KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife Review

The KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife is one of the most iconic fixed-blade knives in history. With deep roots in military tradition, this knife has been a trusted companion to generations of servicemen and outdoorsmen. Whether you're a collector, a survival enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates high-quality tools, this blade stands as a symbol of rugged durability, purposeful design, and American heritage.

Design and Historical Legacy

The KA-BAR knife’s legacy stretches back to World War II, where it was originally issued to the United States Marine Corps as a versatile combat and utility knife. The design has remained largely unchanged since then, a testament to its enduring quality and practicality. The traditional look features a stacked leather handle, a straight-edge 7-inch blade, and a powder-coated finish, all contributing to its timeless appeal.

Its full tang construction gives the knife solid structural integrity, making it suitable for both combat and survival tasks. The shape of the blade—a clip point with a sharpened swedge—makes it effective for piercing, slicing, and detailed work. The blade geometry, paired with its length, offers both reach and maneuverability.

Blade Quality and Performance

The 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel blade is the heart of this knife. This steel type is known for its excellent edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening. It’s not stainless, so some maintenance is necessary to prevent rust, but the trade-off is a tougher, longer-lasting edge compared to many stainless alternatives.

In terms of cutting performance, the KA-BAR excels in a wide range of uses. It can feather wood for fire-starting, chop small branches, slice through rope, and even handle food prep in outdoor settings. Its thickness adds a robust feel without being overly heavy, striking a near-perfect balance for field use.

The blade comes razor-sharp out of the box, and the black epoxy powder coating helps with corrosion resistance while giving it a tactical, non-reflective finish. Over time and with use, the coating will wear, but many owners view the resulting patina as a badge of honor.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handle is crafted from stacked leather washers that are polished and sealed for both aesthetics and comfort. It fits comfortably in a variety of hand sizes and offers excellent grip, even when wet. The ergonomic shape promotes a secure hold, and the integrated guard and butt cap (pommel) add to the knife's control and balance.

The brass guard and steel butt are not just ornamental; they contribute to the overall durability of the knife. The butt cap is also hardened, making it useful for hammering tasks in survival situations.

Sheath and Carry Options

The included straight leather sheath matches the knife's classic look. Embossed with the USMC emblem, it adds another layer of historical significance. The sheath is well-stitched, durable, and securely holds the knife in place with a strap and snap closure. There is a belt loop for traditional carry, and the sheath rides comfortably on the hip without excessive movement.

While some may prefer synthetic or tactical sheaths, the leather option complements the knife’s aesthetic and functional roots. Over time, the leather will age and mold to the knife, creating a custom fit and look that reflects its usage history.

Practical Use in the Field

In outdoor or survival scenarios, the KA-BAR proves itself repeatedly. Its strength and versatility make it suitable for bushcraft, shelter building, fire prep, and general camp chores. It's tough enough to baton wood, yet nimble enough for finer tasks like carving or food slicing.

Tactical users appreciate its balance and speed in hand. Although it was designed as a fighting knife, modern applications lean more toward utility, where it continues to impress with reliability and ease of use.

Maintenance and Durability

Because of its carbon steel blade, regular maintenance is necessary. Wiping down the blade after use and occasionally applying oil will prevent rust and keep it looking and performing its best. The leather handle also benefits from occasional conditioning to prevent drying or cracking.

Despite needing some care, the knife is built to last. Many users report decades of dependable use with only minimal upkeep. It's a knife that often gets passed down, and one that builds character over time rather than losing function or appeal.

Final Thoughts

The KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife is more than just a cutting tool. It represents a legacy of service, toughness, and craftsmanship that spans generations. Its functional design, combined with high-quality materials and time-tested performance, makes it a reliable companion in the field or part of a proud collection at home.

Whether you're honoring military heritage, preparing for outdoor adventures, or simply seeking a dependable all-around knife, the KA-BAR delivers in every way. It's a no-nonsense tool that has earned its place in history through real-world use and unwavering reliability.

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Petrified Fish PF868 Bunta Review: A Rugged Flipper Knife with Style and Substance

The Petrified Fish PF868 Bunta is a folding knife that makes an immediate impression, not only for its size but also for its bold design and robust construction. Designed for everyday carry and heavier-duty cutting tasks, the PF868 Bunta combines a thick, satin-finished D2 steel blade with a sturdy G10 handle, delivering strength, control, and a surprising degree of finesse. This review will explore its design, materials, performance, ergonomics, and overall value to determine whether it’s a worthy addition to your collection or everyday carry rotation.

Blade Design and Steel Quality

The Bunta features a 3.35-inch blade crafted from D2 tool steel, a material well-regarded for its edge retention and toughness. D2 is a semi-stainless steel with high carbon and chromium content, which gives it a good balance of wear resistance and hardness, though it's not entirely stainless and can develop rust if neglected.

The blade has a satin finish that gives it a clean, reflective appearance without being overly flashy. This finish not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also helps to minimize friction during cutting. The blade shape falls somewhere between a modified drop point and a leaf-shaped profile. It offers a generous belly for slicing and a robust tip that can withstand piercing tasks. The spine is relatively thick, suggesting durability, and the flat grind contributes to a good slicing geometry despite the overall heft of the blade.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handle on the PF868 Bunta is crafted from G10, a popular fiberglass-based laminate known for its strength, light weight, and resistance to moisture. While the knife is by no means lightweight overall—it weighs approximately 146 grams—it is well-balanced, and the G10 handle ensures it does not feel overly cumbersome.

The texture on the handle scales provides a confident grip without being abrasive, even with prolonged use. The design includes subtle finger grooves and a gentle palm swell, enhancing comfort and control. Its ergonomic contours are designed to accommodate various grip styles, including hammer, pinch, and reverse grips.

The backspacer and liners are stainless steel, and the internal liners are skeletonized to slightly reduce the overall weight while maintaining strength. The build quality feels solid, with tight tolerances and no noticeable blade play when deployed.

Deployment and Lockup

This knife is a flipper-style folder equipped with a ceramic ball-bearing pivot system, which results in a smooth and snappy action. The detent is well-tuned, offering just enough resistance to prevent accidental deployment while ensuring a satisfying flip when engaged. The flipper tab is well-shaped and jimped for reliable actuation without being uncomfortable.

The PF868 Bunta utilizes a liner lock mechanism. The lock engages securely with a strong and positive click, giving the user confidence during harder use. Lockup is consistent and tight, with minimal wiggle in any direction. Disengaging the lock is easy, with sufficient access to the liner lock bar without the need for exaggerated finger movement.

Pocket Clip and Carry

The knife comes with a deep-carry pocket clip, oriented for right-hand, tip-up carry. It offers decent retention and slips onto a pocket or waistband with minimal resistance. The clip is not reversible, which may be a drawback for left-handed users. Its positioning allows the knife to sit low in the pocket, reducing visibility and aiding in discreet carry.

Given the weight of 146 grams, the PF868 Bunta is not the lightest knife in its category, and some users might find it more suitable for belt or pouch carry rather than clipped in a lightweight pair of pants. However, for those who prioritize durability and cutting power over featherweight convenience, the added heft may actually be a benefit.

Performance and Utility

In real-world use, the PF868 Bunta performs admirably. The D2 blade maintains a sharp edge for extended periods, even after repeated slicing through rope, cardboard, and wood. Its edge geometry strikes a good balance between toughness and sharpness, making it capable of finer cutting tasks as well as harder use.

The thickness of the blade lends itself well to batoning and prying—within reason—while the acute point offers control for detail work. Its flipper mechanism makes it quick to deploy in urgent situations, while the reliable lockup ensures safety under load.

Though not a dedicated outdoor survival knife, the Bunta is rugged enough for light camp chores, food prep, or fire-starting tasks. As an EDC knife, it excels at utility cutting, packaging, and general worksite or shop tasks.

Aesthetics and Craftsmanship

Visually, the PF868 Bunta presents a modern, aggressive design that’s both functional and stylish. The satin blade contrasts nicely with the textured G10 handle, and subtle design details like the engraved pivot and backspacer accents elevate its overall look. The machining is clean and precise, with no visible defects, burrs, or inconsistencies in the finish. Everything feels dialed-in and well executed.

The branding is minimal, with only modest markings on the blade. The knife's appearance suggests a higher price point than it actually occupies, which speaks volumes about the manufacturer's attention to detail and commitment to delivering value.

Final Thoughts

The Petrified Fish PF868 Bunta is a well-crafted folding knife that hits the sweet spot between rugged utility and modern styling. Its D2 blade, reliable flipper action, ergonomic G10 handle, and solid construction make it a strong contender in the mid-sized EDC flipper category.

It may not appeal to those who prioritize ultra-lightweight gear or prefer minimalist designs, but for users who appreciate robust, reliable tools with a touch of flair, the Bunta stands out. Whether you’re using it for daily tasks, outdoor chores, or as a general-purpose backup knife, the PF868 delivers impressive performance and build quality at a very reasonable price point.

If you’re in the market for a knife that’s as functional as it is bold, the PF868 Bunta is definitely worth considering.

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