Kabar Mark 1 Contest Knife picnic table review

tradewater

tradewater

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Got the package today. Thanks Kabar, Moose, Guyon (and of course Little Biscuit for drawing my name). Will post a review asap. Some great contests and great prizes.


Mini review and pics added below.
 
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Which did you get, the leather or the kraton handled one? Really looking forward to seeing how this knife performs. Looks like a great woods knife.
 
DerekH said:
Which did you get, the leather or the kraton handled one? Really looking forward to seeing how this knife performs. Looks like a great woods knife.
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It's the kraton version. From the little bit I've used it around the place, I can tell you it's a very handy blade.
 
Pics or we walk on your lawn.

Moose
 
This is definitely my next knife. I'm not so big a fan of the sheath, but hopefully the leather handled version will come with a leather sheath.
 
Yep, want one too, don't need it mind you, just want it. I'll hold out for stacked leather though.
 
A couple of shots, and some first impressions of the Mark 1.
I usually like leather but I’m really impressed with the sheath. Good retention even unsnapped, but easy to draw. Ka-bar uses a couple of ramps on the back of the sheath to grab the guard and hold the knife in place. A push with the thumb on the ramp pops it right out. Additionally you get two snap straps to lock it down to the point you can jump out of trees on your enemies and not worry about your knife flying out. No rattles and lots of slots and holes for cord wrapping or attaching accessories. It’s also truly ambidextrous. I give the sheath an “A”.

Comparison with the BK2
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You can shake it and it won't budge
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The knife itself is extremely well made and fit/finish is absolutely flawless. It’s also the sharpest out of the box Ka-bar I’ve ever seen. I have never been a big fan of Kraton handles, but this one feels “right” and the ergonomics are right on the money. It fits my hand perfectly.

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With the heavy pommel the balance is just south of the middle finger giving the blade a very light feel. Very fast and agile. I suspect the full flat grind and classic blade shape will make it a very handy all around outdoor tool. Will take it to the swamp this week for a workout and see what she can do. My initial impression is good. The workmanship is outstanding, I love the size, weight, and ergos and it comes with a great sheath. I’ll withhold a grade on the blade till I can do some real work with it, but so far I like this knife a lot.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
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Good initial impressions. Great write-up.
My daughter's birthday is in February.
She loves Dora the Explorer. :D :D
 
moosez45 said:
It does.

Moose
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Nice! I find this type of moulded synthetic sheath that is so popular in the last couple of years will knock a shaving edge off a knife in about 10 minutes of rough carry. I always end up having to make new kydex sheaths for every blade I buy these days...
 
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