KA-BAR History

The KA-BAR United States Marine Corps World War II Knife is legendary in American military history. When asked about their knife of choice during World War II, Marines would give only one answer – the KA-BAR. This is the story of one of the most famous military knives in the world.

In 1942, after the war began, KA-BAR submitted a military/utility knife to the United States Marine Corps, hoping it would become the standard issue for the branch. Initially, Marines received a Marine Raider Stiletto from another company, which was mistakenly delivered to San Francisco. 

However, the Marines were unsatisfied with this knife, and a new and improved military/utility knife – or what we now know as the KA-BAR – went into production.

These knives quickly became cherished possessions of every Marine in combat. Marines relied on them as combat weapons and for various tasks like pounding tent stakes, driving nails, opening ration cans, digging foxholes, and, of course, defending their lives. A KA-BAR was always by the side of a Marine.

The dependability and quality of the wartime KA-BARs resulted from a rigorous production approach. In addition to the quality control procedures of U.S.M.C. and Navy Supply Depot inspectors, Dan Brown, the president of KA-BAR, and the entire company were dedicated to contributing their best to the war effort. 

The KA-BAR knife successfully passed all types of tests without failure. Additional trials included driving the knife deep into a 6″ x 6″ timber, testing edge retention on various materials, and subjecting the leather handles to severe atmospheric and corrosion tests to ensure durability under extreme conditions. KA-BAR was proud of the positive feedback from all areas of operations.

During the war, the demand for KA-BAR knives exceeded the capacity of the KA-BAR factory, and other knife companies like Camillus, Robeson, and Pal were assigned to increase production to meet the demand. 

In total, over one million KA-BAR knives were produced during the war. The quality and abundance of these knives led to “KA-BAR” becoming synonymous with the entire knife pattern, regardless of where it was manufactured.

The KA-BAR Fighting Knife gained immense respect from Marines and those in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Underwater Demolition Teams. Eventually, all of these military branches adopted the U.S.M.C. KA-BARS as well.

Even years later, during the Korean, Vietnam, and Desert Storm conflicts, many World War II veterans continued to use their KA-BARs and passed them down to the next generation, demonstrating the long-lasting impact of this knife.

After 32 years of being out of production, KA-BAR Military Knives returned to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. The original KA-BAR factory in Olean, New York, and some craftsmen who previously worked on the knife recommenced production of the knives.

This limited edition “full dress” model honored the Marines and retained a battle-ready combat knife’s look, feel, and performance. Serial No. 1 was proudly presented to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and is currently on display at the U.S.M.C. Museum in Quantico.

The enthusiastic response to the U.S.M.C. Commemorative knife confirmed that the reputation of the KA-BAR Military/Utility Knife had endured over the years. KA-BAR reintroduced the knife in its standard issue form with the original specifications preserved in the company archives. Marines and enthusiasts eagerly welcomed its return.

Today, this “fighting KA-BAR” remains a favorite among Marines who choose it as their personal option knife for active service. It is also beloved by adventurers, survivalists, outdoor sportsmen, and knife collectors who appreciate the legend of this American knife.

During World War II, the demand for KA-BAR knives was so high that the factory could not meet it alone. The government enlisted several other knife companies, including Camillus, Robeson, and Pal, to produce similar knives. The total wartime production of KA-BAR knives exceeded one million. These knives gained widespread recognition for their quality and quantity, to the point where “KA-BAR” became synonymous with the entire knife pattern, regardless of its origin.

The KA-BAR Fighting Knife earned immense respect during World War II, not just from Marines but also from those serving in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Underwater Demolition Teams. Eventually, all these branches issued the U.S.M.C. KA-BARS.

In the years following the war, veterans of World War II remembered the knife’s performance and reactivated many KA-BARS during the Korean, Vietnam, and Desert Storm conflicts. These veterans passed down their personal KA-BARS to their children, perpetuating its legacy.

After World War II, KA-BAR Military Knives ceased production for 32 years. However, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, the original KA-BAR factory in Olean, New York, along with some of the craftsmen from the past, revived production. They aimed to create a limited edition “full dress” model of the original KA-BAR knife that would hold significant meaning for the Marines.

During the production of this commemorative knife, a select group of senior KA-BAR employees proudly performed the same tasks they had done during the war effort from 1942 to 1945. The finished knives were a true testament to craftsmanship, mirroring the battle-ready combat knife’s appearance, feel, and performance. The Commandant of the Marine Corps received the esteemed Serial No. 1, which is now exhibited at the U.S.M.C. Museum in Quantico.

The overwhelming response to the U.S.M.C. Commemorative edition confirmed that the old KA-BAR Military/Utility Knife had maintained its reputation over time. Marines, knife enthusiasts, and collectors eagerly embraced the limited production Commemorative edition. Recognizing the demand, KA-BAR resumed production and restored the knife to its original specifications. Thankfully, the company had preserved the original blueprints in its archives.

Thus, the iconic “fighting KA-BAR” returned in all its glory. Today, it remains a favorite among Marines, who often choose it as their personal option knife for active duty. Additionally, adventurers, survivalists, outdoor sportsmen, and knife collectors are drawn to this legendary American tool.