Kabar fixed blade ID

[Old Hunter]

Bought this Kabar Skinner (4-1/4" chrome plated blade) from an antique/junk store a week back. In searching here, on AAPK, and on the internet I have come up with this much - now want to know if I am right, wrong, or partially correct. Thanks OH
Name: Kabar Skinner
Model: 1233
Grip: stacked leather with fingergroove.
Era: 1955-65 (based on tang stamp of "Kabar" only, which began in 1952, and style of stamp on the leather sheath.
Steel: chrome vanadium, chrome plated (based on tidbits from other Kabar threads.
Pommel: Aluminum (post WW-II).

 

[315]

I can offer no answers to your questions, but I would have bought it too!! I’m hoping to see some pictures of that in the field this year.

 

[abbydaddy]

I don't know anything about the knife, but I do love the look of those mid-century aluminum pommeled fixed blades. Nice catch.

 

[BrotherJim]

Can't answer, just observe and enjoy. Thanks for sharing
From the looks of the wear and age of the sheath beside the knife, looks like the knife is nicely restored/maintained.
It's in much greater shape than most from that age. A well loved blade for sure.

 

[afishhunter]

No idea on if the info you received is right or not. I'd guess it is probably fairly accurate, though.
That's a real beatuty, for sure.
Do you think it will retire your F66, when it comes time to start peeling critters, and make them fit in the freezer?

Question:
Based on the '52 to '65 tang stamp, how can you be sure one or more prior owners didn't replace the sheath?

Observation:
Sheaths can and do wear out, and are replaced and/or swapped around somewhat regulary.

 

[Old Hunter]

I appreciate the replies - Kabar Knives are always challenging to determine the dates of manufacture. All the info I have gathered has been off the internet.

Can't answer, just observe and enjoy. Thanks for sharing
From the looks of the wear and age of the sheath beside the knife, looks like the knife is nicely restored/maintained.
It's in much greater shape than most from that age. A well loved blade for sure.

My thoughts too when I bought the knife, but the chrome plated blade steel threw me, didn't know about how Kabar blades were finished until finding that info - could simply be the chrome still looking good or a very good polishing job (but no tracks or tell-tells I can find on the blade).

No idea on if the info you received is right or not. I'd guess it is probably fairly accurate, though.
That's a real beatuty, for sure.
Do you think it will retire your L66, when it comes time to start peeling critters, and make them fit in the freezer?

Question:
Based on the '52 to '65 tang stamp, how can you be sure one or more prior owners didn't replace the sheath?

Observation:
Sheaths can and do wear out, and are replaced and/or swapped around somewhat regulary.

I won't retire my Western Black Beauty 66 as it is the longest I've ever continuously owned a knife, and it was a gift from my folks for Christmas in 1968. I take good care of my Western but still use it to clean a deer every few seasons. As to previous owners replacing the Kabar sheath, you are right, there is no way I could ever tell. I did determine that the style of Kabar tang stamp (52-65) matches the same era of the sheath's leather makers mark - that is what led me to think it could be original to the knife. It is the correct size and style sheath, but I have no way of knowing if it is the original. I will give this Kabar a try this season - always intrigued with the style blades my hunting predecessors would have used, even if they look a bit odd to my current perspective.

Thanks again for all the interest, OH