Anyone own a Ka-bar?

[DerBiermeister]

For the past couple of years, I had been using my Ontario OKC-3S (8" blade) as kind of Ka-bar for hiking trips, etc. It's a bit big for the job, so I have it back where it belongs -- on the end of my Mossy 590.

I purchased a standard Ka-bar fighting knife (7" blade) to fill the need for hiking, as well as an addition to my GHB/BOB. I think it will generally fulfill various outdoor needs (just a good all-around field knife -- not the best, but good), in addition to .......... God forbid that I ever need to fight off man or beast, but it is there if it comes to that.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AI8FX0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

I went with the Kraton handle instead of the standard issue USMC leather-stack handle for a
couple of reasons:

1. more durable if exposed to water
2. I don't feel right in wearing USMC eagle and anchor, having been a pig-boat sailor.

Included in that price, it comes with a decent plastic sheath.
http://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-3-5011S-5-Foliage-Green-Sheath/dp/B001NK8CII/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_y

I've done some mods to the sheath -- I'll post some pics later.

[James m]

I have this Gerber. I always had an affinity for the black handled kabar.

1617

[Arklatex]

Are they still made in the USA? If so I'll have to pick one up.

For now my field knife is a Buck 119.

[shootbrownelk]

Isn't that BIG Ka-Bar often referred to as an "Arkansas Toothpick"? Or is that something else.

[DerBiermeister]

here are the photos I promised


This first one shows what I have added to the sheath --- an Ontario leg strap and some tightly-strung paracord since there is no MOLLE straps. While wearing the knife on my hip without a leg strap, I found it flops around too much.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Der1/006_zpsxeawms0b.jpg

If you look at the back of the sheath, you can see how the paracord could be used to attach the sheath in numerous ways to a BOB. Also take note of how I have secured, out of the way, the black buckle (that I guess could also be used in attaching the sheath to a BOB). Right now the sheath is set up to go on my belt.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Der1/005_zpsui60nxbp.jpg

On this next photo, notice the 1" O-rings around the knife's handle. Incredible increase in gripping.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Der1/007_zpsnkaxwpm6.jpg


Yes -- the knife is made entirely in the USA in Olean, NY. The sheath, scecifically made for the fighting knife, is also made in USA, but I am not sure if made by Ka-bar.

[Arklatex]

Isn't that BIG Ka-Bar often referred to as an "Arkansas Toothpick"? Or is that something else.
Big bowie knives are also called Arkansas toothpicks.

[hawgrider]

Isn't that BIG Ka-Bar often referred to as an "Arkansas Toothpick"? Or is that something else.


This is what I was told a Arkansas tooth pick was-
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/48/06/d4/4806d4bc0acd68ed54a55ae6c30e348e.jpg

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7b/05/07/7b0507069d54d37da078de62b36a7ef1.jpg




What is it you may ask ?

Answer- Racoon dick bone.

[Dwight55]

If you don't have a Ka-bar in your knife collection, . . . it ain't complete.

May God bless,
Dwight

[Inor]

This is what I was told a Arkansas tooth pick was-
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/48/06/d4/4806d4bc0acd68ed54a55ae6c30e348e.jpg

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7b/05/07/7b0507069d54d37da078de62b36a7ef1.jpg




What is it you may ask ?

Answer- Racoon dick bone.

Who the hell has a Racoon dick bone laying around the house?!? :confused: What do you use it for? It looks like it might make a pretty good back scratcher, but I would not want to scratch my back too low and close to my butt.

Damn Hawg! Everyday I learn something new about you! :biglaugh:

[James m]

I didn't know people in Arkansas had teeth?? :-/

[hawgrider]

Who the hell has a Racoon dick bone laying around the house?!? :confused: What do you use it for? It looks like it might make a pretty good back scratcher, but I would not want to scratch my back too low and close to my butt.

Damn Hawg! Everyday I learn something new about you! :biglaugh:Lol I didn't make it up. Trappers toothpicks. In the days before dental floss....... unless your from Montana:biglaugh:

[RWalls]

Included in that price, it comes with a decent plastic sheath.
http://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-3-5011S-5-Foliage-Green-Sheath/dp/B001NK8CII/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_y



$15? damn you really can't beat that.

[DerBiermeister]

$15? damn you really can't beat that.

That's just for the sheath. If you buy the knife (for $67 on Amazon), the sheath comes with it.
Earlier, I called it plastic. I should have said Kydex. I swear, it is indestructible.

[rice paddy daddy]

If you don't have a Ka-bar in your knife collection, . . . it ain't complete.

May God bless,
Dwight

Agreed.
I have to have one simply because in the war I carried one. Actually, it was a Camillus made under contract. Luckily I never had to use it for its intended purpose.
I bought one years ago with the leather sheath. It is stamped with the USMC logo, but since my original Camillus came from the Marines my Army unit was attached to I'm OK with that.
About 5 years ago, in my local gun shop "junk box" there was a WWII original in sad shape for $35. It was wearing a USN Mk2 scabbard which was worth more than the $35 by itself, so I bought it and did some restoration on the knife.
I don't wear either into town though. While legal to do here, I don't really want that much attention.
I simply wear 4" fixed blade hunting knives, I have several to choose from. One is an old US made Schrade. I also like Kissing Crane brand.

[DerBiermeister]

Are they still made in the USA? If so I'll have to pick one up.

For now my field knife is a Buck 119.

Sorry I neglected to answer this back in July.

YES -- knife and sheath are both made in the USA. Ka-bar makes the knife and I think they farm out the sheath.

[BucketBack]

I bought the same Kabar last month used for $55. It needed a few strokes on the tri stone and it's got that nice burr edge going now

[RubberDuck]

I was going to purchase a Kabar hunting knife but upon further inspection those ones are not made in US along with many of their blades kind of turned me off to the brand all together.

[DerBiermeister]

I was going to purchase a Kabar hunting knife but upon further inspection those ones are not made in US along with many of their blades kind of turned me off to the brand all together.

Their cheap hunting knives apparently are not made in the USA. But their more expensive ones are. I looked at a bunch of them.

http://www.kabar.com/knives/us-made

[Gambit]

damn you james soon you said that this is the first thing that popped in my head now i cant even look at bacon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz9jL3YNX-0