Morakniv Wood Splitting Knife 220 (S) – Natural Birch

The Experience

The Morakniv Wood Splitting Knife 220 (S) is a compact, two-handled woodworking tool made for splitting kindling and removing material with controlled drawknife-style cuts. Its 4.53-inch stainless steel blade sits between two shaped birch handles, giving the user balanced leverage for shaving, carving, and reducing small pieces of wood.

Unlike the red-stained Classic model, the 220 uses natural Scandinavian birch handles with pronounced finger guards. Morakniv also notes that the handles can be carved to create a more customized fit, making this the more workshop-oriented option of the two designs.

Scientific Engineering

• Dual-Handle Construction: Two opposing handles support controlled pulling, pushing, and downward splitting motions.
• 12C27 Swedish Stainless Steel: Alleima stainless steel provides corrosion resistance, dependable edge retention, and relatively simple maintenance.
• More Than 80% Recycled Steel: Morakniv reports recycled content exceeding 80% in the blade steel.
• Scandi Grind: The broad Scandinavian bevel supports predictable wood removal and offers a clearly defined sharpening surface.
• Blunt-Tip Design: The squared profile keeps the tool focused on shaving, carving, and splitting rather than piercing.
• Full Rat-Tail Tang: The blade extends into both handles, creating a continuous structural connection across the tool.
• Stiff 2.5 mm Blade: The rigid blade resists flex during controlled splitting and drawknife-style work.
• Shaped Birch Handles: Contoured grips and finger guards provide stability during extended carving sessions.
• Customizable Grip: The natural birch handles can be carved or reshaped to better suit the owner’s hands.
• Protective Sheath: The included plastic sheath covers the sharpened working edge during storage and transport.

Boutique & Conservation Values

• Natural Working Material: The unfinished-looking birch handles give the tool a traditional workshop character and allow personal customization.
• Two Functions in One Tool: It serves as both a compact kindling splitter and a small drawknife for carving and stock removal.
• Built for Continued Use: The stainless blade can be repeatedly sharpened rather than replaced when the edge dulls.
• Recycled Steel Content: The blade incorporates more than 80% recycled stainless steel.
• Hand-Assembled in Mora: Morakniv states that its wood-splitting knives are assembled by hand at its factory in Mora, Sweden.

Steward’s Insight

The Wood Splitting Knife 220 is the more practical choice for users who value handle security and personalization over the heritage styling of the Classic version. Its pronounced finger guards help define hand placement, while the natural birch handles can be carefully shaped to improve comfort or accommodate larger hands.

For kindling, position the blade across a small piece of wood and apply even pressure through both handles. For carving, use controlled drawknife motions to strip bark, flatten surfaces, taper stock, or remove material efficiently. Avoid twisting the blade laterally or using it as a pry bar.

This knife is ideal for: woodworkers and carvers | customized hand fit | kindling preparation | green woodworking | controlled two-handed material removal

Specifications

• Tool Type: Two-handled wood-splitting and carving knife
• Primary Use: Splitting kindling, shaving wood, carving, and drawknife-style craftsmanship
• Knife Length: 14.49 in. / 368 mm
• Overall Product Length: 14.49 in. / 368 mm
• Blade Length: 4.53 in. / 115 mm
• Blade Thickness: 0.10 in. / 2.5 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 Grind: Scandi grind
• Grind Angle: 22–24° total
• Edge Angle: 37–39°
• Blade Flex: Stiff
• Tip Style: Blunt
• Tang Construction: Full rat-tail tang
• Handle Configuration: Dual handles
• Handle Material: Scandinavian birch
• Handle Color: Natural
• Handle Customization: Can be carved for a personalized fit
• Finger Guards: Yes
• Sheath Included: Yes
• Sheath Material: Plastic
• Product Weight: 5.43 oz. / 154 g
• Country of Origin: Sweden
• Manufacturer: Morakniv
• Manufacturer Model: Wood Splitting Knife 220 (S)
• Approximate Shipping Weight: 0.75 lb.