Morakniv Hook Knife 163 Double Edge (S)

The Experience

The Morakniv Hook Knife 163 Double Edge (S) is a specialized carving knife designed for shaping spoons, bowls, cups, and other concave wooden forms. Its wide, shallow curve removes material smoothly across larger-radius hollows without digging as aggressively as a tightly curved hook knife.

Because both sides of the blade are sharpened, the 163 supports controlled push and pull cuts from multiple carving positions. The barrel-shaped Scandinavian birch handle offers a comfortable, natural grip, while the included vegetable-tanned leather edge cover protects the blade between carving sessions.

Scientific Engineering

• Wide, Shallow Curvature: The open blade profile is suited to spoon bowls, larger vessels, shallow hollows, and smoothing broad concave surfaces.
• Double-Edged Blade: Both sides are sharpened, allowing controlled cutting in either direction and accommodating a wider range of grips and carving techniques.
• 12C27 Swedish Stainless Steel: Alleima stainless steel provides corrosion resistance, dependable edge retention, and relatively simple maintenance.
• Thin 2 mm Blade: The narrow blade stock reduces resistance while moving through wood and supports precise surface refinement.
• Fine Cutting Geometry: The 24–26° edge angle favors clean, controlled carving rather than heavy splitting or general-purpose cutting.
• Full Rat-Tail Tang: The blade extends through the handle for stability during repeated push-and-pull carving motions.
• Barrel-Shaped Birch Handle: The rounded profile supports several grip positions and remains comfortable during longer carving sessions.
• Leather Edge Protection: The fitted cover shields both sharpened edges and helps prevent damage during storage or transport.

Boutique & Conservation Values

• Purpose-Built Craftsmanship: This is a dedicated woodworking tool rather than a general outdoor knife adapted for carving.
• Natural Swedish Materials: The handle is made from Scandinavian birch and treated with linseed oil.
• More Than 80% Recycled Steel: The stainless blade incorporates a high proportion of recycled material.
• Vegetable-Tanned Leather: The included edge protection uses naturally tanned leather that develops character with age.
• Made in Mora: The knife is assembled and heat-treated in Mora, Sweden, within Morakniv’s longstanding carving tradition.

Steward’s Insight

The Hook Knife 163 is the better choice when the goal is a wide, flowing hollow rather than a deep, tight cavity. It excels at smoothing spoon bowls, opening larger vessels, and refining concave surfaces after the initial material has been removed.

Its double edge is versatile, but it also means there is no unsharpened side to brace safely with a thumb. Keep both hands behind the cutting path, work with controlled movements, and return the leather cover immediately after use.

For sharpening, maintain the original curvature with an appropriately sized round strop or fine abrasive wrapped around a dowel. Avoid flattening the inside curve or changing the blade’s fine edge geometry.

This knife is ideal for: spoon and bowl carving | shallow hollows | broad concave surfaces | push-and-pull carving | experienced right- or left-handed carvers

Specifications

• Knife Type: Double-edged hook carving knife
• Primary Use: Spoon carving, bowl carving, hollowing, and smoothing concave wooden surfaces
• Knife Length: 7.20 in. / 183 mm
• Overall Product Length: 7.48 in. / 190 mm
• Blade Length: 2.91 in. / 74 mm
• Blade Thickness: 0.08 in. / 2 mm
• Blade Steel: Swedish stainless steel
• Steel Alloy: 12C27
• Steel Manufacturer: Alleima, Sweden
• Recycled Steel Content: More than 80%
• Blade Treatment: Annealed and hardened
• Blade Hardness: 56.5 HRC
• Blade Shape: Wide, shallow hook
• Edge Type: Double edged
• Grind Angle: 9–11° total
• Edge Angle: 24–26°
• Blade Flex: Stiff
• Tip Style: Blunt
• Tang Construction: Full rat-tail tang
• Handle Material: Scandinavian birch
• Handle Finish: Linseed oil
• Handle Shape: Barrel shaped
• Edge Protection Included: Yes
• Edge Protection Material: Vegetable-tanned leather
• Edge Protection Color: Natural
• Handedness: Right- or left-handed
• Product Weight: 2.47 oz. / 70 g
• Country of Origin: Sweden
• Manufacturer: Morakniv
• Manufacturer Model: Hook Knife 163 Double Edge (S)
• Approximate Shipping Weight: 0.5 lb.