KA-BAR USMC Fixed Blade Knife Review

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A little while ago I was researching what the best fixed blade knife was, as I was in dire need of a new one for a trip I was taking. Time and time again I kept hearing that the best you could get for fewer than 100 dollars was the Ka-Bar USMC fighting knife. I decided that with all the people telling me that, they had to be on to something.  So I purchased the KA-BAR USMC and put it to the test.

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History

A little history on the knife from their site is as follows

“On December 9, 1942, after the start of World War II, KA-BAR submitted a knife to the United States Marine Corps in hopes that it would become general issue to that branch of the military. Production began of an improved fighting and utility knife for the Marines. As the War escalated, the USMC KA-BAR knives became so well-recognized for their quality and so abundant in number that “Kabar” became the name by which many referred to this knife pattern, regardless of whether the knife was manufactured at the actual KA-BAR facility.

Today, the original USMC Fighting and Utility Knife remains the first choice for many men and women of service who carry it as their personal knife option. It is also a favorite of adventurers, survivalist, outdoor sportsmen and, of course, knife collectors who know that this knife deserves a place in their collection.”

Review

The first thing I noticed when I saw this knife was that it really is beautiful. It would be a great knife for a collection if I didn’t want to use it as a fixed blade. The sheath itself is leather and has a USMC emblem that appears to be burned into it. It really makes the knife look pretty, if I can say as much about a knife.

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The knife itself does not disappoint either on first view. The toned leather handle provides a good grip for the knife and the full tang build makes it feel really strong. The knife itself has a full 7 inch blade and comes sharp from the manufacturer. The look is sleek and the blade is sharp. I tested it on a water bottle and it sliced clean through it (you can see the video review below to see that).

KA BAR Knife 4 1024x682 KA BAR USMC Fixed Blade Knife Review

I have yet to find any real faults with this knife. It should be known though that the knife is around a pound, so if you are going on a long backpacking trip it may be more than you want to carry; however, for a knife that works as well as this one you may make the sacrifice.

Video Review

Features

  • Blade Detail: Plain
  • Blade Length (inches): 7
  • Blade Material: High Carbon, Black
  • Carry System: Leather Sheath, USMC
  • Handle Material: Leather Disks
  • Overall Length (inches): 11.88
  • Made In: United States

Rating

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Style
Function
Quality
Price
Rating: 9.0/10 (7 votes cast)

You can .

 Question for the comments

“What is your Favorite Fixed Blade Knife?”

The knife giveaway has ended

Photo Gallery

 KA BAR USMC Fixed Blade Knife Review

About Josh


My name is Josh and I am a fan of the outdoors. On the weekends you will find me hiking or trying to complete any of the numerous adventures I have on my list. I live in Southern California and love the deversity that allows me to have in my daily life. I am part of the OutdoorPros Adventure Team. I also love photography and you can find me blogging on my California Travel Blog or Our Unique World Photo Blog.

KA-BAR USMC Fixed Blade Knife Review, 9.0 out of 10 based on 7 ratings

Tags: KA-BAR

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  • http://feedchimp.com Nick DeSousa

    I like the Peter Janda fixed blade drop point tactical knife by Ka-bar.

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    • DAN REED

      ME TOO!

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  • http:// Tom

    cool!

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  • Dustin

    KA-BAR USMC… duh!

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  • http://www.feed43.com Jordan

    Definitely one of the best looking fixed knives I have seen! Does not seem like it would be flimsy like some plastic-y ones are.

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  • http:// Lesa S.

    Thank you for the great giveaway Tom. In response to the question “What is your favorite fixed blade knife?” My response is : Butte.

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  • http:// Shawn Stover

    Gerber is my favorite.

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  • Mike

    i like them all

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  • Nicholas Legendre

    Butter knife!

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  • marsha h.

    Buck Pathfinder

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  • http://lessstuffinthepocket. young

    CRKT

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  • Pingback: KA-BAR USMC Fixed Blade Knife Giveaway • Free Stuff Times Contests

  • lindsey

    I hope I entered right, just logged in thru my facebook, yah!!! Hope I win!!

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  • Jason C

    Buck knifes are my favorites

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  • tim

    Probably Gerber

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  • Tony Tannahill

    SHARP (*0*)

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  • http://644RR3 Tony Tannahill

    SHARP (:-D)

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  • Anthony

    good giveaway!

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  • brian

    KA_BAR

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    Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)
  • http:// Morgan M.

    I have a bear claw knife and it has worked pretty well in the past. This one looks great though… would love to test it out :) Thanks for the chance!

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  • http://101hardyAve.RichlandsNorthCarolina28574 Hubert Jones

    I retired from The United States Marine Corps. with 4 combat tours and i love knives. the KBar never broke its tip on me in the field many Gerbers and Sog tips broke on me in the field. The knife’s metal is soft enough to give and can be bent back straight the total weight of the knife is great when throwing it knocks down what ever it hits and does not matter if you hit blade first. It served well as a multi tool hammer, can opener, screw driver, ect. and I can not say enough about this knofe. I have not had the chance to buy the KBar II yet a few fellow Marines did and had great things to say about it. I will one day buy one so I can find out how the KBar II stacks against it big brother.

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  • Rob C.

    I love the KA-BAR USMC Survival Knife Because I have family and friends that are Marines. The Best Fighting Force in the World!

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  • Name

    i prefer the Japanese tanto

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  • PJ

    Can’t say I’ve ever tried a fixed blade before but I wouldn’t mind starting at the top.

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  • Matthew Hofbauer

    My favorite fixed blade is actually one of J. Neilson’s fighters with a boiled mustard finish.

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  • nickie

    gerber

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  • Ellen B

    gerber

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  • Erica

    KA-BAR USMC

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  • Charles

    Love the Cold Steel Tanto.

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  • Name

    Honestly, I’ve always wanted a Kabar knife, they’re truly the most masculine knife around.

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  • Sue Barney

    Gerber

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  • Christina

    I really like the Buck 119 Special.

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  • Tepe Rodrigo

    I have a custom Arkansas Dozier knife that I was given as a present years and years ago that I absolutely love.

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  • http:// JamesK

    KaBar makes a great fixed blade knife with a Tanto blade… very similar to the USMC knife reviewed here, but with the tanto blade & plastic sheath. Nice!

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  • Robert

    I’m down with the KA-BAR USMC Fixed Blade Knife !

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  • Tim

    Gerber are my favorite fixed blade!

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  • http://WebsiteURL marcus

    Blind Horse Knives – Pathfinder 1

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  • Danielle

    My husband has many SOG knives.

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  • Miz Vickik

    The Bear Grills knife

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    Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)
  • Pingback: KA-BAR USMC Survival Knife Giveaway at OP Adventure Team | Contest Corner: The Best Giveaways on The Net!

  • Phil Gay

    The SOG Seal Pup

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  • Marguerite C

    I like Gerber but a Ka-Bar is pretty good too.

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  • http://aproudmomof6.blogspot.com/ Liza

    Cold Steel 92FK FGX Karambit

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  • William Hull

    favorite fixed blade knife is a Gerber

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  • http://WebsiteURL kate turner

    not sure entering for hubby he loves his knifes

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  • tamar

    I like my leatherman.

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  • Sue Hull

    I’d love to win the knife in the giveaway! Thanks!

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  • cee love

    I don’t know that I really have a favorite I just like to collect them all. This one is a very nice looking one to add to that collection :-)

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  • Laurie Forrest

    I would love to win this knife for my husband

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  • http://www.fotomacro.etsy.com angie lilly aka tofu fairy on fb

    I honestly have never had a fixed blade utility knife and am entering this contest to hopefully win for my hubby. The only knife that I use frequently is my kitchen paring knife! LOL I hope that is an OK answer! LOL

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  • http://grammymousetails.blogspot.com Faythe A

    hubby has 2 of the Navy seal Ka-Bars just like this one. so I guess that would be his favorite!

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  • rust

    My old Buck.

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  • Margaret King

    Gerber

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  • https://opadventureteam.com/2012/05/21/ka-bar-usmc-knife-review/ Waymon

    I own a KA-BAR Military knife. I have had it several years. It is the best knife that I own. If I had to pick one knife to have if I was stranded on an island…this would be the one. I would recommend it to anyone who is considering a similar knife. Pay the money and get one!
    KA-BAR USMC Survival Knife

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  • brian e.

    Gerber’s Bear Grylls Ultimate Fixed Blade.

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  • http://N/A Lowtiercomputer

    I have a Sollingen Boar hunting knife, which was my first hunting knife and is the highest quality knife I own.

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  • jamaljj

    Wow, I can’t believed I missed a Ka-bar giveaway! This has to be one of my favorite knives. When I was in the Army, it was my EDC.

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  • Banana star

    Several design flaws with the kabar umsc: firstly the leather stacked handles while ergonomic are a mess if you get them wet. secondly it is not a true full tang with sandwich construction, instead it is a stock tang, which is significantly weaker, however decreases weight and should be sufficient unless abused. Thirdly it has a leather sheath which is again unacceptable, as if it gets wet the carbon steel blade will suffer. Lastly there are a number of alternatives which offer considerable advantages at the same price point, namely the Becker bk7 and the Ontario sp50 both under $100 from amazon both below the weight of the kabar and with significantly improved sheaths and tangs as well as spine thicknesses and tangs. Other than the points listed above still love the kabar umsc. Have fun! :D

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