Morakniv history

1891 – Morakniv sees the light in Östnor

Frost-Erik Erson returns from North America and establishes a wagon factory in Östnor. Here, sleds, carts and knives are produced – the knives at first used only internally in the workshop. Knife-making soon takes off, and the knives become a sought-after trade item spread across Sweden by travelling peddlers.

1904 - Morakniv spreads in the world

By the turn of the century, Morakniv is well-known among craftsmen and woodworkers, distributed in Sweden by Böhlmark & Co. The knives are also exported to wholesalers, gunpowder merchants and ironmongers across Europe. With ten employees in 1904, Frosts produces 19,000 knives annually.

1912 - KJ Eriksson starts a factory

Krång-Johan “KJ” Eriksson leaves Frosts after a dispute with management. Together with Lok-Anders Mattsson, he establishes Eriksson & Mattssons Knife Factory in Östnor – a business that much later becomes part of Morakniv. In 1918, Lok-Anders leaves and KJ continues under the name KJ Erikssons Knivfabrik.

1920s - Icons and innovations

“Sweden” is stamped into the steel as a mark of quality, and the red handle becomes a hallmark of knives from Mora. In 1927, KJ Eriksson’s Knife Factory begins producing a new ski binding, designed and patented by Vasaloppet winner Anders Ström, son of Rombo-Anders Andersson-Ström. KJ Eriksson acquires the patent, and the binding becomes an important source of income during the depression.

1930s – The world’s knife

KJ Eriksson launches the Sport Knife, created as a child’s first knife, later better known as the scout knife. It quickly becomes popular in Sweden and Norway and remains a trusted companion on both small and big adventures. The Mora scissors are also introduced, and in 1938 Mora Tidning reports that Östnor produces one million knives annually. Morakniv is now recognized worldwide.

1940s - The difficult war years

During World War II, material shortages hit hard and exports to Norway are halted. Despite the challenges, production continues, with the scout knife as an important product. In 1947, Frosts’ factory burns to the ground but is soon rebuilt.

1950s – Plastics and the ice drill

After moving to Bjäkenbacken in Mora in 1948 – still home to Morakniv’s factory today – production passes two million knives annually. In 1955 the “Mora Drill” ice auger is introduced, soon gaining international fame. Toward the end of the 1950s, plastics begin to replace rubber and wood in many models, and colorful scout and kitchen knives become popular additions to the range.

1960s - Acquisitions and internationalization

KJ Erikssons Knife Factory acquires Bud-Carl’s workshop and invests in modern machines to improve efficiency. At the same time exports grow, with Frosts and KJ Eriksson driving development as the two leading factories.

1970s - From wood to plastic

Plastic increasingly replaces wooden and leather handles, making knives easier and cheaper to produce. In 1975 the hunting knife Jägaren is launched, and in 1976 the 510 model follows – soon becoming one of Morakniv’s best-selling knives.

1980s - Expansion and exports

In 1980, KJ Erikssons Knife Factory merges with AB Moraindustri to form KJ Eriksson AB. The decade sees strong growth, with new ergonomic knives developed for the food industry, particularly for the US market. In 1988, KJ Eriksson AB acquires a stake in Frosts Knife Factory, beginning a process of consolidation.

1990s - Five million knives a year

In 1991, the versatile outdoor knife Mora 2000 is launched, quickly becoming a favourite among hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and military users. At the same time, production becomes increasingly automated and reaches a pace of five million knives per year. The range expands with professional, hunting and specialised knives.

2000s - Mora of Sweden

In 2005 the consolidation is completed when Frosts becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of KJ Eriksson AB, and the company changes name to Mora of Sweden. In 2009, Morakniv is registered as the official brand – marking the beginning of the modern era.

2010s - Morakniv AB takes shape

The final step of the consolidation is taken when all production is gathered at Bjäkenbacken, in the same premises where KJ Eriksson once started out. This remains home to Morakniv’s factory today, and since 2016 the company has borne the name Morakniv AB.