Coldsteel or KA-BAR?

If only those 2...go for the KABAR...if you're splitting hairs on manufacturer...Camillus seems to do them, well.

Cold Steel knives suck.
 
The R1 is pretty well made and certainly doesn't suck. Same with the cheaper version, the ODA
 
fedaykincmndr said:
The Marine Corps still issues KA-BAR's; I got out a year or so ago, and those that were issued were KA-BAR. OH, and the new Marine Corps bayonets, KA-BAR! SO, they've never lost it in the first place. The answer to your question Joe is NOW. :D
Click to expand...

Kabar, Camillus, Ontario

I myself got out Dec '04. The new bayonet is made by Ontario, I believe it was mentioned in the Marine Corps Times. It was designed to look like the USMC knife.

BTW, the knife is properly called the "USMC fighting/utility knife" or Mark II. Neither are in Fed Log, nor is kabar or k-bar (had a buddy in supply let me check). Camillus invented it in WWII and it has been mass produced by many, including a company called Union Cutlery. Forward to the 70's, Union Cutlery becomes KABAR and starts producing the Mark II for the mass market (complete with advertising). Thus, the term "kabar" comes into usage.

Take a good look at the issued knives and the ones sold at the exchange. They're different. BTW, the current supplier to the militry is Ontario.
 
Most people recommend the Kabar or Camillus over the Ontario version of the marine combat knife. It seems Ontario has a spotty record on quality control. Cliff Stamp in particular has mentioned seeing mutiple Ontario knives that failed due to poor QC.

I own Kabar, Camillus, and Ontario versions of the marine combat knife. None have seen serious use, but of the three, the Ontario has developed a slightly loose guard.

It seems strange to me that Cold Steel Carbon V knives get a lot of criticism, yet they are made by Camillus and those knives sold under the Camillus and Becker brand names have a great reputation. Maybe the problem is in the Cold Steel designs?
 
Magnum- Carbon V from my understanding is simply a high carbon steel somewhat akin to 1095. I've used my SRK for everything from skinning and fielddressing chores to prying open windom frames and even breaking cinder block. The knife will take it. The only SRK I've ever heard of breaking was struck with a hammer while splitting a good size log...it doesn't take a genius to figure out that probably wasn't a great idea and a lot of quality blades probably would have broke. IMO opinion the SRK is a lot better knife than the Ka-bar and I do own and have used both. The SRK's asymetrical handle gives you a better index during hard use and especially if used in a combat role. The steel is almost identical only the SRK is made of thicker stock and has a more durable point configuration. The Clip point of the Kabar is thin and unsupported and often pops off during prying. The Ka-bar is a proven combat knife that has been used all around the world because 1) It was Issued!! 2) It's cheap and widely available. Your average soldier doesn't want to pay for his own equipment and if he doesn't want to pay much. That being said the SRK can be had for around $40 to $50 and your getting a much better blade than the the Kabar at $30. If you do decide on a Ka-bar, buy the Ka-bar brand as a lot of the others are flat out junk. Either way I hope your knife serves you well and you are happy with your purchase. Happy hunting!
 
Magnum440,

I just noticed you are in Amsterdam. If you don't mind my asking, what must one pay for a Kabar there? I lived in Germany for a while and American knives were quite expensive there.

The dollar has fallen a lot against the euro so maybe you can get an American knife cheaper now?
 
Hi W.T. Beck,

In Amsterdam a Ka-Bar knife costs between 75 and 125 Euro, depends on the model.
However special models/editions are more expensive.

regards.
 
I stand corrected Clint thanks for making me look like a jack @$$! :D (j/k)

Thanks for the info and next time I'll just keep my mouth shut; I found out that the new bayonets are Ontario after this post just didn't make it around to fixin it. :footinmou

I could have sworn the issued blades, or MK II now that I know, were KA-BAR; maybe it's just the ones we bought or the stamp was misread. Either way, learn something new every day! :p

Oh, and one more thing....

SEMPER FI! :yawn:
 
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