Kabar cold steel knife noob

[mannythebear]

Hey guys

I just recently got a USMC KABAR. I was gonna get the all purpose one, but, those leather buttons killed me man! I am in love with it. I was looking for a rapid deployment sheath and in the mean time I got the KABAR Hard sheath. This was my first "real" fixed blade.
What is the best leather treatment for the spacers in your opinion? they're kinda dried up for some reason, and I am sad about that.


I actually have a few questions about the sheath, what is the buckle-clasp thing on the belt loop for? I was about to cut the belt loop off so I could just do another horizontal one using the holes provided with black paracord, but I realized that was unnecessary so I didn't do it. That was pretty stupid. But, how can you punch the belt loop out of it?

I heard that it dulls the blade though!? and I particularly suck at sharpening blades. Which brings me to the other question, how am I supposed to get any more efficient on sharpening? Using a file is criminal! I was thinking on the Spyderco Sharpmaker, looks promising. Only reason I don't like it because it's not something you'd carry out on the field.

I came upon Skystorm Leatherworks and those sheaths look like tanks. I am a particular fan of horizontal belt carry.
Opinions on both subjects?


The next blade I get will be a Trailmaster because they are dang pretty. I love how much reach it can give you and how it can chop lots and lots. I want to send that one off for a rehandle with some slightly curved stag handles, or in case I don't want to take care of it that much, some micarta. Plus a Skystorm leather sheath with rattlesnake inlay. Because. Pretty.

I have 2 Buck pocket knives, special edition with some beautiful wood handles. 1 blue leatherman squirt ps4, 1 leatherman wave, and a little pinky sized victorinox.

I am planning on getting a Victorinox Cadet, a Leatherman Rebar, a boker arbolito relincho de ciervo, cold steel trail hawk (mod it a little), and the aforementioned cold steel trailmaster + improvements. Probably more!

Edit: Forgot to add in the future/ prospect buys a Spyderco manix 2 in blue translucent handles, a kershaw skyline and a black KABAR Navy Mark 1 with the kraton handle.

What do you guys think?

Thanks for your time!

 

[EChoil]

What do I think? I think you may be catching something....

I have an older USMC that I like too. They're great knives. I've used it primarily as a hybrid hunting/bush knife.....anything short of 'extreme' or prolonged vists to the wild, at which point I have other knives.

For leather a little mink oil or a good clear boot creme (not 'shoe polish') will restore the handle. If you want to use a special leather preparation, I use Bick 4 by Bickmore. Don't overdo it. Leather is skin---just treat it when it feels dry and use any goop sparingly.

I can't help you on the sheath---mine's a standard mil issue from the '60's that has held up very well. What did you hear dulls the blade? If you're talking about the sheath , either buy a good one or figure out how to slide it in without touching the edge.

The Sharpmaker is a good sharpening set. Another option might be a good field sharpener like an EZE-Lap diamond rod. Don't use a file on your knife. It probably doesn't need sharpening new anyway. Instead, research simple, basic sharpening techniques online. Don't try to sharpen it until you have a fundamental understanding of the process. Practice on some cheap knives or kitchen knives maybe. You are fortunate in that the USMC is of a steel that is easy to sharpen.

Skystorm does have some great sheaths. I have a couple of them. I like horizontal carry too but never tried it with my USMC.

If you go the Trailmaster take a look at the 'san mai' model. IMO it's one of the very best bush knives out there.

Your selections and future buys sound very well rounded for a collection. I like a diverse collection. A lot of people like to collect one type or brand. Whichever you decide, take your time and read everything you can here and do some basic research on simple sharpening. Plenty of product out there to occupy your time over the years.

 

[mannythebear]

Thanks Echoil!
Appreciate your feedback.

I think I have the exact same mindset with my KABAR. It came with a second world war issue knife sheath, but I ordered an original plastic one as well, just in case. I heard this plastic one dulls the knife.

San mai seems like it's not a good starter knife though. Given it's a stainless steel, and "does not require much taking care of" I don't think that it would be a good idea to get. If I get the normal one, I'll get used to having to do the usual knife preservation rituals. Then we'll have knife caring discipline for life dude. Also, I read san mai does not hold an edge.

 

[EChoil]

You're right, it may not be a good starter knife. You can familiarize yourself with san mai later.