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Ka-Bar Fan Club

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The Big Boss of the large fixed blades with the bullet proof reputation to prove it

Location: Right here on iKC!
Members: 90
Latest Activity: Feb 25, 2023

15 members like this

Some KA-BAR history...

The Ka-Bar fighting knife was originally designed as a hunting knife in 1898, and would have been considered unremarkable at that time. In 1942, soon after the United States' entry into World War II, American troops experienced the problematic nature of the M1917/1918 and Mark I trench knives that they were issued initially and, realizing the need for knives suited to trench warfare, Ka-Bar's design was chosen from a catalog of hunting gear. The Marines bought many different knives and designs from a large number of suppliers during World War II, but it was the Ka-Bar fighting knife that was most common and popular. It was chosen for continued purchase and issue after the war was over. The final shape was decided upon by the Marine Corps. The changes included a slightly longer blade for combat use, introduction of a small fuller to make the blade lighter, and the pinned pommel and stacked leather handle as standard. In addition, the blade, guard, and pommel were all finished in a non-reflective matte black or gray phosphate finish instead of the brightly polished steel of the original.

Millions were made during World War II by Ka-Bar, Ontario Knife Company, Camillus Cutlery, Case Knives, and several other knife companies. The knife is inexpensive, easy to replace, and adequate for most tasks. It was also used as a diving knife in World War II, though the model in use at the time disintegrated rapidly in saltwater. The various forms of this knife are still very popular with hunters, fishermen, hikers, outdoors-men, and the U.S. military.

(sourse: wikipedia.com)

The Official iKC Ka-Bar Cutlery Chat link

Ka-Bar%20Cutlery.pdf

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Comment by Gary Nelson on October 4, 2011 at 2:31: Have you seen the new EsKabar? I like it!

Comment by John Hall on December 19, 2010 at 18:15: Ok Ka-Bar Collectors, whats going on with this group???? not one comment since early November. My excuse is that I've been busy going out on the hunt for Ka-Bar knives. I've found quite a few over the last 2 months. I am going to try and post pics of my new additions to my page asap.

So heres a kick in the butt for all of you other Ka-Bar collectors out there. LETS START CHATTING KA-BARS!!!! The first member who posts a comment gets an addaboy, or possibly an addagirl!

Comment by Jake on June 9, 2010 at 19:02: I googled it. I can't tell much, but the sheath looks super cheap.

Comment by Alex Rakotz on February 24, 2010 at 14:39: my kabar is probably the one knife i would never sell. that thing has been with me on so many trips and the wear and tear on it just makes me love it even more :D

Comment by Keith A. Howell on January 12, 2010 at 12:47: I know this is the KA-BAR Club and I hope you forgive this minor intrusion. But since this is a military knife I thought some of you may have knowledge I need. I have a customer who wants me to put a blade in a LF&C 1918 trench knife handle he has. I need the correct dimensions of the original blade. Thanks in advance for any help.

Comment by Jake on November 25, 2009 at 18:29: Might file that hand guard down on mine too. I would send to kbar I think they have warranty.

Comment by Jake on November 25, 2009 at 18:13: Wow really? How bad? Pics? I've do some tough batoning with mine and no problems other than the hand guard being bent.