What does everyone think of Ka-bar?

shotgunner11

shotgunner11

Joined
Dec 17, 2005
Messages
7,809
Hello guys,
I'm wondering what you all think about the good old Ka bars. I have zero experence with them and was thinking of getting a few. I like the impact versions of the Warthog and tanto the best due to the full tang. I'm thinking about putting some G-10 or Micarta scales on them, just to personalize a little.

The question is, are they good for hard use( outdoor utility), are they made in the U.S. and how do they hold an edge?

Any input would be much appreciated, Thanks.
 
I have a Ka-Bar USMC fighting knife (7 inch blade) that I got as a gift over 21 years ago. I was in High School when I got it, so it was carried some for defense (yeah, I know, I was young and stupid, but I had seen RAMBO...enough said?), a little big to carry, but OK under winter clothes. As an adult I have used this hunting and camping. It is a tough knife. Great around camp, for cooking, cutting branches, etc. I'll pass this on to my son. These are NOT the same quality as custom made knives, and won't hold an edge the same way (but doesn't cost several hundered bucks), but for the money it is a great deal. And you won't be afraid to use it. High carbon steel, US made. Mine is very sharp. Will it take hard use...?, oh yeah!!! I have driven mine into an old car door (like on the Cold Steel DVD's), hacked brush, prepared dinner and cut my steak with it. Still razor sharp. From what I understand, these knives are still being used by certain troops today in war. Some people find fault with the design, but for under $50.00 I think the Ka-Bar USMC fighting knife is a Wicked good deal for a camp/truck/survival knife. Mine has sentimental value, and I have been considering getting another one to keep up at my camp.
 
Yea, I'm not looking for custom quality, just toughness. The "not afraid to loose it" thing means alot too. I tried Becker, but the handle shape just does nothing for me. I tried making some new handles out of oak and still hated it. I like the Impact versions due to the thinner looking handles and the full tang.
 
Hicomp2,

As you state, Ka-Bars have a reputation for being tough for their price point. The only serious slam I've heard is that the crossguard gets loose over time because of the way the handle is designed -- have you experienced that problem?
 
No, not at all. But I have kept a good coat of beeswax on the handle and sheath. It is just like when it was new. I know what you are talking about though, as I just got a USAF survival knife (Ontario, 2-80), from E-Bay, and it was all dried out. Sheath was dry, leather handle was BONE dry, and the pommel was/is loose. I have gone over the grip/sheath with saddle soap, but I need to get more beeswax, and then I will fill the gap with wax, and perhaps put some super glue into the gap as well in order to seal the space. My Ka-Bar is mint, but it has sentimental value, so I have always kept it good. I coated the Ka-Bar handle/sheath with Wax in the early 1980's when I got the knife, and again in the early 90's, and again last year. This blade should still be mint long after I'm gone.
 
Never had anything get loose on any of my kabars. These knives are tough as nails. And battle proven since their design during WW2.

If you're not set on the authentic look leather handle, get the Kraton G handle option. Best upgrade since their introduction in my view.

The grip is phenomenol. The consistency and grip of rubber but much tougher.

One of the finest knives I've ever had the pleasure of owning was a Kabar next generation in sandvik C27 stainless steel.

I literally cleared 5 acres of hardwood sapplings with this knife (it spent a large part of the time hacking rocks as well). Very sharp knife (scary). No doubt it would lop a good part of your head clean off at the neck, in the right hands. High quality steel. Perfect geometry for a fighting/survival knife. Virtually bombproof. Highly recommended.

I understand they're not making as many of these Sandvik C27 versions anymore, and have gone to 440A instead for the stainless version. In that case the D-2 extreme looks like a good choice as well, unless your a scuba diver. The 1095 USMC black versions are also excellent.
 
Thanks for the info, your replies helped solve the delema for me, gonna get an impact warthog soon. Thanks.
 
The Warthog is a decent knife but I don't like the rubber handle. I find it to give blisters were the stacked leather doesn't make blisters on my hands. Wth use, the leather seems to develope a nice tacky feel to it. Mine has served me well for almost 20 years and it still looks and performs great.

Some people seem to slam this knife but it's been around successfully for a very long time. The Kabar and variations by Camillus and Ontario are still used by the military.

I've never heard of someone actually breaking one without intending to break it.

My only suggestion with the kabar and variations of it, is to remove the top portion of the guard. Hacksaw it off and file it flush with the leather handle.

It's a great knife!

C
 
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