ka-bar new or old

mbjannusch

mbjannusch

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Apr 1, 2010
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I picked up a Ka-Bar and I don't know how to tell if it is a newer made knife or an old one. It is stamped ka-bar Orlean NY. on one side and on the other it is stamped USMC. The blade doesn't look like todays typical finish, possibabley blued and the handle appears to be stacked leather. Can any body give me a little more insite on the matter?

mbjannusch
 
they changed the finish awhile ago so its prob the older one.

to make sure just feel a new one and the old one's finish and you can tell!
 
Thank u for your timely response, I do have to clarify the blade is stamped Olean, I misspelled it, sorry. The blade isn't smooth like the new ones but almost grainy if that makes sence. Also the handle appears to be pinned. The sheath is stamped KA-BAR and has the EGA and USMC, It is stiched and stapled not rivited, hope this helps.
 
Its the first production model starting from the late 70's. They were parkerized and the crossguard was painted black. The blade grinds were always iffy compared to what Ka-bar puts out today. They sure have improved the quality.
 
I received these 2 this week.
The large one has another finish on the blade then the small.
The finish on the small is more shiny and thicker.

The large one would be about 20 years old as the seller stated.
The small will probably be newer but no dates.

Also the small has a riveted sheath and the large the stapled sheath.

The finish on my large is nicer.

IMG_8051.jpg

IMG_8105.jpg

IMG_8129.jpg
 
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Thank u DRE, Girlyman and *JiJoel* for your replys. Your comments just conferrmed the things I thought or hoped. I bought it on Ebay from a guy that picked it up at an estate sale. I payed 55$ including shipping. Ithink I did well.

JiJoel, The finish is nothing like the ones shown in your pics. The finish is more dusty looking, almost like what an undercoating is like,but thinner not shiney at all (glare resistant mabey).
 
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