Present opinons of the KaBar D2 Extreme?

[Jesse Jaymes]

I did as many searches as I could in the archives, but most post were from 1999 when these knives first came out. I am inquiring if the opinions have changed or if anyone as any other input on these knives. My intended use would be as an everyday pocket carrier that is tough and holds an edge, possibly some skinning. Not looking for a tactical knife, but these apeal to me for some reason. Would like either the drop point, but unknown if just a plain adge is still available. Are these knives still being made?

I am not a knife freak...yet. Just an outdoor dude that hunts, and needs a good sharp knife.

 

[Mike990]

Seems nobody is helping you out with an answer. Let my try.... I do not really think the D-2 extreme is the best design for a hunting knife. It probably will come sharp and hold its edge well though. For whatever reason K-bar folders just don't seem to get much attention around here. You are paying for the D-2 steel, which while it holds an edge for a long time, is more difficult to sharpen. If you think the blade shape will suit your needs then go for it. I would get the drop point model however for hunting. K-bar folders just never achieved much notoriety around here, for whatever reason, yet I never heard anything bad about the D-2 Extreme. I personally think there are better choices for hunting, but nothing is wrong with the knife if you think it will work. Post the question on the main discussion forum by asking the best folder for hunting use in a certain price range for other good candidates.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

Mike, thanks for the reply. No it would not be a main hunting/skinning knife, just a daily carry pocket knife that may skin occasionally. The only thing negative I've found in the archives was about liner locks possibly opening up in your pocket. I had never dreamed that this was possible. Anyhow, the steel should be good, and the drop point is my preferance. I just need to find one for the right price.

 

[toothed]

Jesse, I have the tanto blade version of the Kabar D-2 Extreme and can comment based on my experience with that knife. My preferences would have been the drop/clip or spear point version but only the tanto blade was available at the dealer. (I think the clip point version only comes with a combo edge while my tanto has a plain-edged blade).

Things I Like: The knife was very sharp out of the box. (I haven't re-sharpened it yet since it still is very sharp). The tanto blade is quite thick all the way up to the point and gives you confidence that it will not break easily. It has a double hollow grind. The gray aluminum handle is fairly long and should be comfortable for big hands. Although the handle finish is smooth, traction grooves and the pocket clip allows for a decent grip on the knife. The back has a fairly large opening which makes cleaning the knife easy.

Things that I Don't Like As Much: The thumb stud has teeth that are cutout sharp and are rough on the thumb and snags on my pocket sometimes. (It can be corrected with a file). [Note: the knife is not lefty friendly]. The clip bends (and stays) outward when spread out a bit and loses its tight hold on your pocket. (A serious problem since you can easily lose your knife). The nested liner (lock side only), at times, can slide all the way to the opposite scale when the blade is opened rapidly. (Either way, though, the lock holds the blade open satisfactorily). I do not spine whack test any of my knives and cannot comment if the lock would pass such a test. The spring is quite strong and holds the blade firmly in the handle when in the closed position. It makes a loud snap when the blade is opened. The various assembly screws have the tiniest torx holes I have ever seen. (I gave up trying to remove the clip).

Overall Impression (tanto version): It is a ruggedly built knife with a strong penetrating blade that can also slice things as well as most other knives. I keep mine in a tool box for utility work that the "pretty boys" (my other knives) refuse to do for fear of scratches.

Recommendation: If you can live with some of the "dislikes" above and can get a good price for one (say, 60% of suggested retail if new or less than $70 used) it might make sense for you. But handle it in person before you buy it! I hope this helps.

 

[Mike990]

Another knife that might fit what your looking for is the A.G. Russell Strike Force. Its in VG-10 steel, is built very strong and in spear point is a great all around blade. Also A.G. stands behind his stuff forever no matter what goes wrong. Here is the link. http://www.agrussell.com/agrussell/rus-mo1.html

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

Thank you for the replies, exactly the kind of critisizm I was looking for. You guys are real serious on your knife requirements, but that's good. I've been on A.G. Russell several times and looked at these knives, but I thought that they were $300 folders for some reason.

As for handling, that's why I did or am doing such extensive research. I live in Po-Dunk, New Mexico. There isn't a real knife shop that actually has knives in it probably until I'd hit Phoenix or Tucson. Too far to search for a $100 knife, but I would like to touch and handle them before buying. Let me ask, I've done as much shopping that "Jeeves" has allowed me to. I've noticed that there is quite a bit of fluctuation in prices. Dances with Knives recalls seeing these knives for $70-75 at times. The best I've found is at the Knife Outlet for $89.99. Am I missing any real good knife outlets that may have these or other knives real cheap? Also going to buy a Dozier of some kind in a month or so. Can one shop for competitive prices for these knives, or are you at the mercy of whoever has them in stock?

 

[THEAVENGER]

Try the Kabar D2 Thorn. I just got several in and they have excellent fit and finish. The blade is very sharp out of the box. I can't believe how light it is. It would make an excellent carry knife.
Tim