Ka Bar quality?

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bozec.75

Joined
Sep 28, 2007
Messages
59
What's the typical quality of a ka bar? I have a USMC knife that has a defect in the blade. It's like a raised ridge on one side perpendicular to the edge. If I get another one, what are the chances of getting another defective blade?
 
my usmc kabar was great, decent coating, decent edge retenion, and a sharp blade. It just looks like you got unlucky. you should probably get a decent one
 
my USMC (leather handle) was top notch my latest ka-bar model KB-1271 isnt as sharp as my USMC was (i dare wonder if there is a higher standard for the USMC and military models). BTW you are covered under warranty for defects in blade and craftsmanship. unlikely to get another defective, however xboxes are a whole other story (3 in a row, including my first, all launch models)
 
My USMC Kabar came in perfect condition. Sounds like you just got a bad one. Can you send it back?
 
I've had it for years, but it's bugged me since the day I bought it. Back then, I was the type to just let it go.
 
ive had several and all were of excellent quality, no defects of any kind. i would suggest making this one your user/beater knife and buy another for show and tell.,,,VWB.
 
I have no idea what the warranty terms are like, but I sent them and email anyway.
The knife is well used to say the least. I bought it when I was young and foolish, and beat the snot out of it. Tough knife though!
Here's a pic of the defect:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bozec75/1895509086/

If Ka Bar offers to replace the knife, I'll praise them to the ends of the earth! Otherwise, I'll keep it, and keep beating on it like I did for the past few decades. Anyone know of someone that could redo the parkerizing on the blade in Toronto? ;)
 
bozec.75 when it comes to knife quality, I go with the motto that the character played by Robert Deniro lived by in the movie Ronin : "If there is any doubt there is no doubt" there are just too many good knife companies that dont disapoint or in fact surpass your expectations. If you got burned why give them your business again? You cant find something of equal value and better quality than a kabar?
 
but would you really want to part with an old and trusted friend like this old knife? especially since you have had it for so long? just someting to think about.,,,VWB.
 
It's not that I want "any" knife. Lord knows I could find something better made than my ka bar. Who uses staples in their sheaths anyways???
But, it's "the" USMC knife, and that's why I bought it. I just want it for what it is. I wasn't expecting it to be a Benchmade, but I'd expect more than a bad grind on the blade.
 
I can't say enough good things about my USMC. If you've used the knife as heavily as you say, then you've certainly gotten your money's worth. They are not expensive knives. Hmmm, a good knife at a good price - nothing to complain about there.
 
True enough, I certainly did get my money's worth out of it. Out of all the knives I have, it's probably the one I'd grab if I had to take one.
How's the quality on the new ones compared to 20 years ago? If I can expect a new one to be as tough as this one has been, I'll probably just go out and buy another. You can never have too many knives!
 
bozec.75 said:
. . . Out of all the knives I have, it's probably the one I'd grab if I had to take one.
Click to expand...

Me too. ;) And I have absolutely no complaints about the quality of the newer ones, nor have I ever heard a complaint from anyone else. Get out the checkbook!.
 
bozec.75 said:
What's the typical quality of a ka bar? I have a USMC knife that has a defect in the blade. It's like a raised ridge on one side perpendicular to the edge. If I get another one, what are the chances of getting another defective blade?
Click to expand...

IMHO, chances of getting another defective blade, practically nil. Judging from your picture, does it affect sharpening? If the edge geometry (if that's the proper term here) is still the same after sharpening (ie: straight), I think it would be ok. Heat treat and tempering should still be the same as for a non-blemished knife.

I've heard of Cold Steel knives sold as seconds that had some pretty serious cosmetic flaws, but still worked perfectly.

I'd contact Ka-Bar, and see what they say. Who knows, maybe they'll fix or replace it? And, if the knife still works, I'd buy another one anyway, as a spare. (One can never have too many knives! :D ) After all, for $40-$50., it's still a great deal, and Ka-Bars come with an incredible heritage as well.

thx - cpr
 
I don't know what it is about this knife, but I just can't seem to get a decent edge on it. I don't think it's the defect, since it's the whole edge.
I can get any one of my knives (besides this one) hair-popping sharp without an issue. This one sharpens like my Fiskar's axe! A good beatin' edge, but that's about it.
 
bozec.75 said:
I don't know what it is about this knife, but I just can't seem to get a decent edge on it. I don't think it's the defect, since it's the whole edge.
I can get any one of my knives (besides this one) hair-popping sharp without an issue. This one sharpens like my Fiskar's axe! A good beatin' edge, but that's about it.
Click to expand...

That sounds odd for a Ka-Bar. :confused: Could be you got one that didn't get all the heat treating processes done. It's regular old 1095 steel, IIRC, and the ones I've seen will take a razor edge. Maybe you should retire it and get a new one. If you do get a new one, I don't think you'll have the same problems with it.

thx - cpr
 
I have lots of Kabars. They have all been perfect. I certainly would send back any knife that didn't suit me though.
 
Well, the fine folks at Ka-Bar already got back to me. I have to admit, I'm surprised but all I have to do is send them the knife and they will replace it. Let's hope the new one has a better grind :)
 
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