Morakniv Scout 39 vs Companion: Which Knife Fits Your Adventure?
By Unplug. Connect. Outdoors. That's UCO | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Morakniv Scout 39 and Companion side by side. Learn which outdoor knife suits kids, beginners, and bushcraft tasks based on safety, blade steel, and handle design.
Quick answer
Choose the Morakniv Scout 39 if you need a safe first knife for a child or a compact tool for light camp tasks. Pick the Companion if you want a full-size bushcraft knife with a thicker blade and built-in fire starter (Companion Spark) for heavier outdoor work.
Blade and build differences
The Scout 39 uses recycled Swedish stainless steel with a 2.5mm thickness, while the Companion (and its Spark variant) uses 2.5mm Swedish stainless steel as well. Both offer good edge retention, but the Scout 39's blade is shorter and designed with double finger protection for safer handling by younger users. The Companion has a longer blade suited for carving, batoning, and general bushcraft tasks.
Handle and grip
The Scout 39 features a barrel-shaped polymer handle with a secure grip, making it easy for small hands to hold. The Companion uses a TPE rubber friction grip that provides a safe, steady hold even in wet conditions. If you expect to use the knife in rain or while wearing gloves, the Companion's rubber handle offers more consistent traction.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Safety vs. versatility: The Scout 39's double finger protection is excellent for kids but limits the blade length for heavy tasks. The Companion's open design is more versatile but requires careful handling. Choose Scout 39 for supervised youth; Companion for independent adults.
- Blade steel origin: The Scout 39 uses recycled Swedish stainless steel, which is eco-friendly but may not hold an edge as long as the Companion's standard Swedish stainless steel. Both are easy to maintain. Both are durable; the Companion offers slightly better edge retention for frequent use.
- Built-in fire starter (Companion Spark only): The Companion Spark includes a high-quality fire starter in the handle, adding weight and bulk. The Scout 39 has no such feature, keeping it lighter and simpler. If you want an all-in-one tool, choose Companion Spark. For a dedicated carving knife, stick with Scout 39.
Key product facts
- Morakniv Scout 39 (S): Classic outdoor knife for children with double finger protection. Blade made of recycled Swedish stainless steel. The double finger guard prevents the hand from slipping onto the blade, making it a safer choice for young or inexperienced users.
- COMPANION SPARK (S): Based on the popular Companion model, the Companion Spark has a 2.5mm thick Swedish stainless steel blade and a built-in fire starter in the handle. The integrated fire starter adds emergency preparedness without needing a separate tool, ideal for bushcraft and survival situations.
Which knife fits your adventure?
Best for
- Parents buying a safe first knife for a child aged 8-12
- Light camp tasks like whittling and cutting cordage
- Eco-conscious buyers who prefer recycled materials
Not ideal for
- Heavy bushcraft tasks like batoning or feather-sticking
- Users who want a built-in fire starter (choose Companion Spark instead)
- Adults with large hands who need a longer blade
