The KA-BAR Story: An American Legacy (Complete Documentary)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 22 жов 2024
- From its humble beginnings in the late 1800s to its established presence today, the KA-BAR story is a crash course in American history. Join us as we examine all the events and people that shaped KA-BAR.
To learn more about KA-BAR visit KA-BAR.com
![The LEGENDARY KABAR WW2 Fighting Knife [What You NEED to Know!]](/img/n.gif)
Outstanding documentary of history American determination to bring a product to market after failing & trying failing & trying so many times but never giving up. Yes I'm a proud USMC veteran KA-BAR owner.
Thanks for your service
Thank you for your service to the country.
If you don’t mind me asking what was your MOS?
This was an awesome video. It shows the grit and determination. There was no other knife worth the Marines. The Brown family and everyone who was involved with Ka-Bar has the integrity and determination of a Marine.
Semper Fi Marine. Thank you for your service.
Semper Fi Devil Dog!
Former Marine Vietnam 66-67. I was a helicopter crewchief. The KA-BAR that I have to this day saved my life after having been swept under my helicopter which was in the middle of a river after having been shot down three days earlier. We Marines did not have the luxury of having an abundance of helicopters so wherever possible we made every effort to recover our battle damaged choppers. Getting back to my KA-BAR and it's role in saving my life. During recovery efforts I volunteered to try and attach a rope from the shore to my chopper so we could ferry Marines out too remove the rotor blades and attach a rescue sling. The current in the river sucked me under the chopper with the rope attached too me and having one hand caught in one of the steps that was on the side left me with only one hand free. I was able to pull my KA-BAR and cut rope which allowed me too free myself from the step my other hand was caught in. I would have drowned had that KA-BAR had not been at my side. I've had the KA-BAR all these years. An old Marine and his KA-BAR that will be laid to rest with me when my time is up. Semper Fi
Thats incredible sir
Your story is chilling. I salute you Marine
Wow. What an unreal story and experience. Thank you for sharing. We are so happy we could play a small part and offer assistance to you. We are particularly grateful you made it through and lived to tell us about it today. Thank you for your service. Our Vietnam vet should be revered as much as our WWII vets.
It's always been a problem in the Appalachians. Time to plant. Gone. Time to weed, Gone. Time to harvest, Gone.Hunting season, Gone. Same trouble Grumman had in Florida.
@@KABARKnives1898 Gen X thanks the Vietnam Vets more than we do the WWII vets.
To all the veterans who I know will read this. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.
Combat veteran and lover of history I enjoyed this documentary. I received a ka-bar and a tomahawk in a care package. I've never use them and I always said if there is a time my M2 fails, my M249 fails, and my M9 fails and I'm down to a knife its a bad bad day Lol. Luckily enough I beleive cleanliness next to godliness and my M2 was loyal to the very end.
It was a privilege to serve our country.
Just doing what I do... You're welcome.
Proud to serve, thank you for your support!
It was our pleasure
My brother was Nam 68-69 with
5 th SF Group ABN. When he came back we talked about Nam only one time.
I told him that I graduate high school in June and will be going in the Army 78-92.
On my first leave from West Germany I to his home and we talked a bit. He handled me a OD towel wrapped inside it was K-Bar he told me it saved his life Nam ,we talked one last time about Nam. He died in November of 2011. In 2022 I caught up with my nephew and gave him his father's K - Bar and talked about what his father did in Nam.
Those are the stories that really hit home, Carl. Good on you for passing it along to his son. I have my grandfather's Union Cutlery KA-BAR he carried in WWII. Besides the memories it is the only thing I have of him. I look at it everyday in a display case and it always brings him right back.
As a young boy, my father born in 1938, purchased a brand new condition WWII surplus Ka-Bar stamped “USN”. He gave it to me sometime in my teens, still in perfect condition. It is a high quality durable knife for sure. As an infantry marine, I carried it with me during the Gulf war. Still stained by oil from the burning oil fields, I plan to pass it on to my own son so it can help support him in some way on his own life journey. Thank you Ka-Bar.
Excellent documentary. I was given a KA-BAR knife by a USMC platoon mate of my son after he was killed in Iraq in 2005.
I am sorry to hear about your son. We lost a family member in Afghanistan in 2011. Thank you to your family for your son's service and sacrifice.
I am sorry for your loss. I made it through safely but lost several friends. He is remembered.
So sorry for the loss of your son. Thank you for his service, he is not forgotten.
A parent should never have lose there child.
Best wishes.
Iraq had NOTHING to do with 9 11. All who invaded and mass murdered Iraqis are war criminals. This is fact. No historic revision will EVER change the fact that oath violators participated in unconstitutional mass murder.
I didn’t expect to watch this entire documentary, but I grabbed my Ka-Bar and her and I sat with our popcorn enjoying this very much.
Did the Ka-Bar have any?
Pervet.
Man who ever did this should be making all kinds of documentaries especially about history.
Thanks, Grizzly. I am going to stick to making knives, though!
@@KABARKnives1898 you do an excellent job of it. From the bottom of my heart I thank you. I carry your marine combat knife with me everywhere I go, and it is an exceptional tool that has never let me down. I also use your spork/knife on a regular basis, surprisingly, I haven't lost part of it yet, due to its blackness and 2 piece construction. You guys make great stuff, I cant say there is another knife company that I trust as much. I will say however that your Taiwanese kukuri leaves something to be desired (mostly being manufactured here in America)
@@sammiller2637 Yep. I always go with my Ka-Bar. I'm hardly ever without it.
@@KABARKnives1898 I got my Ka-Bar back in the early 70's and paid $37.50 + tax for it.
@Fui Gebhardt1 and I am impressed you read this far down the comment chain!
As a former Marine, when I graduated boot camp, as soon as we were dismissed from the ceremony I went to the PX and bought a Ka-Bar and then left Parris Island as soon as I could get to the gate. Thirty four years ago that was, and the knife is still in my kit, still goes hunting with me.
The knives were under $20 then I should have bought a dozen
As a US Navy support liaison Petty Officer for The USMC, Semper Fidelis Marine. Thank you for your service!
Thank you for your service and the nation for giving us the opportunity.
I graduated boot in May of 1985, I believe mine was $29 and the PX on Parris Island. I recently purchased a new one with a kydex sheath and it was about $70. I think the Ka-Bar is the best general purpose knife I have ever owned.
@@boomdawg56 Many a "field expedient foxhole" were scratched out with a Ka-Bar!
My uncle was on a submarine in WW2. He past in 1983. I got his KA-Bar when my aunt passed 2 years ago. On the leather shealth was engraved the sub's name and the year. Its my most prized possession of his. The blade is still sharp and the leather a little worn. But it reminds me of what American's stands for. Tough and ready to fight for freedom. Less we not forget the people who sacrificed their lives to make us free. R.I.P. Seaman William Dean Wray! Shawn
When I got orders to Viet Nam in 67 the Army gave us special training including knife fighting. We were told we should bring a fighting knife with us, but the Army didn't issue knives, only bayonets. My father still had the Ka-Bar the Navy had issued to him when he was a PT Boat sailor during WWII, and he gave it to me. I carried it constantly all over III Corps. When I came home, Pop had a small brass placket made and attached to the sheath with his name and where he served and my name and where I served. It says US Navy on it, not Marines
Thank you
Cool story, a real piece of your history.
Oh hell ya.... great history! Semper Fi
Great story! It's timeless like how swords were passed from father to son in the ancient past. Also great that the old knife could be brought out of storage and given a chance again to do it's part in preserving freedom. I have 2 old WW1 Enfield model 1917 rifles(30-06) that I bought cheap that had already been sporterized. ( they were really rough looking and rattled in their old shortened military stocks) I had them rebarrelled by a good gunsmith and then put new stocks and Timney triggers and glass bedded them myself and they're tack drivers now, but the heart of them is still the old WW1 receiver and bolt. I often wonder how many lives they may have taken but at the same time how many lives did they save?? If our country ever needs defending by us citizens they're ready to step up to the plate again!! Thank you for your service!! My father was a Viet Nam veteran.
I'm not joking when I say this. The new Space Force has the...Space-Bar. A blue handled KA-BAR. Look it up.
Deploy 6 Times, took my Olean, NY KA-BAR every time, Thank You for making a iconic tool that saves lives and serves the user faithfully for many years.
Rotor Madness welcome home and thanks for your service.
Rotor Madness hope you’re well friend
RESPECT ✊
Respect!
Thank you for your service sir , your a hero to me
I have my Dad's who served in Korea he's just turned 90 years old.
Lucky, I wan to meet some of those guys, and some ww2 vets
Even in the United Kingdom the name KA-Bar is in many military and non military activities as well known as things like Sheffield Steel and Scotch Whisky, and the reputation for quality is world renowned. I wasn’t expecting this to be particularly interesting, but I was wrong, it is both interesting and informative, thanks for sharing. 👍.
Thanks for the kind words. Hate to see what you all are going through over there in regards to knives. Appreciate you watching and the comment.
The BK7 and the Sheffield MOD4 British Army Survival Knife are very very close relatives.
You Brits had a great blade or two. One was a dagger and it's application was different than Ka-Bar application s. But it did its job well, between ribs, although war is wrong. And Brits formed the first special forces. And most of we came from your continent or isle, or Ireland, England, Scotland, etc. so our products are basically an extension of you and yours by our coming from that area.
Love it! I was an aviation supply Petty Officer in the US Navy. I ordered more Mark1 Ka-Bar knives than I can recall. I was also attached to a Reserve Mobil Inland Underwater Unit SEAL Team. Ka-Bar took care of our men on land, in the air, and at sea for decades.
Great documentary. The 1217 is a great knife! For the past 37 years our job shop has laser engraved over a thousand of them for our military members at Camp Pendleton and abroad, as well as our first responders. We love the knives and they laser engrave beautifully with amazing gold foil and other colors. A grateful shout out to military members and first responders everywhere.
Thank you as a Marine and a combat medic with 900+ missions in Iraq. Additionally my father was the owner of Csikany Sharpening Service in Philadelphia for 40 years. Union and KA-BAR were a part of our history as we evolved from Faraco Cutlery before that.
That is alot of missions, we conducted just under 700 combat missions in Iraq during surge of 2007, while in Diyala Province. One hell of an operational tempo you guys had. 🇺🇸
Thank you for your service because of you I still have the right to fight for my 10 and 10+
Iraq had NOTHING to do with 9 11. All who invaded and mass murdered Iraqis are war criminals. This is fact. No historic revision will EVER change the fact that oath violators participated in unconstitutional mass murder.
Nice to meet a Marine medic. I'm glad you are safe after 900 missions.
@@stevek8829 No One Is Safe stop being a child
I'm not American even less a US service man but I own a KA-BAR and it's the only knife I will ever need or want
Same here, I'm from the Philippines just got the new ka bar 1266 modified tanto it has an 8 inch blade. Love it.
@@bawidamann939 same kabayan❤
I too am a former US Marine and have owned my Ka-Bar for well over 40 years. It is an amazing implement.
Clarkecars Marine Veteran, not former or ex, no such thing Marine. Semper Fi.
@@arthurc1971 Roger that. S/F
We teach our history classes the FACTS. Iraq had NOTHING to do with 9 11. All who invaded and mass murdered Iraqis are war criminals. This is fact. No historic revision will EVER change the fact that oath violators participated in unconstitutional mass murder.
Participating in an undeclared UNCONSTITUTIONAL invasion and mass murder does NOT make someone a hero. It makes them a WAR CRIMINAL. ALL who participate in Vietnam, Panama, Iraq, Syria, Yemen... other evil actions are oath violators , traitors and cowards. They are also "Baby Killers" They were beaten by rice farmers and goat herding tribes who had NO Air force nor navy. The goat herders and rice farmers had NO armor or heavy weapons and wasted the reputation of US forces. The fact US forces are treated like B****es by the Democrat AND Republican private parties who issue UNCONSTITUTIONAL orders and DO NOTHING but take it up the ***. They are a national disgrace.
70 years old. former marine, vietnam vet.still have the K-BAR knife my great uncle carried at iwo jima.and I carried through vietnam.
Welcome home.
Welcome home
My Dad served in the Navy from 1950-1979. I have one of his Navy Ka-Bar's, as do my brother and sister. They are memories of my father and his service to our country.
Not having a KA-BAR is like having no toothbrush ..
Greetings from France
My son finishes his 4 years in the corp in October. I'm thinking of purchasing him an engraved ka-bar as a gift.
Make sure he has a plan before he gets out. Tell him to have at least 10K saved up.
Tell him to document all his bumps and bruises for the VA. And yes, that would be a nice gift.
It's The Corps sir...Semper Fi
@Robert bishop. My SSgt gave me my 2nd KaBar as a gift when I got out in 2000. It's engraved and on a plaque. One day I'll have a worthy office desk to put it on. But it is one of my most meaningful gifts even given to me. Semper Fi! '95-'00
Thank you for fighting for our country.
Fuck the haters...
When he said “Welcome to Olean” I got chills
I'm 72 and still have my KA-BAR that my Gunny gave me.
SEMPER FI
i have my Ka-Bar from my Marine Corps days, and it STAYS SHARP AND READY.
My dad gave me one of these when I was 15. I still have it and use it 36 years later.
My father was in the corp (staff sgt) and he had one of these KA-BAR knives at home. It was huge and I remember him using it from time to time. He also had those combat “jungle boots.” God bless our military and our great nation.
I carried one in 'Nam...left it with a friends mom, where his little brother borrowed it when deploying to Desert Storm and on to Afghanistan ..Still have my SEABEES survival knife.
Just had my first USMC KA-BAR delivered. Beautiful knife with an incredible pedigree. For all the guys who carried this with them in the field, Thank you for your service.
We teach our history classes the FACTS. Iraq had NOTHING to do with 9 11. All who invaded and mass murdered Iraqis are war criminals. This is fact. No historic revision will EVER change the fact that oath violators participated in unconstitutional mass murder.
@@reformamerica1518 , you don't know what you're talking about. A soldier is not considered a war criminal for fighting on the "wrong side," but for engaging in "wrong actions." For example, after World War II, most German soldiers were not prosecuted as war criminals because they had simply been serving in battle. Only those who were suspected of actual war crimes were prosecuted. An individual soldier does not have the means to judge whether a war is just or unjust. He can only be held accountable for actions that are illegal, like gunning down unarmed civilians.
@@sanjivjhangiani3243 Engaging in an unconstitutional invasion and killing is A CRIME!
Being a former marine this knife served me well. My father sent me this knife during desert storm and will always have a special place with me, thank you very much KA-BAR UH-RAH!
You’re still a Marine sir.
No matter how hard I look for novelties and alternatives, I always come back to KA-BAR. History is everything
I bought myself a Ka-Bar during my training to go to Afghanistan. It never left my side all through my deployment and for a time after. I bought my brother one when i got back. I've used it for so many things so many times. Best knife ive ever owned and still have it to this day.
Thanks for your service Josh . I carried a Kabar in Laos and Cambodia 1971 - 73 .
Robert Cathcart wtf
@Robert Cathcart did you come up with that while wearing your tinfoil hat, or are you able to recieve messages directly from the mother ship now
We teach our history classes the FACTS. Iraq had NOTHING to do with 9 11. All who invaded and mass murdered Iraqis are war criminals. This is fact. No historic revision will EVER change the fact that oath violators participated in unconstitutional mass murder.
I carry the very same NAVY KA-BAR my grandfather carried with him in the Pacific during WWII. I keep it with me daily in my go bag. It will still hold a great edge, good enough to skin any critter or large game. I love this knife and grateful my grandfather brought it back home with him. And, NO UNCLE SAM, you cannot have it back.
I have my father's KA-BAR that he carried in Viet Nam and the NAVY KA-BAR he bought me when I graduated from boot camp.
Well said. Governments always want back the good bits of kit they have issued to you, but don’t care less about the rest. As far as I was concerned when I left my military service I was glad to see the back of it, and like many others, managed to convince the Stacker, (British military nickname for supply clerks, or as they are now known, logistics personnel) that it (anything I wanted to keep) had been lost, destroyed, stolen or eaten, by a fictitious pet, dog cat etc, it was the only way to keep the shiny bits and get rid of the dross. At one point during my clearance admin for leaving the service I had to hand over my inventory of equipment I was responsible for, on the day the Stacker turned up to do a physical check of the expensive stuff I held it turned out that a rival squadron had “borrowed “ all the Extended Range fuel Tanks (ERTs) from their “secure storage, fair enough as they were needed to get aircraft down to the gulf region for a little bit of a conflict, however nobody signed them out, so as far as the Stacker was concerned I was liable for them, even knowing that they were of no use to anyone except the aircraft crews so they didn’t run out of fuel over the “Ogin”(Sea, Ocean etc) and as they were basically going to a war zone could be “written off” as It was unlikely they would ever see the United Kingdom ever again, but Stacker being a jobsworth wanted to bill me for them, and before I left the service, now, I ask you, even with my gratuity(golden handshake) and mockery of a pension was I, a lowly Sergeant, going going to find 2 million pounds to cover their replacement cost, even if I had raided the Sqn tea swindle (Sqn entertainments fund) my kids piggy banks and got an overdraft on my bank account I would probably have come up 1.9 million short. Anyway, wiser and certainly more senior heads prevailed and the Stackers, eventually, with one click of the mouse made them disappear. Thanks for nothing “blanket Stackers” you will never know how much I hated your trade, always the jobsworths, never letting anyone have the kit needed to do a job, it was always “the last one in stock” or “an order is in for them, but we don’t know when they will be delivered” but then low and behold you see every REMF wearing/using the exact item you needed to do your job more easily, and most of the REMFs would not have even been entitled to be issued with said item, oh, the glory days.
Got that of my chest, thanks for listening. 👍 🇬🇧 .
Very nice! Also, they work for the people. It was never theirs to begin with.
@@allandavis8201 Two people you don't piss off in the military is the Storemen and the Cooks. The Storemen and you don't get what you need and the Cooks and you get more than you need.
I had one I assumed was a K BAR but later found out y dad got one from a navy pilot which were made by a different company it has his last name in the handle so maby they have them to anyone on the flight crew .
During my time in the US Marines, my KA-Bar went with me into Somalia, in December 1992, for the Operation Restore Hope.
Rah
How did that work out? No better than operation Certain Victory!!! That would be Vietnam! Conscripted vet!
Welcome home.
I had forgotten it was called Operation Restore Hope. I had a good laugh over that just now :D. Semper Fi. I served from 94-98.
I have mine since I got out of the Corps in 1968, love it.
Prettty awsome video. Ka--Bar/CUTCO is less than two miles from my home, Ironically, my wife was born and raised in Little Valley, where I was a Deputy Sheriff. Case Knives are now a part of Zippo lighters, which is located approximately 18 miles south of us, and for those of you who know knive, Ontario Knives are made 20 miles north of us. Needless to say, I have an excellent collection of knives!
Love my Ka-Bar. Believed in it since the Corps (1986)!
In 1968 didn't keep my KA-BAR, but when my grandson graduated MCRD in 2016 I bought him one
My father gave me his from 1968. I lost it years later in the mountains and when I graduated Airborne school, he pinned my Airborne wings on me back in 2002 and gave me a brand new KA BAR.
@@dwighthayes4738 thanks for your service.
Salutes to you for your service also brother. I am of the belief that as veterans, we are all that we have.
L
Thank you for your service sir, and to your son
I'm behind you 100%. I have shared the s#$t out of this video. I'm feeling a bit emo right now....my 40 yr old ass might need to cry myself to sleep right now. Lost my Dad. Lost my Nanna B. Lost my Socky Kat. So....it hurts seeing all these generations pass...doing the best they could. But the Sun does shine. Ka-Bar is a success story that I will continue sharing. I only hope my offerings to this world have as much impact. Make my ancestors proud. Onward and Upward.
Wow, AMAZING story and a Terrific DOCUMENTARY!!!! Never thought I would ever get chocked up watching something like this. But hey, that's love for the history of my Country and all the wonderful things and Knives made here. Go USA🌠
If i had to go into battle, i'd have to go with the KA-BAR Spork definitely. a really reliable piece on the battle field.
they also now make pizza cutters
I'm the proud receipient of two, USMC Ka-Bars that were part of my inheritance from my late father, a WWII era, career Marine officer! Dad was busy in '43-'45 doing R&D work on 1st generation RADAR systems, but he did deploy to Korea and carried knife #1. At his career's end, he was deployed with a helo squadron that provided security for the construction of the B52 base in Thailand! Knife #2 was his daily carry there, since I'd comandeered #1 for Boy Scout duty. Anyhow, he's gone now, and I'll eventually pass them on to a nephew for safekeeping as they've rightly become heirlooms! (NOT a bad fate for classic products of Yankee ingenuity and business tenacity!)
I served in the Corps from 1988 to 2005 and my Ka-Bar went everywhere with me.
Thank you Ka-Bar. Semper Fi
Excellent documentary. I had my father's KA-BAR that he gave me when I enlisted in the Army the first time. This knife was with him through his 3 tours in Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos up until I lost it after a nasty fall in the North Georgia mountains back in 1997 and could not find it. I purchased another for him as a birthday present a few years after that. He still has it to this day. When I graduated Airborne school during my second enlistment, he pinned my Airborne wings on me as I jumped into my Airborne graduation and gave me a brand new KA BAR as well.
Iraq had NOTHING to do with 9 11. All who invaded and mass murdered Iraqis are war criminals. This is fact. No historic revision will EVER change the fact that oath violators participated in unconstitutional mass murder.
@@reformamerica1518 Yes I know. Iraq had nothing to do with 911. Amerikkka, Saudi Arabia and Israel had everything to do with 911.
@@dwighthayes4738 Then why did the video state "after the 9 11 Attacks the US found itself in a war in Iraq..." All who took part in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan are OATH VIOLATORS> They will be held accountable.
@@reformamerica1518 Bring it on
A birth defect in my heart, which was surgically repaired at 4, still kept me from serving in the military. So I've spent decades studying that which was denied me, and my gratitude and respect to those who served is genuine. I've also made a point to know quality regarding equipment and always use US military proven items when camping / hunting....
But now that the apocalypse is nigh upon us, I'm ever so glad I was able to acquire a K-Bar and it never leaves my side.
Prayers to all that life returns to "normal"...and more prayers to all if they don't. Stay safe, Be kind and trust your guts...and your Kbar
Brother, the only difference between me and you is that I was able to serve. The studying in place of service shows how much you actually wanted to serve and you have my respect. I appreciate and respect you so much for your genuine gratitude towards us. No doubt in my mind you would have been a great service member. Brother, protect the things you love and the ones that can’t protect themselves!
Awesome documentary!!! I have my Grandfather’s KA-BAR he used in WW2. It is now a family heirloom.
I certainly loved my KA-BAR! Bought it at a gun show many years ago. As an outdoorsman, three things always went into the deep woods with me back then: A Mossberg 500, a .45 ACP 1911, and that KA-BAR.
And KA-BAR certainly loves you
Really excellent documentary. As an outdoorsman I have 3 Ka-Bars and they are among my most prized possessions. One my Dad brought back from WWII. Now I know the history. Thank you. Best wishes...Ka-Bar is synonymous with the highest of quality.
WOW!! What a show!! I have a WW2 K-BAR,it goes everywhere I go and will not part with it,have had it with me every time whether hunting,fishing,camping or anything outdoors,it's the best knife I own!!
Turned 25 this year an got myself a 1213. I live in an open carry state an keep it on my hip everywhere I go. Giving me the opportunity to always protect myself, and my family. All thanks to you guys and this history. Good shit fellas
Not many states where we can carry a kbar fighting knife. In my state I can carry either open or concealed.
Every great warrior in history had a sharp blade by their side... From the Greek xiphos, the Roman Gladius, Thracian Sica, and Algonquin Tomahawk.... Every battle required warriors to wield a reliable, sturdy blade. The Marines will always have the KA-BAR
It has always been a dream to work for KA-BAR. Since I was a child designing knives on sketch pads and even now on AUTOCAD.
Thank you for sharing this story with us.
Makes me very proud to live in Western New York. I live in franklinville. I joined the Army September 10th 2001. As soon as I graduated basic training my father presented me with a Ka-Bar. It was by my side through every field op and deployment. I've got no cool story of my knife cutting through bullets or something saving my life, but it NEVER failed me
Franklinville - not too far away! Thanks for sharing and for your service.
My USMC KA-BAR has field dressed a lot of deer and wild boar over the years .
And I as a Police Officer I carried the Benner designed TDI Knife as a back-up .
Excellent gear .
I'd bet my life on mine, and I have. When the chips are down, KA-BAR comes through. Truely an American legend.
Great documentary! I worked with a Marine who carried his KA-BAR daily. He used it for just about everything. I bought one and take it into the field but my everyday is a KA-BAR Dozier Folding Thumb Notch pocket knife. I use that for just about everything.
That was outstanding! I have my Dad’s Ka-Bar from Vietnam (which was also carried in WWII). When I was a young Paratrooper in the 82d ABN DIV, my go to knife was also a Ka-Bar. But this time the Night Raider model. I carried it during two tours in Iraq and it is still on my kit 18 years later.
My grandpa was a Marine in WWII. I have his KA-BAR, it sits in a shelf in the living room. I was in the Marine Corps from 97 to 07. I had my own, and it went with me to three different continents and several two combat tours. I still have that KA-BAR. I still use it today, just about anytime I go into the woods.
KA-BAR is the first knife that comes to mind when someone says 'fighting knife.' So much history and a beautiful knife!
Thanks, Dan
Bought a ka-bar with my first earned pay check. 5 years later it’s still just as good as it was out of the box. Product lived up to its reputation 100%
My Ka-Bar was passed down to me by my father , he received it from his uncle who was a navy corpsman on Iwo Jima. I carried the Ka-Bar to the local farmers market so a gentleman who sharpen and reconditioned knives could sharpen it for me. The moment he saw it he lit up and was very excited to see and hold it in his hands and learn the history about the knife and then he insisted on sharpening and reconditioning it for me at no cost . He stated to me it was an honor and a privilege to do so.
I was given a Ka-Bar 34 years ago as a 10 year old in small town Maine. That knife followed me to Ft Polk, Bosnia, Ft Lewis, Iraq, Ft Riley, back to Iraq and back home to Maine it has been on my hunting gear or combat kit ever since it was given to me all those years ago.
Carried my KA-BAR every single deployment. Iconic tool that was an extension of the body.
Thank you
Mine ended up being an MRE opener lol. Never had to use it thank god. I hardly even picked up my rifle...steel rain hoooah! Lol so i had that m9 instead u feel me?
I've never served in the military but I had to buy a KA-Bar based solely on veterans testimony as to it's legendary quality and rich history helping to preserve this countries freedom. You simply can't hold one of these knives in your hand and not be moved emotionally when you think about what this blade has done to secure it's hallowed place in Americas history. To watch this documentary about the companies history adds a completely new facet to the greatness which is KA-Bar. Nicely done gentlemen! I'm so very proud to own your fine products. Thank you for your honoring our country with your wonderful historic icons!!!
Appreciate the kind words. KA-BAR started off in many ways as a product for everyday life. Straight razors, gentlemen folders, and hunting knives were the core of the business until World War II. Your comment really did a nice job of putting words to the emotions many of us feel about KA-BAR. Thank you and enjoy!
Lots of Marines in this comments section, like myself. I own two. One is an old WW2 era Marine Fighting Knife that I bought at a flea market when I was a teenager, and the other is a razor sharp BK9 that does the work which was traditional for a hatchet on my little duck and turkey farm. I can say you have left your mark on me, as the swing of that blade grazed my forearm enough to need 14 stitches :D. I have a cone and kevlar gauntlets now, but that BK is still 'the last word' so to speak. Thank you for making these great tools!
Yes sir I love both my World War II mk 2 K -Bar and my BK9 both are beasts I also own a few modern K- bars the original World War II Union Cutlery version is superior to the modern version much more heavy duty
Thank all of you MEN FOR YOUR SERVICE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
When I see Ka Bar I think of my dad. Raised in Montana and proud American Veteran. After service he returned to Montana and hunted a lot of deer to help feed his family while going to college in Bozeman. His favorite knife was the Ka Bar. The same Ka Bar he used in the service was “the best knife for gutting and skinning a deer”.
His great grandson has is military funeral flag and I have his Ka Bar.
I still have the Ka-Bar I purchased at Camp Lejeune in 1985. Spent every deployment and operation I was ever on. I will be proud to pass this along to the next generation. Semper Fi.
This is an excellent documentary. The use of vintage clothing is a nice touch and gives the viewer a glimpse into the past of an iconic American company. Well done.
Iraq had NOTHING to do with 9 11. All who invaded and mass murdered Iraqis are war criminals. This is fact. No historic revision will EVER change the fact that oath violators participated in unconstitutional mass murder.
I've got a USMC KA-Bar as described in the video. I don't go anywhere without it. My grandfather volunteered in the beginning, Canadian pride and all that. He was in Italy and Europe fighting Fascists and Nazis in WW2, and I like to think he carried the same model. God bless you Grandpa, thank you for doing what so many others refused to do.
a baby KA-BAR saved my life twice in iraq and once in afghanistan.to this day that knife is always close to me
Great documentary. I was never in the military, but I've used my KA-BAR extensively for camping, hunting and fishing. It's been used and abused for many different tasks, and takes everything I've given it, and it's held up flawlessly. 30 years later, it's still as strong and sharp as the day I bought it, and will be passed down to future generations.
I carried a ka-bar when I was in Iraq and Afghanistan and it stood up to everything I threw at it
Lots of great stories herein comments, a shout out to my brother Marines. I am a former ‘72-‘78 Marine I have a personal story or two but not germaine to the Kabar. I do wish to laud my Parris Island boot DI, one Staff Sgt Marberry(not certain of spelling.) SSgt Marberry was all of about 5’6” and 110lbs soaking wet if dipped in the muddy Mekong and he was our Senior Drill Instructor for Platoon 3005 that year. He was also a black man, the Marines in ‘72 were well ahead of the country in equal opportunity. It so happened I had fire watch(midnight til 6 am) the night of Nov 10, 1972. For our indoctrination our DI group had laid out their medals and awards on a table for us to view. As I did my rounds I stopped to read SSgt Marberry’s awards. I was stunned at the news write up on him. He was at the Battle of Khe Sahn in ‘68. Along with fighting bravely with multiple wounds he was credited with having killed over 400 VC and NVA using his KABAR and a piece of shrapnel. As background, in this fierce battle the Marines were greatly outnumbered and ultimately ran out of ammo therefore, the KABAR and shrapnel. For his valiant efforts he received the Medal of Honor. I have looked up the record of MOH recipients but have not found his therefore, I may have his name spelled wrong. I do not know if he is still alive or not but a special shout out to him for showing us the way.
400.....
Love my WWII era K the handle is more full than the newer styles. The feel is perfect....thx for the vid
Love the history of companies like KA-BAR,great video.
I bought my KA-BAR when I was in high school in the mid 80's. Then carried it as a FMF Corpsman. It's been in, deserts, mountains, jungles, and swamps. I've skinned animals, made camps, chopped firewood, and a hundred other tasks. It is within arms reach as I type this. Honestly it's the oldest piece of outdoor gear I own, because it has never failed me there for it's never needed to be replaced. I believe I paid $30 in the mid 80's for it. It has been the best investment I've ever made.
I'm 76 years old and heard of Ka-Bar all my life. I started carrying a pocket knife when I was 6 years old (country boy). Had many name brands. For the last 25 years I've carried a CUTCO knife. Broke the tip off a blade. Mailed it back to CUTCO and they had me a new knife in less than a week. . I've since learned they no longer make the pocket knife, too bad. I'd love to buy a new one and get this one sharpened.
Enjoyed the documentary. Thanks!
Great story about this iconic knife. I bought mine 3 years ago and I get to spend time in the wilderness of Wyoming and Montana, and my Ka-Bar is ALWAYS strapped to my side. I carry it with pride! Thank you for such a well made knife for over 100 years!
To all veterans, its an honour to breathe the same air as you, you guys are a living history lesson ill never regret learning from middle school until now. I'm proud to be here now because of you guys. I was in ROTC for 4 years and ive only been through 5% of what you guys go through, and thats wearing a uniform.
I keep my government 45 pistol and my KA-BAR in the nightstand next to be bed as home defense. Good combination and I feel secure with them there.
thanks for the heads up! fool
TruAnRksT fool ?
KA-BAR on my bag under the bed, 45 by my nightstand.
@@scottsmith6571 LOL
TruAnRksT I got a Draco micro it will be in my hands with a drum
My dad bought me a new ka-bar when I was 14 to carry with me in the woods when I go hunting and fishing. I'm 37 now and still carry that same ka-bar with me everywhere I go. It's the best tool I've ever had the privilege of owning. Thank you for this documentary, I very much enjoyed it.
My grandfather ran AC Delco through the great depression. During his time at the helm they introduced new products into the market and continued to hire employees. The company grew and thrived because of his leadership.
This documentary was a very worthwhile endeavor. It's a bit surreal and humbling to look at photos of men and women who are long dead. Their efforts truly have been appreciated by millions.
Great Video. Congratulations on this presentation! I have sold K-Bars on Ebay more than $10000 in Knives to WW2 collectors in one year back in 2006 and $26000 total on all knives that year on Ebay. I did not sell all my K-Bars; I still have over 50 left from WW2. Thanks again for the video.
I was shipped out in 1990 to 1991 for the Gulf War and carried 6 Mark 2 WW2 K-Bar with me just incase. I ended up giving 2 of them to General Schwarzkopf after he asked for them (his father was in WW2 he said). I hang a Desert Storm/Desert Shield K-Bar on my wall that "the Bear" paid me back for after the war. I sure miss the Army.
Usmc 2001-2005. Still have my Ka-Bar to this day, and I still keep it in my pack. Thank you to the company for a tool that has served me well. God bless.
Steel cutlery from Europe still holds its place, but KA_BAR is a shining example of American ingenuity and determination--just like the nation itself. THAT is what makes it special!
I carried a Ka-Bar in Vietnam, still have it.
Thank you for service, Robert
Robert Merritt thank you for your service
I will be buying a Kabar. Thank u for what u do!! God Bless America.
32 years later I frigging love my Ka Bar .living off grid it's a must have everyday carry.Semper Fidelis!!
I have Ka Bar knives that were my Dad's and date back to the early 50's as well as a Ka Bar navy fighting knife. We also have been using exclusively Cutco kitchen knives since the 1980's. They are wonderful knives and Cutco is a great company.
What a great American story and amazing history even if it was a tragic unfortunate news story that has brought us here.
In this time of public discontent and political upheaval, this reminder of what made America great is welcome indeed. I'm about to venture off and buy a Ka-Bar. At my age, it will only be used to cut my bowl of oatmeal, but hey........it's history of when our people were about responsibilty and not just "rights". Good video
Jeeze how thick is your oatmeal? I’ve never heard that before “cut my bowl of oatmeal”
Funny story, a pal of mine and I went on a road trip and stayed in one of those hotels that's kind of like an apartment so we could save money by doing our own cooking. Well, it turns out we'd not brought any utensils, other than my buddy's Ka-Bar. it's a great knife around the household and kitchen.
Graduated Parris Island in 1988 (Plt 3058, Hotel Co, 3rd RTBN) and got my first KA-BAR upon arrival at SOI West. Carried it on WEST-PACs, Just Cause, and Shield/Storm/Stay.
I still have it to this day, although I do not use it anymore (I means to much to me to be using daily). It lives in my evac kit, and for regular use I use a Fallkniven A1.
When my wife graduated from Parris Island (4th RTBN) in 2007, I bought her an engraved D2 Extreme KA-BAR as a graduation gift. She still has hers as well.
Kudos to KA-BAR, from another couple of Marines.
This is great. Thanks a bunch for posting this amazing story. I am a lifelong Kabar owner and love these knives and this company. It all started for me when I inherited my uncle's USMC fighting knife. Someday I will pass it down to my son, along with a couple others I have acquired over the years. Fascinating history. Thank you, Kabar!
Thank you for posting this history of the Ka-Bar. I got my Ka-Bar after I got out of the USMC back in '73 and it is still as sharp as it was when I got it. I only paid $37.50 + tax for it. Even though I trained with the Ka-Bar I didn't get one til I got out in '73. I was trained to kill anything with that knife. Ohhhh Rahhhh. Semper Fi. I love my Ka-Bar and am NEVER without it. USMC veteran 1969 to 1973, Vietnam vet 1971 to 1972. Thanks to all the Marines who have posted on the greatest knife ever made for the fighting man in the service.
I carried a KBar that I purchased at Lejeune. It was a remake of the original kbar, not the ones made years later. It was much better than the one I was issued. I was in the persian gulf war and served for six years active and reserve. I passed my kbar to a nephew. Semper Fi Marines.
Semper Fi
Love my KA BARS. I have the classic full size leather handle version and a smaller synthetic handled version.
When I saw that Cutco acquired KA-BAR I smiled. No finer blades can be found. Cutco and KA-BAR are a match made on a spinning sharpening wheel!
Cutco are garbage stamped steel knives
I've had my KA-BAR since 1984 when I first went into the Army. It's been all over the world with me. It's never failed me, and keeps a great edge with just a stone. Still have it. Thanks KA-BAR for a fantastic piece of equipment. SGM Fuller US Army (Ret.)
Participating in an undeclared UNCONSTITUTIONAL invasion and mass murder does NOT make someone a hero. It makes them a WAR CRIMINAL. ALL who participate in Vietnam, Panama, Iraq, Syria, Yemen... other evil actions are oath violators , traitors and cowards. They are also "Baby Killers" They were beaten by rice farmers and goat herding tribes who had NO Air force nor navy. The goat herders and rice farmers had NO armor or heavy weapons and wasted the reputation of US forces. The fact US forces are treated like B****es by the Democrat AND Republican private parties who issue UNCONSTITUTIONAL orders and DO NOTHING but take it up the ***. They are a national disgrace.