Well, I finally broke down & bought a Mora. I picked up the model #731 (I think it is), and have used it over the past few days (got it wednesday) for mainly cutting apples. I plan on getting out this weekend & trying it out outside. I dont really care for the sheath, and am currently looking for a quality leather left handed one, preferably with a firesteel holder on it. UNtil then, I am stuck with the plastic one.
I noticed that the blade stains rather easily. Looking on several different forums, I found on bushcraftuk.com that, if you pre-stain the blade with white vinegar, it inhibits rust & stains. So, I did that, & got a funky semi-subdued color, which actually looks pretty neat. Anyway, here is the one pic I took (I wrapped the sheath with 550 cord):


If anyone makes or is selling a sheath like I am looking for, PM me. I'd like to purchase, or maybe even trade for one.

Cool Beans.

Yeah, I believe it's a KJ Eriksson 731 (if it has the 5.75 inch blade)

When you use vinegar on carbon steel blades and leave it there you're actually causing the metal to oxidize. That's most likely the patina you're seeing on the blade. This "dark rust" protects the steel and is pretty durable, as opposed to "red rust". However, I've heard it mentioned that you still want to oil the knife to stabilize the process.

I hope I got that right... I read about it in a knife forum for chefs, and it's how I started treating my carbon steel puukos and moras. It seems to jibe. In any case, if I've got that wrong, please someone let me know so I can protect my babies! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

On a side note: Apparently, quite a few chefs across the country, those who were able to use carbon steel blades elsewhere, are bitter that they can't legally use carbon steel knives in their current kitchens due to health codes... Bummer... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Regarding a sheath, you might also check the OMG Forums. There have been a couple of threads over there about leather sheaths with fire steel holders on them.

You could also go to knifeforums.com, bladeforums.com, bushcraftuk.com, and britishblades.com, they all have a section in their forum dedicated specifically to sheaths, maybe you could get someone there to make one for you. Or get enough hints and help to make your own. There is also kydex, which I think is a really neat material for a "working" sheath. They also discuss that material on that forum.

Blademechanic.com is a custom kydex builder, from his website, and my e-mailing to him, it appears that his prices are very reasonable, and he will build anything you want, as long as it is mechanically possible.

Be prepared, 'specially with leather, to pay A LOT more for the sheath than you paid for the knife...

That style is my favorite of the Mora's - a great handle size & texture, and I like the mild finger guard.

I bought a set of stainless steel versions - 4", 5-3/4", and the longer one (can't remember the length) and use them as camp kitchen knives in my popup camper. Fanstastic!

Ragweedforge seems to not have the full set available right now. Hopefully that is temporary.

The sheaths are just fine for my kitchen use, but what makes it a pain if carrying on a belt is the flexibility of the fake-leather loop. When pulling the knife out of the sheath that loop flexes putting the sheath at an odd angle - I find that irritating.

The plastic sheath is a descendant of the traditional scandinavian dangler. The proper way to extract the knife is to grab the sheath with your off hand and twist to an angle to meet your gripping hand. These were fighting knives too people, and worn in a crossdraw.

Leather sheaths aren't hard to make. It may take a false start or two, but once you get the idea it isn't difficult. The leather can be pretty cheap and sometimes free if you're lucky. Try boot repair shops and saddle shops in your area. They some times sell scrap leather or even give it away if you ask nice. The basic tools are pretty simple and cheap, you'll need an awl, needles and thread and a knife to cut the leather. Take a look around the internet, you'll find a few good sites that'll give you good advice and instructions.

Very nice knife there Oldsoldier!

IF you're interested in making your own sheath, be it leather or Kydex, the following link not only sells the supplies but has GREAT tutorials. I found that sheath making is much, much, simpler than I ever imagined. Take a peek here:

http://www.northcoastknives.com/

Thanks for that link. Maybe I'll try my hand at making one.