KA-BAR kraton handle how durable is it

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noviomagus

Joined
Dec 25, 2007
Messages
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I'm interested in what people's experiences are with the Kraton handles of Ka-bar.
Are these handles durable ?

Who has used one for years and has positive(or negative) experiences with it.
I read a few negative experiences on Cold Steel's Kraton.
Being a bit soft, and sometimes twisting around the tang..

Maybe some pics of older/used Kraton handles would be nice to see too if possible.
 
I think it's more personal preference- there's Afew advantages and disadvantages to the leather vs kraton, but I think their both vary durable

Me personally? I prefer the leather, some people say it rots and sucks- but I say it's great- my kabar from WWII still has it's wonderful leather- 100% intact... Just harder and darker


My 2cents
 
Yes this is what I read about several Ka-bar leather handles too.That there are quite a few from WWII that are still intact.And when applying some wax now and then, it will hold up fine I would guess.

But how's the Kraton holding up to people using them.
 
I really like Cold Steel Kraton. I really like leather too. I just bought a KaBar USN MK1 with a kraton handle, it feels good in hand but time will tell how it works out.
 
I like the grippyness of Kraton very much,this in combination with the oval form of the Ka-bar handle makes it a very comfortable handle(to me)
 
Im pretty sure you won't have a problem with it twisting or anything- and even if it does it's not Likely you'll notice, the design would hide that
 
Did you use anything on the leather of the WWII Ka-bar that it stayed in such a good condition?

I have no worries about the Kraton handle starting to twist around the tang.This handle is not like the Cold Steel handle.
I Was thinking about some possible deteriorating of the material itself when being exposed to the sun or just over time,that the material hardens and breaks or something like that.
Dont know.
There are so many rubber-like substances around.So many different qualities.
Some are very tough, and others you can easily rub the checkering off with your thumb.
 
The most that was ever on mine was blood mud and water- went to the pacific in WWII to Vietnam and iraq, it's been a user it's while life- I think I've given it it's first rest- handles doing great still yet, wood post pics if I was able
 
Wow.Sounds pretty impressive.

Leather can be tough.That I do know.

I remember when being 15 years old ,I went to the Museum in Paris(school trip).The war museum (Hotel des invalides,looked it up ) I think it was.
Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb was there too.

But in that museum they had a leather sadlle from that era ,still in relative good condition.
That surpised me quite a bit.
 
noviomagus said:
Wow.Sounds pretty impressive.

Leather can be tough.That I do know.

I remember when being 15 years old ,I went to the Museum in Paris(school trip).The war museum (Hotel des invalides,looked it up ) I think it was.
Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb was there too.

But in that museum they had a leather sadlle from that era ,still in relative good condition.
That surpised me quite a bit.
Click to expand...

Leathers more durable that people give it credit for- especially the "tactical" community...
 
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