Opinions on USMC Ka-bar (#1217)

T

TheSurvivalist

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Jun 13, 2004
Messages
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I am considering the purchase of a USMC Ka-bar fighting knife model # 1217 for all-around use, and as an addition to my collection. Any opinions and suggestions regarding it's performance in all areas, especially as a heavy-duty utility knife, would be great. Thanks.
 
They have been used for many, many years with little complaints. Great knife for the money. You can get a better knife, of course, but you will be paying more. My main complaint with the Kabar is the sloppy, sometimes wobbly guard fit to the blade.
 
What Danbo said.

I have used one since I was a kid and it is still pretty solid other than a loose guard. It obviously is not a wonder knife made of the latest materials for good edge holding and above average abuse, but for around 30 bucks you have a good beater that will withstand long time reasonable abuse and sharpen up a little quicker than it looses it's edge :D. If you need a knife like that it is worthy of consideration.

The main use mine has seen on more occasions that I can count is as a down and dirty camp knife. It seen use as a hammer, light to moderate chopper and pryer, digger and all around utility knife for some dirty camp chores.
 
Mr. Bastid, I don't think TheSurvivalist will get a KaBar brand for $30 but he could get a Camillus (the black one) for about that. I've had a few Camillus brand fighting/utilities and never had a loose guard as was stated for the KaBar brand.
 
Take your pick. All are under $50 and all are awsome!

With the Kabar, I'd recommend avoiding the rubber handled vesion, it's not as comfortable for extended use.

Collecter
 
I really like this knife. It is strong, sharp and will be very useful for camping or hiking. The only thing I don’t like (and it is not the less important :p ) is the leather sheath. I was buying the Eagle Sheath which fits all the 7" Ka-Bar knives (I own three of them so, for me, this sheath is a relevant investment :D ).

Have a nice day ! ;)
 
I like the MK II's, but I think that the Camillus versions have a better heat treat.
 
Louky said:
I really like this knife. It is strong, sharp and will be very useful for camping or hiking. The only thing I don’t like (and it is not the less important :p ) is the leather sheath. I was buying the Eagle Sheath which fits all the 7" Ka-Bar knives (I own three of them so, for me, this sheath is a relevant investment :D ).

Have a nice day ! ;)
Click to expand...

Thats a great sheath. Bombproof and will mount anywhere.
 
I have a Kabar for more than 8 years and it didn't fail me..except the most common complaints of all- it's leather handle starts getting brittle and cracks.

I even attempted to self- repair it. the prommel was firmly stuck onto the tang and no amount of knocking could remove it (yes, i have removed the pin). i exsperately swung the tang against the ground in my frustrated bid to remove the jammed prommel!!

my kabar broke at the tang; the prommel was still stuck there!
 
I have the NextGen and it's served me well. Chopped branches, etc on fishing trips. Hasn't needed sharpening yet. I'd get the carbon steel one next time though.
 
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