Beat the Icon: KA-BAR vs Alternatives
The most iconic combat knife of all time? Definitely. The most recognizable fixed blade on the planet? Probably. Does anything stand a chance against the KA-BAR? kcoti.com/3ObYidU
Adopted in 1942, the Mark II Fighting Knife, aka, the KA-BAR, has dominated the battlefields for nearly a century. Still made to this day in Olean, NY, USA, it remains a hardworking knife not just for soldiers, but also hunters, bushcrafters, and survivalists too. Given its iconic status, now is a perfect time to check out the competition, and see how they stack up to the icon. From contemporary WWII designs to modern interpretations, let us know what you think.
00:00 KA-BAR Fighting Utility: kcoti.com/3u1GlI1
03:11 KA-BAR D2 Extreme: kcoti.com/3Ho3ibs
04:48 Randall Made Knives Model 1: kcoti.com/494liUd
06:25 KA-BAR Ek Commando Model 5: kcoti.com/42m5lXr
08:27 Buck 119 Special: kcoti.com/4b5egjW
10:55 SOG Bowie and SEAL Pup: kcoti.com/4aZZt9X
12:28 Ontario SP1 Spec Plus Marine Combat: kcoti.com/4b191BD
14:00 Cold Steel Leatherneck: kcoti.com/3SoNwU5
16:05 Spartan Blades KA-BAR: kcoti.com/3Hribty
17:43 KA-BAR Becker BK7: kcoti.com/421XApn
20:44 Halfbreed Blades Large Infantry: kcoti.com/428HyKs
22:22 TOPS US Combat: kcoti.com/3O9ZgqU
24:06 Fallkniven NL2 Odin: kcoti.com/3tZkkcQ
25:43 Spartan Professional Grade Harsey Fighter: kcoti.com/4b5zzS6
27:51 Condor Enduro: kcoti.com/3OaSJw2
29:28 Hogue EX-F01: kcoti.com/3Sq4VM4
31:34 How Do They Compare?
Also Featured:
Case USMC Fixed Presentation: kcoti.com/4aVMkPc
Case Leather Hunter: kcoti.com/3SdAbwK
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As a retired Marine, I own so many Ka Bars in my collection it's ridiculous. The cold steel leatherneck is in my vehicle for the "just in case" scenario.
Semper Fi. Have one under my front seat and keep one next to my bed as well.. 😀
This. It's not only iconic, but also historically relevent - expecially for Marines. I have an OKC03S fighting knife/bayonet at my bedside (along with the sheath/sharpener) that's ready to be affixed at any moment, LOL. Semper Fi, my fellow Marine......
@Ezees23 outstanding ~ FYI was just out side with the used USMC 2 person tent I bought on Ebay. It's awesome 👌 far cry from the shelter halfs we use to carry during my time in the Corps.
Do you think if I came out with a drink called semper rye retired marine such as yourself would like it?
I have the Leatherneck tanto and the clip point. It has such a great grip and feel in the hand. CS did a good job on that one.
Still have my old Ka-Bar. I'll never get rid of it. Saved my life once.
What happened???
t opend a bottle off beer ? @@drizzt8965
@@drizzt8965 had to open a mre was starving to death
@@bengonzalez5215 Wow! That was a close one... 🤔
@@drizzt8965 original guy cannot answer. He opened his MRE, then write this, then eat MRE and died.
Now, I'll start with yes, I know the Ka-Bar isn't a full tang, and people evidently break them. However... I had a USMC model that I bought 20 years ago when I was living in the woods on a mountain in Alaska. I used that knife for years to chop down trees, dig holes, split wood, I used to practice throwing at trees from sometimes even like 60ft away or so. I beat the absolute dog snot out of that knife. The hilts got bent down, I recall once the blade bent slightly at the hilt, I bent it back. It faithfully lasted me almost 2 decades before someone stole it from me. I absolutely loved that knife and it never let me down under any ridiculous real-world circumstance I put it through.
Hate thieves so much.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!! Nonsense! lol...
If you ever find the dullard (😃) who nicked your knife, I’m sure you can come up with some creative way to show him some Ka Bar knife skills.
@@ronalddunne3413 🤔
A lot of people I’ve seen break them are beating them off rocks or car doors. Batoning can get iffy but, in its own wheelhouse, the KA-BAR is hard to beat.
I still have mine. Bought it at Camp Lejeune in 1986. 1985-2005 USMC/RET
TY for your service.
@@Vincent_Boogalooserving the elite 🤓 🖕
Didn't most of the people who served at camp Lejeune get sick? I keep seeing commercials from law firms about Lejeune.
I've owned the Buck 120 "General" fixed blade knife for over 55 years & it was my first fixed blade & always carried from the time of a young teenager/hunter in 3 States. I consider it an "American Icon" & a Family heirloom that will be passed along to my 3 adult Children & 3 Grandchildren when the time comes. I'm 73 now & still cherish it for it's construction, finish, maintainable blade & ergonomics. At 7 1/2" long blade, it should be in this video as well.
Yours is 440c. Up until recently Buck hadn't been making one near as nice for decades, but now we have the s35vn pro models, and yes indeed those would have gone well in this video.
I'm 34 and have had a Buck 120 since 2020. It is amazing and worth the $ it will be a family heirloom for sure.
Another vote for the Buck 120...have had mine since 1974 and for a general purpose knife it's hard to beat. For a 'fighting knife' my choice is a Gerber MKII that I also got serving in 1974.
I carried a Buck General in the Alaskan Wilderness 50 years ago. It came in real handy. I wish I still had it. I’ll probably get another one.
Had a model 119 myself. It proved itself in the jungle in Panama in the early 90's. Handed it down to my nephew, he still has it.
I don't own a combat knife, I don't need a combat knife and I have no intention of ever buying a combat knife, but I watched this entire video and enjoyed every minute of it. What is it about knives that we men love so much?
Maybe it's because it's one of the oldest tools which can also be used for many different tasks, and if we take a closer look on the history and evolution of knives it can be a very fascinating topic, starting from first stone knives to nowadays modern high-tech knives, available in many different sizes and shapes and made of many different materials. :)
It’s the same reason we love cars, trucks, motorcycles, guns and women. They are all dangerous, they must be respected. But they are so much fun we can’t help ourselves.
@@paulfretz6777Great answer sir
Because it keeps you in the fight and levels the playing field in a world full of demons.. It's the most basic tool all men need daily.
You will understand if you are ever unfortunate enough to need one and not have one.
Ask a million people you'll get a million opinions. So here's mine. Ka-Bar / Bowie you cant go wrong. This classic has survived the test of time and will continue to do so. It will skin, cut, slice, dice, pierce, throw, wittle, shave, notch, kindle, shave. It's shop friendly, trail friendly, camp friendly, kitchen friendly, water friendly fight and protect viciously proven friendly. Im running out of breath...uhh hem. Like everyone that loves knives and watches these videos I own alot of them. My favorite, you guessed it... Bowie. To include Ka-Bar. Same thing. Really good video, see ya on the trail.
You forgot Hammer, pound, and smash.
Much like the "feel" of the 1911 pistol, the KA-BAR just feels right. Sure, if you tested 1000 knives you might find one you like slightly better, but for the vast majority of users, there is a reason the KA-BAR has stood the test of time. It's just good.
The fact it was used to Kil a bar says it all just on history I'm sold
Thanks for the video. I will keep my Ka-bar. I found it much better than the M7 bayonet. I love my Vietnam Era USMC Ka-Bar that I bought, in the PX, 50 years ago. It has been with me in over a dozen different countries & never failed me.
Yet. matter of time, dontcha think
Great job with the comprehensive presentation. I was raised in Olean NY where Cutco and K-BAR are proudly American Made.
I have multiple Kabar knives of various sizes. And I deployed with 4 of them. The D2 full size (now Extreme) was with me on every single patrol. Many companies imitate, none duplicate.
I'm not a huge fan of Cold Steel, but their SRK design is really nice and works quite well for a combat knife without being too expensive. I do think their are better options out there, some of which were shown here, but it's a solid knife worth mentioning I think.
Especially since the SRK has stayed amazingly inexpensive. I've gotten them as low as $32 and they're still $38 or so now. I'm sure people here have beat those prices before. I think if I was to have to equip a big group of people like a military the SRK is probably what I'd go for although there are some other good options too like Mora or Jakaripuuko.
I was watching this video and finally reached the point where I was checking prices, until I read your comment and looked down at the shelf beneath me. "Oh right... my SRK" It's an amazing knife for the cost (especially at $30)
@@DL-ij7tf Excellent way to put it--by far the best choice if you have to buy in bulk on a limited budget
I came to find this comment. I thought the same thing when I saw the SRk. For the price and quality it is a great addition to anyone's collection who uses them in the field or at home.
I hear you on the SRK, nice knife, very, very affordable. You can buy a couple of them, if one breaks, etc. versus paying a lot more for one particular knife. I did also buy, from Midway, the SRK in 3V steel. as they had a sale on them. Awesome knife.
The Chris Reeves “Green Beret” in M4 should be in the mix here. We got them upon finishing the serial numbered version upon graduating Special Forces Qualification Course. Iy is an excellent pig sticker.
If you are searching for it, it’s “Chris Reeve.”
Now this is what I'm here for!!!! Fixed blades baby ♥️♥️♥️♥️
My Great Grandfather was in the US ARMY in WW2, and he carried a Ka-Bar. His son, my grandfather, was in the USMC and carried one in the Korean War. My other Grandfather who was in the US NAVY during WW2 and carried a Ka-Bar. And my Father who served in the US ARMY and carried a Ka-Bar. I have all their Ka-Bar knifes. Just as good as they have ever been. Sadly, because of a bad eye, I couldn't go into the military. But I have got the new version of the Ka-Bar as well. And its just as good as the original. When it's not broken, don't fix it. 🇺🇸
This was simply a great video! YT needed such a good recap of those alternatives, thanks!
Have a buck , a knife isn't a pry bar . Love the versatility 😊
Buck 119, ergonomic and handy.
TRC Mille Cuori - Survive knives GSO 4.7 - Spartan-Harsey Fighter - Becker BK7 are my favorites of that category. The all can cut through metal if need be, without taking damage on the edge. I've seen that happening, even with the factory edges, which is CRAZY )people who know, know how crazy it is, without having removed the "burnt" steel from the edge and not havin gsharpened it at least 3 times. Imagine having put a convex geometry too!! Also, all 4 of these knives, are a phenomenal design.It's not just the ergos! Take even the BK7,which is also the most affordable for example. CRAZY good design, it works like a smaller knife and it hits like a bigger one..People who own these knives, know what I'm talking about.
I'm a bladesmith and have been forging knives and swords for over 30 years. That being said, for the money, it's hard to been the Kabar. I keep one in the back of my car for emergencies. It's not too hard, not too soft, easy to sharpen and pretty good at edge holding.
have a question about a K-BAR. My dad was in the marine corps in the 50's. He had a K-BAR (or at least what looked like a K-Bar) that as a kid I would play with. Presumably he had since the 50's, but certainly at least by 1971 he had it since that is when I ws playing with it and it looked pretty old even then so he probably got it while in the MC in the 50's. I hit it against something (not terribly hard) and the blade broke in half. My question is, did they have cheap knock offs back then or could this have just been a defective kbar
@@scottallen5529 The best blade in the world can snap if it hits the wrong item at the wrong angle.
@@scottallen5529 No knife is impervious to fracturing, regardless of the quality of the materials. Like batoning wood with a knife for example, good way to ruin a good knife, even if said use is part of how that knife is marketed, it's still the wrong tool for the task.
Me too.
I keep a Harbor Freight Gordon Survival knife in my vehicle. I chose it because I will probably never need it, so I only spent $7 instead a $100. I figure seeing it will make someone either crap their pants or die laughing.
For the prices, TOPS and Becker continue to disappoint with the chintzy sheaths that require immediate upgrades.
beckers are pretty damn cheap man
My Tops actually resides in a kabar sheath. I threw its huge tacticool garbage sheath straight in the trash.
Thanks so much for the time stamps, really helps to just check out the ones you're interested in .
You had to know this would be a widely controversial knife to include in this series. I've owned 8 of these including the Ka-bar. I sold it several years ago along with the Ontario SP1 and my Buck. Each of them were terrific knives, but I didn't care for their sheaths and back then there weren't as many aftermarket options. I also felt like I could get a bit more contemporary with my choices. My three favorite replacements: Becker BK7, Tops Apache Dawn, and the Spartan Harsey Fighter. The Becker is my favorite only after upgrading its sheath and handles.
Tru dat - ditched my stock BK7 handles (oversize thick & smooth = unsafe) & my hands are not whatcha call small... Well designed blade geometry makes it one of my easier to sharpen blades & permanent spot in my truck go bag.
FINALLY a video of something sensible.. Fixed blades 👌👍
Extrema Ratio MK2.1 or Col. Moschin would fint nicely into the premium section of this lineup. Great knives.
My first K-Bar was issued to me for SERE school. It did a fine job of digging a hole that I could sleep in and was still sharp enough to cut branches to cover me.
My hand just barely fits the KA-BAR grip, so the smaller grips are a no-go, unless it's a finesse blade like the Remora, or one of my favorite folders of all time, the Gerber Bear Grylls Sheath Knife. My go-to knife for the mountains is the KA-BAR Becker BK9. That thing is a tank, and will do pretty much whatever you need it to do. It also won't break the bank (bought mine for $120). The Remora is great for the small precision stuff, and it's super handy having it right there in the same sheath as the BK9. I have more KA-BAR knives in my collection than any other brand. They're just really good, while also being very affordable. While I have not had the pleasure of trying the Gerber Bear Grylls fixed blade, if it's as good as the folding version, I should get one for my collection. I also really want a particular TOPS knife, but sadly, it's no longer produced, and the ones listed for sale are out of my budget. TOPS definitely have my attention. All in all, KA-BAR is the gold-standard of knives; a knife must be at least as good as a KA-BAR. There are tons of knives way better than a KA-BAR, but KA-BAR has that $75-$100 market on lockdown, and rightly so. Quality is solid, and if you do have a problem with one, as a friend of mine did, customer support is pretty on point. There's a reason the brand is so successful, not to mention that exquisite Mexican leather they use. Most people know Italian leather is the premium stuff, but what a lot of people don't know is Mexican leather is actually on par with premium Italian leather. Think what you may about US/Mexico relations, but their leather is the best in the Western hemisphere, no contest, and that's why KA-BAR sources their leather from Mexico. Good stuff.
A marine buddy of mine gave me a Kabar that he carried in combat in Vietnam. This thing is bombproof! I kept this knife up until my son joined the marines 3 years ago which I thought it was fitting that a marine should carry it! I cannot count how many deer this knife field dressed and another thing I loved about it was the carbon content in the steel! It functioned well with a flint as a flint and steel! Just striking the back with the flint it would shower plenty of spark to light a camp fire!
Semper Fi! I got mine at PX -29 Stumps ! Within reach, as I sleep!
@@robertlong538 Ooorraaahhh Marine! Thank you for your service!!!
Still have mine from Nam. Beautiful steel. Thanks for sharing your story. semper fi🇺🇸
@@alananderson5929 Oooorrraaahh Marine!!! I know a lot of you guys didn’t get it… but a BIG Thank You For Your Service!!
I remember purchasing a Ka-Bar in 1985. The command didn't want us to wear non-issued knives, so we were stuck with the M7. We still brought them out to the field though.
Great review. Thanks also for the index and retail URLs. This extra consideration for your viewers is a step above the other content providers. New subscriber here.
Quality + History + Longevity = KA-BAR. Love my 119 specials, too, and eveything on the table is great in one or several ways. If I can only have one, though, sticking with the legend.
Love the Blackjacks that you mention best.
Great video, really informative and efficient review of nice options. Just checked out your site and you guys have everything, your katana selection is excellent.
I've tried some of the alternatives you have but always go back to the Ka-Bar. I've been lugging one around for forty years and it's never let me down. Of the ones I've carried I think the Buck 119 would be my next choice if I had to pick another. Great review, always learn something new watching your videos.
Thanks for the video, and it came at a great time. My son has been begging for me to buy him a Kabar USMC knife in black. I couldn't find one, but thanks to your video, I just bought him the Ontario sp-1
I have a bunch of Ontario knives and like them. I did modify Ontario's smallest machete by removing some top metal and putting a point on it, removing the hand guard and carefully reshaping the edge profile. It came out like a pretty good knife and longer than the KaBar types. I did the same with a small Tramontina machete, which has a thinner blade.
Kabar and Ontario knives are made with in 20 miles of each other. Case knives are also made only about 18 miles from Kabar.
A Gerber strongarm with a longer blade would fit the bill.
The strong arm is an awesome knife, got a few in my collection
@@Xander_Park cool, did you get the limited run with upgraded steel and gray? I kinda regret not getting it. It was like $90, but I'm sure they go for way over 100 now 😅.
Watch Joe X review of the strongarm. This knife is a beast!
great video guys thanks for the time!
That's a beautiful table. Nice job and nice job 👍
I love my SOG Seal Pup Elite. It's such a great size.
Really enjoyed this one since I own the USSF KaBar and the Buck 119
Congratulations on 3,000 🎉 Well deserved brother 👏!
Excellent comparison. Thanks
I'm surprised not to see the Gerber Gear LMF II Infantry Knife, i own many knives including 2 if these.
I have a few of these and the Cold Steel Leatherneck is definitely my favorite; it's a KaBar upgraded nicely in every way, but actually cheaper. The Taiwanese build quality is outstanding.
Yeah it's easily the best knife for the price out of the whole lot.
Nicely Done friend! I did not know Camillus supplied that same style KA-BAR to the Military. Having served Ive had a KABAR a long long time. Ive had my Buck 119 since the early 70's as well as I can remember. Both will be going to my Son upon my demise.....and I do own a Camillus!
Love my Kabars, but the blade cut on that last houge, and the way it's just so seemless into the handle gotta be my favorite blade shape.
I have 2 KA BARs, and I carried them for 22 years in the Marine Corps and US Army (I was "awarded" one for winning the Regiment NCO of the Year - not to brag). But near the end of my service, I carried a 7" Cold Steel Recon Tanto. But I can't say one was better than the other, although I liked the Cold Steel Sheath Better. I still have and use all three knives, and they're all beat up!
Thanks for Svc and cool to hear NCO of the year. You earn that, definitely not given! 👍🏼💪
Belated congrats on Rgt NCO award. CW4 Schulte. 35th INF , 57 FA
@@karlschulte9231 Thanks Chief!
Some cool knives and I would like to add the KA-BAR fighter to my collection, I personally like the Gerber Strongarm for the military/Combat style of knife
I watch you often and I have to say, you do a great job. Much better than the guy years ago. You are just natural and unassuming. Not trying to be cool or act like an operator. Keep up the good work. We appreciate your style.
I have owned my KA-BAR since about 1981 when I joined the Marine Corps It has been used and abused and still functions fine and is in great shape for the shape it is in. Even my wife steals it to keep outside to use with the horses. I used it to chop down trees, cut food, dig holes and even as a hammer. Yea, mine has drawn human blood more than once but it prevailed and I am here to tell the tale. A lessor fighting knife might have had a different outcome for me? It is more than a knife, it is a highly versatile utility tool that no mutli-tool can replace. If I was a mechanic I would need the multi-tool to work on engines and vehicles but as an infantryman or just someone needing a tool so I an live outdoors, the KA-BAR is unmatched for its rugged multi talented utility.
Does the handle holds up well for years of EDC in a hot and humid tropical country? I have a 420 stainless KA-BAR replica which is entirely built exactly like the original one except the steel type.
That Fällkniven NL2 is an absolute beauty!
It's also almost as pricey as the rest of the knives in the lineup combined... 😛(but, from what I've heard about the quality of Fällkniven knives, they're QUALITY)
Great discussion Big D! I have quite a few of these and it is hard to pick one best…but I love the heft of the Halfbreeds and have their that large one and their MILF line (all) , and the tomahawk as well…guess that may decide by my spend! Saddle up!
I have read that the Bowie style clip point was the ultimate fighting blade. Also, from what I read in John Steyers's Cold Steel the Mark 2 design was the best for what appears to be the linear fencing style that was apparently used at that time. I LIVE that Ka Bar that I got from Spartan. It just feels great in the hand and has nice agility. I will be checking out the other Mark 2 blades from your establishment. Nice presentation!! Thanks!!
another video full of knives im adding to my list of to buy soon
My favorite KABAR is the Mark 1, it just fits perfectly for my needs. For superiorsteel fixed blades I go with LT Wright and Bark River.
Designed by the U.S. Army Air Corp. Camillus built the first and the most, including Case knives as well as a large number for Union Cutlery(Ka-Bar). Camillus remained the primary contractor for the 1219C2 until they went bankrupt. Ontario knives fulfilled contracts for the military as well as AAFES until their sale.
Thats is whats on my Kabar Camillus NY ,that I got in 68 in DaNang ,even though I am a old guy I kept that knife and it has done everything from chopping ,cutting, starting fires ,used it on Deer many time , did so many things with it and it never failed ,that being said there are some really good new knives out that are so close ESSE is another one I got a few years back . I can honestly say I never figured my Kabar would last this long
@Berzilla I'm hella' younger. Iraq young. I carried an old type 1 bayonet in the sand; my getnout of the truck alive knife. Here at home I use a Camillus(USA) fighting knife. Better in the woods.
Loved my old Ka-Bar for years. My grandson is currently in the Army, who introduced me to the Glock Knife. It is a better knife, bought one.
Great video! I've long been a fan of the Ka-Bar and I also lobbied for a long time for a full tang version. The EK imo, comes closest but I wish the handle was a bit wider and less scalloped. But it has the right length and thickness in the blade and a protruding tang which can be used for hammering/prying. But it is definitely not a sharpened prybar which is one of the reasons I love the original Ka-Bar. I like the looks of the Harsey but it lacks the protruding tang. I have a Camillus Becker BK-7 with an S30v blade that I love. It came with micarta scales and I wrote an article about it in Tactical Knives magazine. I did a lot of chopping with that knife, which truly sold me on S30v. No sign of chipping at all. Scale the blade width and thickness down a little bit to Ka-Bar size and it would be a great replacement, imo.
Do a current video on all the boot knife offerings. Maybe even defensive carry blades.
Great video DCA. I thought of another knife that fits this group and that's the Cold Steel dropped forged survivalist. It is a similar pattern and a strong knife, just a bit bigger. I love the 52100 steel it's made of also and it's full flat grind.
that drop forged survivalist is a killer deal. one solid piece of 52100 that’s pretty long for under $70 is a killer deal
Great Video ! Had a Ka-Bar with the leather handle for few days back in the late 60's, but the supply guy had to return them... tjl
DCA, you are the man! A fantastic production.
I may order that Ontario SP-1, looks like a good value, it may be a fun companion to knock around and bbq with.
Id act fast, as ontario went out of business its getting harder to find them.
I just did place an order on his advice.@@95666
Got an old ka-bar marked USN, parkerized finish stacked leather handle. Got in trade for some comshaw back in 1980. Original edge, have used only a steel for honing, never seen a stone, still hair popping sharp.
So many great battle/bowies👍 can’t go wrong with any of them. That Hogue’ looked intriguing in the gray. Real good video- failed to mention prices of a few, but well done!
excellent vid love the tops
Rocked the KBar while in the USMC infantry, then the SOG Seal Pup. Today, doing a bit more “high speed” stuff; I use the SOG Pillar which I believe to be the best “combat knife” out there. The size, steel, tang, guard, jibing, handle and materials make it so but it’s pricey.
@Lombo1, agreed…SOG Pillar for me as well. I had the original for several years, but Midway pricing last year goaded me to buy some extras with the brown and black coatings for cheap. I’m going to take the black one and grind the edge down for a trainer.
All those knives shown are top notch in my book.
Sick show!
I have an OKC SP-6 made in the 1095 before they changed it to 1075. Great knife.
Finally a video with some decent fixed blades, Im saving for that Hogue EX F01, that same color.
Short answer: Yes Long answer: Yes, you can absolutely beat the KA-BAR
It’s kinda shit. It isn’t good at anything.
@@maxwellmortimermontoure7274 good at hoovering money out of the wallets of neverserved boomer larpers who want da muhreen knife Also a servicable trenching tool if you only need to take a dump in the woods.
Another answer: Even with your bare hands. . . Literally, you can break it in half with your bare hands.....
@@maxwellmortimermontoure7274 I guess being able to cut things is not being good at something.
You can beat it with a stick.
Very nice review thanks great show as well..
great presentation
One of my fave kabars that no one gives recognition is the warthog, thats one though SOB!
Nice as always! I've had an Ontario SP2 since 95 and it's been a very good knife.
The closure on the Buck sheath is indeed a great feature. Other snap closed retaining straps are even worse for left handed carry with the tab facing forward. I lost a Ka-Bar this way, at the time I was an infantry scout(1984-1987) and these were still considered a good choice for a combat knife.
I regularly carry a Buck 119, and I love the sheath clasp
As a combat Vet, I can unequivocally state, my Ka-Bar has instilled more fear in an enemy than any other weapon I've ever carried into battle. It's likely saved more lives than anything I've ever used.
KA-BAR & SRK all i need. Nice video!
The Space-Bar was also a cool modern version.
I have the civillian version of the Camillus, and I just adore that thing. It's wonky and uneven, but the lines just sing, and the balance is superb.
I found one (Camillus) in the woods stuck into a tree. I see no guard stamping so prolly as said civilian..thanks. Some kid prolly got an arse whooping for losing it..er what. (kids played in the woods/forts 'n chit) ~ While trying to date it I noticed the backside swedge was ground un-even..wonky is a good word. (-: I used it for batoning an oak mallet with some chunka SS as some type of bearing rod/assembly setup I found in work's scrap barrel. It did well, but banged up the spine a fair amount. I beat it with steel pretty good and it didn't shatter as some say. Not a Kabar then actually ay? ~ 6 mos later I took some time to search the woods where found the knife and I found the sheath...which I don't think match the knife year having staples. (9) and stitching. ha, kinda wish I didn't bang on it after the sheath find. It's become my go to garage knife. 20 or so swipes with my gramp's old kitchen steel it's back to shave/slice yer coat off sharp. Bring your tire/rim on over, surely it will cut the tire off. (-: ...I'll havta take the Dremel to the spine 1day 'n smooth that out. (grammar ducking again)
I've owned the Ontario SP1 for many years. It's an awesome knife at a reasonable price. Love it.
My two go-to's for camping have been the Gerber Strongarm and KA-BAR Mark I in Kraton. The wife has the SOG Seal Pup and a Morakniv Kansbol. Been happy so far!
I totally agree! By Mark 1, you mean the World War II Navy one, right? I totally agree with your choices! I love the Gerber Strongarm too!
Strong arm is incredible I have three of them
@@Maryland_Kulak That's right, the USN one. Love that blade, just the right size and weight, and the no-frills epoxy coating has held up well.
@@HelmerandRawlins I have two, one black and one in tan! Great knife, and the sheath is awesome as well!
I did my novice research on versatile effective fixed blades and the Gerber Strongarm was my choice, given price point, design & build quality. So far I love it. Glad to see others think its good.
As with other commenters, I'm mystified about the exclusion of several Cold Steel knives that could have been included, especially as the Falkniven Odin was included. I refer of course to the venerable SRK, the Dropped Forge Survivalist, and definitely the Recon Scout! Any of these Cold Steel knives would function excellently in that particular arena. I'd value your comment, as I'm just a tad confused. Thanks David
A friend of mine carried the cold steel SRK during his stint with paramilitary activities. He still has it and it was used “like a prybar with a sheath” it’s beat pretty bad but he loves that it sharpens up fairly easily. If that’s isn’t a gunner for the Ka bar I don’t know what is.
I bought the cold steel srk recently because i wanted a knife to add to my collection that was in the same realm as the kabar fighting knife. Haven't used it yet but i love the way it feels in the hand. And at around 40 bucks I'm not afraid to put it to hard use.
Nice choices! For me in terms of usage, i went from the classic Kabar MK-II to BK 7 to TOPS Prather War Bowie to finally the Steel Eagle 107C. In my opinion, the steel eagle is a worthy successor to the purposes of the old MK-II, but also as a survival knife. Of course never used it in combat scenario myself, but for woods and survival, the steel eagle shines very well. As a fighting knife, the Prather war bowie works very well too.
Did you not like rhe bk7 for survival/camping?
I read about the PWB, I upvote!
This video is a masterpiece of informative entertainment! Its going to make so many people mad that you clearly say the Kabar is not a full tang knife. I like the Kabar its a fine knife, but it is so clearly not full tang
Your video was very informative and precise. As a retired marine with a few K-bars I will say nothing beats it! My EDC is a Gerber Automatic just because I can’t discreetly always have my K-Bar on my side.
I collect knives of many styles and types, I give them as gifts, I rehab many and love to bring them back to life, so I love your shows, I have just purchased some while watching you program, and for that I thank you. Tom
Love that Randall. Surprised the Glock knife wasn’t in there. Definitely affordable and tough.
I wish Glock still made the version without the root saw back.
Isn’t the Glock knife technically a bayonet made for attaching to the Austrian army’s rifle? Some bayonets could be used as fighting knives but that one seems a little skinny…
A lot of people make a fuss that the USMC Ka-bar has a pinned tang through a hollow handle, instead of a full length solid tang but this knife was primarily designed as a weapon and not a survival tool so holding it you realize just how unbelievably light and agile it is to wield. As a general issue combat knife it's darned near perfect.
It was basically a pre-existing hunting knife and was partially designed/selected due to being cheap and fast to make and doesn't take much steel. Those things don't and don't make a very good knife. It's very fragile for a utility knife and "combat" knife is all but a fantasy. There are essentially zero knife kills in war even including bayonets even going back to the Civil War. A $15 Mora Robust would be a better soldier knife (a better term than the misleading combat knife) in every possible way.
@@DL-ij7tf0 bayonet kills? What the hell are u smoking lmao
@@Conan361 In what war and in what numbers are you thinking there were lots of bayonet kills?
@@DL-ij7tf “essentially zero” there’s documented bayonet kills from the civil war. Are there a ton in comparison to total deaths/wounds no but there’s still a lot
Knife is a tool and Very personal to carry. Like to have that table full in my collection . Thanks for the video
Hearing the knife name Randall always reminds me of the knife selection scene in Exposure (A Grand Art). Love that movie.
Plastic sheaths and velcro straps aren't very stealthy, they rattle and sound like heavy cloth tearing. If I'm in a combat situation I want silent gear.
If you're just gonna use it for defending against two legged predators and light work I don't see why it would be considered a bad option. Using it in a heavy outdoors/camping/survival application obviously a bad idea.
Use a knife for knife tasks, don't use knife for axe or hatchet tasks.
I guess the real question is what does the other knife beat the kabar at?
@@presidentmerkinmuffley6769Sure. For whatever reason people don't always have a hatchet/axe to compliment their knife.
@@carlosanderson4479 Poor planning leads to piss poor performance.
Carlos. I agree with ya. A tool is a tool. Not every tool is good for every task. A shovel is made for dirt. A ratchet is made for turning bolts. Can you use both as an improvised hammer? Yes. But the best tool for hammering, is a hammer. I have my fighting knives (a shout out to m48 karambit knives) for self defense. I also have two different sized bushcraft blades for wide uses in the woods.
Will be good to see same vid about Kephart knife line 🙂✌
You are a rock star for your presentation
no srk?
Anything with a full tang will beat the k bar
No, no... If you want to impress the old boomer at the local gun shop who always claims the 1911 is the pinnacle of human achievement because it "won two world wars" and anyone needing more than 7 rounds is a bad shot or must be a drug dealer if he's facing multiple assailants, then yes, only a KA-BAR is good enough. For anything else requiring a hard-use fixed blade, yes, there are better options out there. The two I always use for camping are the KA-BAR Mk. I with the Kraton handle and the Gerber Strongarm.
During the early 80’s in the Marine Corps I was hacking some tree branches about twice as thick as your thumb with a brand new Kabar to camouflage a jeep and the tang broke inside the handle during the initial use. The blade went flying. Never used one for anything again except as gifts for friends and family because we paid $25.00 in the base PX for them. 😂 I was an E3 or E4 so I was poor. 😂
@@AmbuBadger...Customized 1911 has won more pistol championships than any other.. ur dumb AF
@@onionhead5780.. im a Marine Veteran... these knives are tough as them come, ur also dumb AF
@@AmbuBadgerthere are way better options than anything Gerber
I got myself an OKC SP1 and I very much love the thing. For the price it is incredibly rugged and solid and is my go to woods knife
I carried a kabar 7" Tanto in a Buck 120 leather sheath for about 20 years I recently purchased a Condor Belgian Bowie and haven't looked back! I did modify the blade by getting rid of that crappy satin coating and giving it a mirror finish. I did the same to a Condor Batonata by Joe Flowers and they are awesome blades! Not to forget the beautiful leather sheaths they both come with. Fantastic at affordable prices❤