Bar none
October 30, 2007 Kit Up!
Submitted by Eric Daniel
To me, knives are tools. They are to be used and abused, to accomplish the mission or die trying. I’ve been through several multi-tools (on average I break one a year) and pocket knives come and go (they get loaned out, lost, or break) but the one knife I have always had unwavering faith in (up until the time I had to quit using it) was the Ka-Bar USMC fighting knife.
As I mentioned in a previous post, a good utility knife is indispensable in the field. Pocketknives like the Buck 110 are great for light work, but sometimes you need something with leverage.
Whether it was cutting open MRE cases or prying the wire off of crated ammunition, my Ka Bar took it all in stride. In a perfect world a bayonet would have done just as well for most things, had I been able to draw one from the arms room when we went to the field, but sadly this was not the case, which made the Ka-Bar all the more valuable. Moreover, the Ka Bar’s design alone made it superior to the bayonet. The all-leather grip worked wonderfully wet or dry, hot or cold. The blade was thick enough that you could pry with either the point or the flat without undue fear of it snapping, and the big steel endcap, combined with the knife’s own mass, made for a fair field expedient hammer.
It didn’t bother me in the least that I was in the Army and I was using a Marine Corps knife. That Ka-Bar was a tool, and one I deemed best available to do the jobs I needed doing. I reasoned that since the Marine Corps used the same rifles, ammunition, artillery and armor that the Army did, it was perfectly acceptable to use “their” knife.
Silly me. Eventually, someone vastly more knowledgeable in trans-service etiquette than I explained to me the magnitude of the military faux pas I was committing. No, it simply would not do to be caught out of doors with such an icon of Marine Corps tradition prominently displayed on my LBE. As a Soldier and an NCO, I should have known better. Need to bust open those crates of MG ammunition? No problem – smash them on the ground or kick them, or use a stick (a good NCO always carries a good stick with them for just such a situation.) The bottom line was that Ka-Bar was a Marine Corps “thing” and it simply had to go. No amount of pleading, reasoning, or rationalizing could resolve the situation. I just had to learn to do without.
Of course, ten years later I’m back to carrying a non-issue “fighting” knife, but now it’s made in Nepal, not Olean, N.Y. so I guess that makes it ok…
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WE MUST BE CAREFUL THAT THIS KNIFE IS NOT ILLIGAL IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY OR STATE.
GB
Posted by: AUGUST M. BOYD, JR October 30, 2007 at 01:43 PM
I still have one from 1990. I would not choose another knife. Ive used it to dig, hammer, cut, saw etc and it never fails. There is a reason why most people think of KaBars when you talk about historic fighting knives.
Posted by: LMaines October 30, 2007 at 06:09 PM
In my old Army Engineer batalion during the 1980’s at the height of the Cold War our CO allowed us to carry any knife on our LBE as long as it was military. I carried a KaBar for a while as well as a Fairbairn-Sykes. I still have both and would not trade them for anything.. well all most anything.
Posted by: Eric October 30, 2007 at 07:17 PM
WE MARINES HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN THE VALUE OF THE KABAR. REFERED TO BY DI'S AND CARRIED BY MOST 0311 IN THE FIELD IT WAS AND STILL IS OUR MAIN TOOL FOR SURVIVAL AND UNKOWN TO MOST THE KABAR COMES IN A WIDE RANGE OF STYLES.
Posted by: JAMES SCOTT October 31, 2007 at 01:05 AM
I'm still using mine from 1967 when I got it in Vietnam
Posted by: AndyJ October 31, 2007 at 03:54 AM
Genetics and bad ears have seen to it that Ill never be in the military, but I acquired a KaBar shortly before I started working as a summer camp counselor one year. Decent blades were necessary, especially on overnights. Yet one fellow counselor laughed and asked me "What do you need a KaBar for?"Plenty of things. The next summer he asked me if I still had it. Of course.
Posted by: SandieK October 31, 2007 at 07:00 AM
I still have one I got in 1966 in DaNang. Traded for it with the Seabees. Now my son carries one I picked up in 1968 while he's stationed in Iraq. Fine tool, filling a number of roles. One can find them made by Camillus, NY and the originals from "Cutco" in Olean, NY. There's a lot of fakes out there but if you can, stick with the originals. Much better quality. It's not a pocket knife!
Posted by: Pappy Patchin October 31, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Not a knife anywhere equals it for the money. Tough, sharp, easy to sharpen, holds an edge and is fast in the hand.
Posted by: jimmy johnson October 31, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Just used my 22 yr old KaBar cutting Halloween displays at my sons' school. Keep in my driver's door map pocket. It served me well doing drug enforcement boardings in the Caribbean during the 80's. It's been a loyal tool for all these years. Everyman should have one.
Posted by: Richard Bruce October 31, 2007 at 12:40 PM
I still have my from 1974. Its been at my side for 30 years in the military, I retired May 23, 2005. It will be given to my son.
Posted by: David Sletten October 31, 2007 at 03:38 PM
This is the BEST knife in the WORLD by far like Richard Bruce said, Every man should have one best thing you'll ever buy!!!
Posted by: Oorah November 01, 2007 at 07:42 PM
Ka-Bar makes the same knife with other branches logo's on them so you won't have to worry about being looked down upon for using "thier" knife anymore.
Posted by: vsixtour November 01, 2007 at 10:04 PM
ka bar none one of the best
Posted by: hank hill November 03, 2007 at 09:53 PM
I think i may just make a Ka-Bar my next knife. Thank you Kit up.
Posted by: RJB1012 November 05, 2007 at 07:27 PM
The KaBar is one of the greatest knives ever made. I used a poket knife for the little things and everything else was done with a KaBar. KaBar was origonaly made for the Marines, but all branches of the Military, Coast Gaurd included, and some civilian groups fell in love with them. It was suggested to me by several of the Senior Rangers that I should purchase one, and I did. I woul still have it today, but I gave it to a my step brother who is a Boy Scout and needed a good knife. Its a knife, if it bothers you that it a Marine thing, then get one with a brange logo on it. SGT Azevedo US Army (Retired)
Posted by: Tony Azevedo November 09, 2007 at 11:29 AM
I got my 1st K-Bar in 58 in the Cub Scouts. Used it since then world wide. That and the EK bowie are tools you can bet your life on. YMMV but that's what this old air-dog thinks.
Posted by: Tony von Krag November 11, 2007 at 12:47 PM
My father worked at Camillus Cutlery in Camillus, NY (just west of Syracuse)for 50 years. The K-Bar was made there for a very long time. Sadly, Camillus Culery just closed their doors for good. I guess it's better to get our knives from China. Sad...
Posted by: Tom Werth November 13, 2007 at 06:45 AM
As an NCO in a Tactical Military Intelligence Unit in the Army, we were in the field 9 months out of the year. My K-Bar went with me and I couldn't fathom going to the field without it. Our BDE CSM was inspecting our field gear before a deployment and once he saw my K-Bar on my LBE talked at length about how his K-Bar save his life in Vietnam...so the knife earned another use...CSM distraction.
Posted by: Brandon November 13, 2007 at 06:53 AM
It seems funny that Army personnel get so twisted up about this when the commemorative knife that is flying off shelves at the PX is the US Army OIF K-Bar!
I have two. One commemorative and one kick ass utilitool, fighting instrument, fear inducing, much admired, knicked and dinged USMC K-Bar that I acquired when I came over here.
Posted by: flythemig29 November 13, 2007 at 10:51 PM
K-Bar makes an Army Fighting Knife.
Posted by: James Wisegarver November 13, 2007 at 11:16 PM
I have taught wilderness survival at college level for years and do not do so without my K-bar at my belt or in my boot sheath. Thanks K-bar for the real thing.
Posted by: Bobby Rexroad November 13, 2007 at 11:55 PM
I remember being issued a Kabar in BUDS and teaching my roommates how to put a ridiculous edge on it. I was amazed at how well it kept its edge, and what a close shave I could get with it!
I remember bluing the edge after sharpening to kill any reflective characteristics it might have; you can't risk giving away your positiion after all!
Posted by: Bob Hunter November 14, 2007 at 02:23 AM
The best utility knife "EVER" made. I still have and use mine from my years in the USMC from the 70's. I have pried, chopped, hammered, sliced, skinned, cut and killed with it. There ARE no substitutes.
Posted by: Patrick O'Brien November 14, 2007 at 04:07 AM
As a navy SEAL trainee in the mid 70's, the K-Bar and I became best friends along with my swim buddie. The K-Bar was carried by navy SEALs in the Vietnam War. It is also a great throwing knife. The "Rusty K-Bar" is a killing machine.
Posted by: donniez udt 91 November 14, 2007 at 05:00 AM
Where can I purchase one of these knives on Long Island N.Y.?
Posted by: mike buonaiuto November 14, 2007 at 05:05 AM
I "appropriated" my KaBar in 1967 from a Marine at Camp Eagle, home of the 101st Airborne, out side of Phu Bai, RVN after an inter service brawl in the bunker line brought on by traditional GI bad mouthing. That knife kept me alive on many occasions over the next 18 months and I still carry it with me whenever I go into the field. Two years ago I even had occasion to try to defend myself against a griz high up in Montana's Bitterroot Mountains - Thank God the Griz decided to give me a break on that day - I'm sure the knife skills I learned in Vietnam have left me over the years, so good deal I didn't have to relearn them as OJT.
Posted by: Jerry Leone November 14, 2007 at 06:05 AM
Ex Khe San & CAG Unit Vietnam Marine, have given K-Bars to every new GI that I know, including 3 of my sons, 1 Marine, 1 Navy, 1 Army. I want them to survive as well.
Posted by: Steve Nowak November 14, 2007 at 06:31 AM
WHILE STATIONED I ALSO PURCHASED A KABAR BUT IT WAS IN ADMISSABLE ESPECIALLY FOR A NAVY FEMALE TO CARRY ONE, I WAS TOLD TO SHIP IT HOME. EVEN THOUGH I HAD BOUGHT IT AS A GIFT FOR A MARINE SERVICE MEMBER. WHILE WORKING FOR CUSTOMS BOXES NEEDED TO BE OPENED IN ORDER TO BE INSPECTED, GUESS WE WERE EXPECTED TO OPEN THE BOXES WITH OUR FINGER NAILS,HAHAHA, THE ONE THAT IS REQUIRED BY THE NAVY IS USELESS WITH ALL THE SMALL GADGETS IT HAS, SCREW DRIVER, PLIERS AND SO FORTH BUT THE SMALL KNIFE IT HAS IS USELESS AND IT PRACTICLEY TOOK FOR EVER TO OPEN A BOX. THE KABAR IS THE BEST, IT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE USED BY ALL MILITARY PERSONEL ESPECIALLY IN TIMES OF WAR IT IS A VERY USEFUL TOOL TO HAVE.
Posted by: ZIVA NEW YORK, NEW YORK November 14, 2007 at 06:34 AM
I received a Ka-Bar as a memento from a Marine buddy while in VN back in 1967 (we were advisors in IV CTZ but I was Army). I've used that knife to field dress a deer and a wild pig on two hunting trips until I bought a set of meat processing knives and saws. When I got afield with my bow, hunting or roving, I always have that Ka-Bar with me either on my belt or in my pack.
Posted by: MRFranks November 14, 2007 at 06:47 AM
I received a Ka-Bar as a memento from a Marine buddy while in VN back in 1967 (we were advisors in IV CTZ but I was Army). I've used that knife to field dress a deer and a wild pig on two hunting trips until I bought a set of meat processing knives and saws. When I got afield with my bow, hunting or roving, I always have that Ka-Bar with me either on my belt or in my pack.
Posted by: MRFranks November 14, 2007 at 06:48 AM
I received a Ka-Bar as a memento from a Marine buddy while in VN back in 1967 (we were advisors in IV CTZ but I was Army). I've used that knife to field dress a deer and a wild pig on two hunting trips until I bought a set of meat processing knives and saws. When I go afield with my bow, hunting or roving, I always have that Ka-Bar with me either on my belt or in my pack.
Posted by: MRFranks November 14, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Posted by: MRFranks November 14, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Received my first Ka-Bar knife in boy scouts from retired air force instructor. It went with me in the USMC and I still have it. Found none better.
Posted by: frank kaicy November 14, 2007 at 07:16 AM
I bought my Ka-Bar at a surplus store in 1945 at the ripe old age of eight. I paid a dollar for it because the tip was broken. I still have itin the original sheath and use it daily. Finest tool I ever owned.
Posted by: Ted Williams November 14, 2007 at 07:41 AM
Bought my Ka-bar In 81 while in the Army and also a Buck 105 Pathfinder, both served me so well I still have both !The Ka-Bar is Hands down the best and strongest utility Knife for hard use! My Platoon Sgt. A Vietnam vet, never batted an eye on my wearing it on my LBE . Only had 1 plt. sgt in 8 yrs.who
Posted by: Patrick Champagne November 14, 2007 at 07:41 AM
Bought my Ka-bar In 81 while in the Army and also a Buck 105 Pathfinder, both served me so well I still have both !The Ka-Bar is Hands down the best and strongest utility Knife for hard use! My Platoon Sgt. A Vietnam vet, never batted an eye on my wearing it on my LBE . Only had 1 plt. sgt in 8 yrs.who
Posted by: Patrick Champagne November 14, 2007 at 07:49 AM
Got my Ka-bar in 81, still have it!Handsdown, It's the best and strongest overall utility knife you can get !
Posted by: Patrick Champagne November 14, 2007 at 07:54 AM
Bought my K-bar about 1980. In the 1990's the Soldier next door had an interest in my daughter and had his army knife on the belt and was showing the daughter and my son his army survival knife with the compass, fishing line, etc. He'd never seen a K-Bar so I pulled it out to compare. He was in his uniform and he pulled out the bottom of his t-shirt to see how sharp the blade was. With very little effort the K-Bar cut through his shirt and slightly cut his stomach. He let out a holler as he thought he'd seriously cut himself. After he regained his composure, he commmented about how sharp that blade was. Note that I had not sharped the knife in at least ten years. The K-bar sits NIB on top of my gun case. It will be strapped to my side any time a disaster strikes my area.
Posted by: Fletcher November 14, 2007 at 08:15 AM
K-Bar Knives can be purchased at 1125 East State St., Olean, NY 14760 (716) 372-5952 and they will send you a catalog or take your order.
Posted by: charles t. sherwin November 14, 2007 at 08:35 AM
I carried my uncles WWII K-bar with me when I was in Special Ops (1/1st SF). No one ever made a comment about me carrying this legendary knife. It does the Job and I still have not been able to destoy this 65 year old beauty.
Posted by: Wynn November 14, 2007 at 08:36 AM
I bought my knife in 2002 before shipping out to the Iraqi war. Stationed in Qatar, I found that that was the knife to have and its daily cutting abilities were top notch. I would recommend this knife to anyone. Good job KBAR.
Posted by: Michael Stanek November 14, 2007 at 09:02 AM
I got my K-bar shortly before I Joined the Corps, and it is my all purpose tool. I cant imagine not having it around. If another branch member wants to carry it, fine its good for all occasions. It shouldnt matter if your Army or whatever.
Posted by: Christopher Capri November 14, 2007 at 09:26 AM
Even though I was in the Navy in the early '60's I wonder when all of these OLD military "LIFERS" (of all branches) will get their heads out of their collective anal orifices and realize we are all in the US military and use the same equipment - saves the taxpayers money on equipment and research.
Posted by: Toellner November 14, 2007 at 09:26 AM
I am glad that their are so many loyal Ka-Bar users and owners, I aquired mine when I was 10 years old. I was born and raised in Olean, NY. After I came home from the Korean war in 1954, I went to work at Ka-bar for about 2 years.
Posted by: Allan Brown November 14, 2007 at 09:29 AM
still have mine from 1962, sharpened both sides of the tip b/c I once broke a small piece off , don't remember how , but still extremely sharp ,useful ,n beautiful
Posted by: Joe Black November 14, 2007 at 09:30 AM
I purchased my K-Bar back in 1986. It has been around the world and remained strong in every aspect. I really don't think you could find a better more reliable knife. You can use it to cut, trim, shave, hammer, skin, kill..kill..kill....
Posted by: Dan November 14, 2007 at 09:32 AM
Hands down, it's the best diving knife ever! Sharpen it with a whetstone or even just a file and it walks through rope like it was butter.
Posted by: George Goulet November 14, 2007 at 09:41 AM
You might try and see if you can find an old WWII Cattaraugus 225Q, a/k/a the Army Quartermaster Knife. The blade's not quite as long, but it's plenty sturdy and has a proud ARMY tradition.
Posted by: Owen McPhillips November 14, 2007 at 10:53 AM
I was issued my first K-bar, when I was a Corpsman with the 2nd Marine Division (Desert Storm). That knife was used to dig holes, cut ropes, detatch straps, and even remove shrapnel. Sadly, I returned that one. However, I was issued my second one as a Corpsman, with the 1st Marine Div, in Somalia (Restore Hope). Again, although different country, same work. In this conflict, there were times that using a firearm would have been a bad choice. When that time came, the K-bar was the first thing that came to mind (and to my hands). I still have my trusty K-bar, and with God's blessings, one day, I will pass this one along to my son.God bless the designers, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States of America. (By the way, Happy Birthday U.S.M.C.)Semper Fi
Posted by: Alton November 14, 2007 at 10:55 AM
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