, is a GREAT place to do business. These, new, old style, with the wood handle, (Number 2's). are Very inexpensive, and look to be Great quality, The one with out the guard, will go in the garden shed this Spring, the one with the 1/2 guard, will butcher a deer this Fall.

Also, Ragnar, in the order, included a bit of history of the old, "Broderna Jonsson" name.

THANKS !

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Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on November 8, 2013 at 12:13

That's great that you had the Ragnar experience. He's into medieval reenactment.and the like, His fellow warriors of old chose the name Ragnar for him, because they couldn't say the Celtic name that he had been using. You bought some fine knives there. 

It's interesting that a Swedish collector says the Jonsson knives are not commonly seen in Sweden these days. He believes most were exported to the U.S.. The Jonsson knives did have a good reputation. I'm still trying to pin down what year the bothers first formed a company. I know it was before WWII.  I'll get back to you when I know more.

Maybe Ragnars' info will agree with what I have found? Please share what he had to say.

Jönsson brothers (i.e., Erik, Anders, John, and Manne)  Erik was still making knives with his uncle Holger as late as 2010.

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Permalink Reply by Tom Radde on November 8, 2013 at 13:50

... chose the name Ragnar for him, because they couldn't say the Celtic name ...

Ah, the pieces of the puzzle now fall together.

That explains the signature, and the 'Chaucer' like  closing.

Ragnar Lodbrok, a legendary Norse ruler and hero from the Viking Age.

   ... Please share what he had to say ...

This is what he said:

" The "Broderna Jonsson" ("Brothers Jonsson") knives were common in the US in the 50's and 60's. They were sold through advertisements in magazines such as 'Boy's Life' and 'Field & Stream' under their own name as well as brand names such as "Norse King", etc. The company operated between 1936 and 1994.

For want it is worth, I think the laminated Jonsson blades are as good as anything that ever came out of Mora. A descendent of the family still makes knives in a small shop, but I don't believe he makes any with laminated blades. "   

Of course, have already drilled a hole, and inserted a leather lanyard in the, 1/2 guard one. Now soaking some Birch Bark, going to, 'wrap', it around the, plastic sheath. It may look better.

These Mora wood handle knives, are inexpensive, but they are NOT cheep !

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Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on November 8, 2013 at 15:52

Thanks Tom. 1936 to 1994     That is good info from a reliable source. Just between us - his real name is "Jim". I have a copy of an old Norse King ad somewhere in my files. I'll see if it has your knife on it, From what Ragnar said, it would appear that your knife is a "laminated". Maybe you can post a pic of your customized 612 Classic "Tom's Rad Mora" with birch handle and birch bark sheath. Now that's cool.. 

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