KA-BAR (trademarked as KA-BAR, capitalized) was a fighting and utility knife issued to American armed forces. KA-BAR is also the name of a related manufacturing company most known for the same 11-3/4-inch fighting and utility Bowie knife adopted by the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy[1] as the USN Fighting Knife Mark II.[2]
A typical KA-BAR knife has a 7" clip point blade. The KA-BAR fighting knife is made of 1095 carbon steel and features a leather-washer[3] or synthetic handle made of Kraton (a non-slip rubber substitute).[4][5]
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History
The name "KA-BAR" came to be after the company received a poorly written English letter in which the author wrote how the company's knife saved his life after he was attacked by a bear and his gun failed to kill it. All that was legible was "k a bar", and the company adopted that as their trademark. [6] In 1942, soon after the United States' entry into World War II, American troops experienced the problematic nature of the M1917/1918 and Mark I trench knives that they were issued initially and, realizing the need for knives suited to trench warfare, a design was chosen from a catalog of hunting gear. The Marines bought many different knives and designs from a large number of suppliers during World War II, but it was the KA-BAR fighting knife that was most common and popular. It was chosen for continued purchase and issue after the war was over. The final shape was decided upon by the Marine Corps. The changes included a slightly longer blade for combat use, introduction of a small fuller to make the blade lighter and stiffer, and the pinned pommel and stacked leather handle as standard. In addition, the blade, guard, and pommel were all finished in a non-reflective matte black or gray phosphate finish instead of the brightly polished steel of the original.
Millions were made during World War II by KA-BAR, Ontario Knife Company, Camillus Cutlery, Case Knives, and several other knife companies. The knife is inexpensive, easy to replace, and adequate for most tasks. It was also used as a diving knife in World War II, though the model in use at the time disintegrated rapidly in saltwater. The various forms of this knife are still very popular with hunters, fishermen, hikers, outdoorsmen, and the U.S. military.[1]
Manufacturing
The Tidioute Cutlery Company, the first company to manufacture KA-BARs, was founded in 1898. Following its financial collapse and take-over it was renamed the Union Cutlery Company. KA-BAR was initially a trademark but in 1952 the company renamed itself KA-BAR Cutlery Inc. The headquarters are currently located in Olean, New York. The Alcas Corporation, parent company of Cutco, acquired the company in 1996.[7]
Service
Today, KA-BAR makes Army and Navy versions as well as USMC versions.[1] They are virtually identical to the Marine version except for different initials at the bottom of the blade and different symbols on the sheath. Marines today often give the blades, guards and pommels of their knives a few coats of non-reflective matte black spray paint to reduce reflected light and give them a little more protection against saltwater corrosion.[1] Its moderate carbon and low chromium steel mixture allows the blade to hold an edge very well. The 1095 cro-van steel used in the blades of today's KA-BARs has a hardness of 56–58 HRC; the guard and pommel are made from sintered 1095 carbon steel.[8] Outside combat, the knife has been used to open cans, dig trenches, and cut wood and roots.[1] In 1995, the design was updated with a tool steel blade, synthetic handle, and synthetic sheath marketed as "The Next Generation".[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f Walker, Greg (2001). KA-BAR: The Next Generation of the Ultimate Fighting Knife. Boulder, Colorado: Paladin Press. ISBN 1581601204.
- ^ http://www.olive-drab.com/od_other_edged_kabar.php
- ^ "How KA-BAR Knives Are Made". https://www.kabar.com/tour.jsp. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
- ^ KA-BAR Knives, Inc (2005). "KA-BAR Introduces Desert KA-BARS and Desert MULE Folders" (PDF). Press release. https://www.kabar.com/pdf/pr_desertka-bars05.pdf. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
- ^ "KA-BAR's Glossary of Terms". KA-BAR Knives, Inc. https://www.kabar.com/glossary.jsp. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
- ^ <A HREF="https://www.kabar.com/name.jsp">
- ^ "KA-BAR History - A Timeline". KA-BAR Knives Inc. https://www.kabar.com/history.jsp.
- ^ "KA-BAR Name History". KA-BAR Knives Inc. https://www.kabar.com/name.jsp. Retrieved 2009-07-11.
External links
- Official KA-BAR site
- Alcas Corporation website, parent corporation of KA-BAR
- KA-BAR Knife Reviews and Information
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