KaBar EK Folder
Item #: KAEK201
$119.95
The Ek brand began in 1941 when John Ek decided he wanted to contribute to the American war effort during WWII. Employing disabled Americans, Mr. Ek produced six different models of knives. He referred to these knives as "Ek Commando Knives" as they were purposely built for close quarter usage that would become a hallmark of the US Marine Raiders, US Army Rangers, First Special Service Force, and Office of Strategic Services' Operational Groups. In order to purchase an Ek Commando Knife one had to send in proof of military service. Americans have carried Ek Commando Knives in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and countless other locations in between.
The company continued producing knives until purchased by Blackjack Knives in 1993 where it pretty much languished with only limited production. In 2015, Ka-Bar acquired the EK brand and production began in Olean, NY.
This Ka-Bar Ek Folder has a 4" straight edge blade of black-coated S35VN steel with a hardness at 56-59 Rc. The blade is etched with a copy of John Ek's. The black textured glass filled nylon handles have the X-head fasteners traditional to Ek knives. The black coated wire pocket clip is positioned for tip-up carry and is reversible for left or right-hand carry. Measures 5-1/4" closed. Weighs 3.5 oz. Made in Taiwan. Suggested retail is $160.00.
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TypeFolder
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BladeStraight Edge
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Blade Length4"
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FinishBlack Coated
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Blade SteelS35VN
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Rockwell56-59
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LockLiner-style
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HandleFRN
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Closed Length5-1/4"
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ClipReversible/Tip-Up
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Weight3.5 oz.
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OriginTaiwan
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.
KaBar EK Folder
