Hi everyone, how's it going? Can anyone tell me about the 1095 steel used in KA-BAR knives. How well does it cut? Does it retain an edge well? Can I pry something with it? I'm looking for a hard use knock-around camp knife. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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KA-BAR steel attributes?
- Thread starter Klick
- Start date
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- Apr 16, 2002
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- 2,413
The steel is easy to sharpen and maintain. Seems to handle rather like CRKT's AUS6M I find.
I beat up on mine quite a bit on a few camping trips and the blade was easy enough to sharpen and clean up even after some chopping and some light prying. No problems with rust either even after not wiping it down after the first night.
Not sure if they've changed the design at all (mine is 3 years old) but it's the stick tang that might not hold up after some hard use. On my second outing with it the pommel came loose to reveal a very thin and weak looking rivet and stick tang. This came loose after some chopping.
I do think they are a good value for money and the history behind the original kabars is very interesting but for me I don't consider them to be hard use knives.
I beat up on mine quite a bit on a few camping trips and the blade was easy enough to sharpen and clean up even after some chopping and some light prying. No problems with rust either even after not wiping it down after the first night.
Not sure if they've changed the design at all (mine is 3 years old) but it's the stick tang that might not hold up after some hard use. On my second outing with it the pommel came loose to reveal a very thin and weak looking rivet and stick tang. This came loose after some chopping.
I do think they are a good value for money and the history behind the original kabars is very interesting but for me I don't consider them to be hard use knives.
- Joined
- Apr 27, 1999
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- 6,117
The issues with the classic Kabar design are with the design itself rather than with the 1095 alloy. The tip is double-edged and a little thin to serve as a stabbing weapon and that reduces its strength for prying. It was designed during a war when metals were being conserved so its stick tang is meager. The handle has been known to bend if you throw this type of knife.
I would look at one of the Becker Knife and Tool designs by Camillus. They use a slightly harder alloy and a much sturdier design. I would suggest the BK-10 with 5.5" blade as the most utilitarian (because of its relatively thin blade that cuts well). If you insist on chopping and prying I would look at the BK&T Campanion model (note spelling) which has a heavy duty thick blade. Here is a link to Camillus (note that you can get much lower prices than MSRP on the web, try using a froogle.com search):
http://www.camillusknives.com/1mainframe.htm?bkt/bk2.shtml~main
I would look at one of the Becker Knife and Tool designs by Camillus. They use a slightly harder alloy and a much sturdier design. I would suggest the BK-10 with 5.5" blade as the most utilitarian (because of its relatively thin blade that cuts well). If you insist on chopping and prying I would look at the BK&T Campanion model (note spelling) which has a heavy duty thick blade. Here is a link to Camillus (note that you can get much lower prices than MSRP on the web, try using a froogle.com search):
http://www.camillusknives.com/1mainframe.htm?bkt/bk2.shtml~main
wildmanh
Part time Leather Bender/Sheath maker
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- Jul 9, 2000
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- 7,764
Klick, I have a Short Kabar. It's easy to sharpen and holds a good edge. I've pryed with it, dug rocks and roots out of the ground with it, used it to cut carpet and Card Board and even trown it quite a bit. The tip and edge impacted a little but nothing a little sharpening didn't fix. It's a good knife and will serve anyone well. But you must remember that it's a knife not a prybar and should br treated that way.
Alot of people think the Swamp Rat Camp Tramp is the best hard use camping knife for the money. It costs alot more than a Kabar or BK&T, though. Maybe slightly more expensive than an A1.
The Fallkniven A1 is an excellent knife, perhaps the best stainless knife in that size category unless you spend a whole lot more money.
One word of warning about the Becker line: Some people find the handles on them to be too slippery. It is a big turn off for me, especially since I accidently cut myself with two different Beckers as a result of losing my grip on the slippery handles. However, some say the problem can be fixed by roughing the scales up with sandpaper.
There are some pretty good camping knives in the Cold Steel line. The Recon Scout is very heavy duty. Alot of people like the Master Hunter and the SRK.
The Fallkniven A1 is an excellent knife, perhaps the best stainless knife in that size category unless you spend a whole lot more money.
One word of warning about the Becker line: Some people find the handles on them to be too slippery. It is a big turn off for me, especially since I accidently cut myself with two different Beckers as a result of losing my grip on the slippery handles. However, some say the problem can be fixed by roughing the scales up with sandpaper.
There are some pretty good camping knives in the Cold Steel line. The Recon Scout is very heavy duty. Alot of people like the Master Hunter and the SRK.
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2002
- Messages
- 1,525
I don't have any experience with the Fallkniven A1 or any BK&T knives, but my KaBar has been put on the backburner since I bought my Swamp Rat Camp Tramp. IMO, the Tramp could break the KaBar in two and not even break a sweat.
If you want the absolute best, do-all, hardcore, no nonsense survival blade, then the Swamp Rat Camp Tramp is it. Check out this thread HERE where the Camp Tramp came in very handy.
Yeah, I know that it's about three times the price of a KaBar, but it's the last survival blade that you'll ever need.....
The Swamp Rat...is a good knife but at three times the price of a Kabar!
For the price either the USMC Kabar ($40) or Camillus ($35) are the best value in a camp knife. I doubt you'd break one unless you did it on purpose.
I've been using my Kabar for over 18 years and I trust it with my life. I also have the same knife from Camillus...also very good. Sometimes I don't know which I like better!
I've had a lot of knives and truely believe that you don't need to spend a lot to get a good knife. The more I've spent on a knife the more I expected from it and have been disapointed many times.
The A1 is stonger than the USMC knife but the handle is slippery and the edge is much thicker...yes, tougher for chopping but it does not cut wood (bushcraft & whittling) as well as the Kabar & Camillus knives.
I sold my A1 and S1 for those reasons. I still have my NL-5 but it too will be listed on ebay because I don't like the thickness of the edge.
My NL-5 was $190.00 but my $10.00 Mora knife cuts better!
Don't get sucked into spending a lot of money when knives like the Kabar and Camillus will work just fine!
Collecter
For the price either the USMC Kabar ($40) or Camillus ($35) are the best value in a camp knife. I doubt you'd break one unless you did it on purpose.
I've been using my Kabar for over 18 years and I trust it with my life. I also have the same knife from Camillus...also very good. Sometimes I don't know which I like better!
I've had a lot of knives and truely believe that you don't need to spend a lot to get a good knife. The more I've spent on a knife the more I expected from it and have been disapointed many times.
The A1 is stonger than the USMC knife but the handle is slippery and the edge is much thicker...yes, tougher for chopping but it does not cut wood (bushcraft & whittling) as well as the Kabar & Camillus knives.
I sold my A1 and S1 for those reasons. I still have my NL-5 but it too will be listed on ebay because I don't like the thickness of the edge.
My NL-5 was $190.00 but my $10.00 Mora knife cuts better!
Don't get sucked into spending a lot of money when knives like the Kabar and Camillus will work just fine!
Collecter
I think the reason allot of people buy thick knives like the Fallknivens is because they want something that is impossible to break. It is an attribute that desirable in a survival knife, where one might get lost in the woods, and you would not want your knife to break. However, the thinner knives are easier to use for fine cutting.
Recently I bought a Swamp Rat Battle Rat. I think of it as a very long hatchet. The weight makes it great for chopping, but it wouldn't be my first choice for fine cutting chores. Except for chopping branches or small trees, I really don't know what else the Battle Rat is suitable for. I think a thinner knife like the Kabar would be more versatile.
Some brands that I like alot are Marbles, Blackjack, and Bark River. Prices are higher than for Kabars, although the smaller models can be found for around $60. Those would be very handy on a camping trip, except for chopping.
Recently I bought a Swamp Rat Battle Rat. I think of it as a very long hatchet. The weight makes it great for chopping, but it wouldn't be my first choice for fine cutting chores. Except for chopping branches or small trees, I really don't know what else the Battle Rat is suitable for. I think a thinner knife like the Kabar would be more versatile.
Some brands that I like alot are Marbles, Blackjack, and Bark River. Prices are higher than for Kabars, although the smaller models can be found for around $60. Those would be very handy on a camping trip, except for chopping.
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2002
- Messages
- 233
Wouldn't worry about the 1095 ... or, for that matter, other features of the Ka-Bar that might prove to be limitations. It's such a classic pattern -- especially with the oval handle (compared to the Camillus version) -- it just seems to me, there's a place for one in any collection.
Still, having said that, for a knock-around camp knife, I personally think the Becker BK-9 is hard to beat: not only is it a better chopper, and very robustly built, but it's actually much better for controlled, two-handed work than a 7" blade. Only thing the Ka-Bar actually does better is weigh a little less on your belt or in your gear bag.
But the great thing about being a knife enthusiast is you don't have to limit yourself to just one.
Still, having said that, for a knock-around camp knife, I personally think the Becker BK-9 is hard to beat: not only is it a better chopper, and very robustly built, but it's actually much better for controlled, two-handed work than a 7" blade. Only thing the Ka-Bar actually does better is weigh a little less on your belt or in your gear bag.
But the great thing about being a knife enthusiast is you don't have to limit yourself to just one.
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2003
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- 3,049
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yhst-7333098713883/bilton.html
just thought id throw in another cosideration. i havent handled the bilton, but himalayan imports makes some really amazing low price beaters. their not super low 10,000 blade production price, but they are for hand forged knives that can be beaten as much as they can.... the bilton is 35$
if your willing to double your price point, there are several options from HI (though your now encroaching on the swamp rat price point)
theres the 12" sirupati for 75$, wich comes with a small knife and steel.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yhst-7333098713883/12inchsirupati.html
the jkm-1 for 60$ (i say jkm-1 instead of the kumar karda only because the jkm-1 is so much better suited for prying), wich is similar to the pukko, but thicker and not as acute in the edge.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yhst-7333098713883/jkm1.html
and if your willing to go to that 100$ mark but not quite that 129$ point, theres the pen knife
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yhst-7333098713883/penknife.html
just thought id throw in another cosideration
. i havent handled the bilton, but himalayan imports makes some really amazing low price beaters. their not super low 10,000 blade production price, but they are for hand forged knives that can be beaten as much as they can.... the bilton is 35$if your willing to double your price point, there are several options from HI (though your now encroaching on the swamp rat price point)
theres the 12" sirupati for 75$, wich comes with a small knife and steel.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yhst-7333098713883/12inchsirupati.html
the jkm-1 for 60$ (i say jkm-1 instead of the kumar karda only because the jkm-1 is so much better suited for prying), wich is similar to the pukko, but thicker and not as acute in the edge.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yhst-7333098713883/jkm1.html
and if your willing to go to that 100$ mark but not quite that 129$ point, theres the pen knife
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/yhst-7333098713883/penknife.html
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- Dec 4, 2002
- Messages
- 1,350
My favorite "hard use knock-around camp knife" is a SOG Tigershark. I've even used it to chop granite rocks. Well, I was actually doing some trail clearing and the rocks were sorta like hiding from me because I wasn't paying close enough attention, you know.....
Anyway, it didn't take too much effort to get the dings out and back to it's razory sharpness. It's been performing flawlessly since that little episode.
And with a 1/4"-thick blade it makes a pretty good prybar too, though I certainly don't condone such activity. Because it's heavier than a Kabar it makes a much better chopper when in the field.
Cheers,
Carl
Anyway, it didn't take too much effort to get the dings out and back to it's razory sharpness. It's been performing flawlessly since that little episode.
And with a 1/4"-thick blade it makes a pretty good prybar too, though I certainly don't condone such activity. Because it's heavier than a Kabar it makes a much better chopper when in the field.
Cheers,
Carl
The Tigershark is going to be a better chopper, it's blade is 9" long. What can you do with this knife other than chop?
Aside from chopping, the $40 Kabar leaves the $150 Tigershark in the dust...AUS 6 steel, c'mon!
Way better knives out there for $150!
Collecter
Aside from chopping, the $40 Kabar leaves the $150 Tigershark in the dust...AUS 6 steel, c'mon!
Way better knives out there for $150!
Collecter
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2003
- Messages
- 1,268
hehehehe old subjects allways come back! Well, on that one I'm a bit splited... I've been using a classic Ka-Bar as duty knife for MANY years,this knife have served me VERY weel, I never broke one, even if I used in hard condition. I removed the top guard on my Ka-Bar and it make this knife a pure joy to use! BUT I own a Camp Tramp too, and I have to admit, yes, there is a big difference in price, but you can not compare thos knives.
A Camp Tramp is IMPOSSIBLE to destroy,and if it should hapen (I don't know how) Swamp Rat will give you a new no question asked. This kind of service and garanty have a price, Kabar and BK&T don't offer that. So yes some could say, for one Camp Tramp you can buy 3 K-Bar so it doesn't matter if you break a Ka-Bar, cause then you just buy another one. And I agree! But I don't want to be the one who break his knife in a very bad situation because this kind of **** don't hapen when you're on a camping trip or canoe tour, this kind allways hapen when you need your knife most.
So yes I love the Ka-Bar, good knife good steel, but since I got my CT in hands, if I have to pick up a 7" blade for serious things, no doubt for me, I take the CT.at 128$ it's still a bargain when considering you got this knife for life.
A Camp Tramp is IMPOSSIBLE to destroy,and if it should hapen (I don't know how) Swamp Rat will give you a new no question asked. This kind of service and garanty have a price, Kabar and BK&T don't offer that. So yes some could say, for one Camp Tramp you can buy 3 K-Bar so it doesn't matter if you break a Ka-Bar, cause then you just buy another one. And I agree! But I don't want to be the one who break his knife in a very bad situation because this kind of **** don't hapen when you're on a camping trip or canoe tour, this kind allways hapen when you need your knife most.
So yes I love the Ka-Bar, good knife good steel, but since I got my CT in hands, if I have to pick up a 7" blade for serious things, no doubt for me, I take the CT.at 128$ it's still a bargain when considering you got this knife for life.
