1310 "Slabby" Initial Impression

[Jeff O]

Just got mine and hats off to the engineers. It's exactly how I would have updated the iconic KaBar.

-Centered up the handle with the blade.

-Just a little bit thicker and a little bit wider.

-Moved the fuller around to move the blade grind up higher so the edge bevel can be thin enough to actually cut stuff.

- The edge bevel sticks out past the ricasso. That's always been my preference.

-Much stronger tang, of course.

-Straightened out the front clip.

-Appears to be PVD coated instead of epoxy paint. I'll tolerate paint but I don't like it.

-I like 1095. It's never let me down.

- handle keeps that fighting knife feel; it's not a machete. Don't expect a machete handle.The plastic is basic but good enough. In fact, that type of plastic would have been exotic stuff back in the day and is probably indestructible. But... I'll likely add some micarta, just for esthetics.

-USA made sheath, that's cool. Definitely holds the knife secure and I have no problem drawing it as others have reported. I don't miss the belt loop as it's going in a bag, not on a belt. I might build a leather belt loop for the heck of it, though.

Well done, guys! I like it.

ETA: The balance is perfect.

 

[mc5aw]

Thank you for the initial thoughts. This is on my "next to buy" list.

DBK reviewed the prototype a month ago and loved it.

I hope to see someone test it against an Esee 6 sooner than later.

 

[Jeff O]

Those two clowns do some goofy stuff but I do enjoy their channel.

Never thought I'd seen them embrace a KaBar after destroying a few of them.

 

[mc5aw]

Ka-Bar predated the Slabby with the 1464 two decades ago.

 

[Jeff O]

Oh, yeah, I remember those. Cool but didn't impress me enough to buy one back in the day. Yes, it was full tang but not nearly as well thought out.

 

[caine]

Personally I think they should have went with the double guard and reg pommel. Not the next gen look

 

[GeofS]

Just dyed and added Carroll micarta. Excellent knife, not as nice but stacks up well against the Hinderer. The Slabby is heavier.

 

[Tenbeers]

I received mine today.
I like the knife overall but it's a little underwhelming.
Decent grinds and a very sharp factory edge.
The steel stock isn't what I expected,it doesn't look much thicker than a regular 1217 if at all.
The fact that it fits so easily in a 1217 sheath backs that up some.
The knife feels good in hand but the scales are very smooth. I'll be adding grip tape to
help with that. I not going to spend even more $ for aftermarket scales.
Which brings up the larger issue for me, I personally feel that this knife is a bit overpriced
for the materials used. I realize it's an American product and would accordingly be higher priced but this seems excessive. YMMV.

 

[Unicorn161]

This would be great if it had something like textured micarta or G10 handle scales. Even better if it had a full tang without the cutouts, and an option to have a larger guard. I'm waiting for either Ka-Bar or the aftermarket to come out with different handle scales. Or maybe a run in Magnacut, Cru-wear, or 3V. That would be awesome.

 

[aidsword]

Totally agree — they nailed the updates without losing the classic KaBar soul. The improved tang, grind, and balance make it feel modern but still tough. Micarta scales would look amazing on it. Great to see USA-made quality done right!

plants vs brainrots​

 

[true north]

I have had my Slabby for a couple of months now and I'm contented with it. I got the KaBar black leather sheath ($20) for it which I like better than the zytel sheath it came with.

I ordered a set of Carroll's canvas micarta slabs for it, which will be an upgrade from the grivory grips with grip tape applied to them.

As for price, I got mine at Knife Center for $172 American which I thought was a good price.

The grivory grips would have been fine if only KaBar had put some checkering on them in the first place. Maybe fix that oversight, KaBar.