camillus or ka-bar

M

m1a convert

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Nov 10, 2003
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I want a marine corps style combat knife. Which maker is better? Camillus are less expensive, better value than Ka Bar or worse quality. Are there other good options for combat knives in this price range ohter than marine corp style knives?
 
Camillus, they're built to military specifications since they have held DOD contracts. Kabar hasn't had a military contract since the end of WWII. They are not bad knives but the military issues Ontario or Camillus brands, depending on which company holds the current contract.

Bruce Woodbury
 
I only own a Ka-bar so I can't really compare but I have to say it's a great knife with good weight and a really wicked edge! I like the fit and finish too. You won't be disappointed by a Ka-bar.
 
In my experience the Camillus and Kabar knives are more or less identical in terms of function, and the primary difference is in fit and finish.

The Kabar knives are very well finished and feature a more attractive coating.

The Camillus ones are rather rough and have a chalky parkerized finish instead of the smooth coat of the Kabars.

They are also cheaper. I would go with Camillus if this is going to be a user. Right now you can get a USMC knife for 25 bucks off of the Camillus closeout page, as long as you don't mind a sand tan finish. If I was dead-set on a USMC that would be the way to go.

It's rather tough to make recommendations without knowing what you are really looking for ("combat knife" is a rather broad term) but I believe that there are several knives in a similar price range that are considerably better for general usage.
 
OK then, You definitely want the Impact Series Ka-Bar Model #1464. Fits what you are looking for perfectly. Tough,Pragmatic,Scalpel Sharp,Great price.
 
Personally I would hunt around for a deal on a Greco fixed blade.

If you are looking to buy right now I would suggest rounding up another twenty bucks and getting a Camillus Terzuola CQB with the black finish.
 
I went to the Greco link above, and in it John Greco makes an announcement that he is giving up knifemaking due to some health issues.
 
Don't get me wrong I love my KaBar but I retired it after removing the scales on my BKT Crewman and wrapping it with 550.
 
Heres you a deal.Camilus Pearl Harbor 26.99 at Eknifeworks.com
CM5684PH.jpg
 
Camillus (http://www.1sks.com/images/camillus/cam-5684.jpg) for usin'.

Ka Bar (http://www.1sks.com/images/kabar/ka-1217-2.jpg) for display!
Guess you know by now that the Ka Bar has a GREAT finish; in fact it's so good that I would be so very afraid to knock it around!
But that doesn't mean you can't.

BTW Case (http://www.1sks.com/images/case/cc-0334.jpg) has its own version too.
Haven't seen one up close, but as I understand, it comes or came (?) with a rough unpolished leather washer handle, much like the Camillus or current issued Ontario pilot survival knife. Can't say for sure though.

Which brings us to Ontario Marine Combat knife (http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/498_marine_combat.jpg), Boy! it really lacks refinement.
But I guess it was meant to be a functional hard use tool.
So it don't have to look dolled up.

Just remember that these blades are in plain carbon steel and require your constant attention. Be prepared for some rusting now and then.
So there you have it.

Oh, perhaps you may enjoy this, see "New Purchases"
http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/knife_knotes_9.htm
And go for something more up to date :-)


Krizzard, out
"...Whoever kills with the sword must be killed by the sword... "
- The New Testament, Revelation 13:10
 
Ive owned both and more. When I was in the Air Force the issue ones were the ontarios, they tend to be the bottom of the bucket when it comes to quality (compared to the other two, Kabar and camillus). With that said though I still have a few of these, they do what they are intended for. The camillus, even though they do not have the military contract for these (not since the 80's when ontario won the bid) they are still made, easy to find. they tend to be just a "little" better than the ontario as far as fit and finish. The Kabar, which I have always prefered, is better in both fit and finish and materials than both the camillus and the ontario. With all that said, personally I would go with the Kabar. More attention to detail is taken when making these. Also the epoxy finish seems to last longer than the old phosphate and the pommel is much thicker than the camillus,or than ontario.
 
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