Kabar Question

G

GenoM

Joined
Aug 30, 2006
Messages
15
Our son will graduate USMC Parris Island the end of November. Want a Kabar for him to commemorate the event, but do not want just a wall hanger or box sitter. What model or models are considered "issue" and ok for him to use and wear when appropriate?

Thanks!
 
Basically, anything with the classic Kabar shape. Just stay away from the "Presentation Models". They are engraved on the blades, inlaid with gold, plus a gold guard and butt cap. They'll still cut just fine, but personally i wouldn't want to! Either kydex or leather sheaths would probably be fine, although the leather looks a bit more old fashioned.
 
Get the USMC Kabar. It has USMC on the tang and on the sheath. It also has the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on the sheath.
 
I'd go for one of the newer "upgraded" models with the kydex sheath and kraton handles (night raider, 21st century, etc). They're more likely to be used and will serve longer even if they don't have then USMC stamp.
 
A Ka-Bar would be a very cool present, couple howevers though:

- Some Marine units (most that I've been in) won't let enlisted men keep knives over a certain length in the barracks, and that does usually include Ka-Bars. Knives over 4" or 5" often have to be kept off-base, in a locker secured by an SNCO, or in the armory.

- He probably won't/can't carry his gift knife in training or deployment, since he'll almost certainly have a gov't-issue OKC bayonet (very similar to Ka-Bar) to carry around. He can't just say "I don't want to carry my issue bayo", and that way he's not putting wear/damage on his personal knife if any really rough work needs to be done.


That said, I'm sure he's going to enjoy having his own personal Ka-Bar for the rest of his life, so no reason not to get him a good one now. Just understand that he'll have a lot of gov't-issue gear to use for the next few years.
 
I'm not nor have I been in the military, so I don't know what the rules would be regarding using his while on duty. From what others have always told me, I gather they can't utilize much personal discretion in this area.

So if it's not going to be a user 'at work', then maybe something cool like the bowie knife with the stacked leather handles would be neat, and could be engraved with something appropriate.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/46396-56544-2276.html
 
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