alternitives to the classic usmc Ka-Bar knife

I'll second the recommendation for a Bravo 2, and add in the Bravo 1 and 1.5. Otherwise the Bark River STS-5 is a very militant blade.

Instead of a KABAR clone, how about a Randall clone? Look at Blackjack Knives Model 5 or 1-7. They're incredibly sexy, traditional looking but hard working knives made from excellent A2 tool steel with tangs hidden beneath beautiful micarta.

If you want a current (at least early in Afganistan) issued knife, complete with NSN number on the box, look at Meyerco's CQB1.

Tops makes a kabar looking full tang fixed blade, I can't remember the name right now. Other than a bunch of expensive Striders, I can't think of any other clip point militaryish knives.
 
The KA-BAR USMC has a good reputation for a reason. Get one, and for 60 bucks, you won't be disappointed.
 
jmflem said:
The KA-BAR USMC has a good reputation for a reason. Get one, and for 60 bucks, you won't be disappointed.
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+1

The KA-BAR USMC is an outstanding knife, especially when you consider the cost. But again, it comes back to what you intend to use it for. It's not a good chopper because it's so light, and I personally wouldn't use it for heavy batoning; however, if you're just looking for a good all-around fixed blade for when you're in the woods, the KA-BAR USMC is a lot of knife for the money.

If you are planning on doing heavy batoning, then you might want to consider the KA-BAR Becker BK-7 or one of the other knives that have been mentioned.

Again, it comes back to the specific tasks that you plan on using the knife to accomplish and your personal preferences.
 
The best Kabar-like knife is the Kabar. You could buy all the other recommended knives, but you still won't have a Kabar.

If you want a Kabar-like knife, get the Kabar.
 
Hi, G-Man ,
Just so you know, the Buck 120 General is back in regular production as of this year.
 
Everything is compared to the KaBar...

I have had a USMC-issue KaBar since about '68, given me by my uncle when he returned from Vietnam. It's been one of my two or three goto belt knives for the wild and expeditions. The original leather sheath is still in good shape with only occasional care over the years. It's a great knife. Still rock solid and ready to go.
 
I'll throw the new model Cold Steel Leatherneck in the mix. I really see this as the modern and more robust evolution of the kabar. It has a much more substantial tang. The grip is an extremely comfortable kraton-like material, and you don't have to worry about it shrinking like leather washers are apt to. They've changed the grind to hollow from the full flat that this model used to have, which I think is great as it puts a little more meat behind the edge. A lot of people will bad-mouth the 4116 Krupp stainless steel that they switched to from the SK-5. I would encourage them to try it in at least this knife, because it has been a great performer on all kinds of tasks. It takes a wicked edge on my work sharp, and it maintained it through a recent weekend where it was the sole knife I used for everything from batonning through seasoned cherry to feathering sticks.
 
Charlie_K said:
I'd like to see some proof of that.
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Google "Buck General Knife" and get all the proof you need.


OP: If you like the Kabar, then get it. (The Ontario version is a little rougher finished, but for a user I actually like it better.) For camping and utility it will be fine. Light batonning (think "kindling"), it will be fine. If you plan to throw it, or beat it through a gnarly log, you may want to consider something else. Becker BK-7 perhaps, or better yet Ontario 12" machete.
 
Being available for sale doesn't exactly mean it's back in full time production. Retail outlets will sell whatever they can get, and sometimes that includes discontinued merchandise.
 
Charlie_K said:
Being available for sale doesn't exactly mean it's back in full time production. Retail outlets will sell whatever they can get, and sometimes that includes discontinued merchandise.
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Hmm, 4 different sellers on search page 1 doesn't convince you? Well then, go to the Buck Knives website and you will find it listed among all their other current production fixed blade knives.

OP: The Buck Special would be a nice alternate to the Kabar. I do not have a General, but my Special is a nice handling knife, as long as the large guard doesn't bother you. There have been some posts of folks who have cut down the guard and the results are pretty nice. Just an option if you are handy that way and don't mind cutting into a new knife!
 
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