The Ka-Bar USMC Knife by Gråulf

The Ka-Bar USMC knife of World War II is possibly the most famous fighting knife of all times. The knife was made in Olean, NY, and had a 7” black powder-coated blade of high quality steel, and a handle made of compacted leather discs.

The Ka-Bar became standard issue to the Marine Corps back in 1942, and soon became the prized possession of every fighting marine. Later the knife was issued to the other branches of the service. The Ka-Bar went out of production at the end of World War II, but during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, many Ka-Bars were reactivated into military service as World War II veterans passed their personnel Ka-Bars along to their sons.

The old knives continued to be used by survivalists, campers and hunters, but eventually all available Ka-Bar knives ended up in collections. Thousands of knife enthusiasts were writing to the Olean factory every year, asking them to produce more Ka-Bar knives because they were unable to find used ones. Finally, after 32 years the factory, and some of the craftsmen who worked on the original Ka-Bar knife, decided to produce it again for the 200 anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

The new Ka-Bar USMC knives are identical to the original, but they cost a whole lot more. I once owned one of the originals, and it was the sharpest knife I have ever owned. That knife cost something like $12 at the local War Surplus Store. Now I own one of the second production Ka-Bars, It cost me $70, and it is my favorite outdoor knife. It is identical to the original in every respect, but I swear that it does not take an edge as sharp as the original World War II Ka-Bar USMC knife.

Gråulf.