Ka-Bar Next Generation or regular version?

W

wmc1982

Joined
Oct 2, 2010
Messages
174
Looks like the Next Generation version is a bit different and costs $10 more than the regular 1213 black handled with kydex sheath Kabar I was planning on getting.

I was wondering if it's worth the $10 extra to get this knife. I can tell why it would be any nicer. Anyone had any experience with it? It does look pretty cool. I have the brown USMC but I'm wanting a new Ka-bar that I can use more.

Thanks knife people!
 
only difference I see is the Next Gen is 440c and the top handle guard is missing. Seems like this should all make it a cheaper blade. I wonder why it is more.
 
Any of you guys carry any KaBar fixed blades out in the woods or on a regular basis?
 
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The only thing I'm thinking is that the second looks more balanced with the colors, and it would be different since I already have the USMC in brown leather. I just feel like the 440 steel is a downgrade.
 
wmc1982 said:
only difference I see is the Next Gen is 440c and the top handle guard is missing. Seems like this should all make it a cheaper blade. I wonder why it is more.
Click to expand...

No it isn't. It's 440A. IMO, a better choice for a largish blade than 440C.
https://www.kabar.com/product/produ...1,2,3,7,9&categoryName=Product Search Results

If I were buying one:
If I wanted to be able to put my knife away dripping wet and not have to fuss with it, or if I wanted to keep it in the car trunk for months at a time without worrying about it, I'd get the Next Gen.

For most other uses, I'd get the 1095 Cro Van bladed version.
 
Depends on what your needs are. The next generation was designed as an improvement to the standard model and drew upon alot of actual field use including Greg Walker's input (Fighting Knives) for you old guys.

If you will be wet alot of the time the stainless would be a better choice. Kabar's 440 has a good heat treat so shouldn't be a big difference in performance. It really comes down to what style you like more.

Get both and you will have all your bases covered :)
 
Get the original if you abuse your knives. Get the Next Generation if all you're going to be doing is choppin'. The 440C steel is actually very nice, it's name is slandered because cheap knives use it's name. It's also very rust-resistant. My Next Generation broke after my cousins threw it at a tree many times. End cap broke off and handle slid off. That's about the only way you can break a NG without standing on it.
 
T.O.M. said:
Get the original if you abuse your knives. Get the Next Generation if all you're going to be doing is choppin'. The 440C steel is actually very nice, it's name is slandered because cheap knives use it's name. It's also very rust-resistant. My Next Generation broke after my cousins threw it at a tree many times. End cap broke off and handle slid off. That's about the only way you can break a NG without standing on it.
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knarfeng said:
No it isn't. It's 440A. IMO, a better choice for a largish blade than 440C.
https://www.kabar.com/product/produ...1,2,3,7,9&categoryName=Product Search Results

If I were buying one:
Click to expand...

Someone is too busy posting to read.
 
Like Knarfeng said, it's NOT 440C. It is 440A. I had one that I just sold (among some other knives) due to a temporary financial crisis. The blade takes a really nice edge and holds it decently enough. I like the overall design of the Next Gen handle for a user blade, more so than the traditional handle, whether its the leather or kraton version.

If Kabar would take the Next Gen handle and put a 1095 CroVan carbon steel blade in it, it would be the perfect Kabar. They almost got it right with the D2 version, but you can only get that one with serrations, no plain edge.

Kabar's 1095 takes a wickedly sharp edge and is easier to restore than the 440A is, IMO. The blade coating on the 1095 is pretty durable and will keep any but the most serious rust issues at bay. If you're going to store it for long periods, just wipe down the edge lightly with oil or something like a Tuf Cloth and you'll be just fine.
 
knarfeng said:
Someone is too busy posting to read.
Click to expand...

I actually have a next generation, but typed 'C' anyways because I'm an idiot.

Sorry for mistyping, but who ate your Klondike bar? :eek:

Anywho, the steel, IMO, is much better than 1095, less maintenance, and not that much of a pain to sharpen.
 
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T.O.M. said:
Sorry for mistyping, but who ate your Klondike bar? :eek:
Click to expand...

Nature of the beast. Engineers are sticklers for details. And there's a pretty big difference between the properties of 440A and those of 440C.
 
cramsey3006 said:
If Kabar would take the Next Gen handle and put a 1095 CroVan carbon steel blade in it, it would be the perfect Kabar. They almost got it right with the D2 version, but you can only get that one with serrations, no plain edge..
Click to expand...

:thumbup:I've always thought the same thing! I love the NG handle, but would prefer a better blade material (1095CV would be fine with me...or an upgrade in the stainless, like a Sandvik, which I believe KaBar used when the NGs first came out). I'm not a fan of the double cross guard.
 
Next gen is very comfie but I like the steel better in the classic. They're both great though.

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Beckerhead #42
 
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