Morakniv Woodcarving 106 Laminated Carbon: Laminated Sloyd Woodcarving Knife

The Morakniv Woodcarving 106 Laminated Carbon woodcarving knife is a traditional Scandinavian Sloyd knife, designed for demanding woodworking by both novice and professional woodcarvers. The design is by Erik Frost and combines a classic, elongated 7.9 cm Sloyd blade with a laminated steel construction. Whereas standard carbon steel consists of a single alloy, this blade is constructed from laminated carbon steel: a hard cutting core of 100Cr6 steel, sandwiched between two tougher outer layers of S235 steel.

This combination results in a sturdy yet extremely resilient blade that can withstand high lateral bending forces during cutting. The polished finish on the Scandi-ground edges ensures low friction resistance when cutting through wood. With a total length of 19.0 cm and a weight of 71 grams, the knife feels agile and well-balanced in the hand. The knife comes in a recycled cardboard hanging box, including a protective polypropylene (PP) sheath.

Key Specifications

- Blade length: 7.9 cm
- Handle length: 11.1 cm
- Overall length: 19.0 cm
- Steel type: Laminated carbon steel (100Cr6 core with S235 outer layers)
- Hardness: 56 HRC
- Blade profile: Sloyd with Scandi grind and polished finish
- Handle material: Beech wood
- Sheath: Polypropylene (PP) plastic sheath
- Weight: 71 grams
- Designer: Erik Frost
- Packaging: Recycled cardboard box with hanging loop

Advantages of laminated steel in woodworking

- Unmatched resistance to lateral bending: When hollowing out wood or flicking away chips, significant lateral forces are exerted on the tip and the blade. Thanks to the tough S235 outer layers surrounding the rigid 100Cr6 core, the blade absorbs this bending stress without the cutting edge breaking or snapping.
- Precise Scandi grind and low cutting resistance: The straight Scandi grind extends all the way to the very edge without a secondary bevel. Combined with the smooth, polished blade finish, the steel glides in a controlled manner and with minimal effort through both soft and denser hardwoods.
- Easy and quick to sharpen yourself: Because the softer outer layers of steel can be easily removed on a whetstone, maintaining the Scandi bevel takes significantly less time. At the same time, the hard core ensures that you maintain a razor-sharp and stable cutting edge with minimal effort.
- Better basic protection thanks to a polished finish: Although carbon steel remains naturally susceptible to rust, the smooth, polished surface of the outer layers helps prevent moisture and wood sap from adhering to the metal as easily as they would with a rough steel finish.
- Comfortable beechwood handle: The 11.1 cm long, barrel-shaped beechwood handle fits evenly in the palm of your hand. This prevents pressure points and provides optimal control during prolonged cutting tasks and when removing longer wood shavings.

To work safely and maintain the cutting quality of laminated carbon steel, proper cutting technique and consistent maintenance are essential:

- Cutting Technique: Use controlled cutting motions, preferably cutting away from your body or using the thumb of your supporting hand as a pivot point on the back of the blade. The wide Scandi flank serves as a stable guide along the surface of the wood during the motion.
- Clean immediately after use: Remove wood sap, moisture, and wood dust immediately after each cutting session with a dry cloth. The exposed 100Cr6 cutting core is not rust-resistant and can oxidize upon contact with moisture or tannins from wood.
- Oil for protection: After cleaning, always apply a thin layer of acid-free mineral oil, camellia oil, or food-safe paraffin oil to the blade. The polished finish, combined with a protective oil film, effectively prevents oxidation.
- Sharpening and honing: When resharpening, place the entire bevel of the Scandi-fold blade flat against a fine whetstone. After sharpening, remove any remaining micro-burrs on a leather strop to keep the knife in optimal condition.

This woodcarving knife is designed for woodworkers who demand high levels of control and blade resilience:

- Advanced woodcarvers and spoon carvers: Artisans who work with unruly wood grain, knots, or harder types of wood and need a blade that can easily withstand lateral leverage.
- Beginner woodworkers: Users looking for an intuitive woodworking knife that allows them to achieve clean results quickly and easily master the basics of hand-sharpening on a Scandi grind.
- Bushcrafters and outdoor enthusiasts: Campers and makers looking for a lightweight (71 grams), safely storable woodcarving knife for crafting utensils and detailed campwork.

In practice, the Morakniv Woodcarving 106 Laminated Carbon immediately stands out for its combination of rigidity and resilience. While solid, high-hardened blades can be vulnerable at the tip during prying motions, the laminated 100Cr6/S235 construction provides noticeably more leeway and control when hollowing out or removing shavings.

The polished Scandi geometry cuts with very little resistance, and the 7.9 cm-long blade offers sufficient reach to make long, even strokes across the workpiece. The beechwood handle provides a solid grip at a variety of cutting angles, and the PP plastic sheath reliably protects the razor-sharp edge during storage and transport. If you’re willing to wipe down the blade after use and lightly oil it, this model will provide you with a durable, easy-to-sharpen, and extremely tough tool.