Mark I Fixed Blade Knife 5.125" Clip Point 1095 Cro-Van Black Blade Kraton Handle Black

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: S U H - W E E E T ! ! ! Ok ... I am a Navy Vet so I am proud and partial. Truly, though, this must be just about *THE* perfect knife for Texas fixed-blade EDC. This blade is 5.125" long with a 5 inch cutting edge, which is legal for Texas Every-Day Carry (exposed or concealed ... Texas = 5.5" MAX, from handle to tip) and is the PERFECT compromise in length, thickness, grind, profile, weight, ergonomics, safety features and PRICE ! CONS: ? ... NONE (SERIOUSLY!) ... The only improvements, to make this system any more perfect, MIGHT be to make the sheath out of Kydex, rather than "plastic" and to (maybe) add a standard fire-steel carrier ... Perhaps enlarge the full tang from the "pinned-rat-tail" to something a bit beefier. My hands are huge and meaty so, I am glad that the handle is not any shorter. So, it is not absolutely perfect but neither is my $160 TOPS Brothers of Bushcraft Fieldcraft Knife (which does come somewhat closer to a perfect "total system"). This knife will give you an astounding degree of general utility and it "ANSWERS" a VERY broad range of task requirements ... Moreso than just about any fixed blade system I have encountered at any price (and I have a large collection of production knives). It is lighter than it looks. With a 5 inch cutting edge of 1095 high-carbon steel, it can effectively baton the largest of kindling and make a fire-board and drill-set, in a snap. It is not long enough or heavy enough to chop but can be employed using expert "bend and slice" techniques (in similar manner as Moras are often used), to fell saplings, for shelters and supports. Coupled with a Bahco Laplander folding saw, you will have a very robust and complete survival and bushcraft cutting system that will endure any expedition in any terrain or habitat. You can carry this knife and a folding saw, legally, just about anywhere, in Texas ... all the time. Both will fit in a waist-pack or gear-slinger, without public "presentation". Let's talk about the AWESOME SHEATH !! ... This sheath makes the system truly flexible and expands the modality in many significant (practical) ways. It is fully ambidextrous and both of the retaining straps are reversible, as is the blade orientation. In addition to the TWO (fully reversible) "snap-strap" retainers is an integral, molded plastic retainer tab that releases when you wedge your fingers between the handle and sheath. Mounting methods and orientation are almost unlimited ... Fully MOLLE, ALICE and TYPE-III Para-Cord "adaptable" ... Will mount on your pack or a drop-leg platform or can ride high or low. Scout and appendix carry are natural and it will mount to water-bottle carriers or messenger straps, etc. Weather-proof ... drain-hole ... all that. Unlimited options for mods and accessories. NOW, THE KNIFE ! : OK ... Every reviewer that holds this knife falls in love with the grip ergonomics, immediately. Me too! ... Any angle, any grip ... Bushcraft power-grip, etc. ... all that ... nice and grippy and firm-yet-squishy ... NICE ... FEELS JUST GREAT and grip is safe and positive, wet or dry. PLEASE NOTE the unique hand guard which extends fully, at the bottom (edge-side) and is abbreviated (ground down) on the top (the spine-side) ... This allows for a VERY comfortable grip when applying leverage to the spine, with your thumb or, when guiding the tip, with your finger, as when skinning and boning with the "sharp-finger" technique. The small stub of the top guard fits nicely in the joint of your thumb or finger to add just that much more stability (nice, when bare hands are cold and/or wet). THE POMMEL is flared and flattened so that you can drive stakes or even nails or spikes (within reason), though the pinned-rat-tail-tang design does have physical limits to repeated abuse. The pommel will get the job done, though, when you need it and can break glass or pound heads, as you please. THE BLADE IS AVAILABLE IN A PLAIN EDGE OR A HALF-SERRATED EDGE (as your preference and requirements may dictate ... same price for either profile). The blade is 1095 FULL FLAT GRIND (whether plain or half-serrated). If you want the exact historical replica of the ORIGINAL WWII Navy Issue System, with a leather stacked handle and a leather sheath, you can have that too, for about ~$15 or ~$20 more (Search = "Ka-Bar Mark-1" for ALL model options). So ... Is this an effective Fighting Knife? ... YES ... It has almost all of the 5.5" legal reach that Texas Law allows, but the USMC FIGHTING KNIFE is better for combat, if legal restrictions do not apply to your requirements. ... Is the USN MARK-1 a great Bushcraft Knife ? ... YES ! ... Only one inch longer blade than the optimum 4" blade that is the average optimal edge length, for finer Bushcraft/Fieldcraft tasks (stakes, notches, carving, etc.) yet, it has a bit more span, for batoning larger diameter dry kindling and, also, the 1095 high carbon steel is optimum for throwing sparks from either "found flint" or a ferrocerium rod (fire-steel). You can hammer, using the pommel, with the sheath very securely attached (triple redundant retention). ... Is it a good Hunting Knife? ... YES (very much so) ... The full flat grind and ample belly, together with the unobstructed spine, the sure grip, and the reach that is needed for boning and quartering makes it nigh ideal for most game-processing tasks (it ain't no fillet knife). As a Camp Kitchen and Utility knife? ... YES ... pretty much ideal and also very safe. ... Survival ? ... NOT a chopper and I would hate to use mine for digging or prying but, as far as a LEGAL EDC OPTION ? ... For it's near maximum legal size, it is as good as it gets. Oh ... and at WHAT PRICE !! ?? ... FIFTY BUCKS DELIVERED !! ?? ... NO ... WAY !! (Yes, "WAY", kiddies). MERRY CHRISTMAS, Bush Babies ! Nothing not to love, here. You would need something smaller as an optimized "bird-and-trout" knife and, ... As for all-out Survival? You would be better off with a Becker BK-7, A Recon Scout, or even a BK-9 or a Trailmaster *IF* size and weight were not limiting factors. This improved and updated Mil-Spec knife has been a favorite of the military and civilians for over 60 years and I would so trade a Gerber LMF for THIS (in a heart-beat). Just a crazy value. This knife doth ROCK !

This is just a review of my initial impressions regarding this knife. At first touch, WOW!! I've had the similar K-Bar knife the "Short Marine Fighting Knife", for quite some time now and just loved the way that thing performed. Not too big and not too small, just right for an all around outdoors knife. My only gripe to that knife was the thinness of the handle, never really felt hand filling to me. When using it hard it would start to hurt your hand, kind of like a hand cramp because you were squeezing it soo hard to make sure you had a solid grip on the thin handle. Well maybe I had two gripes with the knife (for my uses, outdoors not fighting) was the hollow ground blade, always like full flat ground. Yea these are just nitpicks because like I said earlier it's still an awesome knife. Now this knife solves all my previously mentioned gripes making this knife in my mind, perfect! Same kraton handle only thicker with a better palm swell, losing the cutout rings for a more light pebble type finish and a full flat ground blade. I have a size large hands and this thing fits like a glove in my hand, the purchase is perfect on the kraton handle and long enough where the pommel is not in the way or obscured. The other difference is there is only a blade side hilt, no double hilt on this knife. This is a plus as now you can use your thumb on the spine of the blade for better control of push cuts, I believe this also adds to the "Fighting" ability of this knife in the Filipino type grip (Kali). Lastly we have the GRN (kydex) sheath which retains the knife very well and utilizes a snap type of retention on the knife. You can't just rip the knife out of the sheath you actually have to use your thumb to push away and pull to release the knife. Sounds more complicated than it actually is, it's really easy and makes for great knife retention in any orientation. The sheath has a couple of straps for the handle one crossover and another higher on the handle. It secures by a belt loop which a D-ring is also attached, but there are holes all over the edges that will fit paracord allowing for all kinds of options. I'll finally add that the sheath is slim and narrow not cumbersome at all, large drainhole is nice. I highly recommend this knife for any outdoorsman!

Being a huge Ka-Bar/Becker fan , I just had to give this one a try . First impressions found it decently sharp out of the box , nicely packaged . Not a huge fan of the scabard type sheath ( but is still solidly built with 3 retention points ) No fear of losing this one with the given sheath ! The size and feel / balance are excellent and the Kraton handle is quite "grippy" and don't suspect it will be an issue if wet either . The 5" blade is nicely designed and will lend itself nicely to many tasks , whether hiking , fishing , camping , etc... The blade is of nice thickness and is full stick tang construction and the end cap would be great for light hammering tasks ( e.g. Tent pegs ...) A hefty little knife and not too heavy for carrying whether on a belt or pack . Would certainly feel right at home carving , cleaning fish & game , light chopping , carving , food prep or any camp / yard chores you can give it ! This paired with a larger Ka-Bar / Becker would certainly take care of any field chores ... My only gripe is the sheath ( but have since replaced it with a custom leather sheath from Savage Sheaths )and is certainly my new fave "All-Around" knife . If your looking for a medium size knife ( Made in USA too ) ...Look no further as this knife is superb in all aspects . Thanks Ka-Bar and Amazon !!!

Absolutely great overall knife for the value. 1095 steel with a durable rust resistant coating on top. Remember that high carbon steel can and will rust so try to keep the edge and any part where that coating falls off (and it will eventually with very hard use as do all coated knives) oiled with whatever your oil or grease of choice. I actually use the oil my face makes when out in the woods. The knife came pretty heckin sharp, though roughly ground. For outdoor use (which is what it is intended for), that's no big deal. It takes an edge without too much effort on a wetstone. The sheath is amazing. I love the 3 points of retention, which you can choose to use or not depending on your needs. Generous belt loop, plus the multiple lashing point. The handle is super ergonomic and feels good in the hands with no hotspots. If you have extra large hands though, you may find the handle a little too short for a comfy fit. I would say my hands are large and while still comfy, it is teetering on just being a little too small. It's honestly just a great all around knife.

This knife has a blade just a little narrower than I prefer-- about 1/8" at a guess-- but it is stiff and strong and I have a lot of faith in it. The handle is comfortable and gives a secure grip. The knife is not especially sharp. I ran it over one of my ceramic hones, but that didn't seem to improve it any. It is still sharp enough to shave a little hair off my arm, but not as sharp as most of my other Ka-Bar knives have been. Even though the blade is a little thin, it retains a lot of that thickness down near the edge and out near the point. It ought to be plenty strong for just about any job. The handle is about the same shape front and back and the blade just has a stubby little guard, so if you grabbed this knife in the dark, it would be hard to figure out which edge was the cutting edge and which the spine. That is a problem for a tactical/survival knife. The knife will fit in the sheath either way-- great for lefties, but it doesn't help you find that cutting edge in the dark. The knife is a tad heavy for its size, but not objectionably so. I'd guess eight ounces. Most of this weight is in the handle, and the knife is distinctly handle-heavy. The balance point is almost halfway down the handle. I don't mind it, but some may find it annoying. The sheath is kydex, a hard plastic, and is almost perfect. As noted, the knife fits either way, and the retaining straps are reversable, so if you like having them on the other side, go for it. The sheath retains the knife three ways-- by friction, and by the two straps. The knife locks into the sheath nicely. It takes a little effort to pop it out. This is a balancing act in which most kydex sheaths fail. They either hold the knife too tightly or too loosely. This sheath is just right. There is a black nylon web strap with a metal snap that secures the knife across its guard, and another that secures the knife around the end of the handle. I have no doubt that if I jumped out of a perfectly good government aircraft with this knife triple-secured in its sheath and the sheath secured to my body, it would still be with me when I reached the ground, no matter how rough the ride was. For those of us who aren't airborne infantry, we can probably get by with any two of the three methods of securing the knife. Just pick the two you like best and you may rest assured that when you hike, camp, hunt, whatever, your knife will always be with you. Even if one of the straps or snaps breaks, you've got another. Even if they both break, the knife probably isn't going anywhere. The sheath features a square drain hole at the bottom. This knife is made in USA.

The Ka-Bar Mark 1 United States Navy knife is a good all purpose knife. I appreciate the Kraton handle especially when wet. A real plus for a field knife. I also like the clip point blade for versatility and strength. The knife has a steel hilt and pommel which I prefer in a knife as well. This model is new out last year and comes with a Kydex sheath. The sheath also has holes drilled on the sides of it for the installation of 550 parachute cord that is so useful in the field for survival. I bought mine to hang on my gun belt because it is short enough to not be in the way when I get in and out of my SUV vehicle while hunting the back roads here in Western Oregon. I also don't want to ever be caught with out a straight bladed knife, as once I was in SE Oregon, when hunting deer. After having knee surgery, I was forced to use a 4" folding knife to gut and skin a deer, since I was not able to walk far back to the truck and would have much preferred to have had this short but effective knife hanging from my pistol belt ready to do business. So I recommend this knife to anybody that needs a easy to carry strong field knife while hunting or other outdoor activities. The price of Ka-Bar knives is very reasonable, especially for American made quality. Enjoy!

Wow! So I was a big fan of my original WWI MK1 KA-BAR, and now after owning this knife they picked up right where they left off. I find this knife the perfect size for REAL WORLD function. I am in the Military and this is the highest quality and so far best knife to date. Though I would still recommend this for just regular use for camping or well just anything that you would need a knife for. The weight is perfect. great balance. If you use it a lot you will find out cause there will be no fatigue in you hand or wrist. The knife edge is great from the start. Holds an amazing edge. Also the black powder coat really holds up well! Also very easy to sharpen! The tang is larger than the original and I believe a little stronger. The new handle material is similar to that of a boot soul. Little rubbery but in a great way. I know I can grip it well. Great improvement! The handle is a little thicker too, which feels better. I have size large hands. My wife likes it too and well there small hands and still fit great. The case doesn't come off cheap, which is nice. I love the 3 locking system. Now camping or on the go I can put it to my rucksack and know I WILL NOT LOSE IT! multiple tie downs, and even 2 different spots for webbing, nice feature! All in all I believe I just found the last knife I will buy. I dare to have anybody show me a better one. yes sometimes on amazon there only about $45-$55. After owning the new MK1, if I ever loose it I would pay 3 times that to get it again. I think its that great of a knife!!!

Love it! Perfect size for my hand, fits like a glove. Decently sharp out of the box. The overall fit and finish is absolutely perfect. Not a flaw to be found. Super grippy handle. The sheath is pretty decent as well! A perfect US made knife at this price point is a no-brainer.

Leider ging dieses Messer zurück, was hauptsächlich an 3 Punkten lag : 1. Bereits bei Lieferung blätterte die Farbe der Parierstange ab. 2. Die Klinge war sehr dünn, alles in Allem zu biegsam und zudem am Ricasso völlig asymmetrisch verschliffen. 3. Der kurze Griff ist geeignet für Handgröße 9 abwärts. Ich mit meinen 10-11 fand darauf keinen Platz. Ich besitze noch zwei alte USMCs der Firma Ka-bar und muss sagen, dass mich die Qualität der aktuellen Messer schwer enttäuscht. Ich hatte mir von einem alten Klassiker wie dem Navy Mark 1 deutlich mehr erhofft. Einen Stern gibt es für das klassisch zeitlose Design, den anderen für die funktionale Scheide, diese gefiel mir ganz gut.

The Shorty is out, I just bought a 2nd copy of this knife. I decided to modify my first one by filing a flat on the spine for ferro rod fire starting, folded the hilt hasp under the webbing loop. The sheath has adequate retention and with the thumb strap it is secured more than adequately to meet my needs. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I chose the USN Mk I for the shorter blade but retaining a full size grip (rather than the shorty's 75% in every dimension comparted to a Mk II). No regrets on that choice. The Kraton G is well regarded as a good grip material, no hot spots and good feel and grip even when wet. It is also well regarded for it's longevity, some knives have been in use for 20 years and are as good as new. I like the hard scabbard though I have little need for the 3 point retention system as I don't plan on leaping out of an airplane or helicopter anytime soon. The scabbard by itself has good retention, the thumb strap adds extra security and I fold the hilt strap behind the webbing's first layer to get it out of the way. A large drain hole for water is provided on the back of the scabbard. Most of my uses for any knife are utility: opening packages, cutting some cardboard, making some feather sticks to start a fire and so on. A shorter and lighter knife is more useful for 99% of my tasks. 1095 CroVan steel has a lot to recommend it. Far from being a modern super steel, it nonetheless has many good features. Tough, easy to sharpen and takes a keen edge with decent edge retention. It is however, nowhere near to being stainless so a bit of mineral oil after use is a good rust prevention measure. I keep a large aluminum pill cannister (sealed with an o-ring), to store some mineral oil and keep several handy. In the car, in my daily carry bag for camping etc. A few drops goes a long way. I cut a section of large bicycle inner tube as a Ranger band to hold a ferro rod or two and also filed the finish off a section of the spine to make it sharp enough to throw sparks from the ferro rods. A small silky saw makes firewood processing easier than carry a much heavier hatchet in the wood. i will likely buy both Mk I and Mk II models with the more traditional leather grip and sheaths to satisfy the purist in me. They will also look great to some Estwing hatchets and splitting mauls of similar construction.

Excellent general purpose knife with ''Kabar'' quality as an assurance of dependabilty. Excel in cutting slicing or chopping lot of materials (and keeping and edge!). It is a pretty good hunting knife if sharpen adequately, not as good as a Buck (119 for moose or bear, 105 for deer or smaller ame and 102 for rabbit, grouse or cleaning fish) but close (you can use your thumb or finger over the blade for delicate cuts and the shape of the blade is on par with most clip point knives). I used it on a regular basis for fishing or hunting in backcountry as it is strong enough for any survival task unless you asked it to do some thing outside its league (like batonning a 10'' log, which by the way is totally unneccessary). I own many good knives (bigger like USMC or more specialised like Buck 105 or CRKT Kommer and some good folders like Cold Steel Recon, Spyderco Delica, Sogzilla, Kabar Dozier...) and the only one that, IMO, can compete for a jack of all trade job in backcountry is the Becker BK15 (another Kabar) which is better for cleaning fish and small game and is an outstanding slicer altough I wouldn't hesitate to use it with utmost confidence in a survival situation. As for most of Kabar knives, you have to pay a lot more to get a more useful or dependable knife.

This is the first knife I have ever purchased and I'm more than impressed. After doing a lot of research, I was torn between buying the MK1 and the BK16. What sold me was the kydex sheath that comes with the MK1 and the kraton handle. I have large size hands and the knife fits perfectly, although if my hands were any bigger this knife would be too small. Razor sharp out of the box and very comfortable to carry.

Solid knife overall. I cant find any faults with the knife at all, which is why I buy KA-Bars in the first place. The sheath is total over kill, it has a snap in place lock and two buckle overs. I removed one of the buckles to make it easier to draw from my belt and it still locks in place firmly.