FAQs
The great thing about FAQ pages is that you can get answers to all your questions without anyone ever realizing there was something about knives you didn't know already.
So, get your answers here and preserve your knife-expert status.
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Featured Questions
- > How can I find out how much my old knife is worth?
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We don't assess current values for old knives. We recommend you review eBay listings to check their market value. You may also be able to find information on KA-BAR knives in reference books like those written by Bernard Levine. That guy seriously knows what he's talking about.
- > How do I sharpen my KA-BAR?
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Keep knives sharp by touching up edges as needed. Most KA-BAR knives can be sharpened using an Arkansas stone or commonly available sharpening system. Most knives can easily be touched up using a coarse or hard stone.
When bringing back a very dull edge, a coarse or hard stone should be used first, followed by a finer, softer stone.
Knives made with D2 steel require diamond or ceramic sharpeners.
Knives should at no time be sharpened on a belt sander or bench grinder. These machines ruin a factory-sharpened edge.
- > Does KA-BAR still make the 7" fighting/utility knife with USCG stamped on the blade? Does KA-BAR make a U.S. Coast Guard commemorative knife? I think the model # was 1208. If so I would like to purchase one of the knives.
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It's not usually an easy decision to make, but from time to time KA-BAR has to eliminate items from it's product line in order to make room for new models. Such is the case with the USCG knife which was last sold in 2008. Generally speaking, odds are pretty good that if you don't see a knife on our website, we no longer make it.
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Historical and Old KA‑BAR Knives
- > How can I find out how much my old knife is worth?
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We don't assess current values for old knives. We recommend you review eBay listings to check their market value. You may also be able to find information on KA-BAR knives in reference books like those written by Bernard Levine. That guy seriously knows what he's talking about.
- > How can I tell the age of my knife?
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If the blade of your knife is marked with a four-digit code, you may be able to find it on the list here. If you can’t find a product code, we may be able to help you identify your knife using photos. Please shoot both sides of the blade, note any unique markings, measurements, etc, and send it to info@ka-bar.com. Please allow a couple weeks for a response... sometimes these things are really tough to pinpoint.
- > Is there a KA-BAR museum to which I can donate my old knife?
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Thanks for thinking of us. There are some items we're looking to add to our official collection. Please send detailed information about your knife to info@ka-bar.com. We'll let you know if your knife fits the bill... or if it would be better passed down to the next generation of your own family. Remember, with every knife there is at least one story worth telling.
- > Does KA-BAR ever buy back old, historically significant knives?
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There are some items we're looking to add to our official collection and we appreciate you thinking of us. Please send detailed information about your knife to info@ka-bar.com. We'll let you know if your knife is something we're looking for.
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About KA-BAR
- > I've seen KA-BAR spelled many different ways. Which is correct?
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KA-BAR is the current, official spelling of our name. But we're an old company and over the years Ka-bar, Ka-Bar, Kabar, and KABAR have all been used. Wondering where a name like KA-BAR comes from? Read a little bit about it here.
- > Is KA-BAR on Twitter?
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Well aren't you social savvy? We are on Twitter. Follow us here: http://twitter.com/KA_BAR.
- > Does KA-BAR have a Facebook page?
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You betcha. Like us here
- > Is there a store in my area that sells KA-BAR?
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While many stores across the U.S. sell our products, most of them buy through distributors. As a result, it's hard to track exactly who is selling our products. If you are having trouble finding a seller in your area, please check out our Where to Buy page for a list of many of our retailers.
- > Kind of disturbing my KA-BAR knives have a made in China and made in Taiwan stamp on them. Why arent these knives produced in the USA?
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While KA-BAR would prefer to manufacturer all its knives in the USA, it would be cost prohibitive to do so. The company offers many, many USA made knives and continually strives to design products that are manufacturable for a reasonable price in the states. KA-BAR also partners with reputable manufacturers in Taiwan and China. These suppliers are required to uphold the same high standards as knives manufactured in our own plant. And, rest assured, our imported products are covered under KA-BAR'S Limited Lifetime Warranty as well.
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Knife Laws
- > How do I find out about laws regarding knives?
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There are various organizations whose sole purpose is to protect knife owners. You may do well to consult AKTI (American Knife and Tool Institute) or KnifeRights.org. You should also check with local authorities for regional legislation.
- > Can KA-BAR tell me if I am allowed to carry a specific knife?
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We seriously recommend consulting local authorities about knife laws. Seriously.
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Knife Care, Repair and Warranty
- > Does KA-BAR offer a sharpening service?
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We do not offer a sharpening service. Please contact info@ka-bar.com for referral. You also may have some luck searching online for a local shop or repairman.
- > Does KA-BAR have a repair facility?
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We don’t offer repair or refurbishing service. Please contact info@ka-bar.com for referral. You also may have some luck searching online for a local shop or repairman.
- > My knife broke while I was throwing it. Is this covered under warranty?
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No. Our warranty specifically advises against throwing knives. It never ends well.
- > How do I clean my KA-BAR knife?
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Wipe KA-BAR knife blades after use with a dry, soft cloth.
- > What should I do if my KA-BAR has been exposed to salt water?
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If knives are exposed to salt water, wash with mild dish detergent, rinse with tap water, then wipe with a dry, soft cloth.
- > How should I store my KA-BAR?
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Treat blades with a light coating of mineral oil before storing. Store knives in a dry area out of their sheaths, preferably in the cardboard sleeve provided at the time of purchase.
- > How do I sharpen my KA-BAR?
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Keep knives sharp by touching up edges as needed. Most KA-BAR knives can be sharpened using an Arkansas stone or commonly available sharpening system. Most knives can easily be touched up using a coarse or hard stone.
When bringing back a very dull edge, a coarse or hard stone should be used first, followed by a finer, softer stone.
Knives made with D2 steel require diamond or ceramic sharpeners.
Knives should at no time be sharpened on a belt sander or bench grinder. These machines ruin a factory-sharpened edge.
- > What is the recommended sharpening angle for Ka-Bar utility knives?
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All final edges are put on by hand at the factory. We aim for approximately 40 degrees inclusive (20 degrees per side). This can be adjusted by the end user as required.
- > Can KA-BAR's be used extensively underwater? Scuba diving in fresh water?
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None of the products currently offered by KA-BAR are recommended for extensive use under water. Please read more in our Knife Care, Repair and Warranty section on what to do if your knife happens to get wet.
- > Hi, I lost one of the nuts and bolts to my BK9 knife handle. Can you please send me a replacement?
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KA-BAR will do its best to send out at no charge replacement fasteners for any current product. Please provide your full name and mailing address. If we are unable to fulfill your request we will send you an email.
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Product Offerings and Catalogs
- > How often does KA-BAR introduce new products?
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We release most of our new products early in the year, between January and April, but we'll occasionally introduce new products at other times as well. Be sure to keep checking our website or sign up for our email newsletters to stay on top of product news.
- > How often does KA-BAR print catalogs?
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We print our full-line trade catalog once a year, usually in January.
- > Can I get a folding knife pad printed?
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No. At this time pad printing is only offered on knives with the traditional blade shape, like our #1217 USMC knife. We are able to engrave most knives though. Visit our Custom Engraving & Printing page for more information.
- > Does KA-BAR offer Web Exclusive items?
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Occasionally we'll produce a small batch of products exclusively for the website. We also use the site to sell non-knife products, such as badass T-Shirts and promotional items.
- > How is the Grass Machete Blade attached to the Kraton handles? Is there a Tang imbedded in the handle?
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The Kraton handle is rammed into a full-length tapered tang. After being fully seated, the handle is secured to the tang with a grommet that is cross pinned and swaged.
- > I am a Vector Sales rep. Do I get a discount on KA-BAR products? If so, how do I take advantage of this?
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Please contact KA-BAR Customer Service at our toll free number, 1-800-282-0130. We'll walk you through the process of ordering.
- > Are the Ka-Bar USMC, Classic Knives, Tanto blades, and all others with the classic leather stacked handle full tang? I viewed your online tour of how your blades are made, but it seemed more focused on the USMC classic clip point models, but how about the other blades? Specifically the Tanto?
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All of the knives that have the classic KA-BAR shaped handle (ie leather and Kraton) have a full length, narrow tang. The leather washers or Kraton handle is slid over the tang and a metal pommel is pressed onto the end of the tang. The pommel is then cross pinned with a stainless steel pin. The leather handled Tanto is made using this same construction.
- > What's the tanto blade design for or best for?
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The Tanto blade shape is primarily a combat shape with enough curve on the length for slashing and a strong, reinforced point for thrusting. However, the shape is versatile and durable and can be used for most general purposes.
- > Does KA-BAR still make the 7" fighting/utility knife with USCG stamped on the blade? Does KA-BAR make a U.S. Coast Guard commemorative knife? I think the model # was 1208. If so I would like to purchase one of the knives.
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It's not usually an easy decision to make, but from time to time KA-BAR has to eliminate items from it's product line in order to make room for new models. Such is the case with the USCG knife which was last sold in 2008. Generally speaking, odds are pretty good that if you don't see a knife on our website, we no longer make it.
- > I have a serrated KA-BAR model 1211, but it seems everywhere I look, the serrated version is supposed to be 1212. Are both models just marked with 1211, or is something wrong here?
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Since the blade blanks are the same and serrations are added as a final process, both the straight edge and serrated edge Kraton handled KA-BAR knives are marked '1211' at the tang.
