- Joined
- May 8, 2012
- Messages
- 28
Just received the Ka-Bar JAB Potbelly and had to express just how pleased I am, initially, with the knife.
First of all I have to give Ka-Bar credit on the high quality packaging,still the best Ive seen to date from any manufacturer.
As for the Potbelly,at first look of opening the box the Potbelly is a unique and imposing handful knife, no doubt about it.But the striking first impression from picking the Potbelly up was just how well the weight of the knife felt and balanced in the hand. Absolute natural feel that seems very very familiar to me for some unknown reason.The handle has the well designed feel of something like a high quality pistol would have and just rolls right in the hand positioning adding to the natural feel of the knife.I immediately recognized that this is the knife Ive been searching for over many years.
The finish is far beyond what I expected bordering on custom made appearance.The grind is spot on in every angle,bevels were perfectly even and the edge was polished razor sharp right out of the box..Not a single blemish to be found anywhere on the knife, so Ka-Bar's quality control and hand inspection process must still be extremely effective.
Balance of the blade is right at the front of the handle making the weight of the .25" thick blade feel much lighter than it actually is and very nimble.Absolutely love the constant curve of the blade which will enhance cutting especially on long cuts when processing big game.Makes the knife seem like a much longer blade than 7".This is clearly a knife designed by an outdoorsman and hunter....I certainly am appreciating it so far.
The sheath is constructed much better than what Ive seen in the available nylon type survival sheaths.Although its somewhat on the large side it certainly is well constructed,almost overbuilt.After experience with my Ka-Bar Beckers and OKC Ranger knives I expected to have some poor sheath liner to blade fit and resulting blade rattle, but that isnt the case.Apparently Ka-Bar has taken steps to improve this since my last purchase,and the insert in the sheath is well formed and purpose built as such which gives a snug fit on the blade.No rattle or movement on the Potbelly even without the retention straps snapped.
Ive also read complaints about the lower retention strap getting in the way and being cut if not careful drawing the knife.Well seems Ka-Bar is listening as they have the lower retention strap backed with velcro now,so when its unsnapped and folded back out of the way its retained in a flat position with the velcro.
As has been stated many times the outer sheath pouch is large, and lined as well making it very robust.Would like to see a flap on this pocket rather than a draw string though.Only complaint is the orange cord used as a draw string on the outer pouch,looks way out of place on the tan sheath for sure.
The compartment for the piggyback has good tension on the blade and backed up with the snap flap.Very well laid out overall.The belt loop of the sheath is only tacked at the backside lower corners,and being that it rides low anyway,I cut the stitching and moved the belt loop down and sewed it in place to where the sheath rides on the belt right at the top retention strap.This is the same thing Ive done with my larger Becker and Ranger blades to get them to ride higher on the belt to reduce flop when moving, and binding when keeling/sitting.Works and feels much better to wear.
The Piggyback is a nice little companion blade thats made nicely.Love the jimping on the blade spine in strategic points.Should fit many roles around a campsite and in field dressing.It also came with a plastic neck sheath which I didn't expect.
Until I get some actual field time thats about all I can say about the Potbelly for the moment,but still amazed at how pleased, and impressed I am with this knife.Will get some field time and pictures to follow up with a review in this thread soon.
Honestly can't believe this knife doesn't have a larger following than it does, as its certainly well designed/made and alot of knife for the money.
I also wanted to say outstanding job Steve Johnson/JAB and give appreciation to Ka-Bar's pride in manufacturing quality knives.
First of all I have to give Ka-Bar credit on the high quality packaging,still the best Ive seen to date from any manufacturer.
As for the Potbelly,at first look of opening the box the Potbelly is a unique and imposing handful knife, no doubt about it.But the striking first impression from picking the Potbelly up was just how well the weight of the knife felt and balanced in the hand. Absolute natural feel that seems very very familiar to me for some unknown reason.The handle has the well designed feel of something like a high quality pistol would have and just rolls right in the hand positioning adding to the natural feel of the knife.I immediately recognized that this is the knife Ive been searching for over many years.
The finish is far beyond what I expected bordering on custom made appearance.The grind is spot on in every angle,bevels were perfectly even and the edge was polished razor sharp right out of the box..Not a single blemish to be found anywhere on the knife, so Ka-Bar's quality control and hand inspection process must still be extremely effective.
Balance of the blade is right at the front of the handle making the weight of the .25" thick blade feel much lighter than it actually is and very nimble.Absolutely love the constant curve of the blade which will enhance cutting especially on long cuts when processing big game.Makes the knife seem like a much longer blade than 7".This is clearly a knife designed by an outdoorsman and hunter....I certainly am appreciating it so far.
The sheath is constructed much better than what Ive seen in the available nylon type survival sheaths.Although its somewhat on the large side it certainly is well constructed,almost overbuilt.After experience with my Ka-Bar Beckers and OKC Ranger knives I expected to have some poor sheath liner to blade fit and resulting blade rattle, but that isnt the case.Apparently Ka-Bar has taken steps to improve this since my last purchase,and the insert in the sheath is well formed and purpose built as such which gives a snug fit on the blade.No rattle or movement on the Potbelly even without the retention straps snapped.
Ive also read complaints about the lower retention strap getting in the way and being cut if not careful drawing the knife.Well seems Ka-Bar is listening as they have the lower retention strap backed with velcro now,so when its unsnapped and folded back out of the way its retained in a flat position with the velcro.
As has been stated many times the outer sheath pouch is large, and lined as well making it very robust.Would like to see a flap on this pocket rather than a draw string though.Only complaint is the orange cord used as a draw string on the outer pouch,looks way out of place on the tan sheath for sure.
The compartment for the piggyback has good tension on the blade and backed up with the snap flap.Very well laid out overall.The belt loop of the sheath is only tacked at the backside lower corners,and being that it rides low anyway,I cut the stitching and moved the belt loop down and sewed it in place to where the sheath rides on the belt right at the top retention strap.This is the same thing Ive done with my larger Becker and Ranger blades to get them to ride higher on the belt to reduce flop when moving, and binding when keeling/sitting.Works and feels much better to wear.
The Piggyback is a nice little companion blade thats made nicely.Love the jimping on the blade spine in strategic points.Should fit many roles around a campsite and in field dressing.It also came with a plastic neck sheath which I didn't expect.
Until I get some actual field time thats about all I can say about the Potbelly for the moment,but still amazed at how pleased, and impressed I am with this knife.Will get some field time and pictures to follow up with a review in this thread soon.
Honestly can't believe this knife doesn't have a larger following than it does, as its certainly well designed/made and alot of knife for the money.
I also wanted to say outstanding job Steve Johnson/JAB and give appreciation to Ka-Bar's pride in manufacturing quality knives.
It is an excellent blade & very heavy duty.