First Impressions of the CASE XX USMC Fighting Knife

In this video I give my first impression of the CASE XX USMC fighting knife. Case was never awarded a contract to produce what has become known as the Ka-Bar fighting knife but in 1992 they started producing a copy of the knife they presented to the military for testing. I am very impressed with the construction of this knife and am very happy to add it to my collection.

[@HNXMedia]

Every Kabar I've had, once you start abusing it, it bends at that weak point. Surprised they have been so popular over the years. Still beautiful style of knives. This Case looks very nice.

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

I agree. The key thing to remember is what the knife is actually designed to do. We sometimes forget that all knives are designed for the same types of use. As bushcrafters we try to turn every knife into a bushcraft knife. Thanks for watching

[@RickNethery]

You could tear up an anvil if you went about it in the right way. 👍

[@mrweeby1961]

Glad you posted this. I'm considering a Case to go with my Ontario and Ka-Bar knives. I can tell you one thing about the Ka-Bar that you don't see on the current made ones, that I can tell, is on the model 02-1211 that came with the Kraton handle and leather sheath it is factory sharpened on the swedge of the blade. I also do not see anything above the pommel and the pommel is thicker than what it seems on the Case. I don't know for sure how long I've had this Ka-Bar, probably over 20 years, but it is actually the first combat type knife I bought. I didn't buy it to use so it's still new in the box. Every one I've bought since that one has an unsharpened swedge. I find the history and variations between the models and brands a very interesting subject. I also think the rat tail tang is a potential weak spot. If you haven't, look at the Cold Steel Leatherneck and how large the tang is on it. Too bad all of them aren't that way.

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

@@mrweeby1961 Glad you enjoyed it! Like you I find the history of this design very interesting. And find it funny that with all the modern steels and new manufacturing techniques they really haven’t changed its design or components other than the D2 versions. There are companies that are making more modern versions/takes of this knife but the designs are still pretty much the same. I’ve seen the Cold Steel leatherneck and the TOPS USMC Fighter (I went blank, I believe that’s what it’s called) and I think Halfbreed Blades makes one. Thanks for watching

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Case did make several knives for the Department of War/Army during WWII but they did not get awarded to make MK2 Combat Knives. The bulk of Mk2 knives were made by Camillus with Ka-Bar coming in second place. (Ka-Bar did make more Mk2's for USMC) Among some of the knives Case did make during WWII were the M3 Trench knife and the very famous V-42 Special Services Fighting knife/stiletto and the AAF Folding Machete as well as a non folding machete. I believe they also were contracted for a variety of boning and butcher knives used for food prep. 'd say the tang on the knife is more appropriately a full-push tang and not a rat-tail. Still it does have the weak point. But I carried my Camillus Mk2 for a good 8 years. I cut down small trees with it and even pounded nails into trees to secure hammocks and such and the knife held up amazingly well. Hopefully the Case will hold up as well as my Camillus has. Great video. Just came by and subbed. Looking forward to check out your other content, especially the Case M3.

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

You’re correct they did receive contracts for other knives and tools, just not for this style of combat knife. Thanks for sharing the other info, I’m sure others (along with me) will find that interesting. Glad to have you aboard and thanks for watching

[@jerryreynolds8151]

Anxious to see how it holds up to bushcraft use...

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

I am too! Should be interesting to find out. Thanks for watching

[@Mr_Obvious]

I love the look of all these KaBar USMC style knives. I have all the major brands that have made one, up to and including the Hinderer. I think the only one I'm missing is the Medford version. Such a cool history behind them! It's a shame so many of them break at the hilt, but then, batonning really isn't the intended use lol. I think I like my Case better than the KaBar as well btw.

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

That would be a great collection to see! You’re so right, that’s not their intended use. But you also have to think that the knife was designed in a time where it was always said and taught that you never beat on your knife. Thanks again for watching

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Impressive Case XX Thanks For Sharing This David ! Can't Wait For Your Follow Up ! ATB T God Bless

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to getting some use on it as well. Thanks for watching

[@bcvpiper8356]

First! Woot!🎉 I love my Case XX USMC knife. I've had mine for 20 years.

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

I can’t wait to get mine out and get some use on it. Congrats on being FIRST! Thanks for watching

[@DaleStreble]

Very nice review! Many years ago Smokey Mountain Knife Works sold factory second Ka-Bars for next to nothing. One thing though, the stacked leather handle was not carved out with the grips as a normal Ka-Bar had. However, I quickly found that a Dremel tool would allow this to be done quite easily! I guess I should have sealed it with something to protect the leather, but again, this was many years ago. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

That was a while back, I think I remember when they did that. Like I said in the video, there are several differences in the 2. I do like the feel of the Case in the hand better than the Ka-Bar. Thanks for watching

[@newhopefosterhomes4607]

@@CentralKyBushcraftThe thing about those, is that a person could carve the handle themselves however they liked, and I think they ran around $20 or $25 for an actual K-Bar! Ah, the good ol' days!

[@246810335]

I had trouble sharpening mine, for a 1095 blade, but I like the knife.

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

Mine was hard to sharpen as well but I re-profiled mine from 25 degreeish to 20 degrees. Doing that with a 320 grit diamond stone to a while. But it made a world of difference in it. Thanks for watching

[@tomritter493]

Thanks dave man it seems veey rough done that edge the leather o n pommel I don't know but camt wait ti se how it holds up

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

The edge doesn’t surprise me. No one sharpens mass produced blades on a stone anymore. Everything is sharpened on belts, hence why you can see grind lines in the edge on probably 95% of mass produced blades. I’m looking forward to getting it out and getting some use on it. Thanks for watching

[@michaelbrunner6654]

Nice knife

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

Thanks, can’t wait to get some use on it. Thanks for watching

[@Mr_Obvious]

I don't know if they have any left, but Springfield Armory had TOPS make them a run of full tang KaBars. I think it was only a 300 piece limited run, but might have been 500. Can't remember for sure, but it was definitely a limited edition.

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

That would definitely be something to get your hands on. I believe TOPS has one in their lineup that is very similar to the KA-Bar. Thanks for watching

[@Mr_Obvious]

@@CentralKyBushcraft yes, and I do have one. Very cool knife, but because it's a limited run I hate the thought of using it lol.

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

@@Mr_Obvious I can understand that but I hate to have something and not use it

[@Mr_Obvious]

in general, I'm the same way. This one does actually have some use on it, but it's not used heavily. Once I put a bit more wear on it, I'm sure it'll get used much more often.

[@honaypie]

Great 1st read. ❤

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@TressaZimmerman]

That is another knife I want to get, us a kabar. Take care

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

They are a timeless design that has been around for years and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. Thanks for watching

[@SDMountainMan]

Looks great for the price better than original with the black sheath etc I see why you like it better. If I just wanted that style on a budget what would you say to get I've wanted one for a while returned a Shefleld at Fleet farm wasn't impressed

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

There are a lot of copies out there. It would depend on how much you want to spend. Smoky Mountain Knife Works has actual Ka-Bars on sale from time to time for around $80. I would definitely recommend checking them out. Thanks for watching

[@bigferd4534]

Beautiful knife 👍🏻

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

Thanks. I have a feeling that it will be well worth the money. Thanks for watching

[@jeffjackson5331]

Very nice! You stay safe out there brother.

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

Always, got a wife that would kill me if I wasn’t! Lol. Thanks for watching

[@jeffjackson5331]

@@CentralKyBushcraft lol right lol!! You are very welcome bud

[@Ssmu659]

Cool

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

Thanks for watching

[@terrillschneider3778]

I ordered three separate Case UMC Fighting Knives and the rivet in the sheaths had scratched each blade down the middle on the black coating damaging it After the third try I gave up and bought a KaBar Case’s problem seems to be that the sharp 3:13 peined end of the rivet is on the inside of the sheath

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

So far I haven’t seen an issue with that on mine but they may be because on mine the smooth side of the rivet is on the inside. We’ll see what happens over time. Thanks for watching

[@terrillschneider3778]

@@CentralKyBushcraft I sent Case an email suggesting that they turn the rivet over

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

@@terrillschneider3778 they must have listened to you. 👍🏻

[@noexcuses6727]

I will keep my original 1073 issued Ka-Bar

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a Ka-Bar. I haven’t ruled out that I won’t get one of them as well. Thanks for watching

[@FlintnChirt]

Case is one if not the only knife brand that is fully made and produced in the USA. I love case, always have. It’s sad to think that old timer and K-BAR both are now made and produced in China with extremely cheap metal. I honestly hate China so much because they ruin so many and have ruined so many used to be good brands. Gotta love case though, they didn’t and haven’t sold out to anyone.

[@CentralKyBushcraft]

I’ve got several Case knives and every one has a sentimental story to go with it. A good USA made knife is hard to beat. Thanks for watching

[@FlintnChirt]

@@CentralKyBushcraft agreed, no problem.

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

👍👍👍.🇺🇲🔪🔥🌲