Beat the Icon: KA-BAR vs Alternatives

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.