Thread: Ka-Bars?

Hey guys,

I'm looking to pick up my first fixed blade knife for general preparedness (and SHTF) use and have decided to take a look at Ka-Bars. Good, long reputation for being tough as nails and plentiful, from what I've heard.

Trouble is, I don't know the first thing about where to buy and which one(s) to look for. There seems to be a lot of variety of Ka-Bar types out there (e.g. 1212, 1271, etc). All I know is that I need to stay away from stainless steel and than a synthetic grip's probably a good idea.

I could use your guys' knowledge here!

It is stout and is well suited for general purpose chores a knife would be expected to do. I wouldn't call it a combat knife but more of a utility tool for working in the woods or outdoors. There are some good reviews on youtube and I wrote a little something up about mine here...http://www.northwestfirearms.com/for...gun-forum.html

K-bar has many other good offerings as well so good luck in choosing one that suits you.

Originally Posted by bt97006

It is stout and is well suited for general purpose chores a knife would be expected to do. I wouldn't call it a combat knife but more of a utility tool for working in the woods or outdoors. There are some good reviews on youtube and I wrote a little something up about mine here...http://www.northwestfirearms.com/for...gun-forum.html

K-bar has many other good offerings as well so good luck in choosing one that suits you.

Thanks for your reply!

What would you say the difference would be between the Becker Companion you've got and the Ka-Bar Bull Dozier?

I've got a few. Ka-Bar, Camilus, Ontario. All US issue fighting knives. They are good.

I usually get mine at the gunshow, but you can get them online on gunbroker.com, or lots of other online retailers. Also Andy and Bax in Portland has a decent sellection.

or:
Cheaper Than Dirt - America's Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter

Ka-Bar will serve you well as a utility knife. Becker is good but you might find the scales a bit slick. I sprayed textured Rustoleum on mine and improved the grip. You might also look at the Ranger Bush Series. 3/16" instead of the usual 1/4" sharpened prybar.

http://www.chestnutridgeknifeshop.co...f60c8019c2165e

i'm no knife aficionado, but the Next Gen Kabar i bought about a decade ago has served me fine. it doesn't get used daily, or even close to it, but i was once quite the woodsman, and it got a lot of use for the first few years i had it. good utility/survival knife.

i got married, and my gallivanting ended, but it still gets used a week or two out of the year for buck season. sharpens up nicely, doesn't rust.. what more could i want?

I would get the BK-7 over the Kabar. It has a full tang and a nice wide flat grind. I find the handle more comfy too.

kabar's full tang... anything that's not shoulldn't even be considered

Thanks for the suggestions / input, guys. I ended up going with the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 that bt reviewed. With any luck, I'll get it int he mail by this weekend!

Originally Posted by Will_Power

Thanks for the suggestions / input, guys. I ended up going with the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 that bt reviewed. With any luck, I'll get it int he mail by this weekend!

I think you will like it. I enjoy using mine.

I love my Becker Campanion, can do anything with it. Indestructible!
Sometimes it feels a bit large for some things but it I only had one knife that would be it.

I"ve been testing out the Gerber LMF II all summer. So far it's doing well. My only complaint is the weight of it. Should be called a HMF II (Heavy Mo Fo)