KA-Bar Fighting/Utility knife question

Thanks for the welcome, ill be sure to give a more thorough review when i get back from afghanistan
 
Why do the Kabars that are sold today have staples in the leather sheaths? Takes away the vintage feeling. Doesnt seem like its neccessary.
 
ricklee4570 said:
Why do the Kabars that are sold today have staples in the leather sheaths? Takes away the vintage feeling. Doesnt seem like its neccessary.
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Staples? Mine are machine stitched. The newest one is right next to my workstation here and on examination, it has got 3 rivets going down each side and one at the tip for re-enforcement. They are dark colored and blend right in. Is that what you meant as a staple? You have any pics?
 
Intruderdriver said:
Mine has staples (alongside the stitching). Bought it in 1984 at the PX in Quantico.
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I got discharged from Quantico after coming home in 1969. Longest 2 weeks I spent in the Corps - all spit & polish. Everything sucked at Quantico (to me). I guess their sheaths did too.

Sorry no explanaions I can think of. If you pull out the staples the stitching might hold??
 
cziv said:
Staples? Mine are machine stitched. The newest one is right next to my workstation here and on examination, it has got 3 rivets going down each side and one at the tip for re-enforcement. They are dark colored and blend right in. Is that what you meant as a staple? You have any pics?
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I dont have any pictures, but at the last gun show I attended, there were probably 7 or 8 USMC Kabars there and every sheath had the staples on it.

When I say staple, I mean a big staple, like the ones that hold big cardboard boxes together.
 
ricklee4570 said:
I dont have any pictures, but at the last gun show I attended, there were probably 7 or 8 USMC Kabars there and every sheath had the staples on it.

When I say staple, I mean a big staple, like the ones that hold big cardboard boxes together.
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That sucks :barf: Are they tang stamped Olean NY? Maybe they just got cheaper like everything seems to be these days. How about the stitching, does it have a good machine stitching all around?

It's porbably not worth the hassle, but any leatherworker work hanging out a shingle could replac those with some brown rivets for a few bucks.

Heck it might work fine w/o anything but the sewing job?? I'm not saying to rip 'em out though. Good luck! :)
 
The original repro from the late 70-80's and up through the 1990's had a stapled sheath. Many of the original sheaths during WWII were stapled with brass staples while some manufactured them with round headed staples like the current version.

BOYT produced leather sheaths in excellent condition bring more money than the knife.
 
This is what my sheath looks like - only older looking:

KB1217S.jpg


I think this is the one you're referring to. I guess it really doesn't matter much eh?
 
rayban said:
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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OH MY JESUS, THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR MY WHOLE LIFE! Amazing customization.
 
:D I have both the leather full size one and the one with the kraton handle. I would choose the kraton handle, because the leather handle looks too pretty to use.:rolleyes: You might also consider the short kraton or even leather. I want the short one of both, but money is too tight right now.:D
 
I just opened up my Ka-bar today (birthday present so had to wait) unfortunately they were out of plastic sheaths so they gave me a leather one. I am not liking the sheath, it looks nice, would be great for displaying the knife but for use I'm just not liking it. Mine is stitched and riveted no staples but it seems too thin for the knife. I'm sure it'll loosen up over time but right now it's so tight that when it's on my belt I can't draw the knife without holding the sheath with my other hand. Part of the handle is also wearing a couple grooves into the leather after putting it in and out just a few times. I'm not a Marine either so I don't like wearing the USMC symbol.

I don't know, just seems like a cheaply made sheath, I'll probably buy a plastic one. Heck of a knife though!

That sucks:barf: Are they tang stamped Olean NY? Maybe they just got cheaper like everything seems to be these days.
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You know that the sheaths are made in Mexico right?
 
Yes the NAFTA act saw to that. Only Ross Perot and I opposed it! :p

Mine is older though and bought when I was an active Marine. It's stamped "Hand sewn by whatever indigenous people we're wasting at the moment."
 
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