Kabar Next Generation Fighting Knife

[hk2001]

Available in Serrated or Straight Edge

Straight Edge tested with optional Glass-Filled Nylon Sheath. Purchased from Knives Plus

First off, let me congratulate Kabar on another beautiful knife. Weighing in at .78 lbs, (353 grams if my math is right) the knife is amazing light for a 7" (177 mm again, if math is right) blade. With an overall length of just under 12" (304mm, depending on math), this knife feels more like an extension of the arm when you hold it. Even my girlfriend was able to pick it up, untrained, and use it like she was a master.

Like most Kabar knives, the factory edge was just unsuitable. Out of the box, the edge is totally incapable of passing a shave test. So after sharpening it to my liking, the knife and I set off on an adventure very few knives come back from.

Test 1: Field dressing / quartering a large mammal. Well, not quite. I had a large synthetic leather outdoor chair full of padding, and an internal frame of pressure treated 2"x 2" hard wood boards.

The knife performed very well in this test. It made quick work of the leather and padding, quickly exposing the internal wooden frame. Typically, i was able to shatter through the wood within 5 hits. This greatly simulates it's ability to shatter through the bones of a deer, or similar sized animal.

While I'm here, let me mention the blade finish: It's a subdued metal finish that prevents the blade from reflecting light. Well know this: After this test, the finish looked more like a zebra than a knife. Meaning, the finish won't last long under real use.

The next test was my ultimate stress test: Throwing practice. While I'm very good with throwing pretty much any bladed weapon, this knife presented one huge challenge: It weighed a lot less then I was use to. After about 20 practice throws, I was able to consistently start throwing the way I wanted. After landing 15 throws blade first, as hard as I could, I switched to the butt cap. After another 10 i switched to hitting the knife flat side on the surface.. after a total of 50 throws, the blade, the handle, and all the fittings were unchipped, and with the exception of the finish being scratched off, the knife was completely untouched.

Kabar claims it's suitable for water use, so after filling a bucket with creek water, I let it sit on my deck for 5 days.

Other then minimal spot rusting on the lower end of the edge, the knife was completely untouched by the water, even with the finish scratched off.

The last test was a universal one, I've seen a lot of people use it. I carved a small turkey with it.. and it worked perfectly, even after going through all that abuse without a resharpening.

I highly recommend this knife to anyone looking for a cheap fixed blade. I recommend the glass filled sheath for 1 reason: It keeps the knife locked in with a small tab that can be disengaged while drawing the knife. This eliminates fumbling with straps, buttons or Velcro to get the blade out

Great knife for $64 US

[Scotty]

Nice review hk2001, sounds like a good, sturdy blade.

[Bishop]

Most off Ka-bar knives are pretty decent. Although I am not a fan of 440A Stainless Steel in a large blade it seems to hold it's own. Did you notice any chips in the blade at all? Ka-bar also has the D2 Extream and that I like. I'm just a high carbon steel fan.

[graham_s]

nice review, not my style of blade though. too military looking for my purposes.

[charlie]

sounds like a very versitile knife. but i think ill stick with ma bowie.

keep smiling