> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.unknowndivide.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife: The Fixed Blade That Went to War - URL: https://www.unknowndivide.com/ka-bar-usmc-fighting-knife/ - Published: 2023-06-05T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-04T12:19:29.000Z - Description: The KA-BAR USMC is one of the most famous fixed blade knives ever made. Here is where it came from, what the blade and handle are made of and who it still makes sense for today. - Author: unknowndivide staff - Tags: Gear *Unknowndivide may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post.* KA-BAR calls the USMC the most famous fixed blade knife in the world, and it is hard to argue. The shape is instantly recognizable: a long clip point blade, a stacked leather handle and a simple steel guard. It was designed for Marines in World War II, and the company still makes it today with the same basic look. Here is the story behind it and whether it belongs in your kit. ## Where the KA-BAR name comes from The company behind the knife started as Union Cutlery Company in western New York. According to the [official KA-BAR history](https://kabar.com/history?ref=unknowndivide.com), in the 1920s the company received a letter and a bearskin from an Alaskan hunter who said a Union Cutlery knife had saved his life during a bear attack. Management liked the story, reasoned that a Kodiak bear was the strongest of its kind and that bear could be pronounced bar, and adopted KA-BAR as a trademark. The name was registered in January 1924. ## The World War II story KA-BAR says that between 1942 and 1945, company president Danforth Brown worked with USMC Captain Howard America and Colonel John Davis to submit a fixed blade design to the Marine Corps. Union Cutlery soon began supplying KA-BAR stamped knives for the war effort, alongside similar knives from other American makers. The knives were so closely associated with the brand that in 1952 Union Cutlery officially changed its name to KA-BAR. Surplus wartime knives went on to serve in Korea and Vietnam, and the standard USMC knife returned to production in Olean, New York, in 1975\. KA-BAR describes it as still doing its job, with honors, more than 70 years later. ## KA-BAR USMC specs The [official product page](https://www.kabar.com/p/1217?ref=unknowndivide.com) for the straight edge USMC, item 1217, lists these details: - **Blade:** 7 inch clip point in 1095 Cro-Van steel, 0.165 inches thick, flat grind with a 20 degree edge angle - **Hardness:** 56 to 58 on the Rockwell scale - **Overall length:** 11.875 inches - **Weight:** 0.7 pounds - **Handle:** brown stacked leather, with USMC stamped on the tang - **Sheath:** leather, included - **Made in:** the United States, with the sheath made in Mexico A partially serrated version is also sold. 1095 Cro-Van is a carbon steel with added chromium and vanadium, which means it is tough and easy to sharpen but needs care to avoid rust. Our guide to [1095 steel](https://www.unknowndivide.com/1095-steel-explained-knives/) explains the tradeoffs in detail. ## What it is good at The USMC is a big, general purpose fixed blade. The long edge and pointed tip handle slicing, cutting cord, opening crates and food prep at camp, and the thick spine can take hard use. The leather handle is comfortable and warm in the hand, and the guard keeps fingers off the edge. It is not a precision tool. For carving and fine woodwork, a shorter blade with a Scandinavian grind is easier to control, which our guide to [knife grinds](https://www.unknowndivide.com/knife-grinds-explained-scandi-flat-hollow-convex/) explains. For a lighter modern fixed blade for bushcraft, look at the [Morakniv Garberg](https://www.unknowndivide.com/morakniv-garberg-full-tang-bushcraft-knife/). ## Caring for the blade and handle Wipe the blade dry after use and give it a light coat of oil before storage, especially if you live somewhere humid. The leather handle benefits from occasional leather conditioner, and it should not be left soaking wet. Keep the knife out of the leather sheath for long term storage so moisture does not sit against the steel. ## Sheath and carry The standard USMC ships with a leather sheath that has a snap strap over the handle and a belt loop. KA-BAR also sells the knife with hard sheath options for people who want a more weatherproof carry. The [KA-BAR website](https://www.kabar.com/?ref=unknowndivide.com) lists the full range of USMC variations and accessories. ## Who it suits The KA-BAR USMC suits campers who want one rugged knife for heavy chores, collectors interested in military history and anyone who appreciates a classic design that has barely changed in generations. Check your local knife laws before carrying a blade of this size. ## Where to buy **Shop the KA-BAR USMC** [KA-BAR USMC at KA-BAR](https://www.kabar.com/p/1217?ref=unknowndivide.com) [KA-BAR USMC, straight edge](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002VBYAM?tag=unknowndivi02-20&ref=unknowndivide.com) [KA-BAR USMC, partially serrated](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BSWE9G?tag=unknowndivi02-20&ref=unknowndivide.com) For more knives and tools worth carrying, explore our [everyday carry hub](https://www.unknowndivide.com/everyday-carry/).