About the Kabar...

[aXed]

I was just wondering about the Kabar USMC with the brown leather handle... how DOES the handle stand up against tough weather and use? I know a trick is to drown it in WD 40, but how often are you supposed to do it and how long would the overall handle last? Will it be covered under warranty if it cracks or falls apart or is that considered use? And what's the best way to take care of it?

thank you! excuse the dumbass newbie questions...

aXed

 

[Jeff Clark]

Stacked leather handles have been around for years. They are very durable unless you leave them damp for long periods of time or really pound on them (such as throwing the knife and bending the tang). The most common problem is the leather drying out and shrinking. This causes the handle or pommel to get loose.

I wouldn't soak the handle in WD-40. It smells strong and tends to get on everything. I would use something like neetsfoot oil or some other normal wood or leather treatment. Once I got it the way I wanted it I would put carnauba wax or beeswax on the outside as a tacky sealer.

I have several WWII vintage K-bars (actually they were mostly made by Camillus) and they have no handle problems. Most problems come from jungle regions where mildew is an issue.

 

[aXed]

thank you! and i suppose i just reapply the oil and wax when i feel the handle is drying out again right?

aXed

 

[rev_jch]

if it is an actual kabar repro. dont do anything to it if its new, when it starts to get rough use a heavy waxed base leather balm or conditoner to protect it. If you have the new military issue ontarios, when they get nasty soak them in neats foot oil for a while then let it dry out for a few days and wipe off the excess. I have had much experience with both when I was in the Air force and thats a couple of things that work.

 

[W.T. Beck]

I've seen alot of old collectible knives with leather handles at gun shows. The leather handles seem to last for a long time.