THE VERSATILE BLADE: WHEN TO USE A FOLDING KNIFE?
On an ongoing basis, we would say! Like its fixed counterparts, the folding knife also serves as kitchen knife, table knife or outdoor knife. The large models are useful for hunting or camping. Go into survival mode with the XL Morta knives, worthy of the best armouries, thereby meeting the challenges of dry sausage, bread and other picnic battalions.
As French artisanal knives directly native to the Brière region, Morta folding knives will make you the representatives of a living heritage. Because yes, after a sleep of 5,000 years, Morta has come back to life.
From opening packages to preparing meals, a quality pocket knife becomes your faithful companion in daily life. Whether you need a regular knife for mundane tasks or a specialized folding kitchen knife for culinary adventures, our range offers the perfect balance of functionality and elegance. Unlike a multi-tool that tries to do everything, our folding knives excel at being exactly what they are—exceptional cutting instruments with character.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF FOLDING KNIVES?
Stemming from the range of traditional knives, the folding knife has many advantages. As it’s compact, it fits easily in your pocket, backpack or picnic basket filled with delicious lunches. Its excellent grip is comfortable and practical. Whether out hunting, fishing or walking in the forest, draw your folding knife as quickly as your good spirits. More of a stay-at-home? No problem, folding knives are indiscriminately useful for doing little jobs around the house, cooking and gardening.
The best pocket knife is one that feels like an extension of your hand—reliable, sharp, and always ready. Our various types of folding knives offer unmatched versatility for every situation. With blade lengths typically under 3 inches for daily carry models, they remain manageable yet effective. Most feature a convenient clip for attaching to your belt or pocket, ensuring your trusty blade is always within reach. Unlike non-locking alternatives, our sturdy lock mechanisms provide safety and confidence during use, making them ideal work knives for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
MORTA FOLDING KNIVES: DURABLE AND ROBUST
Only about 10 to 20% of a Morta trunk is usable. Working solely on the most beautiful elements guarantees excellent quality. The same is true for the steel. Morta Knives only selects the best steel to ensure the blade’s solidity. Sandvik, Damascus or carbon steel have between 59 and 61 HRC Rockwell hardness. Each stage is performed manually by professional cutlers: forge, hammering, patina, etching. This ancestral traditional know-how is the pride of Atelier JHP and all Brière.
Unlike mass-produced options from brands like Leatherman, Victorinox, Benchmade, or Spyderco, our artisanal knives represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Each folded steel chef knife or pocket knife features premium handle materials, from the distinctive morta wood to modern G10 composites. The attention to detail extends to every aspect—from the easy-to-sharpen blade steels that resist rust to the smooth opening and closing mechanisms, whether they’re liner locks, frame locks, or traditional back locks. Limited editions showcase our pursuit of perfection, combining titanium components with custom touches that elevate them from tools to treasures.
THE CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE: UNDERSTANDING KNIFE LOCKS AND MECHANISMS
For those who appreciate the finer points of cutlery, the difference between good and exceptional often lies in the details. Our folding knives feature various locking mechanisms, each with unique advantages. The liner lock offers one-handed operation ideal for tactical applications, while our lockback designs provide unparalleled strength for heavy-duty tasks.
Flipper knives deliver smooth, rapid deployment without sacrificing safety.
The choice of a pocket knife should reflect both your needs and local knife laws. In regions with strict regulations like the UK knife law, non-locking blades under specific sizes might be preferable. We stock a wide range of options to accommodate these considerations, ensuring you can find the perfect balance between legal compliance and functional excellence. Remember that the privilege to carry a knife comes with the responsibility to understand applicable regulations.
MORTA WOOD: A MATERIAL STEEPED IN HISTORY AND CHARACTER
The flat knife profiles we create showcase the incomparable beauty of morta wood—a material unlike any other in the cutlery world. Harvested from ancient oak trees that have rested in the Brière marshes for millennia, this wood undergoes a natural transformative process that imbues it with remarkable stability and a distinctive appearance. Each handle tells a story spanning thousands of years, connecting you to tradition with every use.
Whether you’re choosing a small knife for everyday tasks, a creasing knife for leatherwork, or a substantial cleaver folding knife for culinary endeavors, the morta handle provides unmatched grip and comfort. Unlike synthetic materials that feel lifeless, morta develops a personal connection with its owner, improving with age and use. For those who appreciate natural materials with genuine character, there simply is no substitute for the depth and warmth that morta brings to a working tool.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FOLDING KNIVES
What is the history behind folding knives?
The folding pocket knife has its origins around 500 BC with a bone handle. It evolved through civilizations, with the Romans creating a bronze-based friction folding knife. Over the centuries, various models like the Laguiole and Opinel have become renowned.
What makes Morta folding knives unique?
Morta folding knives are gems of French craftsmanship. They feature a precious wood handle, the Morta, sourced from the Brière marshes. These knives come in various sizes and steel types, all crafted with impeccable attention to detail.
How do I choose the right steel for a folding knife?
There are three primary steel types used by Couteaux Morta: carbon steel known for its sharpness, stainless steel for its resilience, and Damascus steel for its unparalleled beauty. Each type offers unique advantages in terms of sharpness, durability, and aesthetics.
What are the different opening mechanisms for folding knives?
Folding knives come with various opening mechanisms, including automatic knives, assisted opening, thumb button, blade hole, ergot, and nail nick. Each mechanism offers a unique opening experience, catering to different user preferences.
How do I ensure the safety of my folding knife?
When choosing a folding knife, consider the locking mechanism for safety and ease of use. Popular mechanisms include liner-lock and lockback, both providing secure blade locking with the liner-lock allowing for easier one-handed operation.
How can I maintain my pocket knife for long-lasting performance?
For stainless steel blades, clean with a damp cloth and soapy water. For Damascus and Raw forge steels, use a soft, dry cloth. The Morta handle, having spent millennia in the Brieronne peat, is perfectly protected and requires minimal maintenance. Regular sharpening is also essential to maintain the knife’s edge.
What are the benefits of leather sheaths for pocket knives?
A well-designed leather sheath offers a convenient and secure way to carry your knife. Couteaux Morta offers ebony black leather sheaths in various orientations, adding elegance while protecting your knife.
Where are Morta knives manufactured?
Morta knives are premium pieces, representing traditional French craftsmanship. They are artisanally made in France, showcasing the excellence of French artisanal traditions.
What is the significance of the Morta wood used in the knife handles?
The Morta wood, sourced from the Brière marshes, is a unique and precious material. Nourished with vegetable oil, it can be further adorned with mammoth ivory inlays, creating a harmonious blend of black and white gold.
How does the Damascus steel range stand out?
Damascus steel is renowned for its moire appearance and distinctive arabesques. Paired with the black shades of Morta, it enhances the artisanal essence of these exceptional knives.
What are the available sizes for Morta folding knives?
Morta folding knives vary in size, ranging from 16 cm to 24.4 cm when opened, which translates to 9 to 13.5 cm when folded. This variety ensures that users can find a knife that suits their specific needs.
How do Morta folding knives fit into the tradition of French cutlery?
Morta folding knives embody the rich tradition of French cutlery. By combining traditional craftsmanship with quality materials like Morta wood and various steel types, they offer knives that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
What’s the difference between a traditional pocket knife and an EDC knife?
While all pocket knives can be carried daily, true EDC knives (Every Day Carry) are specifically designed with versatility, durability, and convenience in mind. Our EDC pocket knives feature thoughtful details like smooth one-hand operation, pocket clips, and balanced designs that make them ideal companions for daily tasks without becoming burdensome.
Can I purchase a pocket knife in Mauritius or other international locations?
Yes, we ship our pocket knife collection worldwide, including Mauritius and many other international destinations. However, before purchasing, we recommend familiarizing yourself with local knife laws and import regulations, as restrictions on blade length, locking mechanisms, and knife types vary significantly between countries.
What should I consider when choosing a pocket knife for my needs?
When selecting the perfect pocket knife, consider your primary uses, handling preferences, and carry style. For food preparation, a folding cooking knife with a thin blade might be ideal. For outdoor activities, a robust hunting pocket knife with a serrated edge provides versatility. Those seeking an elegant everyday companion might prefer our classic knives with traditional designs, while those needing a tactical option might favor our flipper knives with rapid deployment features.
Are there specialized folding knives for specific tasks?
Absolutely. Beyond general-purpose designs, we offer specialized options like the killing knife for hunters and farmers, creasing knives for leatherworkers, and various folding kitchen knives for culinary enthusiasts. Each type features design elements optimized for its intended purpose, from blade geometry to handle ergonomics, ensuring that whatever your specialized need, we have a knife that excels at the task.
How do I sharpen the blade of my folding knife to maintain optimal performance?
Maintaining a sharp edge is essential for both safety and functionality. We recommend using a proper sharpening stone matched to your blade’s steel type. For everyday maintenance, a ceramic rod can help realign the edge. When sharpening, maintain a consistent angle (typically 15-20 degrees per side) and work progressively through finer grits. Remember that different steel types respond differently to sharpening—our high-carbon blades develop an exceptionally keen edge but require more frequent attention than our stainless options.
