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Spotlight: KA-BAR USMC

Some knife designs come and go, others last for generations. The KA-BAR USMC, particularly the USMC 1217, is one of those knives. But what is it about this knife that made it so popular?

A timeless icon of the knife world

Originally designed to assist Marines in the field, the USMC remains an essential piece of equipment today for adventurers, collectors and history buffs. The KA-BAR USMC was born from necessity. During World War II, there was a shortage of reliable field knives. As you'll read below, the KA-BAR USMC quickly became a favourite among soldiers.

Origins (before WWII)

The origins of KA-BAR knives date back to the early 20th century. Between the 1890s and 1910s, various American companies were already producing hunting and utility knives, but there was no standard military service knife yet. At the time, U.S. troops primarily used bayonets or civilian knives for fieldwork and everyday tasks. The KA-BAR brand name emerged in the early 20th century, derived from an anecdote in which a hunter killed a bear with a knife and described it in a poorly written letter as 'K a bar' (kill a bear). By the 1920s, this became the official brand name of the company.

WWII: the legendary KA-BAR USMC knife is born (1942)

When the United States became involved in World War II in 1941, it quickly became clear that existing military knives did not meet the needs of Marines and soldiers. Bayonets were too long and impractical for general use, while standard-issued daggers like the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger were fragile and primarily designed for tactical, last-resort situations. In 1942, Union Cutlery designed and produced a rugged, versatile knife specifically for the United States Marine Corps (USMC). This knife quickly replaced older designs and became standard equipment for Marines, soldiers and sailors. The name 'KA-BAR' became synonymous with the knife, even though other manufacturers, such as Camillus and Robeson Cutlery Company, also produced similar knives. By the time of the Vietnam War, however, some units began using alternatives, such as the equally well-known Gerber Mark II. This was because the KA-BAR knife, with its leather handle, was vulnerable to tropical humidity. Nevertheless, the knife remained popular, especially among the Marines.

The 1980s and 1990s: KA-BAR becomes a cultural icon

In the 1980s and 1990s, the KA-BAR knife largely disappeared from active military service, making it a highly sought-after item among veterans, collectors and knife fans. The knife also gained popularity in the vast world of pop culture and films, often depicted as the go-to knife of the U.S. armed forces. This further reinforced the legendary image of the KA-BAR USMC, securing the status it enjoys today.

21st century: new models

With the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq (2001–2021), the demand for tactical knives surged once again. KA-BAR introduced modern versions of the classic knife, featuring improvements and modifications such as:

  • Kraton handles instead of leather, providing better moisture resistance in various conditions.

  • Tanto blades for increased penetration power.

  • Partially serrated blade options for greater versatility and improved cutting performance, especially for thick rope.

  • Smaller versions called the 'KA-BAR Short', which are not officially part of the USMC line but are essentially exact smaller replicas.

The classic USMC knife is still produced and sold today, staying true to its original design, both to collectors who appreciate its traditional quality and craftsmanship, and to active-duty military personnel. This final, modern model, known as the KA-BAR USMC knife (KA-BAR USMC 1217), features the following characteristics:

  • Blade: an 18-cm clip-point blade made of carbon steel (1095 Cro-Van), designed for tactical use and more.

  • Pommel and butt plate: a steel pommel and brass butt plate to protect the hand and serve as an improvised hammer.

  • Handle: leather rings pressed around the tang, shaped and coloured, then secured with a pinned butt plate.

  • Sheath: available in both a leather sheath and a Kydex version for humid environments.

KA-BAR USMC: present day

Today, the KA-BAR USMC knife has become one of the most recognisable knives in the world. While the KA-BAR USMC 1217 is less standard in the modern military than specialised knives from companies like Benchmade, SOG or Gerber, it remains a favourite among both Marines and knife fans.

Conclusion

The KA-BAR USMC knife is more than just a tool; it is a symbol of military tradition and decades of craftsmanship. This timeless design can be found everywhere; from the battlefields of World War II and modern-day conflicts to the display cases of collectors. This knife still remains a legendary icon of military history.