Ka Bar?

T

tjiscooler

Joined
Mar 17, 2008
Messages
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hey guys, i love knives and have a bunch but im looking at my next purchase. Ive decided that i want a KA BAR. BUT i dont know which too get..i like the old school cabon version but now the d2 extreeme and the next gen came out and im wondering which would be best. :confused:Im looking for any advice you have.

Thanks, TJ
 
tjiscooler said:
hey guys, i love knives and have a bunch but im looking at my next purchase. Ive decided that i want a KA BAR. BUT i dont know which too get..i like the old school cabon version but now the d2 extreeme and the next gen came out and im wondering which would be best. :confused:Im looking for any advice you have.

Thanks, TJ
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There are still plenty of the old Ka Bar USMC utility knives in 1095 out there on eBay - that would be the one I'd recommend.
 
1095 off new graham brand new for 50 bucks, krayton handle and kytex sheath, or the laquered leather handle with leather sheet, also for 50 brand new.
 
that video is the reason im confused! The D2 ha a thicker tang and "better" metal. it lasted longer but it may be tempered too hard, the regular bent faster but is easier to sharpen. Also the next generation is better waterproofed..I guess ill just have to ponder a while. Thank guys.
 
The D2 does have a stronger blade steel, but it's also more brittle, which makes it chip easier, and its tough to re-sharpen.

The next Gen is made out of 440A stainless, which will do better for corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening, but it's not the best for edge retention in a field knife.

The "old school" 1095 Carbon Fighting knife is still the best in my opinion. It can take a beating, hold an edge, and is easy to re-sharpen. You have to keep an eye on it for rust, but It's not that big of a deal.

I personally have beaten my USMC kabar up pretty good and it still functions flawlessly. I also have the KaBar camp knife. I havent used it yet, but I know it will be fantastic for heavier cutting/chopping.

Go with any KaBar in 1095. You wont be disappointed.
 
tjiscooler said:
that video is the reason im confused! The D2 ha a thicker tang and "better" metal. it lasted longer but it may be tempered too hard,...
Click to expand...

I was impressed with the D2. It batoned well and broke up the concrete remarkably fast. The 1095 version didn't seem to plow through stuff as well. I don't like the "new" styling though. Would like to see the old style USMC fighter with a D2 blade in it.
 
The basic leather handled 1095 is your best bang for the buck model. 1095 is excellent steel, with good retention, ease of sharpening, and corrosion resistance is not a problem unless you are planning on extensive use on open ocean. The premium you pay for the D2 or 440A is really not worth the benefits in a blade that size, for what it is designed for, a basic utility blade. Plus, I would rather have a blade bend, than break.
 
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