Ka-Bar Short Black

The media could not be loaded. Kabar has always been synonymous with legendary blades, and this knife is no exception. This knife is the "short" version of the more famous USMC standard fighting knife. Both are designed as tactical knives. This one has a Kraton handle and a 5.25" 1095 Cro-Van steel blade, while the original has a stacked leather handle and 7" blade. Both knives are clearly tactical in design, intended as fighting knives first. However, the blade length and width allows the "short" version to be more versatile - the original's 7" blade can be somewhat unwieldy for camp and bushcrafting tasks.1095 Cro-Van is a version of standard 1095 that adds small amounts of chromium and vanadium to assist with corrosion resistance - 1095 is strong steel with a high carbon content - but it's highly susceptible to rusting. Cro-Van inclusion helps, as does the black powder coat. Although it does not offer high edge retention capability, it shaprens easily - one of the easiest steels to sharpen!The Short Straight-Edge Fighting knife is a similar shape and style to its larger standards brother, but with a smaller blade and handle. The narrower blade allows far more versatile use for daily tasks and for camp and bushcraft use(carving, notching), and even game processing (skinning).The original intent for the USMC knife, and, to a lesser extent, this knife, is tactical use (fighting). The 7" blade is ideal for puncturing, stabbing, and reaching vital organs. That's a consideration when purchasing one of these knives for EDC (everyday carry) - its tactical appearance. I carry a fixed blade every time I go out, so if you're like me, you may want to consider whether you want to tote a militaristic (tactical) knife. I like them, so it doesn't bother me. YMMV!I purchased this knife at a discount because it was a return. When I received it, the box was mangled and the sheath was missing. Thankfully, the blade was in unused condition, still ultra sharp with the factory edge. Even without the sheath, I got a super-good deal. I ordered the sheath separately - Amazon sells it as well! Even after buying the sheath, I got a smoking good deal!Performance-wise, this knife is a beast. As noted, 1095 is incredibly tough with high lateral strength - meaning it will take a lot of prying-type motion without breaking. The weak point of this (and all) Kabar knives of this general design, is where the stand meets the blade, just below the guard. Although these knives have "full" tangs, it's a weght-relieved, narrow version that's designed to lower the overall weight while still offering a "full tang."If you've ever watched a "Joe-X" knife destruction video, you'll see that when extreme stress is applied laterally (think of "bending" the knife sideways at the handle), the knife can bend, and then break, at the point where the tang thins. However, for normal daily tasks, this knife is as stong as you could want.The Kraton handle, while not as attractive as the original's stacked leather, is far more useful, especially in wet conditions. While the leather is plenty grippy, it absorbs liquids (sweat, oil, etc). The Kraton offers similar grippiness, without the absorption. The metal cap locks the handle onto the tang, and can be used to (lightly) hammer.The leather sheath is commensurate with the quality of the knife - very high. It's snug, holds the blade with little to no movement (see video clip), and fits the blade perfectly. It's thick and well finished, but I applied clear shoe wax as a conditioner and protectant. If you use the knife in wet conditions, or live in a wet or humid climate, you may not want to store the knife in the sheath - it can cause rusting. If you do store it in the sheath, apply clear shoe wax to the entire blade to create a barrier for moisture wicking from the leather. It would be best to keep the blade out, make a cardboard sleeve (fold cardboard around the blade, and rubber-band it to the exterior of the sheath until you need to carry the knife.(Please note that I modified the sheath to accept a metal ring that allows me to snap the sheath to a belt clip for easy swapping. I do that with all of my knives!)The blade geometry is highly condicive to camp and field tasks - the 20-degree edge and mid-point saber grind (flat from the edge to the mid-line), makes slicing a breeze. I tested it, cutting paracord, jute, and nylon webbing, and it cut through like butter. The spine, while not heavily wedged, is a respectable 0.165" (4.2mm), allowing for acceptable use for wood prep (batoning/splitting). It easily split logs of up to 3" in diameter. The only issue with batoning is the long swedge - while not overly sharp, it's thin enough to damage your striking baton.I particularly like the clip point shape - it is a classic blade profile that scratches my "tactical" itch while still allowing for task usage. The sharp point is excellent for penetraition - it's ideal for making holes in material. To test it, I used the knife to make a pilot hole in my 3/16th" thick leather belt. It worked perfectly!As stated, Ka-Bar knives are made from1095 Cro-Van, and offer high strength, albeit at the expense of edge retention and corrosion resistance. Their sharpenability is legendary. I've sharpened my 1095 knifes with everything from a pocket sharpener, a whetstone, a diamond steel, and even a rock! If you appreciate a classic tactical-style knife, especially one that can cross over, you'd be hard pressed to find something better.

Wow! What an amazing knife! Order came quickly and in good condition. Upon opening the knife was sharp and the sheath was fine. Compared to the same size serrated KABar I had owned in the past, this was actually sharpened. The old one came pretty darn dull! I really like the non serrated version as it cuts well and makes a handy yard work and fishing tool. I was even able to fillet some 9 inch 1 lb bluegill just fine (especially for not using a fillet knife)! That sold me on the knife as to be able to do that which takes some finesse and knowing I could stake my life on it during a defense situation or wilderness survival experience, gives me peace of mind. I will be toning the knife (when my sharpener kit comes), but out of box the blade should handle what one needs of it. The handle is on the smaller side, so be aware if you have bear paws. Great for those on the smaller side, looking at teens and women. As for the sheath, I’ve seen some complaints about it being leather vs kydex. I think that many don’t know that they should condition leather products with some oil, prior to use. However due to owning boat shoes and ll bean boots, I’m used to needing to condition them and then break in the leather. After putting oil on the blade and sheath, it drew much easier than without. One can even add a drop to the clasp and it will open easier. I personally like the leather of kydex for edc use as it’s more comfortable, but could see advantages of kydex for long term use in austere conditions.All things considered this is an excellent knife and a 56 dollars well spent. Way better than the same size serrated kabar I bought on amazon for 80 bucks. Having this as a bigger blade will serve well with my awesome bench made osbourne 530v edc folding knife (which I also highly recommend for an top of the line pocket knife). If I order another KABar I would not hesitate to purchase through this same supplier. If you’re in the market for a classic time and combat tested blade (shorter version) for a reasonable price, look no further.

Absolutely awesome. Of course. Nice mini version.

I absolutely love the Kabar brand. I own a couple from the Ethan Becker series and the Kabar short is my introduction to their combat style knives. The blade itself is what you'd expect from Kabar. It sharpens very easily, but it also doesn't hold an edge for too long. 1095 Cro-Van is a budget steel to be sure, but I still like it. I did modify the edge a little bit. I felt like the angle was too big, so I made the knife into a scandi grind. I think I like it better that way.The blade itself is fine, but the handle was a lot thinner than I was expecting. I knew it was going to be on the small side, but It did take some getting used to. I have large hands and I'm used to very large handles. That being said, the Kabar's handles are still comfortable.If you are looking for a bushcraft/survival knife, this one is not for you. This blade is better suited for normal utility purposes. Can it bushcraft? Sure, any knife can do normal tasks if you're skilled enough. But there are other knives at the same price range that can do it better. I got this knife just to have as an everyday carry and if that's what you are planning to use it for, I think this blade is perfect for that.

Very well sized knife, feels extremely tough. Handle could be a little bit longer and thicker, but it's good enough to feel a knife well gripped at hand. Blade came a little bit dull from factory, but with a little time and patience, and a 1000 grain stone, it leveled up it's sharpness to a fearful standard. It's size it's intermediate between a big knife, and a pocket one, I feel this knife is a more efective defensive tool than bigger or smaller sized knifes. Very happy with this piece of art! Love the leather protective shell, it's a very nice quality detail that's shows the value of the piece.