How The Ka-Bar Became America’s Survival Knife
BY Herschel Smith
5 years, 4 months ago
Strange as it may seem, the U.S. Marine Corps entered the jungle campaigns of World War II without a decent combat knife. Their first attempt was a double-edge dagger based on the British Commando knife, but it quickly proved to be a very poor utility blade for infantry combat. Going back to the drawing board and working with Union and Camillus cutlery companies, they came up with an all-purpose sheath knife, the USMC Knife/Fighting-Utility Model 1219C2. Camillus is said to have made the first deliveries to the Marines on January 27, 1943. Maybe “Knife/Fighting-Utility 1219C2” was just too big of a mouthful, and Camillus just didn’t have much of a ring to it. In any case, Leathernecks quickly unofficially labeled all knives of this pattern “kabars” after the trademark stamp of Union cutlery.
The rest of the article is very informative. I have two.
I happen to like a partially serrated edge for mine, finding it has more utility in the bush and elsewhere. If you don’t, you can get them without the serrations.
For those who are shaving grams in the bush, a large utility/fighting knife may be too much weight. For me the perfect compromise is also a Ka-Bar.
It’s called “The Mule.” It’s a folder with serrated edge, and it’s the heftiest, beefiest folder I’ve ever owned. It can be used for virtually anything, up to and including chopping at wood in case I needed it for shelter, but at a reduced weight compared to the large fighting knife.
The sheath is kydex with cordura on the outside, but was very hard to find. I didn’t like the leather sheath sent with the fighting knife. The sheath for the folder is very nice, comes with the knife, and has straps that can hang on molle or pack straps.
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On July 18, 2019 at 5:09 am, Robert Evans said:
Great story, thanks for linking it!
On July 18, 2019 at 6:11 am, Red in OleVirginny said:
Amen brother. I’ve used my Ka-Bar for going on 30 years now in many environments. Also up and down the mountains of Virginia. It’s beat up and scarred up just like me – but it keeps on handling whatever I can throw at it. The only thing I added was a kydex sheath and paracord around the handle.
I enjoy your website.
Best Regards,
Red
On July 18, 2019 at 7:21 am, Frank Clarke said:
Many years ago, my uncle gifted me with a Navy kabar marked “Camillus” and “U.S.N.” that had belonged to his late son, my cousin. It was said to have been on his belt when “abandon ship” was called for the Yorktown. I have since passed it on to his son.
I was always amazed at the keenness of the edge, and never believed I could improve on it, so its blade wasn’t touched by a stone while I owned it.
On July 18, 2019 at 9:52 am, revjen45 said:
In 1976 I spent $12 on a Camillus. Best $12 I ever spent. The grind lines look like it was made by a drunk on Friday after lunch, which does not affect the functionality. It is in the bail out bag in the truck.
In the mid-80s I spent ~$25 on a Glock M81. It rides in the BOB in the car.
IMHO, these are among the best values in a serious field knife.
On July 18, 2019 at 10:34 am, sheath said:
“The sheath is kydex with cordura on the outside, but was very hard to find.”
Which one did you get and where did you find it?
On July 18, 2019 at 10:37 am, Herschel Smith said:
Try this:
https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Cordura-Sheath-Knives-7-Inch/dp/B004NN7NX2/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_200_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PKEN9CVKMXGPH8EYY7HV
On July 18, 2019 at 12:57 pm, Georgiaboy61 said:
@ Herschel
Re: “For those who are shaving grams in the bush, a large utility/fighting knife may be too much weight. For me the perfect compromise is also a Ka-Bar.”
Another alternative is the “Short KaBar,” which is virtually identical to its big brother, except scaled-down to fit a 5.25″ fixed blade. While not as versatile as the full-size KaBar for chores on the trial or around camp, it is lighter, handier and fits smaller hands better and can do many of the same chores and tasks as its bigger sibling. Check it out – you’ll be glad you did!
On July 18, 2019 at 2:08 pm, moe mensale said:
I’ve had my Ka-Bar for 18 years now. A mere babe compared to some others. It’s one of the most cost effective pieces of kit ever made.
On July 18, 2019 at 2:56 pm, Drake said:
In the Marines guys with rifles were issued the straight bayonet. Marines with other weapons (to which a bayonet couldn’t be affixed – pistols, machines…) were issued K-Bars.
On July 20, 2019 at 3:58 pm, BCE56 said:
I bought a USMC KaBar to replace the one issued to my Dad during WWII. His “disappeared” along w/ his NCO Saber when he passed away in 2003.
The new knife has not acquired the well-worn look imparted by a lifetime of use.
I was able to find a genuine NCO saber which is now displayed in my house along with his service medals, rank and unit insignia, and his burial flag.
RIP, Dad.
@ Georgiaboy61-
I grabbed one of the smaller KaBars- I find that size “just right.”
Also found a new (last-production) Camillus M4 bayo for my RockOla M1 Carbine. This is the early style with stacked leather grip and leather sheath.
http://worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/m4_thru_m7_series/m4_m7_series_p1.html