A whittling knife for every kind of carving
Our carving knives are appreciated by beginners and experienced carvers worldwide and are known for their high quality, excellent sharpness and comfortable handles. Whether you're carving spoons, dala horses or other things, we have the right carving knife for you.If you’re new to the world of carving, the Woodcarving Basic (S) is a safe and easy-to-use choice. It features a grippy plastic handle with a protective finger guard and a slim, pointed stainless steel blade suitable for all-round carving. A good knife at an affordable price.
Another great option is the Woodcarving 106, a favorite among both new and seasoned carvers. It’s available in laminated carbon steel, which withstands lateral pressure, or carbon steel, which is easy to resharpen.
Nusnäs knife and detail knives listed
The Woodcarving Knife 105 (LC) is known as the “Nusnäs Knife,” used to carve traditional Swedish Dala horses. It features a longer 84 mm blade made from laminated carbon steel.The Woodcarving 120 is a versatile all-round knife with a short 62 mm blade ideal for detail work and precision carving. Available in both carbon steel and laminated carbon steel.
459 kr
The Hook Knife 162 features a 55 mm long, double-edged blade made from Swedish stainless steel. Its tight curve is ideal for carving scoops, bowls, or making deeper hollows.
339 kr
The Woodcarving Knife 122 (LC) is a whittling knife with a 62 mm laminated carbon steel blade. Its pointed shape with a straight edge makes it suitable for chip carving and detailed woodwork.
339 kr
Morakniv Classic 1/0 is a timeless craft knife with a 77 mm carbon steel blade and a stained, barrel-shaped birch handle. A reliable companion for all craft projects, easy to sharpen and built to last for generations.
269 kr
No. 201 (C) is a versatile all-purpose knife in German carbon steel with a full rat-tail tang. It has a linseed-oiled birch handle and a solid finger guard for a safe grip. A reliable companion for craftwork, basic carving, and everyday use. Plastic sheath included.
Stainless steel and carbon steel carving knives with long-lasting sharpness
Our carving knives are made from different types of steel with different properties:- Laminated carbon steel (LC), most popular with experienced woodworkers because it has good edge retention and is resistant to lateral bending. The blade is polished to prevent rust.
- Carbon steel (C). These knives have long-lasting sharpness and are easy to resharpen, but rust easily and therefore require more care.
- Stainless steel (S). Durable, long-lasting and easy to clean.
Almost every Morakniv carving knife has a full tang where the blade goes all the way through the handle, providing strength and stability in every cut. Blade thickness varies between 2.0 mm and 2.7 mm depending on the knife.
Safety tips for carving
Carving is both relaxing and creative - but it also means working with sharp tools. Here are some tips to help you carve more safely:- Keep your fingers away from the egg
- Always cut away from the bodyWork on a firm, non-slip surface
- Start with simple projectsSharpen your knives regularly - a sharp knife is safer than a dull one
- Feel free to wear protective gloves, especially as a beginner
- Don't stress - carving is a slow craft
Chip carving and splitting knives
The Woodcarving 122 (LC) is highly recommended for decorative chip carving. It features a sharp, straight-edged 62 mm blade that easily creates clean patterns and detail work.Need to remove lots of material or split kindling? That’s where the Wood Splitting Knife 220 (S) come in to play: a robust two-handed tool with dual birch handles and a durable stainless steel blade.
Hook knives for right- and left-handed users
Hook knives have a curved edge that is ideal for hollowing spoons, scoops and bowls. The Hook Knife 163 has a wide curve and double-edged blade and is a good knife for shallow carving, while the Hook Knife 162 has a tighter curve for deeper hollowing.The Hook Knife 164 comes in right- and left-handed versions, each sharpened on one side only—allowing you to guide the blunt side with your opposite hand for extra control and precision.
All hook knives are made of stainless steel and feature comfortable Scandinavian birch handles.
Start carving: wood carving techniques and projects for beginners
If you’re new to the art of whittling or wood carving, the best wood is softwoods like basswood or pine, since they are easy to carve and forgiving for new hands. Practice basic techniques like slicing, pushing, and scooping before moving on to more complex designs.Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity in your new hobby:
- Dala horse kit: Morakniv has a great Starter Kit for beginners with everything you need to start carving.
- Wooden spoon: A classic beginner project that teaches basic shaping and hollowing wood with both straight and hook knives.
- Simple animals or figures: Try carving a bird, fish, or bear from softwood. These shapes use fundamental cuts and are fun to personalize.
- Small bowls or cups: Great practice for using hook knives like the 162 or 163 to carve smooth hollows.
Advanced wood carving techniques
Once you’ve mastered basic cuts and feel comfortable handling your tool kit, you’re ready to explore more advanced skills that bring greater precision and artistry to your work:- Chip carving: Detail work that involves removing small chips of wood to create decorative patterns. Knives like the Woodcarving 122 (LC) with a straight-edge blade are perfect for this precision work.
- Relief carving: Detail work that involves carving figures or images into a flat panel of wood, creating a three-dimensional effect.
- Hollowing with hook knives: For carving bowls or spoons, learning to use both push and pull cuts with hook knives like the 162 or 164 improves control and flow.
- Blade rotation: Changing the angle and direction of your cuts helps add depth and contour to your piece.
- Handle customization: Many Morakniv knives have birch handles that can be reshaped or sanded for a perfect personal fit—ideal for long carving sessions.
Try different types of wood - linden is easy to work with, while oak and maple are more challenging but produce durable results. If you want to take your carving to the next level, you can combine several knives in one project, for example the 106 for rough shaping, 120 or 122 for details, and 163 for hollowing.