Ka-Bar U.S.M.C. Fighting Utility Knives
Item #: KA1212
$94.95
For the past 20 to 40 years Ka-Bar has been in the hands of the world's largest key maker. Alcas, the current owner is dedicated to restoring the Ka-Bar name to the high position it once held in the American Knife World. The Ka-Bar reputation depended on the U.S.M.C. combat knives, which were also made by many knife companies in WWII. The Ka-Bar reputation was so strong that all the knives of this type became referred to by the name Ka-Bar. The new owners have begun to update the knives with new materials and new designs meant to enhance the image. They are continuing the original U.S.M.C., and are introducing several updated versions. Early this year they added the option of a partially serrated blade on the Short Ka-Bar ,and a U.S.A. tang and sheath stamp in the place of the U.S.M.C. stamp on the original model.
The blades are high-carbon 1095 tool steel coated with a black epoxy powder, with carbon steel guard and powder metal butt caps. The original and the new 3/4 version are available only with the long time standard leather sheath known to three generations of Marines. A very modern Kydex® hard service sheath is available separately.
These serrations cut better than any I have ever seen. They do not look as fierce as the more common types, but they will out cut any I have used. The difference is, these cut most others tear. Still made in the U.S.A.
This knife is the Ka-Bar U.S.M.C. modernized. The oval shaped handle is formed of Kraton G® thermoplastic. The blade is made of 1095 high carbon tool steel, with the blade, butt cap and guard being epoxy powder coated for stealth and corrosion resistance. 7" blade of 1095 at 56-58 Rc, black powder coated, Kraton G® handle, steel butt and guard. Suggested retail $128.82.
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TypeFixed
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BladeClip Point/Combo
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Blade Length7″
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FinishBlack Epoxy
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Blade Steel1095 High Carbon
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Rockwell56-58
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Hilt GuardCarbon Steel
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HandleKraton G
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Overall Length11-3/4″
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Weight10.8 oz
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SheathBlack Leather
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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.
Ka-Bar U.S.M.C. Fighting Utility Knives
