Spec ops Grunt
Member
I've been wanting to get a Ka-bar for some time now, where should I get one, how much are they, which blade length should I get, and is it a good idea to shop used?
Tell me about the Ka-bar
- Thread starter Spec ops Grunt
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I have the 5 inch black K-Bar with the partial serated blade. Very nice knife for the money. Buy new, they are not that expensive to begin with, around $50. You can try www.newgraham.com.
Some will try to tell you that because of the stick tang that they aren't as tough as some other full sized utility knives.
And those people are generally right, if you are one to use your knife as a crowbar or a circus throwing implement.
In normal use, I have yet to break one. Their fit and finish is excellent for the price paid, and the 1095 steel of traditional and black ones will sometimes surprise even those who have bought into the latest and greatest in high-performance steels. I just used a 1271, black fighter, to pry off all of the baseboards in my house and to cut away carpet tack strips in difficult spots that thicker/bigger tools couldn't quite reach. I wound up inadvertently driving the Ka-Bar through a few nails by pounding the pommel with a urethane headed mallet. Took out all of the tight corner tack strips though.
No real edge deformation to speak of, it cleaned right up with a diamond hone. I am always pleasantly surprised when I use a Ka-bar and often ask myself why I want to pay up to six times as much or more for something "better." The only real answer is that I would have to sharpen a "better" knife less frequently, and it would likely be able to be used as something of a prybar. Trick is on that expensive knife, I would never think to beat through nails and pound on it with a mallet, unless I absolutely had to. Ka-Bars are fun because they are excellent knives, but cheap enough to use as beaters.
If you need a knife that is "combat tough," but is admittedly short of "armaggedon proof," a Ka-Bar will fill the bill nicely. Your wallet will thank you.
And those people are generally right, if you are one to use your knife as a crowbar or a circus throwing implement.
In normal use, I have yet to break one. Their fit and finish is excellent for the price paid, and the 1095 steel of traditional and black ones will sometimes surprise even those who have bought into the latest and greatest in high-performance steels. I just used a 1271, black fighter, to pry off all of the baseboards in my house and to cut away carpet tack strips in difficult spots that thicker/bigger tools couldn't quite reach. I wound up inadvertently driving the Ka-Bar through a few nails by pounding the pommel with a urethane headed mallet. Took out all of the tight corner tack strips though.
No real edge deformation to speak of, it cleaned right up with a diamond hone. I am always pleasantly surprised when I use a Ka-bar and often ask myself why I want to pay up to six times as much or more for something "better." The only real answer is that I would have to sharpen a "better" knife less frequently, and it would likely be able to be used as something of a prybar. Trick is on that expensive knife, I would never think to beat through nails and pound on it with a mallet, unless I absolutely had to. Ka-Bars are fun because they are excellent knives, but cheap enough to use as beaters.
If you need a knife that is "combat tough," but is admittedly short of "armaggedon proof," a Ka-Bar will fill the bill nicely. Your wallet will thank you.
Highland Ranger
Member
I was kind of disappointed when I bought one and it said "Made in Japan" on it.
Seems kind of wrong that the company who made WWII combat knives now makes knives in Japan.
But it is a good knife . . .
Seems kind of wrong that the company who made WWII combat knives now makes knives in Japan.
But it is a good knife . . .
All modern real Ka-Bars of the original 7" clip blade, with a hand guard, and flat hammering pommel, and its latter day black, and "next generation" stainless steel offspring, are still made in Olean, New York. The original parkerized version hasn't been issued to the Navy or Marines since WW2 ended. They made over a million of them so the Ka-Bar contract didn't need renewing. The modern successors are powder coated, and the coating is pretty resistant to damage.
Some newer black "camp blades," (which are not the classic fighting/utility blade pattern), are made in Taiwan and clearly marked as such as required by US law.
Nothing about the old warhorse is defensible as intellectual property. Several US makers made versions in WW2 and still do today, (Camillus, Case, Ontario), and many foreign makers from God-knows-where can and do knock it off. If you have or are looking for a "real" Ka-Bar F/UK it will be clearly stamped on the ricasso as to it hailing from the state of New York.
If you have a Japanese "Ka-Bar" featuring a fixed blade as described above, it is either rebadged war capture or you have acquired a fake. No Ka-Bar F/UKs have ever been produced in Japan, though some folding knives under their brand name have been
Some newer black "camp blades," (which are not the classic fighting/utility blade pattern), are made in Taiwan and clearly marked as such as required by US law.
Nothing about the old warhorse is defensible as intellectual property. Several US makers made versions in WW2 and still do today, (Camillus, Case, Ontario), and many foreign makers from God-knows-where can and do knock it off. If you have or are looking for a "real" Ka-Bar F/UK it will be clearly stamped on the ricasso as to it hailing from the state of New York.
If you have a Japanese "Ka-Bar" featuring a fixed blade as described above, it is either rebadged war capture or you have acquired a fake. No Ka-Bar F/UKs have ever been produced in Japan, though some folding knives under their brand name have been
ghost squire
member
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2005
- Messages
- 339
The Ka-bar is a great utility knife especially for a soldier, and suprisingly strong for its price and the fact that it has a stick tang. You could probably do one or two pullups on it before you saw permanent bending, thats what was seen in the Hilton Yam independent SEAL tests.
Heres a hint, use the leather washer handle for pounding, not the pommel. You will develop much more power with the handle then the pommel and the leather washers can take it. Use neatsfoot oil and soak it in the handle to preserve the leather if you plan on going swimming or jungle adventuring with it, and you might want to seal the gaps between blade and handle/guard with epoxy or something. I haven't and it hasn't bothered me yet, but who knows. Also if the handle is too bulky for you or uncomfortable, take a coarse file to it then coarse sandpaper. Personally the little grooves between washers were to sharp and the handle a bit too thick but after reprofiling its the best feeling knife I have!
Supposedly its named K-Bar because a barely literate man wrote in praising the knife, as he had just kad a bar with it (killed a bear in self defense). My theory however is that it stands for what a soldier really needs in the field, a Knife-pryBar, K-Bar.
Heres a hint, use the leather washer handle for pounding, not the pommel. You will develop much more power with the handle then the pommel and the leather washers can take it. Use neatsfoot oil and soak it in the handle to preserve the leather if you plan on going swimming or jungle adventuring with it, and you might want to seal the gaps between blade and handle/guard with epoxy or something. I haven't and it hasn't bothered me yet, but who knows. Also if the handle is too bulky for you or uncomfortable, take a coarse file to it then coarse sandpaper. Personally the little grooves between washers were to sharp and the handle a bit too thick but after reprofiling its the best feeling knife I have!
Supposedly its named K-Bar because a barely literate man wrote in praising the knife, as he had just kad a bar with it (killed a bear in self defense). My theory however is that it stands for what a soldier really needs in the field, a Knife-pryBar, K-Bar.
phonesysphonesys
Member
I still have the K-Bar I carried when I was a BAR man in the Corps in the 60's. You can still shave with it. I wouldn't part with it for any price.
phonesysphonesys
Semper Fi
phonesysphonesys
Semper Fi
Highland Ranger and Boats,
I was just reading the new 2006 KABAR catalog and the USMC type knive are still American made. Some of their stack leather hunting knives are still made overseas, and they moved the production of those from Japan to either China or Taiwan. My new 1226 says Taiwan on the blade, but China on the box.
I was just reading the new 2006 KABAR catalog and the USMC type knive are still American made. Some of their stack leather hunting knives are still made overseas, and they moved the production of those from Japan to either China or Taiwan. My new 1226 says Taiwan on the blade, but China on the box.
ghost squire
member
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2005
- Messages
- 339
The box was probably made in China.
5knives
Member
Well,
Like phonesysphonesys, I've still got my original issue Ka-Bar.
My Camilus was issued in 1956, and I hopethat his BAR was a lot lighter than mine was.
My Ka-Bar followed me home when I got out, I only wish the BAR could have. Two of the best tools I've ever used.
I modified mine a little about 20 years ago, ground down the top guard and slimmed the sides of the handle just a bit so it wasn't so round. Works better with gloves, doesn't want to "roll".
Ka-Bar is really a slight modification of the old Marble's IDEAL pattern, shallower fullers, a little more curve in the false edge. and the rougher leather handle. Ka-Bar submitted the design, but Camilus made far more of the actual knives than Ka-Bar ever did.
Enough that you can accurately say that the Ka-Bar was actually a Camilus, right from the beginning.
The IDEAL was a proven all purpose outdoors knife for about 50 years before they "invented" the Ka-Bar. Tried and proven design for over 50 years before it was ever issued.
Mine is still my all purpose "go to the woods" knife".
A "real" Ka-Bar is still about the best value out there in a general purpose knife. IMHO of course.
Regards,
Like phonesysphonesys, I've still got my original issue Ka-Bar.
My Camilus was issued in 1956, and I hopethat his BAR was a lot lighter than mine was.
My Ka-Bar followed me home when I got out, I only wish the BAR could have. Two of the best tools I've ever used.
I modified mine a little about 20 years ago, ground down the top guard and slimmed the sides of the handle just a bit so it wasn't so round. Works better with gloves, doesn't want to "roll".
Ka-Bar is really a slight modification of the old Marble's IDEAL pattern, shallower fullers, a little more curve in the false edge. and the rougher leather handle. Ka-Bar submitted the design, but Camilus made far more of the actual knives than Ka-Bar ever did.
Enough that you can accurately say that the Ka-Bar was actually a Camilus, right from the beginning.
The IDEAL was a proven all purpose outdoors knife for about 50 years before they "invented" the Ka-Bar. Tried and proven design for over 50 years before it was ever issued.
Mine is still my all purpose "go to the woods" knife".
A "real" Ka-Bar is still about the best value out there in a general purpose knife. IMHO of course.
Regards,
Last edited:
Lambo
Member
I sell them (Leather Handle & Sheath W/ USMC Tang) New in Box $55.00.
Highland Ranger
Member
I'll go check the box and see what it says . . . .maybe its a knock off.
But it was $50 from SPortsman's warehouse or Cabelas . . . . . . can't remember which.
But it was $50 from SPortsman's warehouse or Cabelas . . . . . . can't remember which.
Camillus designed what ultimately became the "Ka-Bar," (USN Mark 2), but both knifemaking concerns ultimately had design inputs. Camillus only produced about 806,000 fighting/utilities by their own count while Ka-Bar (Union Cutlery, now ALCAS) made well over a million during WW2.
Having 200,000+ more knives in the field of that one pattern, coupled with the easier name, is why they're all considered "kabars" generically.
I have examples of the modern made versions and the Ka-Bar kicks the Camillus version to the curb, though the latter is generally less expensive. Ka-Bar also has way more choices available.
Having 200,000+ more knives in the field of that one pattern, coupled with the easier name, is why they're all considered "kabars" generically.
I have examples of the modern made versions and the Ka-Bar kicks the Camillus version to the curb, though the latter is generally less expensive. Ka-Bar also has way more choices available.
5knives
Member
Hmmm .... Interesting.
I think the "Ka-Bar" is rapidly becoming as shrouded in myth and legend as the "Original Bowie Knife"
Camillus claims the following:
" (Marine Combat) Of these knives included the extremely popular Marine Combat #5684 7-inch bladed survival/combat fixed blade. Camillus was the original contractor the armed forces chose to produce this piece. ....."
"The 5684 Marine Combat fixed blade fighter has withstood the ultimate test of time and has remained a popular design for Camillus. Total amount produced: 806,600 "
---------------------------------
While Ka-Bar claims:
"In 1942, soon after the United States entered World War II, Union Cutlery submitted a Ka-Bar branded knife to the U.S. Marine Corps for issue to fighting personnel. Although the original design failed to meet USMC requirements, the company was able to work with the Marine Corps on improvements. The Navy already had a fighting knife, by Camillus, the Mark 1. A revised design based on improvements to the Camillus Mark 1 was accepted as the "USN Fighting Knife, Mark 2". The Marine Corps version was manufactured by Union Cutlery, stamped Ka-Bar, and was issued as the standard USMC fighting/utility knife. It is identical to the USN Mark 2 except for the markings."
The knife was so successful in the field that Union Cutlery could not meet the entire demand. As a result, several other manufacturers were licensed to produce the same knife during the war. Despite the ownership of the name by Union Cutlery, all knives of this general pattern became known as Ka-Bar knives. Over one million knives were produced by Union Cutlery alone during World War II."
------------------------
A careful reading reveals that the modified Camilus design for the USN Mark 1 was actually manufactured by Ka-Bar, Camilus and others for the Marine Corps.
Rather puzzling in view of the fact that between 1942 and 1956 there were less than 2 million men total who served in the Marine Corps. And Ka-Bars were never issued to everyone, maybe 50% to 60% at most!
That suggests at least 600,000 "extra" Ka-Bars.
Impressive considering that Ka-Bar only manufactured the pattern from 1942 through 1945 and didn't resume production until 1977.
Ooops!,
I just noticed Ka-Bar didn't say they made a million "Ka-Bars" they said they made a million knives, they just imply they were "Ka-Bars" maybe that's the answer.
Camilus site doesn't specify a time frame for their 806,000 either, hmmmm ...
Insofar as I can speak from personal knowledge, I can only say that issued a Camillus in 1956 I served until 1962 and never saw a Ka-Bar manufactured by Ka-Bar. Including in the hands of WWII vets who had saved their original issue, even with the rotted out handles and sheaths.
Everyone wanted a "Genuine Ka-Bar", but no one had one.
Three of my Uncles enlisting in 1942-1943 were issued Camilus Mfg. "Ka-Bars".
My Father always said the the knife everyone really wanted in the Pacific was the Case "Quartermaster" knife. Much heavier built than the Ka-Bar.
He kept his Case all through the WWII and into Korea, finally gave it to the Turkish Sgt. who drug him out of line of fire when he was hit at Hungnam.
Anyhow, Interesting!
But I keep wondering what happened to all those "extra" Ka-Bars.
Maybe Camillus, Ka-Bar or both are "spinning" history a bit.
I do notice that Ka-Bar is making a much stronger claim to ownership than their literature did 30 years ago, probably due to renewed popularity.
BTW, I'm not knocking Ka-Bar Company, my large folding hunter by them has given me 40+ years of excellent service. I cant imagine anything else in that style being better.
Regards,
_____________________________________________
I think the "Ka-Bar" is rapidly becoming as shrouded in myth and legend as the "Original Bowie Knife"
Camillus claims the following:
" (Marine Combat) Of these knives included the extremely popular Marine Combat #5684 7-inch bladed survival/combat fixed blade. Camillus was the original contractor the armed forces chose to produce this piece. ....."
"The 5684 Marine Combat fixed blade fighter has withstood the ultimate test of time and has remained a popular design for Camillus. Total amount produced: 806,600 "
---------------------------------
While Ka-Bar claims:
"In 1942, soon after the United States entered World War II, Union Cutlery submitted a Ka-Bar branded knife to the U.S. Marine Corps for issue to fighting personnel. Although the original design failed to meet USMC requirements, the company was able to work with the Marine Corps on improvements. The Navy already had a fighting knife, by Camillus, the Mark 1. A revised design based on improvements to the Camillus Mark 1 was accepted as the "USN Fighting Knife, Mark 2". The Marine Corps version was manufactured by Union Cutlery, stamped Ka-Bar, and was issued as the standard USMC fighting/utility knife. It is identical to the USN Mark 2 except for the markings."
The knife was so successful in the field that Union Cutlery could not meet the entire demand. As a result, several other manufacturers were licensed to produce the same knife during the war. Despite the ownership of the name by Union Cutlery, all knives of this general pattern became known as Ka-Bar knives. Over one million knives were produced by Union Cutlery alone during World War II."
------------------------
A careful reading reveals that the modified Camilus design for the USN Mark 1 was actually manufactured by Ka-Bar, Camilus and others for the Marine Corps.
Rather puzzling in view of the fact that between 1942 and 1956 there were less than 2 million men total who served in the Marine Corps. And Ka-Bars were never issued to everyone, maybe 50% to 60% at most!
That suggests at least 600,000 "extra" Ka-Bars.
Impressive considering that Ka-Bar only manufactured the pattern from 1942 through 1945 and didn't resume production until 1977.
Ooops!,
I just noticed Ka-Bar didn't say they made a million "Ka-Bars" they said they made a million knives, they just imply they were "Ka-Bars" maybe that's the answer.
Camilus site doesn't specify a time frame for their 806,000 either, hmmmm ...
Insofar as I can speak from personal knowledge, I can only say that issued a Camillus in 1956 I served until 1962 and never saw a Ka-Bar manufactured by Ka-Bar. Including in the hands of WWII vets who had saved their original issue, even with the rotted out handles and sheaths.
Everyone wanted a "Genuine Ka-Bar", but no one had one.
Three of my Uncles enlisting in 1942-1943 were issued Camilus Mfg. "Ka-Bars".
My Father always said the the knife everyone really wanted in the Pacific was the Case "Quartermaster" knife. Much heavier built than the Ka-Bar.
He kept his Case all through the WWII and into Korea, finally gave it to the Turkish Sgt. who drug him out of line of fire when he was hit at Hungnam.
Anyhow, Interesting!
But I keep wondering what happened to all those "extra" Ka-Bars.
Maybe Camillus, Ka-Bar or both are "spinning" history a bit.
I do notice that Ka-Bar is making a much stronger claim to ownership than their literature did 30 years ago, probably due to renewed popularity.
BTW, I'm not knocking Ka-Bar Company, my large folding hunter by them has given me 40+ years of excellent service. I cant imagine anything else in that style being better.
Regards,
_____________________________________________
i would get it at actiongear.com, great service! my ka bar is my favorite knife in the droor. i have the 5" straight edge blade and i love it, i highly recomend you get it. over time you will notice the leather sheath will become very smooth and just drawing the knife will make you grin, and you can almost just throw the knife into it too. youl see what im talking about when it happens, its a very cool classic knife. its a must have!!!
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