Ka-Bar Becker Kephart
Item #: KABK-62
$169.95
Many die-hard outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with Horace Kephart and his ideal Bushcraft Knife. Ethan Becker, of well-known Becker Knife and Tool, has joined with Ka-Bar to produce a modern version. Colclesser Brothers produced the knife it is based on in the early 1900s. Kephart believed in a practical knife and sheath that could be used for hunting and for general camp chores. His design has a rather thin blade with a broad point. He believed that the blade did not need to be over 4" or 5" long. Ethan has chosen to use the 5" blade version in the reproduction.
The 5" flat ground blade is 1095 Cro-Van steel at 56-58 Rc., with a stonewashed-like finish. A full tapered tang supports walnut color wood handle scales. Ships with a brown leather sheath. Measures 9-5⁄8" overall. Weighs 5.5 oz. Suggested retail is $232.29. Made in the U.S.A.
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TypeFixed
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BladeDrop Point
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Blade Length5"
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FinishStonewashed
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Blade Steel1095
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Rockwell56-58
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HandleWalnut
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TangFull
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Overall Length9-5/8"
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Weight5.5 oz.
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SheathLeather
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OriginUSA
KA-BAR
Soon after its introduction in the mid-1920's, the KA-BAR trademark became widely known and respected. There have been many versions of how the KA-BAR name came to be, but all evidence points to a letter received from a fur trapper. This particular fur trapper's testimonial turned out to be the most significant ever received by the company.
He wrote, in very rough English, that his gun had jammed and that he had therefore relied on his knife to kill a wounded bear that was attacking him. In thanking the company for their quality product the trapper described using his knife to kill the bear. All that was legible of his scrawled writing was "k a bar". The company was so honored by this testimonial that they adopted this phrase and used it as their trademark, KA-BAR.
KA-BAR is best known for their military production knives. They were chosen by the U.S. Marine Corp. as the primary knife producer for World War II. They also have traditional pocket knives, as well as many options for law enforcement.