Who has a Ka-Bar USMC

It's funny how we call this fighting/utility knife a "kabar" regardless of who made it. Kabar is not the only maker, others being Camillus (my favorite) and Ontario. I prefer Camillus because I could get one in the PX for a good price and it didn't say "USMC" anywhere on it. I'm not prejudiced against my marine brothers but I wanted my sheath to say US Army or nothing at all -- I got the latter.

Ontario is the holder of the current contract to the USMC and is a good knife also. I've never liked the Kabar "kabar".

Also, R.D. Hatch, that picture of the flag being raised on Iwo is interesting for two reasons. First, you can't read the maker of the "kabar" on the marines belt so no one can determine if it was made by Kabar or one of the other contractors of knives during WWII. Second, my father-in-law was nearby when the flag was raised. He said the flag was actually raised twice, the first time, no one had a camera so it was taken down and raised again for the photo!

Hope this is not too controversial!

Bruce Woodbury, Colonel, US Army (retired)
 
I have one and I must say they are pretty good knives. However, once I threw mine at a tree and bent the tang 35 degrees (on the first throw) about an inch into the handle. Fortunately, I was abble to straighten it back out with a big hammer and a hard flat surface.

------------------
Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.
 
I have 2 carbon steel KABARs and 2 Next Generation KABARs. Both are good knives and hold very good edges, but for some reason,to me, the next generation ones just don't "look" like KABARs with the new design handle and guards. I have both the kydex and leather sheaths but I always seem to keep grabbing the sheath I made of leather and then capped the end with sewn rahide caps to keep the blade point from coming through from bending and sitting with the knife on. The old KABAR is a lot of knife for the money but so is the CS SRK.
Originally posted by KillerMan:
Either that or try a different brand sheath. I have thought about getting Newt Livesay to make me a sheath for my Ka-Bar, but for now I will probably stick with the factory sheath or else make a new leather one myself.
Click to expand...



------------------
Ron
 
Bruce:
I was aware of the two raisings of the flag at Iwo Jima. We Marines can not resist a photo op. or a chance to grandstand.
To most Marines,K-Bar means any of the contract Marine Fighting Knives.Mine was a Camillius.I also have an original K-Bar issue I picked up in a trade some years ago.In my opinion they are all about the same.
They make a good field knife. If a Marine can use it and not destroy it in a few days it must be good.
My uncle was at Iwo. A 19 year old Marine PFC.He did not survive the battle.He was one of 5 members of his family who fought in WW2. Now that was a generation.
Thank you for your service to our country.
Semper Fi


------------------
Those who beat their arms into plowshares will plow for those who do not.
R.D.Hatch
Stafford,Virginia


 
R.D. Hatch, here's a perfect salute for your uncle! My generation (49 years old) still remembers what WWII and Korea were all about (we obviously know what Vietnam was all about too!) but my children's generation doesn't have the same reverence for, or feelings of appreciation for what a bunch of 19 year olds went through to secure liberty for us and others. I hope they don't have to learn it the hard way.

....and thanks for the personal notice!

Bruce

[This message has been edited by bruce (edited 07-25-2000).]
 
Ok guys -- so mine is a bit older than most -It is Korean War vintage.. there were a few of the leathers that rotted out - some pummels are pinned others welded - mine was pinned- so you drive out the pin and cut another leather washer.. just like the man said but make it oversized in thickness then compress the stack before re-inserting the pin - some times it pays to drip oil into the joint of the guard and blade and let it seep back along the handle shaft.. mine was pretty rusty when we took it apart to bead blast and blue - also don't expect it to blue evenly that blade is harded by zones which take the blue differently... I also had the 'false" edged of mine like a razor ..not legal butwho knew then!.. I can't speak for the new versions but the 50 year old one is still a great knife! Hope you enjoy yours and get the mileage out of It that I have. I've done things with that knife that I'd rather not discuss here!
And Bruce - - "Sempter Fi!"

------------------
Don't wrestle with the hogs - they enjoy it and you get dirty !
Jonesy

[This message has been edited by Revvie (edited 08-01-2000).]
 
Raising the flag, I believe it did go up several times. The picture was going to be a bunch of marines posing around it. It was the editor that chose that particular picture. I understand it is one of the most publicised pictures of all time.
Kar Bars are as good as everyone says they are, though having so many different manufacturers quality does vary.
For soldiering you don't want a heavy knife, there is enough to carry anyway.
 
My grandfather found a '42-ish Ka-Bar Scout whilst out hunting years ago. Lord only knows how long it had been lying out there. It's a little bit pitted, but otherwise totally useable. That kind of durability inspires confidence, so I went out & bought one of the 'black' utility/fighters (may even pick up the black Tanto, so it doesn't get lonely!). No problems yet with the Kydex sheath.

------------------
Yeah, well, people ... They're just not my bag
 
For a real treat, take a look at the "short KaBar" now available. It is a beautifully scaled down version of the USMC fighting knife, and it's just great. You really need to see and hold one "in person" to quite understand what I mean. It is available with USMC or USA markings.Got mine from Bayou Lafourche.

------------------
AKTI Member #A000934
"Always just one knife short of perfection!"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top