|
Militaria by Item Categories
Knives Categories
|
KA-BAR Knives
The KA-BAR is a 12-inch fighting and utility knife (7 inches making up the blade) first used by the US Marines in World War II, and carried into battle by generations of Marines since that conflict. The knife itself was originally designed as a hunting
knife in 1898, and would have been considered unremarkable at that
time. In 1942, soon after the United States' entry into World War II,
Americans soldiers experienced the problematic nature of "US 1917/1918"
stilettos and "Mark I" daggers that they were issued initially, and
realized the need for knives suited to trench warfare,
and the KA-BAR design was chosen from a catalog of hunting gear. The
Marines bought a great many knives of myriad designs from a large
number of suppliers during the war, but it was the KA-BAR that was most
common and popular. It was chosen for continued purchase and issue
after the war was over. The sole change made to the design before it
was manufactured for issue was that blade, guard, and pommel were all
finished in a non-reflective matte black or grey phosphate finish
instead of the brightly polished steel of the original. Marines today
often give the blades, guards, and pommels of their knives a few coats
of non-reflective matte black spray paint to reduce reflected light and
give them a little more protection against salt-water corrosion. KA-BAR
today makes Army and Navy
versions as well. They are virtually identical to the Marine version
except for different initials at the bottom of the blade and different
symbols on the sheath. Its moderate carbon and low chromium steel
mixture allows the blade to hold an edge very well. The knife's success
can be attributed to its balance of weight, length, and price.
|
|
|
ATTENTION!
If you would like to showcase pieces from your collection please CLICK HERE to sign up today!
Our site is 100% FREE and easy to use. Contact Us today if you have any questions or concerns.
|
|
|
