Is it still a Ka-Bar??

[waynorth]

This question has arisen from my posting in the swap thread. Here is a rather nice swell-center balloon whittler, stamped Ka-Bar, Olean, N.Y.

The latest information (LG4) says the name belonged to Union Cutlery, and the latest owner is/was Alcas Cutlery. If they own the name, is this knife a Ka-Bar, or is it a reproduction?? The knife itself looks very much like the work of Queen Cutlery, and I don't know enough about Union Cut. to know if they ever made such a knife. Assuming that it is a contract knife, is it still a Ka-Bar?
Case had someone make their scout/utility knives (Camillus?) in recent times, I have been told, and they are still considered Case knives.
So, to rephrase the question, "is this knife a reproduction, or is it a contracted-out Ka-Bar???".

 

[knifeaholic]

Made by Queen for the KABAR collectors club. Queen made a lot of their limited runs.

My understanding is that KABAR ceased to manufacture their own knives in 1977 and after that it was just a brand name....Camillus made the regular slipjoint line in delrin and Queen made the high end collectors club knives.

Then ALCAS bought the name and went tactical.

 

[waynorth]

Thanks knifeaholic!

 

[Yosemite Sam]

My understanding is that KABAR ceased to manufacture their own knives in 1977 and after that it was just a brand name....Camillus made the regular slipjoint line in delrin and Queen made the high end collectors club knives.

Then ALCAS bought the name and went tactical.

Who, then, makes the Marine combat knives sold under the KA-BAR name?

I just bought one last year and assumed it was still KA-BAR made, especially given all the literature shipped with the knife discussing company history and all.

Thanks for the info, too!

-- Sam

 

[kiov]

I did the same. very disappointing, but then again, not a big surprise in todays world. i guess from the previous post that ALCAS bought the name and still owns it. they seem to make good knives and follow the tradition. i really like my kabar. its seems well made and keeps up the tradition of a sturdy and affordable combat knife.

 

[knifeaholic]

Who, then, makes the Marine combat knives sold under the KA-BAR name?

I just bought one last year and assumed it was still KA-BAR made, especially given all the literature shipped with the knife discussing company history and all.

Thanks for the info, too!

-- Sam

I do not know who actually makes the current USMC KABARS - very good question. Could actually be ALCAS, otherwise Camillus? Ontario?

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Pure conjecture on my part, but I'm thinking that Camillus (or Ontario [-- Queen?], for that matter) would be a better choice for producing a fixed blade combat knife rather than a company that produces tactical folders. Especially since Camillus has (had?) their own version of the knife at one time.

At least, that's what I'd like to be the case.

-- Sam

 

[pogo]

Lets see... American Made.. Nice looking knife & sheild.. You got a Winner there my boy! One nice Knife!

 

[Yosemite Sam]

FYI, I have it on good authority that the KA-BAR Marine Fighting/Utility Knife #1217 is still made in Olean, NY. in a factory owned by the Alcas Corp. That factory, in effect, is the KA-BAR factory.

I'm also happy to report that KA-BAR is one of very few companies I've dealt with who's online customer service exceeds even my expectations. I asked a question and had a detailed answer within hours. A lot of companies, including my own, could learn from this level of service.

This has got to be one of the best values in a fixed blade knife out there today.

-- Sam