KaBar sharpening questions

Joined
Jun 27, 2002
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323
I have a Case usmc (kabar) and when I sharpen it, the last 2 or so inches of the tip seem to be fatter than the rest of the knife. Its hard to get the tip sharp since its ground different than the rest of the blade. Is it supposed to be like that? im thinking its to strengthen the tip but I dont know if I should keep sharpening it or leave it how it is.
 
Often you will see blunt tips on knives, because tips are harder to do, given that there is a comparatively large and quick curve to deal with there. If you think you need the strength, then I wouldn't worry too mucch. but if you think the tip could use some thinning, then go ahead and spend some extra time just on the tip.

One tip for your tip (hehe) is to use the magic marker method. Mark the edge of your knife with a marker, and take a couple of swipes on your sharpening system (stone, grinder, or whathaveyou.) Look at the ink left on the edge. If the tip is thick, then you probably will see that at the tip, the ink has been removed from the "top" of the edge, while the very edge is still black. That is your sharpening gear taking metal away from the thick tip, which is good. Keep doing th marker method once in a while as you thin the tip.

If you need more details, just ask and I'll post a lengthier reply.
 
Nismo,
I have the Ontario Spec Plus version of the Ka-Bar and mine is the same way: the last two inches or so towards the tip have a much fatter edge. I left mine this way for durability. I use it more for chopping and prying than cutting anyway.
 
same thing with mine... i got so frustrated because i could get everywhere else sharp except the tip. i just angled it a little wider and it worked fine, i wouldn't rist thinning it since i beat the crap out of my Kabar. i also tried to sharpen the top 2 inches on the blade's top, but it was too hard to do it, so i just left it the way it was.

aXed
 
I have USMC F/Us from Case, Ontario, Camillus, and KA-BAR. The KA-BAR is the best, then Ontario, Camillus, and Case(I don't like the Case model at all, but kept it anyway.) You have to raise the handle a little when you are close to the edge, when using a flat stone.
 
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