Ka-bar Replacement?

[Arathol]

So, just quit calling it a scandi grind. It’s a saber grind. It still has the Sissi thing to contend with, though.

Just for clarification, the word sissi is a Finnish word that comes from the root sisu, and refers to a person who has great endurance and stamina, or is indomitable.
As to the blade grind, there is nothing new or mysterious there. Its no different than anything else the military might be using.

 

[Boattale]

I will bring up the steel selections again. With the observation that there are a lot of top shelf knife makers still using 1095 when it's clear that magnacut is readily available.

 

[Arathol]

I will bring up the steel selections again. With the observation that there are a lot of top shelf knife makers still using 1095 when it's clear that magnacut is readily available.

Meh, who cares....really......The government certainly doesn't. As somebody who worked for the government for more than 30 years I will tell you that the purchasing people have budgets and will always look for the lowest cost option that meets the need. They don't care how pretty your knife is or what the latest steel-of-the-month is.....

 

[El Jay]

Have you all forgot? Mad Dog SEAL ATAK! Gotta have the classics!

 

[VorpelSword]

If military doctrine came full circle and you were tasked with outfitting modern soldiers with a knife that could complete ordinary tasks, and also prove its mettle as a close quarters weapon - what knife (or knives) would be at the top of your report, and why would they be there?

The retail price should be $85-$250.

I have not read most of this thread, but my rapidly devaluing two cents worth is:

Any "utility" blade between 5" and 7" will fill the bill. If fighting is a secondary priority, then any suitable utility fixed blade will do.

The Marines and Army seem to have dropped the requirement for a bayonet on their newer rifles equipped with suppressors.

As it happens, the "USMC Fighting-Utility knife" (7") works well. So does the Airforce Pilot's survival knife (5"). Both are effective, rugged and relatively inexpensive.

You can go cheaper and more expensive, but those two have a combat record of getting the job done either way.

 

[Dknight16]

 

[Henry Beige]

Just for clarification, the word sissi is a Finnish word that comes from the root sisu, and refers to a person who has great endurance and stamina, or is indomitable.
As to the blade grind, there is nothing new or mysterious there. Its no different than anything else the military might be using.

You mean like a Ranger?

 

[awesome14]

The Ontario 499 USAF survival knife, but the QC on that model is pretty much a crap shoot.

 

[Deino]

A Busse Hell Razor 2. I’m sure that with bulk pricing, the US Military can get them in the $250 range.

If a 450$ become 250$ with bulk, then the regular KABAR goes for 50$ a piece, do almost as much with much much less.

 

[ursamajor]

If a 450$ become 250$ with bulk, then the regular KABAR goes for 50$ a piece, do almost as much with much much less.

No, the Kabar is not really close at all.

Think of the size difference between the OKC3 Bayonet and the Kabar. The Hell Razor 2 is even bigger than the Bayonet.

A coated Hell Razor 2 is less than $400 btw.

 

[Deino]

No, the Kabar is not really close at all.

Think of the size difference between the OKC3 Bayonet and the Kabar. The Hell Razor 2 is even bigger than the Bayonet.

A coated Hell Razor 2 is less than $400 btw.

Why so much emphasis in the size? What for?

450, 400 or whatever, it is still way too expensive.

 

[knoefz]

it's been mentioned before...
the BK-7 is just wonderful in many ways

 

[Toomanyquestions]

What a nice BK 7!

 

[Toomanyquestions]

Oh, if we're going Mora, I'll say Robust Pro.

Zieg

The Robust is quite a knife. In fact, wish Mora offed a 4" / FFG w/the Robust handle - it would be an excellent all-around outdoor tool.