KA-Bar Fighting/Utility knife question

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FlyingKiwi

Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
154
I have had my heart set on getting a full sized KA-BAR for a while because it is the quintessential field knife IMO.
I am also pretty tight on money so this knife fits the bill for me. I have decided upon the FRN type sheath, but I am having trouble deciding on between the traditional stacked leather handle or the Kraton grips (then colour comes into play :eek:).

I wont be using the knife every day, Just when I go camping or feel like using a nice knife/fondling :D:D.

So, any suggestions?
 
Personal opinion, but I don't think you can go wrong with the stacked leather. You will never use it enough to wear it out, and it will always feel good in your hand.
 
Definitely stacked leather handle, without a doubt, one of the most important parts of the whole feel and experience. Can get some other knives later with Kraton handles. Besides the history and aesthetics, it has such a perfect feel in hand and lasts very well like Jess points out.

I would just get the leather sheath as well, never liked the plasticex sheath they offer for them. Leather sheath is less bulky and better in operation and goes with the history/aesthetics thing again for a knife like this that has soul.
 
I have to go along with what Jess67 said. I don't think you can go wrong with either handle really, but the traditional leather one seems like you're carrying a piece of history into the field with you.

I carried a KA-BAR with stacked leather handles in Southeast Asia (and other places) for years without the handles giving me any trouble at all, so I think they'll hold up well back here for your uses. Probably for your children's lifetime, too: the stacked leather is actually pretty tough stuff.
 
I've had both and I honestly like the kraton more. It feels much better in hand and won't swell or rot. On the other hand, I really like how the leather looks and it has a very distinct smell. I would just get both, but I know you said you're tight on money (aren't we all?). If you're not going to get it soaking wet then go with the leather. Also, don't get one with serrations.
 
Heiheit said:
I've had both and I honestly like the kraton more. It feels much better in hand and won't swell or rot. On the other hand, I really like how the leather looks and it has a very distinct smell. I would just get both, but I know you said you're tight on money (aren't we all?). If you're not going to get it soaking wet then go with the leather. Also, don't get one with serrations.
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I'll second that: serration's are a blasphemy, making a good, traditional knife into an abomination. That's my sermon for the day, brought to you by the letter "K."
 
Being an ex Jarhead,I would go with the stacked leather handle as well.It should be durable enough for most uses without any worries.
 
no serrations & go with leather. lets not forget the majority of marines whom were gone to the jungles for more than 2 years did'nt lose the leather handles.
dennis
 
DennisStrickland said:
no serrations & go with leather. lets not forget the majority of marines whom were gone to the jungles for more than 2 years did'nt lose the leather handles.
dennis
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As I mentioned, I carried a KA-BAR through several tours in Vietnam, and never had any problem with the leather handles. What I didn't mention is that my dad carried a KA-BAR throughout the Pacific during WW II, and then in Korea, without any problem. In other words, don't worry about the leather.

On the other hand, do sweat the serration's: they're just not right. If you get serration's on your KA-BAR, the spirits of all we former Marines will haunt your every waking moment. I'm just saying . . .
 
dawsonbob said:
As I mentioned, I carried a KA-BAR through several tours in Vietnam, and never had any problem with the leather handles. What I didn't mention is that my dad carried a KA-BAR throughout the Pacific during WW II, and then in Korea, without any problem. In other words, don't worry about the leather.

On the other hand, do sweat the serration's: they're just not right. If you get serration's on your KA-BAR, the spirits of all we former Marines will haunt your every waking moment. I'm just saying . . .
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Seven tours in Nam? care to elaborate how that is possible?:confused:
 
Chopper Head said:
Seven tours in Nam? care to elaborate how that is possible?:confused:
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Please read it again, Chopper Head. There's a difference between several and seven. Yes, I did multiple tours but, because of my job, my tours were only about six months long, at which point I was pulled for other things (often schools). The average grunt did a tour of thirteen months.
 
Heiheit said:
I've had both and I honestly like the kraton more. It feels much better in hand and won't swell or rot.
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I HATE Kraton.:thumbdn:
After 20 years, the stuff starts to disintegrate. Makes for a gross feeling handle that rubs off all over your skin.:mad:
I guess if you're buying a crap knife that will need replacing in a few years then Kraton's okay.
But I really hate the stuff.
 
Those leather handles will last a lifetime......I did this to one of mine.....well.....just cuzz I could.
Micarta will last a long time too:D

Ka-Barre-do001.jpg


Ka-Barre-do002.jpg
 
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