Which one to buy..Ka Bar or Ontario?

[Kumarnishith]

Kumarnishith, if you really like the KaBAR, I suggest that you go with the full 7 inch blade. Though I like the short KaBAR, the big brother is much better in ergonomics and handling.

I agree, but 7" in blade is a bit toooo much for me..


I think a 5" knife will be better than the longer ones for camping/hiking/general use as:

1. I will look less like "Rambo" thus no undue attention..
2. A 5" blade will do the same jobs as a 7"
3. No 7" to 12" knife can handle wood as well as a saw or axe.
4. A smaller blade is better suited for the small jobs called on in camping/hiking/kitchen
5. A smaller blade is lighter on your hip, bounces less, and is easier to use

also my hands are fairly medium sizes or Rather on the smaller side of the medium

I am a bit confused after the serrated portion...is it of any use or just for visual delight?


-Nishith

[Kumarnishith]

Just as I thought....the guy wants to kill imaginary Japs.

Kumar, if money is a constraint, it's all the more reason you should spend on something you can USE regularly.

Hi Mack,

However, the one in the link given below is within my budget..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESEE-Izula-Dese ... 9709564%26

What's your take on it..Would love to add an Essee after couple of months..

-Nishith

[Mack The Knife]

Hi Nishith,

Since you don't have large hands, it will suit you. However, I prefer it's bigger sibling which has a 1/2" longer handle and comes with handle scales. If you are not going to neck or pocket carry the Izula, please note that the sheath does not have a carry option such as a clip plate or MOLLE clip. You will have to buy these seperately. Hence, it is better to buy the Izula or Izula-II with the supplied kit, one of the items being a clip plate.

Buy the plain edged KaBar.

What are you going to use to keep your knives sharp?

Mack The Knife

[Mark]

Well, thanks to Moin, Mack, Marthandhan, Mark, Slingshot et al..I am the latest one in the gun community to get hit by the knife bug ..I do own couple of Victorinox multi tool and cheap Chinese folders..they serve my purpose quite well but now I want to get hold of a nice fixed blade knife without burning a hole in my pocket.. I did a bit of research on internet and finally zeroed on Ka Bar 1257 short and Ontario Air Force 499..don't know about their practicality but I have fallen in love with the design..both the knife are quite similar in design, dimension, building material and cost. I am fairly confused between the two I am providing the link below..Waiting for the expert advice from all the knife gurus

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ka-bar-Knives-S ... 5d38692312

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ontario-Air-For ... 4221651%26

Thanks in advance

-Nishith

I'll answer your first question, not to discount the conversations that have followed.

Anyway, I've had and used both an original kabar and ontario USAF survival knife rather extensively in the woods. I am rather embarrassed to admit it as they are both genuine issue. I still have the kabar, it is a genuine USMC 1942 issue and now I feel bad that it was one of my main camping knives in high school and my early 20's! I lost the USAF knife somewhere but I never liked it as I found it awkward to use- the blade is much too thick for nice cutting action. Also, the USAF sheath is really quite awkward to wear as it is wider and bounces around more. One wouldn't think it would be that bothersome but it was to me.

Anyway, one of the smaller kabars would probably be a nice knife but please do not get one with serrations, they take away more useability than they bring IMHO.

[Mark]

Also, I just looked and the Kabar model I would personally purchase would be the kabar 1251:


You'll like the leather handle a lot better than plastic after you have used them both for an hour or two.

[Moin.]

Kumar the Esee Izula or the II with the kit is an outstanding blade. I carried it for several months before it was gifted to a very dear friend. Like Mack says the Izula II comes with all the bells and whistels including a booklet on crash course on Choir Singing. Quite essential Survival skill to be learnt for scaring animals away incase you are not able to light a fire in the outdoors. Choir singing has proven to be an effective deterrent for animals as large ad ferocious as the Grizzly's of Yellowstone and The Dugga Boys of the African Bush. Mack and Slingshot willl vouch for it. hahhahahahahah

Since you like the Kabar so much and is for collection purposes only (dont get too carried away by Mark and Mack on use knives use knives use knives lolllllzz).get the one as shown by Mark in the full sized version. There are several commemerative versions available. This is a knife which has survived decades of Military Use and Abuse and is still going strong.

Mack the older Eskabar sheaths came with Glass Filled Nylon which dulled the blades, not anymore. There is a new Eskabar being launched in D2. Do t know when.

Regards
Moin.

[Kumarnishith]

Thanks everyone for your valuable replies..I guess there's a consensus regarding plain vs serrated and ontario vs Ka Bar knife..

Will go with the Ka Bar plain blade now..

But, now am getting a bit confused regarding other things..

1) Rubber/Kraton Vs Stacked Leather Handle

Stacked Leather gives more flavor and rustic look to the knife.. but at the same time I don't want the grip to be uncomfortable..

2) I hate to raise up this point as initially I thought I was pretty much sure about the Large vs Short choice..but now am a bit confused between the two...I would love to have inputs regarding the Pro/Cons of short vs long Kabar..

So now I have to choose between KA BAR 7" (Model 1217) vs 5" (Model 1251) plain blade..I am not going to use it everyday but definitely it won't be hanging on the wall either..I would like to carry it during my occassional hiking & camping trips..and if I can carry out some day to day chores with it then it would be an added bonus..
Examples:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USMC-7-FIXED-BL ... 4abe7ff54d

Vs


http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHORT-USA-TACTI ... 4abf2e69a3


P.S. my hands measures 18cms from tip of my index finger to the wrist crease

3) Regarding Colour...I guess it's rather a personal choice..but still which one between the two (black vs orange) will look more attractive?

-Nishith

[Moin.]

Hi Kumar;

Please go ahead with the Kabar Full sized version with the stacked leather handles with plain edge as this is for collection purposes only. With it you own a piece of history. Try and get it in the USMC flavour.

Beleive me the Kabar short has a very small handle, with the size you have mentioned you have average sized mitts and you will find the handle uncomfortable.

Regarding colour the stacked leather handle ones come in orange/tan only and the kraton ones come in black,desert tan or olive drab.

You can buy from Tomars Kabars whose prices are better than Knife Centre and they deliver to India.

All the best and do post pics when you get one.


Regards
Moin.

[Moin.]

http://www.tomarskabars.com/9140_INFO.html

Here's what I would buy if given a choice. Also do check out the mule folders. Pure value for money knives and solid build quality.

Regards
Moin.

[Mack The Knife]

Like Mack says the Izula II comes with all the bells and whistels

Only if you buy it with the kit. The Izula is also available with the kit. The kit can also be bought seperately at a later date but will cost more.

[Mack The Knife]

Please go ahead with the Kabar Full sized version with the stacked leather handles with plain edge as this is for collection purposes only. With it you own a piece of history. Try and get it in the USMC flavour.

Seconded. However, before you buy please check some internet reviews. I did a very cursory check and read complaints regarding loose guards and leather pealing off. The rubber handles weren't a hot favourite either.

Go with a Izula or Izula-II + Kit.

[Mack The Knife]

http://www.tomarskabars.com/9140_INFO.html
Here's what I would buy if given a choice. Also do check out the mule folders. Pure value for money knives and solid build quality.
Regards
Moin.

Naah....if you are buying a commemorative KaBar, the first one has to be this:

http://www.tomarskabars.com/9137_INFO.html

[Kumarnishith]

http://www.tomarskabars.com/9140_INFO.html
Here's what I would buy if given a choice. Also do check out the mule folders. Pure value for money knives and solid build quality.
Regards
Moin.

Naah....if you are buying a commemorative KaBar, the first one has to be this:

http://www.tomarskabars.com/9137_INFO.html

Mack,

You are bang on your selection.. Check this out...




-Nishith

[Moin.]

Thanks Mack.

I checked out the Esee 3 at Chief's place and was smitten by it and ofcourse the ZT 550.Yes the Iowa Jima Commemerative blade. Let's see what Kumar finally ends up with.

Regards
Moin.

[Mack The Knife]

Nishith,

That was one of Mr. Capa's most widely known photographs.

The monument itself is a thing of beauty and I can still recall seeing it on it's base of polished black granite at Arlington. I wonder who the sculptor was.

I feel a Ka-Bar coming on....and it's all your fault.

Mack The Knife