Ka-Bar warthog field test (pics heavy)

savagesicslayer

savagesicslayer

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May 24, 2005
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I wanted to test the full-sized warthog as a field knife.
First off:Light chopping.
I picked a thick patch of softwood to start.
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It cut very well.The short blade was easy to wield in the limited space of the bush and the saber grind makes short work of the bush.
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Next I moved on to heavy chopping.I picked a 3" hardwood to try chopping.
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The knife cut well however I found it too light.The lack of blade weight ment that I had to swing harder to make the cuts needed to bring down the tree easily.That said, it did bring down the tree and would work in a pinch.
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Then I skinned,junked-up and split the legenths of tree.The warthog split the wood well,and batoning was easy.
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then just to show the edge retention I cut-up some veggies much to the delight of my horse.:)
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In conclusion,I feel that the warthog is a good bush knife.It handles well and is comfortable to use for extended periods.It's light weight may hinder heavy chopping but does make it easier to cary for extended periods.The edge retention is very good.I have never sharpened the warthog yet,including after theese tests and it's still sharp.
In my personal opponion,I feel that for a sub-100$ field knife you can't go wrong with the warthog.:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
I like your review, I’m into smaller camp knifes like the TAK and Howling Rat and I have never seen tests/reviews of the smaller KaBar’s. Do you have any pro’s and con’s about the wideness on the blade and how does it perform, lets say, next to a small Kabar.
 
Excellent review, greatly appreciated............Did your horse enjoy that beer???
 
Savage,

Your review is worthless.................unless you post a pic of your horse. :D

Seriously, I have always loved the Warthog, and we have always kept one in the family. For $50 you can't beat them.

We always cut the top gaurd off, and drill a hole in the pommel for a lanyard.

I have read an article in which someone trimmed down the handles on a KaBar so they were flatter.

Good review.

Thanks.
 
Nice work. How would you compare it in terms of time and effort for such work compared to a heavy machete, small axe, or one of the common 10" heavy blade chopping patterns which almost everyone offers in some form.

-Cliff
 
Thanks for your replies guys.
Cliff: I feel that the warthog would excel at cutting smaller wood.The lighter blade means that you can put more force behind the swing and not worry about the over-swing found with heavier blades.(force applied+weight of the blade+the force to stop the blade from hitting your leg after the swing):D
Terry Newton:Sorry I don't have any pics of my horse on my cpu yet.(I'll try after work)
Zpaulg:My horst drinks whisky not beer.l:D
Pietje010:The only short Ka-bar I have is the tanto.I also have the impact warthog and spear point.so I can't compair them for you.As for the wider blade,I feel that it helps the knife overall.By keeping the blade wide it allows the edge to be thinner yet still strong enough for hard use.
 
Great review!

Another question...

I've read a few complaints from users about handle, and the guard being uncomfortable or "in the way". Any feedback on either?
 
Dead, on most fixed blades of this style I find removing the top portion of the guard makes it far more practical as a user. I'd imagine the same would apply to the warthog.
 
I have always liked the warthog design. Never had one, but would like to give the impact version a go.
 
The Impact model is much more user friendly from the factory since the top gaurd is nonexistent.

The Warthog uses the standard, mass produced KABAR gaurd which means it has a double gaurd. The top portion only gets in the way of choking up, pressing with the thumb on the spine, etc.

It is a simple matter to cut off the top gaurd with a hacksaw from the blade side, and then round the edges with a file.

One could even go as far as painting or darkening the metal that is now in the white.

Go from the blade side since that is the higher side. If you cut from the handle side you will cut into the back of the blade.
 
i gave my warthog a complete makeover. took off black coating and blued all metal. installed ash scales with small burls in it. i used the end cap and guard and ground/sanded everything to an even finish. the bottom of the handle has a hump so i can put my hand behind it for chopping or stick my forefinger in front of it so it sits comfortably in behind the choil and in front of the hump. the top of the handle allows me to put my thumb up on that curve in the top of the blade. i convexed the edge. then i made a nice leather sheath for it. it is a great knife, skinned several deer, batoned wood, skinned some trapped beaver and coyotes, and sharpens up easily, holds an edge well.
 
I just took a look at the Ka Bar Impact Warthog yesterday. Wow what a great little knife! I am gonna pic up one of these when I have some spare cash. It was quite impressive in every regard, I would be interested to see how it performs. Cheers, nick.
 
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