Camillus or Ka-Bar.

knifelover4ever · Jun 17, 2004

which is better the ka-bar usmc knife or the camillus usmc knife thanks

Tok · Jun 17, 2004

Both will up to the job as a hard-use knife but for brand loyalty I would pick the Ka-Bar.

GarageBoy · Jun 17, 2004

Camillus supposedly doesn't have the loose guard problem

Will P. · Jun 17, 2004

I have tried both, and they are very similar. I like the Camillus one better, but I don't know why.

W.T. Beck · Jun 17, 2004

I have Camillus, Kabar, and Ontario Marine combat/utility knives, and I would say the brand to avoid is Ontario. I have no complaints about either the Camillus or the Kabar. My Ontario has developed a loose guard with virtually no use.

Just flip a coin to decide between the Camillus or Kabar. Both brands are of very good quality.

fudo · Jun 18, 2004

I think that the Camillus version is the better of the two.

W.T. Beck · Jun 18, 2004

There is one design difference between the Camillus and the Kabar. The double guard slants back a little on the top and bottom of the Kabar. The Camillus has a straight guard. I kind of like the straight guard better, but it is no big deal. Both brands have a great reputation for quality.

Kabar has some new models that have caught my interest. One is a fighter designed by Bob Dozier. It has a 7 inch blade. They also have a fighter with an 8 inch blade. I am planning to get both of them.

The price for these is a little higher than the WWII models, but not bad. Most internet dealers advertise them for about $55.

knifelover4ever · Jun 18, 2004

thank you for the help I think i am going to go with the Camillus

F3Beam · Jun 18, 2004

Just noticed that Smoky Mountain Knifeworks has the Desert Camillus in their clearance and closeout section for $29.

Edit: This is the Pilot Survival knife. I overlooked this as about the USMC
model. Sorry.

W.T. Beck · Jun 18, 2004

The Desert Model is the Camillus I have. It's very well made with a nice leather handle. If you don't mind a tan colored blade, it's a great choice.

Another great Camillus knife for a modest price is their Pilot Survival Knife.

wetdog1911 · Jun 19, 2004

W.T. Beck said:
I have Camillus, Kabar, and Ontario Marine combat/utility knives, and I would say the brand to avoid is Ontario. I have no complaints about either the Camillus or the Kabar. My Ontario has developed a loose guard with virtually no use.

Just flip a coin to decide between the Camillus or Kabar. Both brands are of very good quality.

Ditto that, except my Ontario broke at the tang while slicing cardboard. No problems with either the Ka Bar or the Camillus. I like the Kabar a bit better for no real reason.

Rob