JAB Potbelly: Two Questions

Kels73

Kels73

Joined
Feb 20, 2012
Messages
1,347
Hello, everyone. I'm a longtime Ka-Bar fan, but I don't know that I've posted in this forum before.

I've got my eye on the JAB Potbelly; however, after doing some research, I have a few questions.

1) Is the Potbelly still hollow ground, or did Ka-Bar switch to a flat-ground configuration? I ask because one reviewer online stated that they did, but I haven't been able to confirm this.

2) Is the Potbelly's tip somewhat delicate? I've read five or six reviews where people state that they broke the tip. One individual broke it by dropping the knife; however, another claims that he broke his Potbelly's tip while simply using it to drill a hole in a piece of wood that he was preparing to use to make fire by friction. I realize it's possible that instances such as the latter one could be user error, but I thought it would be good to present this to the Potbelly users on this forum. Do you feel that you can use your Potbelly to perform reasonable tasks without worry, or do you find yourself babying the tip for fear that it might break?

I was able to handle one today and was really impressed by the overall design and feel in hand. Neither of the items mentioned above are necessarily deal-breakers for me. I'd just like to gain some insight from the folk on this forum.

Thanks.
 
To answer your first question, all of the new potbelly's and the one's to be manufactured in the future are FLAT ground. They Used to be HOLLOW ground. I know this because I Just received a new Potbelly from them that was a warranty replacement. It was my second time chipping the edge on the hollow ground version. Both times doing very light work. Ka Bar sent me a letter explaining that the new Potbellys are in fact flat ground. Also they have the more rough finish that is found on the tweeners.

As for the tip being weak, I will give you my opinion that it is far from weak, especially on the flat ground versions. I was barely able to use the 2 hollow ground models that I had because the edge literally chipped the first time I used the knife, and the second time it rolled and then chipped big time while chopping some green pine saplings. I was pretty discouraged after that happened and was going to give my new replacement away until it showed up with the letter explaining the grind change. So I decided that I would give it a chance, and I'm very glad that I did. I have now used the hell out of this knife. All of the things that attracted me to it initially really stand out in using the knife, the huge belly and sweep of the blade for chopping and carving. The serious versatility that the handle offers. There is not another 7 inch bladed knife around that can do what this knife does. I have done very heavy chopping and very heavy batoning with this knife which puts lots of strain on the tip. I now feel confident that this knife can truly put up with ANYTHING. I don't really believe I a "one tool option", but if forced to just choose one tool, it would be the Ka Bar potbelly hands down. The tip is very thick and due to the grinds is reinforced. Ive used it for cleaning 11"-20" trout and found it to work just fine, it actually carves and does delicate tasks pretty damn well for a 1/4" thick knife. I plan on using it elk hunting this fall to field dress and butcher the animal, just to see how it does.

One more thing that I want to mention is the about Ka Bar itself as a company. I am extremely impressed with their customer service, I've used their warranty a couple of times. I will be a customer for life not only because of the great products that they make but because of who they are and how they've treated me as a customer. Buy a Potbelly with a flat grind and I'm confident that you'll have no problems.

Hope this helps

Steve
 
That's really good to hear. I'll have to figure out who has the new flat-ground version in stock.

Yeah, I give high marks to Ka-Bar customer service. A few months back, I received a Becker BK-7 with a warped blade. I sent it to Ka-Bar, and they sent me a new one within two-weeks time. They even included a letter, letting me know that they inspected the replacement to make sure that it was straight. I was really impressed and have a lot of confidence in the company because of it.

Thanks for your comments.
 
I ordered one today. It should be the new flat-ground version. Either way, I really look forward to running it through its paces. Because of its unique design, it will definitely be a one-of-a-kind knife as far as my collection is concerned.
 
My Potbelly arrived in the mail today, and it's flat ground. I haven't been this excited about a knife in awhile. This thing is cool! I know that not everyone likes the handle, but I love it. I'm also really impressed by the sheath. It's very well thought out and very well constructed.

Ka-Bar has really knocked it out of the park with the Potbelly. Next stop, the woods.

JABPotbellyinSheath_zpsf6184ad5.jpg

JABPotbelly_zps97edbefb.jpg
 
That's really cool bro. I actually just sharpened mine for the first Time, and it's actually sharper than factory. Love the potbelly
 
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