Well when I got it I really didn't think I would be writing praises about it but here we are. I picked up this knife used in mint condition about 10 years back for $60 shipped. I have done everything with it and it keeps coming back for more. I used to own the USMC original style which I got a good amount of use out of then sold it for more then I paid so really don't have any money in the 1221. I may get another USMC one day just to have but don't really have a use for one now.
Lets start with the grip which I had my doubts about having the leather model. I actually find it more comfortable and the pommel with its little elongated bit makes for better gripping while chopping and also gives me a place to put a lanyard so that's a plus.
The blade, I was a little wary about the serrations thinking they wouldn't hold up to abuse and was concerned with damaging them as well as reducing the amount of blade to play with. So far through all the beatings I've given it there have been no chips and they are still very sharp and good for slicing rope. The main edge has also held up very well. The coating is rather worn but still 75% overall.
The sheath, I wasn't so sure how it would hold up when I first got it but today it still looks just as good as it did on day one. Mind you the snap has stretched a little but it still clips in tight with very little play. Often I don't use the belt loop and instead carry it reversed in pants with the hump facing out if you know what I mean.
I made some modifications to it as well, I rounded off all the edges on the pommel and guard so they are smooth and uniform which I don't know why Ka-Bar didn't do this at the factory as well as sharpening the back edge of the blade.
Ok so what have I done with it......
Chopped down many saplings, as well as plenty of batoning, cutting of rope and vines, the regular stuff. Some light prying but I have a pry bar so didn't want to break it.
Now onto the hard stuff......
One time while camping I used it to dig a 6" deep hole in a graveled area to make a small latrine. Stabbing through the packed gravel.
I also find it to be a top notch gardening tool for slicing through fabric mat and digging in hard earth and hammering in a small trowel for tulips.
I've thrown it at numerous trees for fun, and used it to poke at wood in the fire pit of course not getting it too hot.
A friend of mine (Stabman) also created a personal defence shield and I stabbed it full force into the thick sheet metal, no problem!
Even after the hard abuse, and I don't care what I do with it there are no chips in the blade and the tip has been very easy to reshape.
I am very impressed it really cant be beat for the money or size, I would even feel comfortable lending it to a friend.
Yes I know there are bigger, smaller and more expensive knives which I also own but for what it is I cant find a knife I want to really beat up like this one.
If sh*t hit the fan and I had to go this is what I would take.
I should add the fiskars tool is pretty bad assed too!!
Lets start with the grip which I had my doubts about having the leather model. I actually find it more comfortable and the pommel with its little elongated bit makes for better gripping while chopping and also gives me a place to put a lanyard so that's a plus.
The blade, I was a little wary about the serrations thinking they wouldn't hold up to abuse and was concerned with damaging them as well as reducing the amount of blade to play with. So far through all the beatings I've given it there have been no chips and they are still very sharp and good for slicing rope. The main edge has also held up very well. The coating is rather worn but still 75% overall.
The sheath, I wasn't so sure how it would hold up when I first got it but today it still looks just as good as it did on day one. Mind you the snap has stretched a little but it still clips in tight with very little play. Often I don't use the belt loop and instead carry it reversed in pants with the hump facing out if you know what I mean.
I made some modifications to it as well, I rounded off all the edges on the pommel and guard so they are smooth and uniform which I don't know why Ka-Bar didn't do this at the factory as well as sharpening the back edge of the blade.
Ok so what have I done with it......
Chopped down many saplings, as well as plenty of batoning, cutting of rope and vines, the regular stuff. Some light prying but I have a pry bar so didn't want to break it.
Now onto the hard stuff......
One time while camping I used it to dig a 6" deep hole in a graveled area to make a small latrine. Stabbing through the packed gravel.
I also find it to be a top notch gardening tool for slicing through fabric mat and digging in hard earth and hammering in a small trowel for tulips.
I've thrown it at numerous trees for fun, and used it to poke at wood in the fire pit of course not getting it too hot.
A friend of mine (Stabman) also created a personal defence shield and I stabbed it full force into the thick sheet metal, no problem!
Even after the hard abuse, and I don't care what I do with it there are no chips in the blade and the tip has been very easy to reshape.
I am very impressed it really cant be beat for the money or size, I would even feel comfortable lending it to a friend.
Yes I know there are bigger, smaller and more expensive knives which I also own but for what it is I cant find a knife I want to really beat up like this one.
If sh*t hit the fan and I had to go this is what I would take.
I should add the fiskars tool is pretty bad assed too!!
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