Ka-bar Dog's head (copper bolster)

H

HFinn

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Sep 6, 2012
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I have read some positive comments about Ka Bar copper bolster lockback. What I am not sure about is the bolster solid copper or just plated? If it is plated it is inviting disaster. If solid I am interested. I have decided after much thought and experimenting that this size (the smaller model) is just about perfect for me as a traditional pocket knife (closed 95 mm, blade 76 mm). I also like it aesthetically, the dark bone and copper bolster is nicely different. At this point I don't have a trad lockback in this size range.

What are your opinions about this knife? I read that they are made by Canal Street Cutlery, is this true?

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Yes, they are made by Canal street cutlery. I'm fairly certain that they used solid copper, there's no reason why they wouldn't, but if it WAS plated I have no clue how they could buff the bolster and smooth the transition with the bone. The steel pin proves that it can't have been plated afterwards either. I'd love to hear the thoughts of someone who owns one though, they look really cool.
 
They have been made by Canal Street for the last several years and yes they use solid copper. Excellent knives with great fit and finish. My most recent CSC knives have been just as good in the walk and talk and fit and finish department as my GEC's. I have the non locking version of that knife on me today. My son loves the dogs head shield and picked this one out for me today. :) The copper bolsters are my favorite feature as they change daily but if you want to make them look new again and start the patina over it only takes about 30 seconds with some metal polishing cloth, I use NevRdull for this.
IMG_20150422_104740_zpshn9swxwf.jpg
IMG_20150421_130408245_zps96dtp6el.jpg
 
jkulysses said:
They have been made by Canal Street for the last several years and yes they use solid copper. Excellent knives with great fit and finish. My most recent CSC knives have been just as good in the walk and talk and fit and finish department as my GEC's. I have the non locking version of that knife on me today. My son loves the dogs head shield and picked this one out for me today. :) The copper bolsters are my favorite feature as they change daily but if you want to make them look new again and start the patina over it only takes about 30 seconds with some metal polishing cloth, I use NevRdull for this.
IMG_20150422_104740_zpshn9swxwf.jpg
IMG_20150421_130408245_zps96dtp6el.jpg
Click to expand...

Oh-oh. Nice pictures. The patina on the bolsters actually looks good.
 
As others have said, solid copper bolsters soldered onto the liners. They have a very unique, distinctive look that gets better with patina. Here's my Coppersmith Barlow:

 
Dang, I have got to get one of the coppersmiths. I've been on the fence for literally a year now.

Does anybody have a size comparison of the barlow and the small lockback next to other knives?
 
ThievesLikeUs said:
Does anybody have a size comparison of the barlow and the small lockback next to other knives?
Click to expand...

The Dog Head Coppersmiths are a favorite of mine :)

Not sure what kind of comparison shot you're looking for but this is a pretty wide range ...

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I ordered the Ka Bar lockback and got it today. I am sorry to say that this is a real lemon. The play in the lock is huge, both sideways and laterally. I will send the knife back. Can't tell how disappointed I am. This is a really beautifull knife, sharp out of box. What a shame the fitting is so bad otherwise.
 
Sorry to hear you got a bad one. I have the small and large Coppersmith lockback and mine both have excellent fit & finish with no play in either direction. I have used the small one extensively and have been very impressed with the design and performance. It makes a great carry combo with my copper Maratac flashlight.

Are you exchanging?
 
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