Beat the Icon: KA-BAR vs Alternatives

Рет қаралды 338,104

Күн бұрын

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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Пікірлер: 1 000

@teufelshund3213 3 ай бұрын

Still have my old Ka-Bar. I'll never get rid of it. Saved my life once.

@drizzt8965 2 ай бұрын

What happened???

@ronald3148 2 ай бұрын

t opend a bottle off beer ? @@drizzt8965

@bengonzalez5215 Ай бұрын

@@drizzt8965 had to open a mre was starving to death

@drizzt8965 Ай бұрын

@@bengonzalez5215 Wow! That was a close one... 🤔

@kettwood7248 21 күн бұрын

@@drizzt8965 original guy cannot answer. He opened his MRE, then write this, then eat MRE and died.

@apexcobra.official 4 ай бұрын

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.

@skibidi.G 3 ай бұрын

Hate thieves so much.

@ronalddunne3413 3 ай бұрын

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!! Nonsense! lol...

@philodonoghue3062 3 ай бұрын

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.

@apexcobra.official 3 ай бұрын

@@ronalddunne3413 🤔

@dionysus6892 3 ай бұрын

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.

@stevenmqcueen7576 3 ай бұрын

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?

@easye.6906 3 ай бұрын

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. :)

@paulfretz6777 3 ай бұрын

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.

@matthewparker235 3 ай бұрын

@@paulfretz6777Great answer sir

@SirDadbod 3 ай бұрын

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.

@EngineersQuest 3 ай бұрын

You will understand if you are ever unfortunate enough to need one and not have one.

@Xander_Park 4 ай бұрын

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.

@jamescurr242 3 ай бұрын

Semper Fi. Have one under my front seat and keep one next to my bed as well.. 😀

@Ezees23 3 ай бұрын

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......

@jamescurr242 3 ай бұрын

@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.

@1joshjosh1 3 ай бұрын

Do you think if I came out with a drink called semper rye retired marine such as yourself would like it?

@PAZTWAIN Ай бұрын

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.

@michealfriedman7084 3 ай бұрын

I still have mine. Bought it at Camp Lejeune in 1986. 1985-2005 USMC/RET

@Vincent_Boogaloo 3 ай бұрын

TY for your service.

@firstlast8258 2 ай бұрын

@@Vincent_Boogalooserving the elite 🤓 🖕

@ChrisWolf75 Ай бұрын

Didn't most of the people who served at camp Lejeune get sick? I keep seeing commercials from law firms about Lejeune.

@barrybaldwin5535 4 ай бұрын

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.

@RexApplegate 4 ай бұрын

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.

@SageCoulee 4 ай бұрын

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.

@recoilrob324 3 ай бұрын

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.

@vladtheimpala5532 3 ай бұрын

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.

@budsatawny 3 ай бұрын

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.

@thomasgarrison3949 3 ай бұрын

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.

@DrSchor 2 ай бұрын

Yet. matter of time, dontcha think

@williamsoto32326 3 ай бұрын

The fact it was used to Kil a bar says it all just on history I'm sold

@norman102745 4 ай бұрын

Great job with the comprehensive presentation. I was raised in Olean NY where Cutco and K-BAR are proudly American Made.

@danielanthony9621 4 ай бұрын

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.

@ericjulien7678 3 ай бұрын

You forgot Hammer, pound, and smash.

@s3cunit Ай бұрын

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.

@goofistmcnutty3280 4 ай бұрын

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.

@DL-ij7tf 4 ай бұрын

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.

@Johnny-rj9on 4 ай бұрын

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)

@Johnny-rj9on 4 ай бұрын

@@DL-ij7tf Excellent way to put it--by far the best choice if you have to buy in bulk on a limited budget

@BushcraftingBogan 4 ай бұрын

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.

@keithsafford3056 4 ай бұрын

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.

@Ehtereon11B 3 ай бұрын

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.

@matthewcoburn4083 4 ай бұрын

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.

@daveplem 3 ай бұрын

If you are searching for it, it’s “Chris Reeve.”

@mrwillowwayranch3975 3 ай бұрын

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!

@robertlong538 Ай бұрын

Semper Fi! I got mine at PX -29 Stumps ! Within reach, as I sleep!

@mrwillowwayranch3975 Ай бұрын

@@robertlong538 Ooorraaahhh Marine! Thank you for your service!!!

@alananderson5929 Ай бұрын

Still have mine from Nam. Beautiful steel. Thanks for sharing your story. semper fi🇺🇸

@mrwillowwayranch3975 Ай бұрын

@@alananderson5929 Oooorrraaahh Marine!!! I know a lot of you guys didn’t get it… but a BIG Thank You For Your Service!!

@78.BANDIT 2 ай бұрын

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. 🇺🇸

@althesmith 3 ай бұрын

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.

@scottallen5529 3 ай бұрын

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

@althesmith 3 ай бұрын

@@scottallen5529 The best blade in the world can snap if it hits the wrong item at the wrong angle.

@robertstratton7117 3 ай бұрын

@@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.

@dougcfrary 3 ай бұрын

Me too.

@grepora 3 ай бұрын

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.

@sixxfreak58 4 ай бұрын

For the prices, TOPS and Becker continue to disappoint with the chintzy sheaths that require immediate upgrades.

@acid6urns 4 ай бұрын

beckers are pretty damn cheap man

@RexApplegate Ай бұрын

My Tops actually resides in a kabar sheath. I threw its huge tacticool garbage sheath straight in the trash.

@HaroldJohnston-ku3eo 3 ай бұрын

Have a buck , a knife isn't a pry bar . Love the versatility 😊

@piercer2 3 ай бұрын

Buck 119, ergonomic and handy.

@qontoh2s872 Ай бұрын

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.

@Gottaculat 3 ай бұрын

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.

@cardiacbob 4 ай бұрын

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!

@1s1k97 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for Svc and cool to hear NCO of the year. You earn that, definitely not given! 👍🏼💪

@karlschulte9231 Ай бұрын

Belated congrats on Rgt NCO award. CW4 Schulte. 35th INF , 57 FA

@cardiacbob Ай бұрын

@@karlschulte9231 Thanks Chief!

@Mike-id8gu 4 ай бұрын

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.

@kensei232 Ай бұрын

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.

@jamesbonnell4597 Ай бұрын

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.

@jeffburnham6611 Ай бұрын

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.

@hillbillyfromtheswamp6223 4 ай бұрын

Now this is what I'm here for!!!! Fixed blades baby ♥️♥️♥️♥️

@greekveteran2715 4 ай бұрын

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.

@DR-zj4od Ай бұрын

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.

@HKiller45ACP Ай бұрын

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.

@McRootbeer 4 ай бұрын

A Gerber strongarm with a longer blade would fit the bill.

@Xander_Park 4 ай бұрын

The strong arm is an awesome knife, got a few in my collection

@McRootbeer 4 ай бұрын

@@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 😅.

@David_S_ST5 4 ай бұрын

Watch Joe X review of the strongarm. This knife is a beast!

@assoverteakettle 4 ай бұрын

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.

@DL-ij7tf 4 ай бұрын

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.

@Conan361 2 ай бұрын

@@DL-ij7tf0 bayonet kills? What the hell are u smoking lmao

@DL-ij7tf 2 ай бұрын

@@Conan361 In what war and in what numbers are you thinking there were lots of bayonet kills?

@Conan361 2 ай бұрын

@@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

@AR9ify 4 ай бұрын

FINALLY a video of something sensible.. Fixed blades 👌👍

@AR9ify 4 ай бұрын

Extrema Ratio MK2.1 or Col. Moschin would fint nicely into the premium section of this lineup. Great knives.

@magritteetmoncouteau 4 ай бұрын

This was simply a great video! YT needed such a good recap of those alternatives, thanks!

@JoeMACofNAC 4 ай бұрын

I love my SOG Seal Pup Elite. It's such a great size.

@mikes8948 3 ай бұрын

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.

@Lochlann13 4 ай бұрын

Short answer: Yes Long answer: Yes, you can absolutely beat the KA-BAR

@maxwellmortimermontoure7274 4 ай бұрын

It’s kinda shit. It isn’t good at anything.

@SavageGreywolf 3 ай бұрын

@@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.

@n1n7ut5u 3 ай бұрын

Another answer: Even with your bare hands. . . Literally, you can break it in half with your bare hands.....

@terrarecon 3 ай бұрын

@@maxwellmortimermontoure7274 I guess being able to cut things is not being good at something.

@grepora 3 ай бұрын

You can beat it with a stick.

@miketranfaglia3986 4 ай бұрын

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.

@HorizonsleatherBlogspot2012 4 ай бұрын

Yeah it's easily the best knife for the price out of the whole lot.

@terrillschneider3778 4 ай бұрын

Really enjoyed this one since I own the USSF KaBar and the Buck 119

@cylentone 4 ай бұрын

The Space-Bar was also a cool modern version.

@Lombo1 4 ай бұрын

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.

@donrichter3523 3 ай бұрын

@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.

@johntiquet4778 3 ай бұрын

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.

@quasarleon4645 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the time stamps, really helps to just check out the ones you're interested in .

@YorkshiremanOutdoors 4 ай бұрын

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

@craigb7217 4 ай бұрын

I may order that Ontario SP-1, looks like a good value, it may be a fun companion to knock around and bbq with.

@95666 4 ай бұрын

Id act fast, as ontario went out of business its getting harder to find them.

@tcniel 3 ай бұрын

I just did place an order on his advice.@@95666

@patriothippie5881 4 ай бұрын

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

@PassivePortfolios 3 ай бұрын

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.

@johnhupp8444 3 ай бұрын

Kabar and Ontario knives are made with in 20 miles of each other. Case knives are also made only about 18 miles from Kabar.

@sweetpineapples3753 4 ай бұрын

I'm surprised not to see the Gerber Gear LMF II Infantry Knife, i own many knives including 2 if these.

@homeofinventions 4 ай бұрын

Love the Blackjacks that you mention best.

@ianmysef8182 4 ай бұрын

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.

@Berzilla 3 ай бұрын

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

@ianmysef8182 3 ай бұрын

@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.

@dirkvantroyen9170 3 ай бұрын

That Fällkniven NL2 is an absolute beauty!

@Tutorp 3 ай бұрын

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)

@BigMacOrange 3 ай бұрын

I have a Ontario sp1 in 1095. Got it like 20 years ago. Thing is a beast.

@95666 4 ай бұрын

Finally a video with some decent fixed blades, Im saving for that Hogue EX F01, that same color.

@SurvivalSpec 4 ай бұрын

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.

@kylearmstrong21 3 ай бұрын

Congratulations on 3,000 🎉 Well deserved brother 👏!

@cmora316 3 ай бұрын

great video guys thanks for the time!

@marksaint2936 4 ай бұрын

All those knives shown are top notch in my book.

@timtitus2532 4 ай бұрын

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.

@thomasrayman3511 3 ай бұрын

Excellent comparison. Thanks

@Magnum_Express 4 ай бұрын

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.

@rtz549 4 ай бұрын

Do a current video on all the boot knife offerings. Maybe even defensive carry blades.

@dennisleighton2812 4 ай бұрын

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

@nyanates 3 ай бұрын

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.

@Cerberusarms 2 ай бұрын

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.

@dsg325 4 ай бұрын

Love that Randall. Surprised the Glock knife wasn’t in there. Definitely affordable and tough.

@Maryland_Kulak 4 ай бұрын

I wish Glock still made the version without the root saw back.

@ross_7751 4 ай бұрын

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…

@MrErik038 3 ай бұрын

KA-BAR & SRK all i need. Nice video!

@ColdWarVet607 3 ай бұрын

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!

@BillyJupiter 4 ай бұрын

That's a beautiful table. Nice job and nice job 👍

@breakerprepper 4 ай бұрын

One of my fave kabars that no one gives recognition is the warthog, thats one though SOB!

@stuartrollings602 4 ай бұрын

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!

@ChargerusPrime 4 ай бұрын

I have an Ontario SP1 and I actually wrapped the grooves in the handle with faux leather wrapping. It actually helps when I have sweaty hands or even gloves on, really added some grit to it. I've also sharpened mine to an absolute razor blade, I've literally Sliced sheets of papercleanlymid air with this thing. I have it with me at all times, often with it on me hip.. but God I need a better sheath for it.

@syn4057 3 ай бұрын

It all depends on how you use the Ka-Bar. People assume it’s a survival/bush craft, hunting/skinning, John Wick/Musashi knife, but it’s not. It’s a combat knife. You can use it to help cook food, make kindling, start holes to use your E Tool, defend your life in hand to hand, light hammering, and basic life of a person in a combat theater. Remember combat is long stretches of boredom, with moments of sheer terror. The average combat personnel goes on short patrols/recon, but have a base to come back to for most of their daily needs. The Ka-Bar fit that need exceptionally and can still perform daily combat personnel tasks. If you want a survival/bush craft, hunting/skinning, John Wick/Musashi knife get one dedicated for that purpose. They will not be good for much more than its assigned purpose; although it will work; because it’s a knife. Full tang is the only thing the Ka-Bar needs, to be a perfect all purpose EDC knife, even though its 98% perfect already (IMHO)

@joehebert901 4 ай бұрын

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.

@acid6urns 4 ай бұрын

that drop forged survivalist is a killer deal. one solid piece of 52100 that’s pretty long for under $70 is a killer deal

@korgan7779 4 ай бұрын

Nice as always! I've had an Ontario SP2 since 95 and it's been a very good knife.

@matthewsbernier 4 ай бұрын

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.

@brianbartulis9709 Ай бұрын

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)

@Ibetalkinvidyagames 4 ай бұрын

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.

@AmbuBadger 4 ай бұрын

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!

@Maryland_Kulak 4 ай бұрын

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!

@HelmerandRawlins 4 ай бұрын

Strong arm is incredible I have three of them

@AmbuBadger 4 ай бұрын

@@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.

@AmbuBadger 4 ай бұрын

@@HelmerandRawlins I have two, one black and one in tan! Great knife, and the sheath is awesome as well!

@shadowmihaiu 4 ай бұрын

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.

@qui-gone 4 ай бұрын

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.

@dtw1622 4 ай бұрын

Did you not like rhe bk7 for survival/camping?

@magritteetmoncouteau 4 ай бұрын

I read about the PWB, I upvote!

@David_S_ST5 4 ай бұрын

I have an OKC SP-6 made in the 1095 before they changed it to 1075. Great knife.

@edwardshattuck5946 4 ай бұрын

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!!

@mcsquirgle 4 ай бұрын

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

@randymartin5521 4 ай бұрын

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.

@mikemirabella2930 3 ай бұрын

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.

@hillbillyfromtheswamp6223 4 ай бұрын

For those wondering. The Ontario sp1 will fit the Kabar USMC leather sheath. In case someone is looking for a cheap but good upgrade. Fits perfectly and button snaps excellent as well.

@presidentmerkinmuffley6769 4 ай бұрын

And with the sharpened swedge, per the original specification.

@hillbillyfromtheswamp6223 4 ай бұрын

@@presidentmerkinmuffley6769 Perfectly fine

@carlosanderson4479 4 ай бұрын

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.

@presidentmerkinmuffley6769 4 ай бұрын

Use a knife for knife tasks, don't use knife for axe or hatchet tasks.

@carlosanderson4479 4 ай бұрын

I guess the real question is what does the other knife beat the kabar at?

@carlosanderson4479 4 ай бұрын

@@presidentmerkinmuffley6769Sure. For whatever reason people don't always have a hatchet/axe to compliment their knife.

@presidentmerkinmuffley6769 4 ай бұрын

@@carlosanderson4479 Poor planning leads to piss poor performance.

@Jack_rabbits_sage_brush 3 ай бұрын

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.

@Molonlabe07 4 ай бұрын

Anything with a full tang will beat the k bar

@AmbuBadger 4 ай бұрын

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.

@onionhead5780 4 ай бұрын

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. 😂

@ramtrucks721 4 ай бұрын

@@AmbuBadger...Customized 1911 has won more pistol championships than any other.. ur dumb AF

@ramtrucks721 4 ай бұрын

@@onionhead5780.. im a Marine Veteran... these knives are tough as them come, ur also dumb AF

@connor_mosteller8668 4 ай бұрын

@@AmbuBadgerthere are way better options than anything Gerber

@kichigaisensei 3 ай бұрын

I've owned the Ontario SP1 for many years. It's an awesome knife at a reasonable price. Love it.

@TimothyLipinski 3 ай бұрын

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

@ravingbadger 4 ай бұрын

no srk?

@ThomasCWebb-zs8xd 4 ай бұрын

glad to see the fixed blades, ka-bars are awesome. however, this just feels like a commercial. why not put these knives through the paces and SHOW us how they stack up against the ka-bar? Show us some slicing and chopping!

@ronbaer67 4 ай бұрын

the only true way to compare knives made for war

@Maryland_Kulak 4 ай бұрын

There are lots of KZfaq videos of people doing that. I like DCA’s format here just fine. He has a lot of knowledge. If you want to see a bunch of knife abuse, check out Dutch Bushcraft Knives. They hate the Ka-Bar and have lots of videos where they use it to the point of failure.

@Maryland_Kulak 4 ай бұрын

@@ronbaer67War actually consists of opening a lot of MREs and cutting parachute cord. A Dollar Tree pocket knife could probably handle war just fine.

@Limicola1 4 ай бұрын

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.

@CuttingEdgetools Ай бұрын

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!

@danesparza77 4 ай бұрын

I’m stunned you didn’t compare this to the Glock FM 78 (as seen on Joe X) - which seems to be a better knife in every respect. I think it’s even cheaper!

@Regolith86 4 ай бұрын

If what you really need is a sharpened prybar that can also be used as a bayonet, sure. Otherwise, no.

@trentcostello4358 4 ай бұрын

NOW YOU ARE SPEAKING MY LANGUAGE BRO....SPARTAN BLADES KA BAR FIGHTING KNIFE #1 AN TOPS SPRINGFIELD ARMORY #2 ❤❤

@jfu5222 4 ай бұрын

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.

@dingus4260 2 ай бұрын

I regularly carry a Buck 119, and I love the sheath clasp

@HrZD16 3 ай бұрын

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

@girthbrooks-lk9cq 4 ай бұрын

Kabars are made for the military cause they are the cheapest contractors.

@Maurice895 4 ай бұрын

Halfbreed large infantry beats the Ka-bar.

@daledurham4308 3 ай бұрын

My father was BAR man in 10th Mountain Division, serving on Kiska and in northern Italy, the latter involved heavy combat with Germans, while carrying Western brand of common hunting knife design. That knife resides in safe along with other momentos connected with his service.

@KenFornwalt Күн бұрын

Iv been beating the shit out of my KA-BAR for 20 years. Back when I bought it, it was my only over 4” survival type blade. I now own more knifes than any one man needs. The USMC still holds a place of honor as my truck knife. The Spartan variant intrigues me. I should’ve bought it back when it was $300.

@TheJoshuaborden 4 ай бұрын

The ka bar fighter is a piece of junk.

@girthbrooks-lk9cq 4 ай бұрын

Kabars suck. They aren't durable. I will take my eese 6 all day.

@RexApplegate 4 ай бұрын

Hidden tang for light weight and balance for killing and light to medium chores vs what I would call a full tang bushcraft knife. Do F150's suck because they don't have the power and stopping capacity to tow a 53 foot trailer through the rockies?

@0017Bulldog 3 ай бұрын

DCA, you are the man! A fantastic production.

@Woolsocks 4 ай бұрын

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.