KA-BAR markings

Whit

Whit

Joined
Dec 27, 2001
Messages
729
Who can help me out with KA-BAR markings? Just bought one without a handle that I plan to fix up. I don't think it's WWII era, but I'm not sure. One side is marked;
KA-BAR
OLEAN,N.Y.

the other side is a large USMC

both marks are on the ricasso, not the guard. Is this a WWII marking or can you tell?? Thanks.
 
i dont know if you have seen any new ka-bars, you may want to go take a look and see if yours matches any of the new ones? i have one that says the same thying on one side(olean N.Y.) but has the model stamped on the other(1245) so yours might be the USMC model.
 
If the Ka-bar is WW!! issue, it would have a value between $75-100 in excellent condition,
but since it needs to be rehandled it probably has more value as a user. Most rehandled Ka-Bar's I've seen old, or otherwise sell in the $35-50 range based on style/quality of the new handle. The exception are theater knives.

You probably need to post a picture to get a actual determination of age. The newer Ka-Bar's have a black epoxy-like finish, while the older ones were blued, or Parkerlized. It would be easier to tell, if it had the original handle:(.


HTH:D!!!!
 
I have a WWII era Ka-Bar (Scout, not USMC). It's only marked on one side of the ricasso. It was identified by BRL, later confirmed by a Ka-Bar employee. Hope that helps.
 
Hi,

The Military Ka-Bar's were marked at the guard, or both sides of the blade depending on style, branch issued, year issued, etc,,,
I believe the older models have a dash between the Ka and Bar, that's the way the markings work on their pocketknives/fixed blades.

:D
 
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