Ka bar

R

RICHARD BYARS

Joined
Sep 26, 2016
Messages
48
I am very new to knife collecting. I have 10 knives or so. I was reading something on the internet about the 20 best knives ever made and saw a picture of a KA BAR WWII KNIFe and realized I had one. My father was in the navy in WWII and this knife was always in the garage when I was young. This knife is fairly beat up and I am not sure if it is in the original scabbard. It says KA BAR on one side and USMC on the other. I see that I can not ask about the value and that is ok, but is this knife worth having restored? I think it is to me! Does restoring it decrease the value or increase the value. Who is the absolute best restorer. I would like to have it restored just because I think of my father when I see it and would like to see the knife in its original condition, but I don't want to decrease the value. thank you all for your patience.
 
Pictures of the scabbard would allow us to determine if it is original or not.

As far as "restoring" it goes, that depends on what YOU are calling "restored". Based on the stamp you describe, it is a +73 y.o. well used and/or abused knife (can't tell which w/o pics). It will never look like it did when it was issued, regardless of what is done to it.

Personally, if it were MY father's knife, I would kill any rust that has developed with mineral oil, 0000 steel wool and elbow grease. And the display it in a shadowbox along with a listing of his ship's, assignments, etc.

IF the leather handle is all jacked up from rot, I would consider replacing the leather washers, but that would definitely kill any "collector value", but it would generally not affect any "sentimental value" YOU might have for it.

For collectors of military weapons who collect like I do, we are not looking for bright shiny polished blades. We understand that these were working tools, carried in all types of weather and used for purposes other than what they were intended to be used for. Now, we don't want rusty, ground on/ground down blades, either. We MIGHT buy such a "worn out" knife at a reduced rate if it's one they just "gotta have' for their collection until they find a better one.
 
The top section of leather washers are gone and my father wrapped a leather strip around the knife handle in place of those washers. The rest of the washers are in reasonable shape, but a little loose. The blade itself is in reasonable shape. The top of the handle does not look like it was used to hammer...no dents. Is there any way that the top washers could be replaced with original washers..My dad is still alive so I will get the history tomorrow...thank you
 
I'd clean up any rust as outlined earlier, then keep it as is.

Kabar still manufactures that same knife (the 1217 "USMC", if it is what I think it is). I'd buy a new version to use, and think about how I was using a brand new one just like my father did. It would develop its own character over time, and you'll be able to tell your own stories about it, and about how your dad had one "just like it".

I have no idea about values, or what collectors would or would not want. I just know id want to keep something worth that much sentimentally in pretty good shape.
 
I'd say probably not much more than standard street value for pretty much any year USMC since they are ubiquitous. I don't think I've ever seen a rare USMC going for high dollar.

I've seen a bunch of old ones that are fitted into wall mount as a decorative display. Same going price.

Collectors Edition? Hmmm..

Many old surplus stores used to pawn the old ones off, I mean sell for nickels/cheap. Only real value one would get would be the sentimental value.
 
Richard, pics would be really helpful in providing advice, rather than everyone playing "20 questions"...:D

Is the pommel pinned or is it peened on? That will determine whether the leather disks can be replaced EASILY vs w/ greater difficulty. MOST, but not all, blade marked WW2 Kabar USN-MK2s/1219C2s are peened, just as most guard stamped ones are pinned. There are examples, though, of blade stamped being pinned and guard stamped being peened. I think these odd-ball variations come from different production lines running out of stamped blades or unmarked guards or peenable pommels as the transition from 1 requirement to another took effect.

Replacement leather disks and pins are available directly from Kabar, although the current pins MIGHT be a little too short - the originals went all the way through and the current production versions are blind pinned - meaning the pins only go about 3/4 of the way through the pommel and can only be seen from one side (less likely to fall out when pounding tent stakes).
 
First, I have to tell you...your quote from Josey Wales if my favorite quote every...I have taken pictures on my phone, but have't yet figured how to get them on this site. I am working on it. My e-mail is buckb2001@yahoo.com. If you e-mail me I think I can get the pictures to you...Thank you very much for your time and expertise...
 
try uploading them to a hosting site like Photobucket and linking to them from there using the IMG codes

edit: sent you an email
 
OK, decent condition, 2nd generation, (square peened, thick [3/8"] pommel), flat guard. Original sheath, replaced keeper strap.

I'd make a nice shadow box and proudly display it on a wall or prominent shelf in the den or family room, leaving it as is (w/ a light coating of mineral oil on the metal parts occasionally). And get a brand new Kabar 1217 for your use and to start making your own history with a blade like your father carried.

To me at least, right now it has both character and, potentially, your family's sentimental value of it.

It's been
- well used (most of the original parkerizing seems to be gone) and
- abused (lost disks)
- while being taken care of (no rust and pits on the blade).

I like knives with character for displays

Wouldn't ever be worth much as is, although worth more being able to attach a real serviceman's name to it than if it were just a run of the mill WW2 1219C2. As a family heirloom though, it falls into the "priceless" category. But then I'm the sentimental (and only living) pack rat in my family. :D All the other pack rats have left the building.
 
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