My <strike>next</strike> latest! KA-BAR: The 1148 electrician's knife

BRL

BRL

Joined
Apr 27, 2011
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One of the things I struggle with is that there seem to be a lot of screws in my life that need tightening. And unfortunately, every time I've done it with the blade of one of my folders, I've jacked up the edge a little (obviously). So, again obviously, I should carry a SAK right? Only problem is that while I appreciate SAKs, they don't excite me much and I couldn't be less interested in EDCing one.

So then I discover the electrician's knife, the TL-29. A main blade, usually drop point but some other variants out there, and a flat-tipped screwdriver blade. Apparently it's been a military issue thing forever. Some of these have amazing wood scales. This BF member even customized his with micarta.

Then I discover KA-BAR made their own version, the 1148.

If anyone has one of these, post up some photos. Also your home address and what times you'll be away from home at work :D .

I *must* have one of these. So now... THE HUNT BEGINS. Wish me luck. I *do* have one now. Skip to the last post.

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Too bad man! I've come across a lot of those at flea markets. I would have bought one for you If I had know. Good luck with finding though. Check Ebay, flea markets, junk shops, and antique stores.
 
Oh, no prob, thanks... in looking around, the TL-29 pattern isnt all that rare or expensive. Finding a KA-BAR one may be a little more work but still not too bad.
 
Whew, damn, brother, good luck in the hunt.

I had one when I was an apprentice electrician (Master now, btw), I got it from an old hand, and used it for a long time. I lost it on a job someday, never really looked back. Go figure.

Moose
 
Moose, did you have a KA-BAR one?

Just today I've seen a few 'out there' so I have confidence. I'd try BF's Wanted To Buy forum except the fact that no one has ever posted there scares me :)
 
BRL said:
Moose, did you have a KA-BAR one?

Just today I've seen a few 'out there' so I have confidence. I'd try BF's Wanted To Buy forum except the fact that no one has ever posted there scares me :)
Click to expand...

I don't know. The handle was worn smooth, and the metal was black with age and patina. I never saw a mark on it, it could have been Klein, for all I know.

Moose
 
I have a Camillus, NY one from the (I think, late) 1940's, pretty rough but still serviceable, missing the metal loop on end. My dad was a telephone lineman back then, and he said a lot of the guys used it.

The screwdriver end is pretty large, not all that versatile, it seems to be about right size for the screws in household electrical receptacles.

An older iteration of this model was made by Camillus for the Signal Corp in WWII. Thread and pix at:

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=6930


- OS
 
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Hey that was a great thread, thanks. A lotof useful info there.

I've posted up in the WTB forum, should work out good. The trads forum is full of threads of BF members who have these things, and as Vanguard said below they're everywhere. What'll probably happen is I'll get a <mfg X> user and then eventually find a KABAR one to take its place.
 
OhShoot said:
I have a Camillus, NY one
Click to expand...

Yep, no Ka-Bar here, but I do have the Camillus.

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HEY BRL THE 1148 KABAR YOU WERE LOOKING FOR
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LINER LOCK FOR SCREWDRIVER BLADE

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Man, that one is in ultra-sweet condition! nice :) Thanks for the photos.

I just won one of these off the bay, but the guy is 'away' for a 'funeral' and his 'friend' supposedly mailed it today but 'forgot' to get tracking info. I have a funny feeling I know how this story ends. HINT: it ends the same as the story of the dude who dropped his soap while taking a shower... in prison.
 
My uncle just gave me one of these, but the main blade is only stamped with "kabar" and nothing else. Also, the nail-nick on the screwdriver blade is closer to the hinged end, and it is almost impossible to open. It was pretty tarnished, but with a little effort it looks pretty good.
 
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