USMC Kabar Knife

[Smudge]

If the kabar resembles any of his other knives you could be onto a winner if not I'd carry on looking.

I've had knives given too me and although I'm always grateful, they often end up in my sharps draw or a cache as a last ditch item.

[featherstick]

The KA Bar looks like a good knife, but ...


....guys like to get all technical and involved with things like that. If I decide I need a knife, I'll spend weeks researching, looking for reviews, comparing at various price points etc. If he's anything like me, while he'll appreciate the thought, it might not be exactly what he wants.

There was an article in the paper recently along the same lines - it concluded that if you're buying gadgets or kits for men, it's best to ask them what they want.

My tuppence' worth.

[judicatr]

I personally don't like serrations and have never understood why half serrated blades seem to have the jaggy-bitz right there

ForgeCorvus - I have a Desert Cruiser tactical folder that's back half serrated that I carry as a duty knife. The reason for the rear serrations is the rear of the knife blade is where you get a lot of brute cutting power and where deep cuts start. On some material having the serrations helps start the cut. For example, after an automobile crash I've used the rear of my serrated knife to start cuts in seat belts so that backboards and other medical intervention can be introduced without stuff getting in the way. It is possible to use non-serrated knives to do the same job but it just seems to start easier with the back serrations.

Be aware though that serrations are a bit more difficult to sharpen and I actually don't like them that much on general purpose field knife for that reason. But overall they aren't too bad. Its all about what you like I suppose.

The K-Bar is a bit big for me personally, but hell if you want a knife you can cut with, use as a pry bar, drop from an airplane, and run over with a tank, and still hold a decent edge- its the knife for you.

Anyway hope that clears up some confusion.

Cheers,
Your American Friend

[Holomon]

I'd rather stick with a nice Mora. They're cheap, really well made and hold a wicked edge.
The thing with bloody great infantry knives is although they look nice, they pretty much never see any actual use that couldn't be tackled by something more appropriate.
I've still got a Gerber LMF 2 that I bought when they first came out, and I think it's now done more mileage than some airliners without having been used for anything useful.

You could use the £50 difference for more presents then...or perhaps beer. So much beer.

[ForgeCorvus]

Lots of advice here Stasher.

And as you can see, knives are a very personal thing. So, it might be best if you get Alpha to give you a short list to pick from.

You picked a good knife though, he's a lucky bloke whatever you end up getting him.

I think I might have to start a "Serrations" thread though

[Stasher]

Wow!

Thank you all so much for your input. I think the points (geddit? ) are all excellent and I will ask him what he would really like, given a choice. It's a waste of money to buy him such an item if he's only going to shrug internally and put it on the shelf

Certainly 'to serrate or not to' is clearly highly personal!

Once more, thank you for this. I will go on a little hunt for alternatives and take it from there.

Stasher

[Hamradioop]

HI STASHER, what did you get him in the end, I suspect something totally different.

[Plymtom]

Certainly 'to serrate or not to' is clearly highly personal!

I don't like serrations, I have a few knives experience has proven that serrated ones get little use when you have a choice, unless we're talking kitchen devils

[Stasher]

HI STASHER, what did you get him in the end, I suspect something totally different.

Nothing as yet!

I did discuss the knife with him and the response was 'but I've got good knives' I pointed out that they were all knocking on a bit now and I would like to get him something he didn't actually 'need' but would like to have

The result? Lots of looking at different knives with someone saying 'it is nice, but it's a lot of money to spend when I don't actually need it' I have decided to ease off for the next couple of months and then when the garden imitates jungle I will make overtures again. Or maybe I should just get him a machete....... ..

I promise to give feedback when the decision is made!

[jansman]

If you are looking for a knife to do garden chores etc. then try looking at the Cold Steel Bushman. Cheap and tough as old boots. Indestructible.