The LEGENDARY KABAR WW2 Fighting Knife [What You NEED to Know!]

The KA-BAR is the most famous knife from World War 2. Created in order to feed the American war machine, the KA-BAR fighting utility knife was issued to massive numbers of US marines and sailors throughout the Pacific. The KA-BAR quickly developed a reputation for a rugged do-it-all survival knife. Need to open a ration? No problem! Dig a fox hole? Absolutely! Close quarters combat with the enemy? Bring it on! The KA-BAR has become so well known that it has a near mythical status, so much so that the company that created it changed its name to match: KA-BAR!
A special thanks to KA-BAR for their assistance in my research!
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[@jedgarren2901]

My nephew joined the USMC this past year, In January he will deploy for the first time. So today, I went and bought him a KA-BAR USMC fighting knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! by best wishes for the both of you and a safe return for him! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@coryhoggatt7691]

Why? If his job rates one they will issue it. If it doesn’t, they probably won’t let him carry it. He’ll have a bayonet anyway.

[@jhs8496]

Did you also buy him one of those red satin MARINES jackets? Those are considered triple cool out in the Fleet because they look good with a high and tight.

[@stevenkertesz4625]

​@coryhoggatt7691 I was in the Corps from 87- 94 and was never issued a Ka-Bar. I was issued a bayonet. I was given a brand new Ka-Bar from some former Marines after I graduated from boot camp. I carried that GREAT FIGHTING KNIFE for my whole time in and was never told I couldn't carry it. Love it and still have it. My son bought me another one to commemorate my service. SEMPER FI!

[@1s1k97]

@@coryhoggatt7691. What a heartless prick, dude. That’s awesome from a proud father!! 💯🆒

[@lmcollins_54]

As a retired US Marine, I purchased a USMC K-Bar back in 1973, while stationed in Japan. I purchased the K-Bar to be my go to instrument while scuba diving. Even though it was not made of grade A steel, over the years, it did not rust excessively. After retiring from scuba diving, which I did for approximately 25 years or more, I finally cleaned it up and put it on a stand with all my military paraphernalia. Still looks great!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@daffyduck7336]

Purchase my k-bar in 1961 shortly after finishing ITR, I carried it for over 20 years, to including 3 years in Nam, and my handle never rotted ,however the stitching did wear out but that was easy replaced with a single straned of stainless steel wire from "com-wire"' after I retired from the marines (22)years ,However I did Lend it to my son who carried it for 4 years as a paratrooper (U.S Army) , it now hangs on the along with my steel pot and it still holds one he'll of an edge .

[@daffyduck7336]

Well I'll be dammed, that's what I paid for mine ($19:95) at the PX also! As I said I carried mine from 65 to 67 and 68 to69 in Nam,

[@marktaylor171]

As long as it's properly cleaned after ever use, it would last a long time. The blade is made if stainless steel. The rest of its components would need special attention after taking a salt bath.

[@williamklingenberg7623]

I still have mine, issued to me 22Dec1972 at Monkey Mountain, Vietnam

[@herblee4180]

It is an historical fact that Bill Hickok did kill an attacking bear with his knife, although he did spend six months laid up recuperating from from very serious injuries. So I guess the story is possible.

[@gavocrazy]

Gene Moe killed a bear with a Buck 110

[@pierredussf]

My father, a Guadalcanal vet, introduced me to the US Navy Mk 1 and Ka-Bar, the Sykes-Fairbairn and Applegates. When I went into Special Forces (1966) I experimented (daggers are useless) and first carried a Randall. But it was hard to keep sharp out in the jungle. The Ka-Bar could be sharpened on a river stone. It could open ammo boxes and even 55 gal drums and the flat pommel was a hammer. They cut vines or light brush with the flick of a wrist and you could dig with it. Sure they bent or broke once and while but one saved my life in close combat twice (stick it in, twist it, slash it out, drop body). I bent the back cross guard to prevent snags and installed an idiot wrist loop. The leather sheaths rotted and bent to expose the tip. I stitched up a sheath from nylon A7A strap and kept it oiled. I even replaced the handle on one with an M16 bayonet grip and used it the cut belts and webbing in the gruesome business of searching bodies for intel. Someone stole it when I was wounded in '68. I tried a Brend for a while and have a full set of SERE knives but I carried a good old Ka-Bar on tour during 40 years of SpecOps. I still carry it for trail maintenance.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@CrimsonRaven51]

Did you ever carry the Gerber Mark III? . This and a Randall knife most associated with Army Special Forces. That and an ID bracelet, big ring and big watch. Used to joke about that a bit. Don’t mean nothin.

[@Gerald-do9yg]

Pierre, Have my Mk 1 and Mk2 (Ka-bar, Navy issue after 50 plus years! Good knives, Mk1 has been a long on many adventures! Appreciate your story, your service, and your using an old friend for "civilian" duty!! Blsgs, gg

[@davesheppard8797]

The Fairbairn Sykes knife is great for what it's designed for.....killing!! As carried,once earned, by the British Royal marine commando's in WWII. Commando's carried other knives for utility purposes or just used their bayonets. I am an edged weapons collector so bought a KA- BAR a few years ago. Dave.

[@MikeCarr-qo6rj]

I call BS

[@billmcdonough8616]

I carried a KABAR as a Boy scout. The pictures make it look ridiculous next to my skinny leg. I was so proud of it and shared it's history with any other scout that asked.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@davesheppard8797]

😂😂😂. When I used to go camping with my parents....I was about 13 years old, I used to carry a Khukuri around the woods. I probably looked ridiculous but I loved the knife! Dave.

[@DickGozinya-zl2bd]

I found my first Ka-Bar on the beach of a Spanish Military Base while we were doing joint training operations with the Spanish Army. It was covered in rust & I almost passed it up but, decided to take it back to the ship & see what I could do with it. It cleaned up surprisingly well & only had two small pits in the blade that didn't affect the edge. It sharped up nicely & I was very impressed with it. When we got back to Camp Lejeune, I bought a brand new one at the PX (this was 1987) for $32.00. Today you can still find them for under $100 but, many sources are asking >$100. It's a great knife for under $100 but, there are better knives to be had if you plan to spend more.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for sharing your story! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@poip202]

I remember paying like 50$ for mine about 13 years ago. Crazy they're so expensive now

[@hiphip4808]

I saw the camp name, hope you didn’t drink the water

[@DickGozinya-zl2bd]

@@hiphip4808 I did drink the water but, I'm fine.

[@rondodson5736]

I disagree. I have never found a better knife than the K-Bar at any price.

[@joehayward2631]

When i graduated from marine bootcamp my dad gave me a new Ka-Bar. I can say it did everything i needed, strong enough for a beating.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel!

[@user-pb6go1lx5c]

I inherited a massive knife collection from my grandfather, and it includes a ka-bar!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@zoltan7771]

lucky man🎉

[@rburrows7786]

I have three original Kbars. When I was a kid in the 50/60s, KBar had an ad every month in Sports Afield magazine. The ad showed 1” of the blade clamped into a vice, with a caption that said a 180lb man can stand on the handle and it won’t bend or break

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@richardpierce7819]

When I served in the Marines back in the 70s I was issued a k-bar that I still have today. It holds an edge well.

[@richbutler7828]

It must of been an old knife if it was issued to you from your unit supply in the 70's as ka bar has not had a contract to produce knives for the U.S. Military since WW2 Camillus had the Contract for them during the Vietnam Era then Ontario after that. Maybe a PX buy?

[@jasonbennett60]

My first purchase of anything of note with my own money from mowing lawns with my buddies was my KA-Bar. 40 years later and it is still one of my prized possessions.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@jpavlvs]

I never was issued a KaBar in Vietnam. I bought one just this year. The scabbard is made in Mexico. You need to put Neats Foot oil on it and when it's soaked in use some Aussie Leather conditioner on it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool, thanks for sharing! Most of the Ka-Bars in Vietnam were private purchase blades or blades passed from one generation to the next. It was never widely issued by the government.

[@randywarnock2937]

I have researched the story of KABAR. The story is a hunter in Alaska tried to kill a bear with a rifle but the bear knocked it out of his hands. He killed it with a knife. He skinned the bear hide with their knife. He sent it to the company in the very early 1900s with a letter that stated, “Your knife saved my life. I killed a bear with it.” But he couldn’t spell very well. So he wrote, “I KA BAR.” They changed their name to KABAR. Now they are well known by their name.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thats it in a nutshell. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@pappychksix]

Joined the USMC in 1977...bought my KABAR after getting out of boot camp and have loved it ever since, Great great knife!!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@kybourbonboy]

My late father served USMC in the Pacific in WW2. I have his dog tags and his Ka-Bar from that campaign. My uncle also served in that campaign USMC as a demolitions man at Guadalcanal. He was a bit of a wild man. I am still in awe of those young men when I look at his Ka-Bar. Semper fi

[@Doze320]

My dad was in the Navy during WW2 and his ship saw a lot of action in Okinawa. I have the Ka-Bar he was issued. Obviously one of my most prized possessions.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@ricjona1069]

I was in the Marines during the 70s and 80s. The KA-BAR was not standard issue at that time but it was sold at the PX (for $19.95 as I recall) and every Marine I worked with had one. When we would go into the field, you couldn't find a Marine that didn't have one. I still have mine to this day and use it when camping.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@1UkuleleDude]

Yeap! Bought mine when I was sent to the USMC in the 80's. Got it for $13 on sale at the PX. Went back and bought a number of them for gifts. My primary use was to wrap it with wire and shove it into wet ground for an antenna ground for the radios. Made a huge difference in reception. Got some strange looks, but the Colonel was always impressed.

[@revere0311]

Carried a Kbar in my 2010-11 Afghanistan deployment, turned out to come in handy more than I thought. The most use I saw out of the Ka Bar was our combat engineer who used his to dig for IED’s and caches. Still one of my favorite mementos from that deployment.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@longrider42]

I bought my Ka-Bar back in the 80's. It has a brown powder coat finish, and the swedge is Extremely sharp. And yes, it is a Ka-Bar made in Olean, NY. I still have the box and pamphlet that came with the knife. When I worked in Yellowstone National Park in 85, 91 and 95. it was always on my hip when I went hiking. I still have it, and its in good shape. I've kept the handle well oiled. I think its a good knife myself. I keep it in my office, just in case :) And early pommels, where actually screwed on. I have the early blue prints showing how it was built. The pommel on mine is pinned on.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Early pommels had a variety of methods of being secured. Some were threaded as you mentioned, but others were pinned such as yours, while others were peened into place. With different manufacturers with multiple different methods of production, there are many variations, especially in the early knives. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel!

[@D-FIANT415]

Was that after watching Rambo?

[@trentk268]

Carried one of these in Viet Nam. The KA-Bar is an outstanding weapon and tool.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@krispy1k]

I'm surprised you didn't talk about the fact that the company in Olean, NY that has been making them for years is Cutco. They were formally named Alcas for many years and then with the tremendous popularity and sales of their Cutco line, the company was renamed to Cutco. There is a Cutco/KA-BAR Visitor Center in the factories parking lot in Olean. My mother worked there for over 20 years and retired from there and in the summers of 1988 and 89 I worked there as a college student for summer employment. I worked on the KA-BAR knife installing the leather medallions onto the handle for a period of time. It is awesome to know that I had the opportunity to work on a knife with so much history. And in the comments I see Zippo lighters mentioned a lot as well. I live in Bradford, Pa which is home to Zippo Manufacturing and much of my family either works there or retired from there. Bradford is only a 25 minute drive from Olean, NY and Cutco.

[@johnciummo3299]

The KaBar was part of my tactical load out while I served as a Marine Scout Dog Handler in Vietnam from 2/68 thru 3/69. It was taped to my shoulder harness for quick and easy access in an emergency situation. It was the last line of defense I carried. Had my M-16, my 45 cal. Pistol and KaBar and my Scout Dog. Never used the knife for fighting, but it was always there if needed. In my humble opinion the greatest fighting knife ever made.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@MikeCarr-qo6rj]

Ka-bar only make the MK2 knife for tbe government during ww2, they didn't even make them commercially until 1978, so it wasn't A ka-bar made MK2

[@jefferypatesel8372]

Thanks for the video,it was great! I've always had a large camp knife. In my hitch in the U.S.Army all we were issued was the bayonet for the M16A1(A2) . Lousy for chopping. Since I was assigned to an infantry unit as a track mechanic/GRUNT. I bought my own choppers and axes. I had a weapons card for all. Then after discharge I joined the USMC. It was now my KA-BAR and Zippo. SEMPER FI.

[@whomagoose6897]

The Kabar is stamped with US Army, USMC, US Navy and USCG (Coast Guard). Right now there are no Kabars stamped with US Air Force or US Space Force. I wish there was. The leather sheath has each service branch logos. US Army has the standard American eagle. There are 13 olive branches on the left claw of the eagle, 13 arrows on the right claw. The eagle is always looking left showing the eagle is looking for peace. The Marine sheath has the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. The Navy sheath has the oblique facing eagle that you see on the US Navy flag. The Coast Guard has a life bouy and crossed oars. I have the US Army version of the Kabar. To my knowledge the Kabar was only used in the Pacific during WW-2. The Army was more in the European theater. The bayonet or the M-3 knife was use in Europe. When you get a Kabar look to see the 8° angle of the hilt. The hilt is purposely made with thinner metal with a bending of the metal hilt. Chinese counterfeit Kabars are straight with thick metal. Get the real Kabar. No Chinese knockoffs.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@TheWtfnonamez]

I own both a traditional and modern KABAR and I absolutely love them. The KABAR is as iconic as a Zippo, very practical, and fits nicely in the hand when doing any sort of work. I would also have to admit that if I had to take ONE knife out into the woods and bet my life on it, then I would NOT take a KABAR. I always worry that it will bend or snap, and that very real fear lurks in the back of my mind constantly because it DOES routinely bend or snap in the field. It is a stick tang (rat tail tang) which in and of itself is not necessarily a problem based on the knife ..... but the one massive design flaw of the KABAR is that the whole knife is vastly stronger than the point where the knife blade suddenly cuts down to the rat tail tang. It is a monumental design flaw and they really need to bite the bullet and make a full-tang version because they are insanely prone to bending at the point where the blade meets the stick tang. Imagine a knife that is so robust you could hammer it into a tree to use it as a step .... but the second you put your weight on it, it bends because of the measly tang inside the handle... THAT is the KABAR. It was a stepping stone to the modern bushcraft/combat bushcraft knife, and I love it to bits. But there was a reason why all the special forces in Vietnam used to get custom blades made by local blacksmiths. It was the Sherman tank of knives, in as much, and as you rightly said, .... it was "good enough".

[@SPIKESPIEGEL1969]

what you recommend for a modern better knife?

[@alanrudolph7388]

😊

[@rondodson5736]

I used the K-Bar in nam and do not believe there was ever a better knife made. I brought mine home from nam and gave it to my oldest son. 53 years later it is still in great shape.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

@@rondodson5736 You are a legend mate. Thank you for your service.

[@rondodson5736]

Too me it was the perfect knife and i couldn't imagine using any other knife. I brought mine home from Vietnam and eventually gave it to my oldest son. When my daughter was getting ready to go to Iraq, i bought one for her. When she was wounded and sent home someone packed up her personal items and sent them to her back in the states. Her knife did not arrive with her belongings. Someone stole it.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

I heard that happened quite a bit. Can not stand a thief or a liter. Low life human that have no morals.

[@mikeboone4425]

I wish Ka Bar would change that junktion at the tang and blade instead of a 90 degree put a radius there instead of that breaking 90 degree it's been long enough. Happy Trails

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Hard 90 degree transitions are definitely not ideal. A 90 degree radius would be more forgiving.

[@mikeboone4425]

Also for me it needs a change in desighn to address the the fracturing at the hilt it has not happened to me but my sons it did failed years ago at 81 now I have my dads and mine plus a few years back I bought the bear . But it needs an up date period . @@travissellers9231

[@josephmcdonald764]

90° is desirable for using with firestarters.

[@1stfloorguy59]

They did on the updated model.

[@AK-xu5sj]

@@josephmcdonald764he is referring to the blade/tang transition which becomes a weak point.

[@schristi69]

My father brought back a USN Mk1 and a Ka-Bar from his tour in Vietnam in 1969. He was a Seabee stationed in DaNang. The topical climate was not good on the leather handle and scabbard and they eventually succumbed to dry rot. Luckily, I managed to find someone on the intrnet that did repairs. Got it back in almost new condition and got an aftermarket repro scabbard. I don't know when it was made, but I have a piece of history. I like it better than the modern Ka-Bar I have with the composite handle.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@pauldehart744]

My Dad had a KaBar after he came back from the Navy. I remember seeing it growing up, Later in the late 80's I found them at a gun show in Nashville and bought one. I used it with my field gear in the Army and when I went to Desert Shield, Strom, Gulf War 1.0, I had it with me but with a different sheeve. I still have it to this day and I love that thing. It has a good history with the military and I think it a great knife to have around.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@chrisblockley5783]

The best balanced and most comfortable to hold knife I've ever had. I used to collect knives and had hundreds. No better all round fixed blade in the world.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@JEEPDadXJ]

As an ARMY Engineer Vet, I believe in having good tools, the KABAR is amongst them. I came across an all black one that actually came with a black leather scabbard with US ARMY stamped in the leather. The blade is stamped KABAR and it's been an awesome blade. Great video, cheers from Wyoming.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@wingatebarraclough3553]

Yup, the presenter is incorrect, this is actually the "mark 2", issued to all services, and made by a number of contractors.

[@josephfuselier]

As a Gulf War U.S Army Veteran of Desert Storm, I tried to get a K-Bar knife from aime Marines that i was serving with. Attaced to 2nd Marine Division. They told me they all only had one and had to return them to armory when finished mission. Years later in Perth, Western Australia 🇦🇺 i bought a new K-Bar i ife for Christmas gift for myself. Totally happy and awesome features. Super rugged. Razop sharp! Paid $180.00 ,;but worth it in reliablity . Highly recommend knife to last you for years to come. Battle tested knife that won't let you down. Great defense weapon if you need it!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@williambadenoch1439]

Best Kabar video I've seen. Thanks. Re: bear story. Look up Discovery show "Wild West Alaska, " season 1, episode 3. (2013) Gene Moe killed an Alaska brown bear with a Buck 110!! He's on the show, scars and all. So Kabar story could be true.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@donaldperry5046]

Bear story true or not k-bar was a great knife I carried mine in Nam and still use one as camp and hunting knife

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thank-you for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@robertsenseman4339]

My dad bought me mine when i became a Marine. Now I have my dads K bar. He fought in the Korean conflict as he called it. Etched in its sheath are the places he was at.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@randystone4903]

I got a K-Bar recently for $80 on the last day of a gun show. I applied leather treatment to the sheath and after lightly sanding the knife handle the oil improved its looks. My grandfather had a K-Bar I gave to my cousin and this new one is a great memento. Doesn't K-Bar mean killer bear knife?

[@marinegunny826]

As a young Marine, one day after noon chow, I pulled out my Ka-Bar and began sharpening it. Our CO happened by and said, "Luther! Let me see that". I handed him the knife, beaming with pride on how razor sharp I had honed it. He then took it and buried in the dirt, twisting it back and forth. Pulled it out, dusted it off and handed it back to me. He then said, " It hurts more when it's dull" Never sharpened it again.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@dedge8030]

I have a Kabar and it's always been amazing. The only negative I ever heard was from a friend of mine who was a Sgt in the Marine Corps and was at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea. He said it was so cold that it made the blades brittle and he said he saw several blades snap in two.

[@anthonyburke5656]

I carried 2 in Vietnam, a large one for work akin to an axe and to dig shit holes for me to take a dump. The other, a refined, honed to a razor edge, pared down to a smaller blade, carried on my chest for fast silent access. The larger had heaps of use, luckily the smaller never saw active use for the purpose I re-made it to perform. I still have both of them in my shed, just about the only thing other than memories I have from that time.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@cw7422]

I bought a KBar a few years ago as a general purpose knife. I loved it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@cedricmultimedia]

Really nice knife both for its history as well as its quality made in the USA, as a European i appreciate American quality, nice video as well.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@jimgonzales3366]

I got my first ka-bar in 1982 when I joined the Marine Corps I've had one ever since! It's a great utility knife. It even works great at field dressing, skinning and quartering deer!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@andybreglia9431]

Ka-Bar was also issued to the United States Army as well as Navy and Marines. Dad served with Army Americal Division Artillery on Guadalcanal. The Army also had these in the Pacific Theatre. Dad recognized this when I got one from a gun shop. His battery gave artillery support to Marines keeping IJA from trying to retake Henderson Field. They also served as coast artillery to keep Admiral Tanaka's Tokyo Express from resupplying IJA contingents. Mine has already been blooded. Tangled with a coyote stalking preschool children at a job site I worked. I expected to get hurt, and wanted to return the favor.

[@andybreglia9431]

This may be my imagination, but the general layout of the KaBar appears to be the same general pattern as that of the Bowie knife. Question. On wooden rifles stocks, you can hand-rub the finish with linseed oil. Is there a similar product that can be applied to the leather handle on my KaBar?

[@mariaconcepcionrodriguezhe2850]

​@@andybreglia9431yeah. Its called linseed oil. Maybe you should write them a letter so they rebrand to Dog Destroyer knife co

[@teo_andronikos]

Very good survival and fighting knife .It is very strong and i can say beautiful!!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Midwest10]

My dad was a S1C Navy landing craft operator 1944. I still have his wood handle K Bar in great shape. 80 years old and it will be handy for decades to come

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@LaurelSchaafsma]

I am not sure if I believe the story about him killing a bear, though it sounds fairly possible. I am also very satisfied with the amount of information that you managed to cram into one 13 minute video. Very impressed!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thank-you for your support!

[@57WillysCJ]

There are a few accounts of it happening. Not that long ago a fisherman killed a blackbear with a fillet knife. It was attacking another fisherman. Where there's a will there is a way especially if you not willing to give up. I have a Mark I that has a sharpened top edge. Found it in the basement of an old house in 1988. The owner said it was his son durring the Korean War. Had a bad nick in the blade. I put a wood grip on it, much of the nick is gone and it is my favorite of all the knives I have. If I was about to be mauled by a bear it would be the best knife I had. I would probably die in the process. Then again the fight or flight might pump you up to live long enough to see a surgeon.

[@requiscatinpace7392]

I saw an interview with a WWII veteran and he said that the Ka-Bar was seen as a disposable tool that if it broke you went to stores and got issued a new one.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@kevinmartindale7044]

This video popped up in the suggested list and I'm glad to have seen it. Your delivery is thorough, intelligent, and entertaining. Thank you

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I hope to see you around the channel again! I have other WW2 blades on the channel, and hopefully the new WW1 Trench knife video will be releasing today.

[@SavageVoyageur]

It’s a beautiful knife that will live on, and on.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@user-dk9tm3iy1e]

Am very glad to have my Kabar. Yes the sheath gave up the ghost quite a while back. Thank you all for this video.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@jimbell242]

As aircrew, I was issued a KA-BAR in the US Navy. I relied on it during land survival training, and it was invaluable. It was one the best knives I ever had.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@stevenkertesz4625]

Great video. Thank you for sharing the info with us all. I have a Ka Bar that i was given to after my graduation from Marine Corps boot camp from a few former Marines. I carried it my entire time in the Corps. From Jungles, deserts and, frozen climates. Never failed me. Still have it and cherish it. Will definetly pass down to one of my boys.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@6Sally5]

Tremendous craftsmanship, inspiring music, and beautiful camerawork….and no talking!

[@jamesdelaney3797]

Beautiful weapon. I had one in 89. Sharpens easy and VERY sharp. Only SMALL issue, doesn't make a good throwing knife. The M-16 bayonet for my era was awesome for throwing

[@northsdad67]

Mine throws so well I had to stop throwing it cause I was beating it up too bad!

[@jamesdelaney3797]

@@northsdad67 I couldn't

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@chieft3357]

I'm also a retired Marine and got my KABAR (U.S. Camillus N.Y.) in 1965 in VietNam. My knife had bluing, was not parkerized. My issue was old when I got it but still proved it worth for two years. My knife blade is also a 1/4in shorter because the blade tip was to easy to bend or break off. I ground and sharpened it right after landing at ChuLai. Has worked great ever sense.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Many military knives have been broken and reground over the years. Thank-you for sharing your story and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@colonialdirtdigger3734]

Great content as always

[@philipberry6477]

Enjoyed my Camillus as a very handy camp knife. It was stolen by one of the nice little men that packed my belongings at the time I left South Africa. I feel certain he put it to good use sticking it into mates after a booze up.

[@bobertjones2300]

I found a modern Ka Bar (USA 1245) in synthetic sheath on a walk in Fort Worth TX. Thank you for the info! I value it greatly. I was in the Army decades ago and had never heard of it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@user-fi7rf8nk7z]

I’ve had dozens of them. They break at the tang and blade junction regularly. I will admit it is a great knife up until it breaks.

[@ClickClack_Bam]

They should make them full tang imo.

[@samr.6182]

Dozens??? How old are you? What did you do with dozens of the same style of knife?

[@rickyshultz2051]

I’ve had the same happen twice , with the third showing signs of it getting ready to break ! 👍

[@rondodson5736]

I got mine in nam in 1971. Gave it to my oldest son and is still in great condition and still has the original sheath.

[@dickfleissner8257]

Thank you for posting.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

My pleasure! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@IantheKid125]

My grandpa who served in Korea ('54-'55) gave me alot of his army stuff and stuff he collected over the years and he gave me a Kabar knife he had. I take it with me hunting and its a good cooking knife too

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@IantheKid125]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel Ofc! Could you the Hignokami pocket knife and the gravity knife from ww2?

[@JeffW77]

Thank you. I first heard of a Kabar (how I think I saw it) at about age 7. I was reading a Sunday comic--Terry and the Pirates. The "Kabar" name stuck with me ever since. I have seen a few at stores and shows, but have not (yet) bought one.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@keithheinz1724]

I've owned and carried multiple kabars , marine kabar,2 different angled kabars.diffent coldsteel, and Gerber easy out, crkt folders m16 and its smaller Iraq version. Nothing like a good quality blade.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@alancranford3398]

Thanks for this presentation. I found the Kabar to be an economical and useful tool for wilderness use. One problem was that knife laws prohibited carry of knives with blades longer than six inches--sometimes even less. Another problem was when the Kabar passed from practical utility knife to collector's item and became too expensive. Economy is a big deal for militaries and for individuals in hazardous environments -- all equipment must be regarded as expendable. Taking a cherished keepsake or thousand-dollar knife into a war zone means losing that weapon. It's possible that the Alaskan trapper did kill a Kodiac with his knife. Stranger things happen. I killed a feral dog with my Kabar. The knife slid through the dog's throat. At first, I thought that I had missed, but the dog just laid down and died. Yes, traumatic--I like dogs. That one was an exception to "dogs are good people."

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Unfortunately there was a period of time when the Ka-Bar dropped in production quality. If I remember right those are usually the blades that are marked as "Kabar" instead of "Ka-Bar." I'll have to double check that. Good to see you on the channel again!

[@alancranford3398]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel I am glad that I missed the drop in quality. Are you going to review the M3 Trench Knife?

[@fjb4932]

alancranford, Attacked by a pack of dogs , once pets but by then feral. Killed one, wounded a second that ran off into woods, third ran off. Traumatic. They were coming to kill. . . ☆

[@alancranford3398]

@@fjb4932 Hiking through towns and rural areas can be risky due to feral dogs,. One time I misjudged my hike and was in a desert town,. There were a half dozen dogs in the pack. When I told them to go away, they charged--so I drew my .22 pistol, dropped to one knee, flipped the safety off and had a good sight picture on the dog I had ID'd as the pack alpha, was applying pressure to the trigger when my target aspect changed. They had their ears down, tails low, snarling so that I could see all of their teeth--I was going to be chomped, tore apart, might even have died. When I shifted my focus from front sight to target, their hackles were down and their tails were between their legs and they retreated while yelping. I'll admit it--the dogs were smarter than me. They were going to have a little fun but were smart enough to recognize my gun. Some humans wouldn't have recognized the gun. I don't recall if I was wearing my Ka-Bar that day. I did have water and some emergency stuff---including a pistol. Didn't have to fire a shot and I didn't sport tooth marks.

[@theofficialdiamondlou2418]

I have a very early one. The only thing stamped on it is KA-BAR . No city or state . No USMC . It has the thick pommel with the round center. It’s been my favorite knife for many years. Razor sharp , and holds an edge . The original sheath is shot but I still have it. A buddy made me a new one out of thicker leather that’s holding up much better. Great video. Very informative.

[@wingatebarraclough3553]

Because kabar was one of many manufacturers producing the "mark 2", which was issued to all services, Navy used many as the mark 2, and mark 3, was a stand in for troops not issued a bayonet (BAR gunner,etc)

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank-you for your support!

[@ryanwalden9072]

Great video!!!! My father just got me the space force k bar for my birthday!! I absolutely love it!!! I wrapped the handle because I wasn't pleasant with the turquoise color. K bars are excellent all around blades,bar none!!! I'll leave it at that but believe it!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@thomasgarrison3949]

I love my Vietnam Era USMC Kabar, I have had it for 50 years & it has been to 16 countries with me.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@davidcloyd1296]

Great job!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Well done. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for your support!

[@Willy12927]

Still have the KABAR knife that my dad carried through out his time in the Pacific during WW II. After he came home he continued using it as his preferred hunting knife. As a kid, I can still remember him sharpening it to a razor edge at which time he would show me how sharp it was by shaving a small patch of hair on my arm.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing your story and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@danielknight2458]

First off, THANK YOU for this!!! This video meant a lot to me on a very personal level. My grandfather was a US Navy CB in WWII throughout the Pacific theater. I was a young teen when he passed away. I inherited his issued Kabar. The sheath even has his battalion ID stamped in it. I never got the opportunity to talk to him about it(suffering Alzheimers for several years), but I would like to try and find some info about the the ID to try to get to know him better. Any ideas would be extremely appreciated. Thanks again and keep the blades coming!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm very clad you enjoyed the video! Alzheimer's is terrible, it has affected a couple of my family members as well. My condolences. I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Excellent video!!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank-you for your support!

[@rubixfilms687]

Wow dude I'm gonna subscribe. I've always been a huge gun nerd/ history nerd. I own a 1911 gi pistol which is probably just as iconic as the KA-BAR. Now I want one if these knives 💯

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for your support! I do have a link to Ka-Bar's in the description as well. But you may want to check out the Kukri and F-S dagger videos before you decide which knife you want...

[@WilliamRichards-tm1jm]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think it is a good looking weapon and utility knife...

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@neilreid2298]

Yep. I have one. Nothing better in my collection than this one. Is my primary bugout knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@wizardofahhhs759]

Great and informative video.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@petermontagnon4440]

When I was with the 2nd P,P,C,L,i I had 2 KBARS along with a few other knives. I loved my KBARS!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and thank-you for your support!

[@The-Armed-Pacifist]

Purchased a USN Mark 2 and sheath at a public auction Saturday. That brings to three my tiny collection of this pattern, including one of the newer production pieces. Safe Queens.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing!

[@mikemarthaller8789]

I have a Camilis K Bar I traded a marine out of 1963. It was already well used at the time It still holds a better edge than my custom Randall circa 1961

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! I'll have to add one of those to my collection eventually. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@user-iq1fx8vg8n]

Several years after WWII ended there was an Army Navy Surplus store on the square in the town where I lived. I purchased A Navy K-Bar for a couple of bucks! I loved playing in the woods and the creeks and camping and carried my K-bar everywhere with me! I even it took with me when I went on active duty as an Artillery officer for 2 years. Still have it!!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@granthaller9544]

I’m interested in the 1st Special Service Force (The Devil’s Brigade) Knife. I believe it was made by Case. A video on this knife would be great.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Ah, the V-42 stiletto! Its on my to due list! If you haven't already, check out my video on the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger. The F-S dagger is what the V-42 was based on and that video will provide you with the related back story. I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@AreUmygrandson]

I have a kabar folder that must be from the 50s or 60s. It’s one of the sharpest knives I’ve owned and it probably hasn’t been sharpened since at least the 80s. My grandfather was pretty good at sharpening his hunting/fishing knives

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@gerardhogan3]

Greetings from Australia. A bloody great story on great American ingenuity

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank-you for your support!

[@paulfryejr2918]

Thanks

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Istpmom]

Thank you

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@ashemsavage6842]

I’ve owned a dozen KA BAR and I love them

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting!

[@kolsen6330]

I have my uncles K Bar that he carried as a landing craft coxswain in the pacific. It has the grey hard sheath. Best knife made, ever. I have carried it as my hiking knife since I was given it in the early 1970s.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Joe-oo3xv]

One of my favorites

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@petergreenwald9639]

I have a K-Bar branded folding pocket knife. I bought it at a flea market in NJ back in the late 70s, probably 79. I don't use it much, but it is a sweet novelty.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

The knife in the thumbnail picture is the Kabar Dogs Head Utility. IMO - The best version of the Kabar fighting knife . Designed by Chuck Karwan and often referred to as the Karbar. Thanks for a great video and all the best.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@The4cp]

It snapps at the tang!

[@jonc4050]

When used other than its intended purpose

[@boskidave]

I have a Ka-Bar 1219 knife and it's great.

[@mikesharp4033]

Thank you. Your research, knowledge and delivery is perfect. I am learning so much from your Channel. (Ex - Sgt RRhAF)

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I am glad my videos have been helpful! Thank-you for your support and I look forwards to seeing you around the channel!

[@Graderbrad]

Well done,

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

lad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Pablo668]

I bought a Ka-Bar each for my two sons. They quite like them. I boutgh one for me too a bit later. This was last year. I've never been in any kind of service btw. I've just read up a bit on the Marines over the years and the campaigns/actions they've conducted. Very impressive. I also liked the look of the knives they carried. I haven't used mine for much yet, but my boys go camping from time to time.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Mark.G475]

Interesting, smart, great review! Cheer's from Milwaukee Wisconsin 🧀🍻

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@cesaravegah3787]

I have an Smith&Weason k-bar replica, by far my favorite edge weapon.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@lsporter88]

You sure can tell a great story. I think you could probably make anything interesting. Kudos.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@r.tomrobison8307]

I have my Dads ka-bar. The blade was sharpen on the spine of the tip. I don't know if my dad did or not. As being a kid when I found it I decided it would good to throw it. Bad idea. Now I can get the kit to fix. My son was in the service. We went to visit. I was able to buy a ka-bar. Love it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@davidbuchanan1461]

I have one that was given to me by a retired USN Captain who got the knife when he went into active service in 1943 and it is in a canvas web sheath Stamped US Navy , It has a blued blade , Leather washer grip and the knife is very nostalgic and it is still very worthy in capable hands for any occasion. I had it appraised and I was disappointed that it was only appraised at $48 .. I am proud that I was the one who received the honor and I hope that I will be able to keep it until I am unable to retain it. It is in excellent condition

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! I would say that in its own way it is priceless to you. Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

The story of the bear is true. The company still has the actual letter from the guy in their archives.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I actually interviewed Ka-Bar's company historian for this. The bear pelt isn't there and they don't have the letter on hand, at least to their knowledge.

[@officiallypier1799]

I use the K-Bar every time I'm in the field. Recently just used it to chop down small trees, split plenty of firewood, dig out some ground for a shelter, and the edge was still sharp enough to shave my arm. Its not the best knife for one task, but in my opinion, its the best jack of all trades. From cutting cammie netting, defending against snakes, digging, opening MRE's, or chopping trees. I never leave without it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!