Reviews and Ratings for KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheathrated 4.727 stars out of 5 (11 reviews)
4.7 out of 5 stars
5 star
9
4 star
1
3 star
1
2 star
0
1 star
0
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25 inch 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath

 

Price: $86.95

Save $28.53 (25%) Off Retail

View Product Details
Write a review

Customer Reviews

KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Big Frank
 California
Jul 31, 2015
Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Great little knife

A mini-me of the famous KA-BAR military fighting knife. Just the right size for carrying around. I really like the leather sheath, the plastic sheath that came with my full-sized KA-BAR is hard to use.
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Robert
 USA
Feb 21, 2026
Pros: None
Cons: None

Love it

I like this one a lot. I have the full size too, which is cool and all, but a bit much. This is a more realistic size and easier to use, carry etc. If Zombies attack I'll grab the big one, otherwise I prefer this one. I also much prefer the leather sheath. I bought one with the plastic sheath because I wasn't paying attention, and do not like it. The leather sheath, while basic, is thin, light, black and quiet, all of which I like. I see one reviewer complained about sharpness. If you can't sharpen a knife yourself then 1095 is the wrong steel to get, but on the other hand is about as easy to sharpen as you can get so it's outstanding to learn on. The five stars are considering the price and 1095 steel. 1095 has its place and you should know that going into these knives. I think because they're popular some think it'll hold an edge like better steels, but not a chance. Funny story, or maybe not to some; I took my Buck 119 and hit it edge to edge to a std Ka-Bar about ten times. The 119 had zero damage, the Ka-Bar was basically ruined with a bunch of deep cuts in its edge.
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Winston
Bahama, NC
Aug 03, 2017
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

High quality

I ordered this knife along with the 1217. This will replace a Buck that I have used for many years. There is no comparison of the quality of this knife with the others I have. Definitely recommend this knife.
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Joanne S
Lakeside, Arizona
Jan 05, 2015
Pros: Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Knife and Customer Service were GREAT! Grandson happy with his gift!

The knife was a Christmas gift, requested by Grandson. Husband here thought it was very well made and would be a good tool. I am just the Grandma and don't know much about knives. Customer service, packing, delivery were all great though. We have many men in our family, so next time someone desires a knife, I'll be back!
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Terran Pantelis
 St. Paul, MN
Apr 15, 2011
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Sheath/Scabbard, Finish

Its Legit!

Great for cutting just about anything. From practical, everyday uses, so using it outside or on the job.
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
John L.
 Los Angeles
Mar 14, 2012
Pros: Weight, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Handle Material

Just the right size

Bought this for my wife's campiing rig, perfect for her size hands, and she loves it(almost as good as roses)
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Clite88
 riverside, ca
Feb 25, 2010
Pros: Overall Quality, Weight, Handle Material, Finish, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Awesome knife for the price

This is a good knife for the price, good utility blade, nice sheath , only thing i dislike about the knife is the handle is just a little bit too small for my hands
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Rich
 Florida
Jul 22, 2009
Pros: Sheath/Scabbard, Overall Quality, Weight, Blade Material, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Solid Knife

This was an outstanding purchase at a great price for a high quality knife! It was better than advertised and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the sheath as well. Bonus: I called to get some clarification on description from web site and got personal service in matching my use (camping/backpacking) to the knife best suited for me. While I did forgo the advice for a folding blade - had my heart set on a set knife - they steered me right!
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Craig M
 Houston, Tx
Dec 25, 2013
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

My KA-BAR

I am using this knife as a utility and hunting tool. It is the perfect size for my needs. I was concerned that it was too small, but when received, it was exactly what I was imagining.
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 4 stars out of 5
Arthur M
 Adelaide, Australia
May 12, 2012
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials
Cons: Blade Sharpness

great little knife

Bought this knife to replace the one that my wife has had since she was a girl guide in her native Denmark. She loves the look and feel of her new ka-bar and has gladly replaced her old faithful with it. Her only complaint with her ka-bar was the same as mine when i received my ka-bar, they don't come much sharper than butter knives from the box. Other than blade sharpness, great little knife.
KA-BAR 1257 Short Fighting Knife Fixed Blade 5.25" 1095 Black Combo Clip Point Blade, Black Kraton G Handle, Black Leather Sheath
rated 3 stars out of 5
Colton
Kelowna, Bc
Sep 25, 2013
Pros: Weight, Blade Material
Cons: Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Blade Sharpness

Was not impressed.

Knife quality was okay but it was nothing special. If I were to do it again I wouldn't purchase this knife. The knife came so dull out of the box it was unable to cut. I'm planning on cutting my losses and giving this knife away.