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KaBar Dogs Head

I have been intrigued by the KaBar Dogs Head, and can find out little about them. I have heard that KaBar Knives are extremely hard to date.

The old ones are very expensive $200-500 and up. Wonder why they are so expensive? Are they rare? Not many around? I seem to see them at shows wherever I go. I sure would like one.

The Dogs Head have been re-introduced - I think in the '70's-and the new ones are very nice. I visited the Cutco/Kabar Cutlery in Olean, NY recently and saw a few.

What do you know about the Dogs Head? Any pictures to post here?

Here is my only one dated I think 70's - maybe 1984 - I think it was a Club Knife.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on August 8, 2013 at 13:20

I went to the Central Ky Knife show in the Spring, and if I remember right they had a lot of nice old Dogs Head knives. Very expensive. I am going again Aug 23, and I hope to at least get some pics of them as well as many others.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on August 10, 2013 at 10:06

Got a nice KaBar - Lo Dogs Head off the bay the other day and should arrive Monday - can't wait to get it. Pics will follow.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on August 17, 2013 at 17:12

Here it is

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on August 17, 2013 at 18:18

Ken,

That is very cool!

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on August 18, 2013 at 2:30

That's one GOOD looking Barlow!!

Ken Spielvogel said:

Here it is

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Permalink Reply by Ron Cooper on August 18, 2013 at 3:12

Woof! Woof! Boy, that sure is a sweet lookin' Dog you got there, Ken!

I'm with you as far as that shield being about the best looking one around. The Kabar Dog and the GEC Beaver Tail's are two of my favorites. Sadly, I do not--YET--own a knife with either one. "Yet" being the operative word in that sentence.

So, for now, I will be content to enjoy a vicarious thrill from your new knife. She's a beaut! Congratulations, Ken! Enjoy your new knife in good health, my friend!

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on August 18, 2013 at 8:17

Sweet, Ken. Just simply, Sweet! The stag helps make that dog shield, really pop. I love them too, Ron but my collection is spread out all over the place. I need to stick to a few brands and patterns. I don't collect Kabar but I guess, I could collect a knife like this under the Barlow group.lol

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on August 18, 2013 at 8:22

Thanks Robert - that stag is really nice. If I had money I would collect a whole bunch of Dogs Head KaBars, but I will have to be satisfied with just a few later ones.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Andrews on August 18, 2013 at 9:01

The New Dogs Head Knives are made by Canal Street Cutlery under contract for KA-Bar. From what I have seen of them, F&F is hit and miss. I was very disappointed with the ones I had. Emphasis on HAD. They carry a pretty high price point, and I feel, at the price, CSC should do a better job of QC. Just my opinion.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on August 18, 2013 at 11:15

Bob, its always a question where knives are made - I was at the Cutco/Kabar Cutlery in Olean, NY a couple months ago and I was under the impression that they were made right there. Go figure. The 2 I have seem very well made. My Congress I think is a 1984 and I don't know what my Barlow is.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Andrews on August 18, 2013 at 14:03

I think most of the originals were 60's-70's time frame. But it seems that KA-Bar would release a new Dogs Head or two every once in a while. These I believe WERE made by KA-Bar. The present run Dogs Head had a run of American Chestnut handled knives, a dead give away that they were made by CSC. I also spoke to the head of marketing for CSC, name escapes me, at a Show. I was told, may or may not be true, that the only knives made by KA-Bar in Olean, NY are the current Marine Corps Repros. And only the Mil Spec models. The Black Handled fighters are made in Taiwan.

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Permalink Reply by Ron Cooper on August 18, 2013 at 14:28

Robert, I'm like you in that I don't collect Kabar knives, per se. I do collect Barlow patterns and this Dog's Head Shield is one that I would love to have. In fact, I would love to have MANY of them with varied handle materials!

Ken, you got a beauty and I don't have any qualms about admitting that I am just a little bit jealous. Just a little bit!!! lol