Mora is actually a region in Sweden and is a generic name for their knives. Ragnar has a very good explanation to sharpening the Scandinavian grind. www.knifeforums.com has additional information. The carbon versions with high rockwell are also one of the few knives that will spark with natural flint. They have high carbon content on the surface from the forging. This is what actually ignites. The high rockwell keeps the flint from gouging into the metal. If you buy any of the traditional models, many lack guards. This is a potential safety problem. The knives were traditionally drawn to the user, or pushed in at the butt. This seems wrong, but with heavy mittens on or an injured hand works quite well. these knives are not choppers or splitters. 4" birch trees are not oak billets! The deep sheaths are very good at retaining the knife. Just get a model with the flared or stylized butt to help pulling it out. Scandinavian steels may be stainless Sandvik, a laminate or Carbon. All are known for initial sharpness ( and only get better. ) Again , these are not heavy chopping survival blades excepting the Mora 2000), but for a secondary utility knife unbeatable for price and quality.