Ka-Bar steels

GreenMtnTac · Sep 20, 2005

I just noticed that Ka-Bar offers their classic USMC fighting knife in 2 different versions, each with a different blade steel: a standard high carbon steel, or a more expensive version using 1095 steel. Not being much of a metallurgist, I am wondering if there is much difference between the two, and is it worth the extra cost for the 1095 blade. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Jeff Clark · Sep 20, 2005

1095 is the standard high carbon steel. There must be some other difference between the two knives that you are comparing. You probably couldn't find a less expensive blade steel than 1095. It is good for the purpose, but it is not a premium steel.

GreenMtnTac · Sep 20, 2005

Thanks for the response. Here's the listed differences...

(1) high carbon, leather sheath, $66.95
(2) 1095, nylon sheath, $82.95

I can't believe the price difference is due to the sheaths. But, who knows?

Jeff Clark · Sep 20, 2005

Kabar has 9 pages of Military/Tactical knives on their website. If you listed particular model numbers we could check all of the details. https://www.kabar.com/product_search.jsp?categoryId=1&mode=category

TheFlash · Sep 20, 2005

GreenMtnTac,
If you're interested in getting one of the Ka-Bar models, try the D2 models or the New Generation models.

I've used the standard 1095 models. While they're very good, the D2 or stainless models are even better...IMHO...

Regards,
Mike

KLJTech · Sep 20, 2005

The difference in price is based on what sheath you choose. The nylon sheath is more expensive than the leather sheath.

T.K.C. · Sep 20, 2005

I personally want one of the D2 new generation ones!

GreenMtnTac · Sep 21, 2005

Sorry I didn't mention which model. I was referring to the classic USMC fighting knife. As I recollect I was looking at listings in a Moteng catalog.

Not a biggie, but I still can't believe the sheath accounts for that much price differential.