I want to purchase my 1st KA-BAR fixed blade knife. I want something that can be used for all-purpose/general duty. Something I don't need to baby. Something I can use as a prying if needed, etc. I prefer synthetic over wood, if that matters. What do you suggest?

Not a ka-bar. I mean sure its a blade and it cuts stuff, but there are better knives, at least for my tastes. What are you looking to do with it, is it a zombie knife, a woods knife, a hunting knife, a bushcraft knife, unexpected emergency survival knife, military use?

 

For a while I looked for a all purpose blade, but I don't think they exist.

I picked up a KaBar Becker BK2. Solid and heavy. Not the greatest edge on it, but it is a beast. I used my real, real hard when I was with Team Rubicon during disaster work in Rockaway. Cutting wet carpet, punching hole in drywall, prying stuff, etc. As a tool it was good, as a defensive or sharp knife not so much. I plan on putting a better edge angle on it and hope that improves things. I was also a little disappointed to see a little spot of rust on the edge even after giving it a nice soap and water bath.

The BK2 is awesome, I have one, I'm just not sure it should technically be called a KaBar. Yes the company make it, but the Becker design is quite a bit different then the ka-bar.

 

Oh and it does need sharpening, most knives from the factory do.

Just looking for something all-purpose, assuming that actually exists. Defense, widdling, cutting, etc. Something with a total length of 12" or thereabouts.

This USMC Ka-Bar still works for me,

 

Just looking for something all-purpose, assuming that actually exists. Defense, widdling, cutting, etc. Something with a total length of 12" or thereabouts.

 

I'm assuming you mean in the Ka-Bar price range, so about $60? Also I assume 12" you mean overall length, not blade because that would be a machete or short sword. Generally the more interesting number is the blade length, the Ka-bar being about 7". Personally, I much prefer blades around 5" for all-around use, they are handier, more precise, allow for better control, etc. Mind you, there is nothing really wrong with ka-bar except I think it isn't the universal knife, which is why I first said not a ka-bar.

OK, thanks. Maybe I should have approached the topic differently and called it "Recommend a Good Fixed-Blade Utility Knife". That's what I'm really looking for, something in the 12" total length range, give or take. I already have a "survival" fixed blade knife that's about 18" or so total, that can do a bunch of stuff. I want something smaller, more manageable, but still able to do general purpose work. I only mentioned KA-BAR, because I thought it was the opinion of this group here on NJGF that it was about the best make in what I'm looking for. I must have read that incorrectly.

I have a USMC Ka-Bar that I've beaten the crap out of over the years and it still comes back for more. I've used rocks to baton tree limbs with it while camping and it still smiles back at me.

 

Sure, you can pay a LOT more for a knife. But I'd feel bad taking a rock to a $300 knife...

Thanks. That's the 2nd suggestion for the USMC version.

 

 

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You are going to want something smaller for whittling/food prep/smaller tasks if you are going to take it camping/backpacking. When I go camping, I usually take the Ka-Bar and a smaller knife like my one of my Kershaw Ken Onions.

I'm a fan of Ka-Bars. Search their site and find the right one.

I used to carry a Buck-120 but don't see that model anymore, looks like the closest would be the Buck-119.

 

 

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Ka-bar is owned by cutco i have the version they sell live it but my go to knife is a benchmade 5300sbk tanto auto presidio

 

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<p>I've got a USMC KA-BAR. Great knife. Several friends have them now too. They take a beating like no other.

I have the Ontario Rat 7, take it hiking up in Harriman. Great for hacking small limbs for the campfire.

My brother has a KA-BAR. I hope to pick up a Rat 5 next...the 7 is a big blade probally more than I need.

 

I'm a fan of Kbar Tanto blade knives. I have one in both sizes and can be had with partially serrated or smooth blade. Amazon prices are much better than on Kbar website.

Got an old Navy Kabar from my 90 year old uncle. Cleaned it up, rocks! Love it. Waterproof plastic sheath. Awesome. Original 7" blade with leather rings.