Here are some shots and observations of my new Dog's Head Utility.
First up, with a few friends. A standard KA-BAR, and a Tanto, all in their respective sheaths.
And out in the open,
A look at the newer style blade grind as opposed to the old, and the slightly different fullers,
Obviously the pommels are quite different. The Dog's Head seems to have the same pommel as my D2 Extreme, only it looks reversed with the smooth side facing the rear. Instead of forward like on the D2. I had to dig my D2 out to verify that.
The guard looks to be a cut down version of the Tanto guard. Same thickness, shorter on top. Allowing for more comfortable use in camp type environments. The D2 guard is wider and scalloped on the bottom. With hardly any protrusion above the handle. Also the only good shot I managed to get of the new Pirate Dog Stamp.
The sheath is the basic KA-BAR sheath, only the U.S.M.C. Has been replaced by my new K-9 Pirate buddy,
An artsy look at all three,
If I had to describe this new KA-BAR, I would most likely compare it to certain cars or motorcycles that were put together from leftover parts. I would call it, A Parts Bin Knife.
Basically it looks like KA-BAR had some inventory to use up. This is in no way a derogatory assessment. Quite the contrary, I have owned some parts bin vehicles and they were all more than the sum of their parts. This new Dog's Head seems like it will be likewise.
Out of the box, it is sharper than any other KA-BAR I have purchased. With the possible exception of my D2. The edge grind is nice and even. The fit and finish is good. By combining parts from several different knives they have achieved a nice final product. Perhaps not a revolution. But a nicely executed evolution.
My only nit, if I had to pick one. Is the grind on the right side starts right at the bottom of the fuller. On the left there is about 1/16" of steel before the grind starts. I didn't notice it until I plunged the knife into action. Or I might have asked for one with better grinds.
In reality this slight variation will have no ill effect on my use of this knife. And most of my knives cheap or expensive some have flaws. I'm probably just too meticulous.
I will use this thread to add my observations as I get familiar with it.
After reading the "What do you use your KA-BAR U.S.M.C. for" I thought I would take this one out and work it a bit. And see if I can't add to that thread.
I spend a good deal of time in the woods and by fires. So I need a knife that does some woodsy tasks. I cook a lot, both indoors and out. So I need a knife that can handle kitchen duty, be it inside or in the woods.
Basically just a general purpose, jack of all trades, master of none, type blade. I think this new Dog's Head Utility should fill that role nicely. Who knows I may even put it through my version of a one knife thirty-day challenge.
In my mind these KA-BAR knives have withstood the test of time. They have proven themselves over and over again. Many in harsh, unforgiving, environments, where lives depended on them. That is enough of a pedigree for me.
Are they perfect?, no. What knife is? What they are, is proven. They have a wonderful history. It is truly an honor to be able to hold a piece of that in my hand.
But history don't slice the bacon. It needs to work. I will try and give an objective assessment of this knife's strengths and weaknesses here.
The first thing I tried was some feather sticks. This skill seems to have become one of the quintessential parts of modern woods life. Rather than argue its worth. I decided to just give it a go.
I have seen many folks on here and other places that can build feather sticks that almost border on artwork. Starting with clean, straight, knotless, boards of certain woods conducive to such endeavors. Usually with knives ground specifically for wood working tasks.
Me, I just grab a stick, and a knife. Because I figure, that is what I will have if I ever need to use this skill for real.
Mine may never hang in the Louvre, but they burn long enough to get the birch bark lit. I thought the Dog's Head did an outstanding job on the Sticks. Especially given it is the first task I have used this knife on. I took it out of the box, took some photos, and then had at it.
Overall, I came away very impressed with this new knife. I think it will be a hit for KA-BAR. They civilianized it just enough, that I think it will appeal to more folks. But I also think it has retained enough of its original character and specifications to still appeal to its original target demographic.
It is quite possible, that I may hold in my hand, a better KA-BAR. With just enough subtle differences to matter. Without taking away from the original design.
