Here is a question I rec'd and figured I'd answer it here so others can add comments.
Quote:
I have been looking at buying
a USMC with a leather handle or the smaller 5" shorty. I'm sure the full USMC is
far more durable but whats your opinion on the durability of the shorter when it
comes to battoning or chopping? One more quick question, how easy do they really
rust as I live in the NW where it is non stop rain and close to the
coast...would this still be a good choice?
I have owned probably, 6 USMC style Kabars in my time. I currently have two and would not trade them for anything.
Kabar number one is a MKII that I purchased when I was 12 or 13. It has served me very well all over the world. I have taken it diving in Panama and the Pacific ocean on many adventures. Yes, they do rust if you put them back in the sheath wet or if the sheath inside is wet.
My Kabar has the fiberglass hard sheath with the drain hole in the bottom. I would not use a leather sheath if I was in a constant wet area. The hard sheath actually cleans the blade when you put the knife in, and sort of wipes it off as you pull it out. You have to take care of the blade no matter what Kabar you purchase.
The blade of the MKII is made differently from all other Kabars I've seen made. I've seen many Kabar blades snap in half while doing a variety of tasks that the knife was not made for. I have put my MKII through the same torture, just using it, and have not had any problems. I believe the MKII blade is made diff. from the mass produced Kabars of the 80's and 90's.
The second Kabar is the New Generation, what can I say? It is awsome. The rubberized grip is comfy and grippy. The metal of the blade, is diff., it seems to be sharper than the MKII and when I wing it down range at the target, it sticks just fine. Very sturdy.
I have never used the shorter blade Kabars, so I can not comment on their capabilities, I can however say that personally, I would not own one. Reason, It's a Kabar, but to me, it's not the full size version. Guess it's my USMC ego a little.
My recomendation would be to pick up a New Generation or a used MKII with the hard sheath. Both will run ya close to 100 bucks, but they are well worth it. I also use the hard sheath with the new Kabar as, like a scenario that we once had on the board, almost stabbed myself. Oh yeh, in the scenario I did stab myself.
Others may have opinions, please post them.
