What do you think of New Generation K-Bars?

[Andrew Lynch]

They're supposed to be great! What do you think? Price not being an issue, are they any good? Do they hold an edge? Are they very brittle? Anyway, I would dearly like some general info on the next generation Kabar fighting/utility knife please. Any and all info will be appreciated! Thanks again.

(you might be wondering why I keep asking about Ka-Bars so much; the answer is, I just can't get enough of those beautiful knives!)

 

[was4u]

I like the carbon steel w/kraton handles.They seem to live up to the reputation.A friend had 1 of the stainless ones and liked the design but thought it could have held a better edge.He thought it might be a 420 stainless material and does'nt like the stuff

 

[Daniel L]

I used to have the original Kabar Next Generation with the Sandvik stainless blade and Bladetech kydex sheath - it was hair popping sharp out of the box with a highly polished edge. However, I didn't like the balance (I couldn't handle one before buying over the net since I live in NZ.) - too handle heavy, though I do like the "looks" of the knife. I also found the handle of the NGK too hand-filling - I much prefer the size of the original Kabar or the new kraton equivalent of the original Kabar handle profile.

That being said - if I was looking for a reasonably inexpensive knife with good performance, I'd get the "original" Kabar in 1095 (well proven heat treat and performance from Kabar) with the kraton handles and a kydex sheath, unless you're going for traditionalist looks!

 

[Tuff]

Ka-Bar Next Gen's are excellent. I havre a Project I, and i sometimes go by that and grab my Ka-Bar. It's a awesome knife. Perfect shape and feel as well

 

[dogboye]

Originally posted by Tuff:
Ka-Bar Next Gen's are excellent. I havre a Project I, and i sometimes go by that and grab my Ka-Bar. It's a awesome knife. Perfect shape and feel as well

Hey Tuff, that wouldn't be because that Project I bit you so bad, would it?

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"Absolute safety is for those who don't have the balls to live in the real world."

 

[leroys_45]

i don't have a next gen kabar, but i've handled them. i didn't care for the handle as much as the "old" style. i got my dad one of the 3/4 size ones for christmas and he reports good edge holding on the regular carbon steel and no problems with rust. if it were my decision, i'd get a regular carbon steel model and take care to watch for rust.

as a side note, if you don't intend to buy one of the 3/4 size models, don't handle them. i fell in love and almost didn't give it to my dad. he's had a few offers among his friends as well.