New member, I got a KA-BAR given to me and need info please.

M

morrows

Joined
Apr 21, 2012
Messages
3
Hello,
I am a new member and pretty ignorant when it comes to knives. I was just given this KA-BAR from my dad and I have no idea what it is or how to take care of it. It looks like on the handle guards on one side it says "KA-BAR" and the other side it says "USN MK2". That's really all I know aside from the pictures below.
As you can see this knife is pretty beat-up. I own guns so I have some Ballistol, should I soak the knife in it to help the leather and blade?
Is this something worth giving to a professional to clean-up and re-grind the edges, sharpen the knife, etc? Or should I just get a sharpening kit of my own and put an edge on it? My friend recommended a Lansky but I really know nothing about knife sharpening.
Here's the pics, any info is greatly appreciated:
EDIT: Oh also I don't have a sheath for it, where can I get a reasonably priced leather sheath that will fit this knife?
k1.jpg

k2.jpg

k3.jpg

k4.jpg

k5.jpg

k6.jpg
 
Ok, first thing, that is one cool looking knife. I absolutely love it.

Second thing, you can take care of it yourself, if you handy and are so inclined.

Its old, and looks like it has had a lot of love over its life. Time to get ready to drop some compassion on it.

I do need to ask first, are you going to use it, or do you want to put it up for posterity?

Just some basic stuff for maintenance. Keep a thin coat of oil on the blade. That will keep it from rusting. On the visible rust spots, some light sand paper, like, 400gt wet dry, will take it off, go slow, and don't get in a hurry, we are "aggressively" wiping away the ferrous dioxide. :D I like to use mineral oil on my knives, it works well and its safe to use, so, if you decide to slice up some carrots on the 4th of July, you're good.

You will also want to use some conditioner on the handle, I perfer to use SnoSeal. It moisturizes and makes the handle water proof. If the spacers are "loose", you will want to start with a leather conditioner first, like neatsfoot, or once again, mineral oil. Once it swells and becomes more tangible, then you can switch to sSno Seal to keep it that way. SnoSeal will swell the leather as well, but once it sets up, that pretty much what you got.

As for sharpening, it really depends on what you are going to do with it. I prefer to sharpen my own blades, but if you are not comfortable, there are a couple of guys here that will do a bang up job, and not break your wallet, richardj is the guy I would go to.

As for a leather sheath, you can get one from KA-BAR directly, just give them a call. 1-800-282-0130 should get you started. The current sheaths will fit your knife just fine, or you can hit The Exchange and see what you can find. I don't have any spares, or I would send you one. Also, the new Extreme Sheath will fit it as well. There is also the option of contacting one of the many find sheath makers, here at BFC for a custom ride.

I will be of any assistance I can, just let me know, and congrats, that is an awesome lookin' blade.

Moose
 
Use a toothbrush to help get the oil/SnoSeal/what-have-you into the rings and all the small crevices of the leather handle. Welcome to Bladeforums, and enjoy your Kabar. It's a great knife.
 
morrows,

You have a WWII vintage KA-BAR MkII Navy knife.
Wipe the blade with some light mineral oil. The oil will remove some of the rust with gentle wiping. Wipe the handle with mineral oil and clean it with a toothbrush.That is it.
Then put it where there is a stable climate out of direct sunlight.
Your knife is valuable.
Now if you don't care, and you want to use it, Moose gave some good advice.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
 
Toooj said:
morrows,

You have a WWII vintage KA-BAR MkII Navy knife.
Wipe the blade with some light mineral oil. The oil will remove some of the rust with gentle wiping. Wipe the handle with mineral oil and clean it with a toothbrush.That is it.
Then put it where there is a stable climate out of direct sunlight.
Your knife is valuable.
Now if you don't care, and you want to use it, Moose gave some good advice.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
Click to expand...

Great advice gentlemen.
 
Thanks for the info everyone; I think I will just oil this knife and keep it on the shelf :)
 
very nice, man. welcome to the forum. stick around there are some good people here :)
 
morrows,

The original sheath was a gray fiberglass and canvas sheath. If you look on the net you may be able to find one. Failing that, if you call the KA-BAR toll free number (800 282-0130) We can sell you a leather sheath that has the navy logo stamped on it.
Cost is $16.00 give or take a few.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
 
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