Ka Bar Question

[Fake Name]

I was looking into purchasing a Ka Bar Next Generation, or the Extreme Fighting/Utility knife for camping, and general hunting/game dressing tasks.

The Next Generation is made of 440A stainless and the Extreme is made of D2 Tool Steel.

Which metal would be the better buy for my use.

 

[Joe Demko]

Given that choice, I'd go with the D2. 440A is one of those alloys chosen by lower-end manufacturers because it is easy for them to work with rather than because it produces superior blades.

 

[rcmodel]

But D2 rusts slightly easier, and is very hard to sharpen without ceremic or diamond stones. It is very abrasion resistant, which makes it hold an edge longer, but also makes it harder to sharpen.

You pays your money, and you takes your choices.


rcmodel

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

Not meaning to threadjack, but I've also been interested in buying a Ka-Bar. But one that is as close to what the Marines carried in WW2 as is humanly possible. Any reccomendations as to where I could find one for a decent price?

 

[rcmodel]

You can usually find some real WWII Cammillus USN - Mark 2's at any good gunshow. And thats what the overwhelming majority of them were.
Or ebay is loaded down with them all the time.

Most WWI's were not actually KaBar's as many folks think of.

KaBar made them first, but Cammillus made the most of them.
KaBar just became the generic name for them.


rcmodel

 

[hso]

Of the two I'd always get the D2.

But, I wouldn't select either knife you're looking at for a hunting knife. You may find you would be happier with a shorter blade than 7" (4-5" being nearly ideal for general use in camping/hunting), no top guard to get in your way (a huge advantage the EF/U has over the Next Gen) and a usable choil to choke up with (which neither have). Take a look at the Marbles Ideal and you'll see the hunting/camp ancestor of the Marine Fighting Knife.

 

[skeeter1]

This is the Ka-Bar that I just ordered:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/DBA800-2188-1259.html

I don't have it yet, but I doubt I'll be disappointed.