Thoughts on the Ka-Bar 1277 Large Heavy Bowie

tek77

tek77

Joined
Oct 9, 2009
Messages
1,977
Howdy all,
Since I find myself spending more time on this forum lately, I thought I'd ask you beckerheads what you think about the Ka-Bar 1277 Large Heavy Bowie model.
Anyone here has hands-on experience with this model?
 
I almost bought one but bought the Cutlass Machete instead. I would REALLY like it if it had a guard and they redesigned the sheath. It's made like it should swing, but the snaps are at the top which would keep it from swinging (??). A guard (even a tiny one) and a single retention snap on the sheath itself and I would totally dig it as a hard use knife.

I'd like to see it swing more like the Cutlass sheath.
 
I just got one and am very happy with it. You may think not having a guard is a problem, but it's not. The handle is very gripable and there's no need at all for a guard. The blade is finished with a black paint that appears to be more of a rust inhibitor than cosmetic. And while knives like the Cold Steel Recon Scout is a better knife in many respects, for the money the Ka-Bar has it beat. The Kraton grips feel better on the CS knives, but I don't think they'll hold up as well under heavy and sustained use. That said, I'd rather have the Recon Scout because of the comfort, finish, and Secure-Ex sheath; however, again, for the money, you can buy two Ka-Bars for the price of a Recon Scout.

The Ka-Bar I got had a good working edge, but I was surprised at how well it sharpened to a wicked-sharp. Some people don't like the sheath, which is a combination leather/fabric, but I like it. I'd rather have a Secure-Ex, but there's something about leather that still appeals to me.

All in all, I like the Ka-Bar. It's a bit on the heavy side, but so is the Recon Scout. Both blades can stand up to repeated batoning and the finish on the Ka-Bar appears to be paint, whereas the Recon Scout appears to be more of a baked on finish. They both wear fairly quickly as they're used, so the finish on both knives appears to be irrelevant.

The Recon Scout is a good, rugged knife for the money, but the Ka-Bar is an unbelievable knife for the money! I mean, fifty bucks and you've got a knife that will last forever. It will take rugged working edges and sharper edges for chopping vines.

The Ka-Bar is a real sleeper, and at half the price of the CS Recon Scout, I'd have to give it a higher rating if price is the object.

.
 
I have one and it's starting to see more use then my Camillus made BK9. Seems to slices slightly better in the kitchen and I just love the clip point!
 
I love mine, It feels so great in hand, and you can get it so sharp with not much effort. I have feathersticked with it and cut up meat, nothing too taxing, but the more I monkey with it the more I like it.
 
I've worked this knife pretty hard, split cords of wood--Excellent large knife for the money. Nice thick blade, flat grind makes batoning very enjoyable. Sharpens up easily. Comfortable handle with a curve at the end that you can grab lower and have more momentum in your chopping swing (use a lanyard loop on your wrist for safety). Chops like a monster--granted, it's not a machete, but you can go through all kinds of stuff with it. The sheath is pretty good. Not fancy, but works fine, 2 snaps hold it in securely. The blade does have to pass the snap straps when you pull it out, so there is a risk of eventually cutting them with alot of unsheathing, just be careful is all. I think its the best value for a large survival knife for the money, you can't beat it at $50.
 
i like mine. it's a decent chopper and good slicer. the handle won't eat your hand up like the cold steel kraton does and the thin flat ground blade is easy to sharpen. mine's eaten quite a bit of wood and grass and a gnarly cactus thing that was in the yard.
 
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