Which is the better knife between these 3 KA-BAR Knives-help me decide which one

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Oct 5, 2010
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I wouldn't get the tanto ... the other blade designs are much more functional. I would also suggest you get a full plain, non-serrated edge. Much, much easier to re-sharpen and much, much easier to repair if damaged (especially in the field) and less prone to chipping.

As for the conventional 1095 ka-bar vs. the D-2, I would do a little research on the ka-bar D-2. In general, D-2 is going to hold a better edge, at the cost of being quite a bit harder to re-sharpen. But from what I have read, the 1095 ka-bars hold a very good edge as it is, so I personally would tend towards the easier-to-re-sharpen blade (especially where he is going to be sharpening in the field with a small stone). I'm also not sure how the D-2 compares to the cro-van 1095 in terms of the blade's toughness/strength. A lot depends on the particular heat treat that they give to their D-2. Finally, the 1095 ka-bar is the tried-and-true knife that gave ka-bar it's name, so that is worth something. But D-2 is pretty popular these days.
 
FWIW, the D2 blade has a wider (stronger) tang than its 1095 cousin. Anything but the "tanto" :)
 
if you were gonna get a tanto go with cold steel. nuff said about that. the d-2 is much harder so it is gonna hold a better edge but will chip because it is more brittle. i have the 1095 combo edge and it can start shaving sharp and after i cut a small tree(about 5 inches in diameter) it could still shave hair but very very little like 2 or 3 pieces. coldsteel does the tantos right
 
We recently bought my son the Next Gen in stainless and with straight edge (he didn't want the D2). It's more or less the same knife as the first one you mention and he absolutely loves it. It takes a great edge and feels very lively in the hand. He's got a number of nice sheath knives and this is his go to one.

I'd recommend that one over the D2 one and straight edge WAY over the partly serrated thing but your tastes are your own. Either way - outstanding knife.
 
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