Jim
Toms River, NJ

Jun 27, 2014

Pros: Overall Quality, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Very pleased

Knife Freak
Lancaster, CA

Feb 28, 2012

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Simply Perfect

This is a beautiful knife that's perfect for hiking and fishing. I bought this knife because I wanted a decent sized fixed blade that also looks good on your side. This definitely fits the bill.

Tom
Huntsville, Alabama

Jun 18, 2026

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Weight

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Beefy Knife

I've used a 7.5 inch Kabar for years, camping, cabinet making, hunting, wood crafting, etc., always wishing the blade was a bit shorter. 'Finally got the 5 inch Navy version, with stacked leather handle. This blade length is more manageable for me, and the blade coating hasn't bothered me. I cut the u shaped grooves in the handle (like the large ones), roughed up the leather a bit with a rasp, and slightly flattened the handle on each side. I'd have preferred a bit more finger guard, but it's still ok for me. The sheath is adequate for belt use, especially understood as a mass produced item for military, but as a lefty I'll construct my own.

Syd
Quakertown, PA

Aug 18, 2026

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard

Cons: None

FUN KNIFE

Ka-bar makes a decent knife, decent steel, so I bought this to compliment my 1960's camping equipment, like it was a hand me down from the war... I like it. Leather handle feels good. It's a rat tail but it can take some batoning and camp chores/bushcraft. It fits the part even better after some breaking in. Sheath is decent once oiled up and broken in. Nice and pokey too if you need to stick something.

Dr. Mark
Noo Yawrk

Nov 12, 2018

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Great Back up knife!

When I was in survival school, I learned this: Two is one, one is none. She's rugged, sharp, and built like a ******* tank, and ready for a fight. I was a spec ops supply Petty Officer. I know knives, and this baby is your friend. I carry her everywhere. She is one bad mamma jamma. Take it from an honorably discharged well-trained veteran: She can and will be there when you need her. She's made by absolute experts for everyday Americans IN America.

Tony Y
Winston-Salem, Nc

Dec 04, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

@ Mike in Indianapolis. See: msg below!

Great knife for Hunting! Also hiking / Backpacking, For boating or sailing choose the serrated blade. You may want shorter blade for this application. Me: I search for the best deal possible, These days, it seems every penny has a place to go! I squeeze every penny 'til Honest Abe pukes and croaks again. :-)

Mike
Indianapolis

Nov 14, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Great knife. VERY sharp. Good deal!

Great knife. Pure KA-BAR. Too expensive.

Scott Sea
Lewisburg, Pa

Apr 17, 2014

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Excellent !!!

Everything I expected, having used this model in USCG service. I'll be giving this model as gifts to only my Best Friends and Family. Keep up the USA Flag KA-BAR !!! Thanx KC.

Seldomseen
Mansfield, Pa

Apr 15, 2012

Pros: Overall Quality, Materials

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Interesting purchase

I bought this knife to use as a utility knife when I was in the woods. It arrived wicked sharp and has been a pleasure so far. I look forward to having it on my hip for many years to come. It feels pretty good in my hand, large hand that is. The full sized brother fits better, but I wanted something a little shorter and this seems to be doing just fine.

Bode
Central Oregon

Oct 06, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Just right

Balanced, excellent fit and finish. Can't think of any cons. My hands are large, not extra large and the handle is just the right size. All my knives (and I have more than I need) are made in the USA. I have my fathers WW II Ka-bar full size Navy knife. It's great that Ka-Bar is still producing fine knives in the USA.

Huck
Georgia

Aug 09, 2021

Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials

Cons: Blade Sharpness

Ideal sized fixed blade (for me)

Perfect sized utility knife. I wear a size large glove and this handle is no more than I need. No size fits all and this knife is much smaller than the 7” blade models. The big models are huge and attract attention. I can completely see how this was an ideal utility knife for the navy back in the day. It’s a compact overall package for a bag. I don’t get the complaints about the sheath as it’s heavy duty and the nicest leather sheath I’ve owned. My uncle had his issued knife from the navy and it was flimsy by comparison. A lot more good leather work is going on South of Texas than north of it. Don’t complain about price and say you want a US sheath. I get it. Very thick blade. I like the coating which should help corrosion resistance. Feels as indestructible as it’s big brother. I may have to get a Krayton version for out on the water. They will outlast me for sure. Mine was not sharp. Easy fix.

Sandpants
Missouri, all over the world...

Nov 30, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

flat out awesome and good price too!

Flat out works and dependable. Fits the hand perfectly. i have large to xl hands i feels alot like a custom knife i had made. steel holds up well love the flat grind on the 1095 carbon steel blade. some people might think its too$$ but if you want a knife that will last 30+ years then this is it. i just retired my WWII mark 1 ka bar and this picks up right where it left off. great edge from factory and if you do use it alot and need sharpening it sharpes very easy and fast. nothing is bad about this knife. close to perfect as a knife can get.

Jeff
The swampy he** of Florida

Feb 11, 2022

Pros: Blade Sharpness, Weight, Overall Quality, Materials, Handle Material

Cons: None

Almost perfect...

The headline is because I have large hands, and wish the handle was just a bit longer. Also I'd love a pouch type sheath. Nevertheless, this is still one of my favorite fixed blade knives. Not too big. Not too small. Not too thin. Not too thick. It will handle any reasonable task for a knife this size, and a few unreasonable ones as well. The 1095 CroVan steel takes a fine edge easily and keeps it quite well.And though it's a bit small for my hand it's still quite comfortable to use. It's a great companion knife whether you're hiking, hunting, camping, cooking.. you get the idea. It has been around many years and it's easy to see why.

Gw Wills
North Carolina

Jan 05, 2015

Pros: Weight, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

A Classic piece of kit

It looks and feels like one carried heroes in the Pacific war. Knife center shipped it to me FAST, probably the same day they received my order.

Pal
Rocky Pt.

Jan 23, 2015

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Longer handle,and American made sheath..

The only 2 cons i have about the Kabar Mark 1,are Personal,and may not affect the next person..With that said,the major drawback for me is the handle..While i can get a good enough grip on it,i wish Kabar would make a model that had a handle that's an inch or so longer,for those of us with bigger paws..And then there's the sheath..I realize the current sheath is why the price is what it is,but i would gladly pay a bit more for an American made sheath(NOT MEXICO),and one with a Good quality leather,that is nicely stitched.This knife DESERVES an American made sheath..Or give the customer the CHOICE of either leather,or Kydex..As far as the knife's steel,the fit/finish,and materials,their fine..This is an eye pleasing knife,which will certainly become one of your favorites..

John
Portland

Jul 14, 2015

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Good woods knife

I've been a fan of Ka-Bar since my active duty days, and while my USMC fighting knife is a good fighting/survival knife, it's less than ideal for bushcraft, mostly due to the blade being too long and the handle too large for fine woodwork (for my hands at least). When I finally got a chance to handle the Mk1 though, it fit like a glove. The grip is thinner and shorter, and has great ergonomics. Some people don't like the smooth grip because they feel it's not "grippy" enough, but I prefer it as it's much less likely to develop hot spots and blisters in long use. The blade is also a perfect length, with a nice flat grind, and drop tip. One of the best but often overlooked qualities is the guard. It's long enough in front to keep your hand from sliding up on the blade if you inadvertently thrust into something, but short enough in back to rest your thumb on the spine of the blade if you need to choke up on it. The only thing I don't like about it is the sheath. It will probably last a while, but the leather it's made of is so much thinner that you get on full size Ka-Bars...it almost seems like an afterthought. Overall though, I'm happy with my choice, and would buy it again if the need arises.

Bob

Sep 18, 2012

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material

Cons: None