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I have a Ka-Bar USMC, and I like it very much. It can slice, chop, pierce, dig, pry, and hammer with its pummel. However, the deep belly along with its drop-point geometry gives the tip an upward curve, not really ideal for stabbing an enemy. So, are these really "fighting knives"? I'm not saying that U.S. Marines haven't been dispatching their enemies with these things since the 1920's or whenever Ka-Bar first started making them, but are they really meant for that sort of thing? I think the blade geometry needs to really be more of a clip-point or have a shallower belly in order for the Ka-Bar USMC to really be more of a fighting knife, but on the other hand I've never used it as a combat weapon.
I don't think any knife is the ideal combat weapon, but the Ka-Bar is as good as any in that size range and purpose. There are better fixed blade knives for woodcraft, survival, etc, but for the price the Ka-Bar is a good choice.
The Marine Corp was also looking for a knife that provided additional functions. My Gerber Mk I (a sort of Fairbairn-Sykes {google it!} type of double-edged dagger in L-6 tool steel.) was designed specifically as a fighting and defensive knife, hence is double-edged to cut on any thrust, swipe or parry. And to penetrate all the way into the vitals. The strong sharp point concentrates pressure to easily penetrate armor vests, even helmets, etc. The K-Bar is more useful on a straight-out thrust or a downward slash. Or for opening a beer bottle or stew can!
I think they also assumed our boys would be limited in the amount of actual hand-to-hand knife fighting. The more clandestine boys did, in fact, get an issued true fighting dagger. Ouch!
The Marine Corp was also looking for a knife that provided additional functions. My Gerber Mk I (a sort of Fairbairn-Sykes {google it!} type of double-edged dagger in L-6 tool steel.) was designed specifically as a fighting and defensive knife, hence is double-edged to cut on any thrust, swipe or parry. And to penetrate all the way into the vitals. The strong sharp point concentrates pressure to easily penetrate armor vests, even helmets, etc. The K-Bar is more useful on a straight-out thrust or a downward slash. Or for opening a beer bottle or stew can!
I think they also assumed our boys would be limited in the amount of actual hand-to-hand knife fighting. The more clandestine boys did, in fact, get an issued true fighting dagger. Ouch!
It's very easy to hold, too. Not long ago I handled one at a gun show and it conforms very well to the human hand (notice the thumb ramp) and has a good balance.
It's very easy to hold, too. Not long ago I handled one at a gun show and it conforms very well to the human hand (notice the thumb ramp) and has a good balance.
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Ode to Fairbairn-Sykes!
Bk-7
