Like a Ka-Bar, But Better?

Check out the Bark River Teddy II. Big knife-8" blade. Blood groove.... it certainly is a kabar++. Cost exceeds $200 but probably worth it if you like Bark River stuff.
 
Or from Fox Knives the Marine Combat ( no fuller ) which comes in the traditional brown leather or all black leather.....7.25" 440C blade @ $100 give or take......


fkmd_-_fox_original_marines_combat_knife_fx-1694.jpg
 
Ontario P3 "Quartermaster" knife.

ontario010g.jpg


Under $100, but might do for you. And there are still originals in fine working shape to be had on the auction site. Good luck!

Zieg
 
I absolutely do not perceive the Buck, Ontario or Fox as "better" knives than the Ka-Bar. Something obviously "better" would be in CPM 3V or INFI, full tang and thicker in my humble opinion. Like a TGLB.
 
Both that Buck and Ontario are awesome, I think I found my next two knives! Thanks guys!
 
Jeru said:
I absolutely do not perceive the Buck, Ontario or Fox as "better" knives than the Ka-Bar. Something obviously "better" would be in CPM 3V or INFI, full tang and thicker in my humble opinion. Like a TGLB.
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That ugly lump is not hitting very many (any to be frank) of the USMC F/UK "check offs." Not black unless ordered that way. No leather handle available. And a laughable $387.00 to boot, without a sheath.
 
I'm pretty close to ordering the Ontario P4, it doesn't have the black blade like I want, but I do love the look.
 
Boats said:
That ugly lump is not hitting very many (any to be frank) of the USMC F/UK "check offs." Not black unless ordered that way. No leather handle available. And a laughable $387.00 to boot, without a sheath.
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All fallacies and/or opinions. Of course you're entitled to have them. But the OP asked literally for "better" than the Ka-Bar. The Ontario and Fox are not "better" than the Ka-Bar, the Busse indisputably is. And if you've ever seen one of Noss' knife test vids you know that, no matter how "ugly" they may be.
 
Leftytwoguns beat me to it. The Strider CMFK will probably be the strongest Ka-Bar like blade thanks to its full tang, not a full length stick tang. It also has what appears to be G10 scales rather than a stacked leather or rubber handle. Its also CPM-3V rather than 1095 Cro-Van. Unfortunately it costs $350 according to Strider's site. For that money, you could by a couple Ka-Bars.

Crow
 
Jeru said:
All fallacies and/or opinions. Of course you're entitled to have them. But the OP asked literally for "better" than the Ka-Bar. The Ontario and Fox are not "better" than the Ka-Bar, the Busse indisputably is. And if you've ever seen one of Noss' knife test vids you know that, no matter how "ugly" they may be.
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The OP also went to the trouble of defining what kind "better" in that text box you'll find below the thread title.
 
Jeru said:
All fallacies and/or opinions. Of course you're entitled to have them. But the OP asked literally for "better" than the Ka-Bar. The Ontario and Fox are not "better" than the Ka-Bar, the Busse indisputably is. And if you've ever seen one of Noss' knife test vids you know that, no matter how "ugly" they may be.
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The Busse is irrelevant. That's a fact. The OP didn't ask for what the "better knife that bears no passing resemblance to a Ka-Bar is." He had aesthetic requirements that the ugly Busse doesn't even remotely deliver upon.

As for the "results" of knuckle dragging videoed abuse? I'd rather have eight different and sheathed versions of the Ka-Bar for the price of one tglb and its required aftermarket sheath.

If the OP really wants a better USMC style knife for less than $400, he'd be better off to go for a clip point custom in his own steel choice, getting the leather stacked handle and blackened blade he wants, (with a sheath even), rather than a traction coated monstrosity that is far uglier than original sin.
 
Personally I vote you go for a local custom...
Not a self promotion.
at the price you are listing you could easily find a local knife maker ( i guarantee there are a few) to build you a custom that will surpass any of these.
 
I'm not sure that some of you can read lol One of the main requirements is a stacked leather handle, I have no interest in Micarta or G10, or any other materials attached to the side of the knife, in this case. I'm looking for the look of a Ka-Bar, with nicer fit and finish. Something that from 15' away may be confused with a Ka-Bar. These Striders and Busses have nothing that I want (other than fixed blade). Thank you to those of you that suggested knives like I was looking for. I will be ordering an Ontario P4 tomorrow, and since it is under $100, I'm going to go to a local store and buy a Ka-Bar as well.
 
we do tend to get distracted by the broad picture, and side discussions...

good luck with your knew knives
 
I always found the rubber handles to be uncomfortable compared to kraton. Another thing that turns me off about the ka bar is it isn't full tang.
 
I was about to post a photo of the Glock knife used by the Austrian army but I just remembered that the thread was about a Kabar like knife and the Glock has the handle made of plastic.
 
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Cold Steel Leatherneck? I personally wouldn't call it better but its an option. I think its in D2 now.

Case makes a Ka-Bar clone. Not sure if its better either.

Ka-Bar fairly recently changed their production to make the fuller and grind more closely match WWII specs. mentioned here
 
22-rimfire said:
Check out the Bark River Teddy II. Big knife-8" blade. Blood groove.... it certainly is a kabar++. Cost exceeds $200 but probably worth it if you like Bark River stuff.
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I was going to recommend the Teddy II as well. That, or any of the Blackjack Classic line.

BRKT really knows how to properly make a classic styled knife...
 
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