KA-BAR Knives has manufactured fixed blade knives in Olean, New York since relocating there in 1911 as Union Cutlery Company. The KA-BAR name originated in 1923 from a partially legible letter sent by a fur trapper who used one of the company's knives to kill a wounded bear after his rifle jammed. On November 23, 1942, the United States Marine Corps adopted the KA-BAR Fighting/Utility Knife as the Mark 2 combat knife, designed to serve as both a fighting knife and utility tool. Multiple manufacturers including Camillus, Robeson, and PAL produced the Mark 2 during World War II, but the KA-BAR trademark became so recognizable that Marines referred to any similar knife as a "Kabar" regardless of manufacturer. Union Cutlery officially changed its name to KA-BAR Cutlery Inc. in 1952 to capitalize on the knife's widespread recognition.
1095 Cro-Van Carbon Steel Construction
KA-BAR manufactures the USMC Fighting/Utility Knife and other models using 1095 Cro-Van steel, heat treated to 56-58 HRC. This steel is based on Sharon Steel Company's 170-06 alloy, essentially 1095 carbon steel with added chromium, vanadium, nickel, and molybdenum for improved performance. The chromium and vanadium provide slightly better corrosion resistance and a toothier, more aggressive cutting edge compared to straight 1095 steel. The 7-inch clip point blade features a flat grind and 20-degree edge angle optimized for slicing, chopping, and utility tasks. Guards and pommels on traditional models use sintered 1095 carbon steel, while handles feature stacked leather washers for secure grip in wet conditions.
Becker Series and Master Series Collaborations
Beyond the iconic USMC knife, KA-BAR produces the Becker Knife & Tool line designed by Ethan Becker for bushcraft and tactical applications. Becker models like the BK2 Campanion, BK7 Combat Utility, and BK9 Combat Bowie use 1095 Cro-Van steel with epoxy powder-coated finishes and Grivory or Ultramid handles. The Master Series program collaborates with custom knifemakers including Bob Dozier, John Benner of Tactical Defense Institute, Jesse Jarosz, and Les George to produce specialized designs. These collaborations expand KA-BAR's offerings into law enforcement, hunting, and outdoor markets while maintaining the company's manufacturing standards. All fixed blades undergo KA-BAR's proprietary heat treatment and testing processes developed over more than a century of production.
Made in Olean New York Manufacturing
KA-BAR operates from its Olean, New York facility at 200 Homer Street, sharing manufacturing space with Cutco Cutlery (parent company Alcas Corporation acquired KA-BAR in 1996). The company traces its origins to 1898 when production began as Tidioute Cutlery Company in Pennsylvania. After relocating to Olean in 1911, KA-BAR has remained in Western New York's cutlery manufacturing region, except for a brief attempt to relocate to Georgia in the 1950s. Current production includes the traditional USMC knife with leather or Kraton G handles, as well as modern variants with synthetic materials, D2 tool steel blades, and specialized finishes. The facility produces over 100 different knife models spanning military, law enforcement, hunting, and outdoor categories.
Tactical Fixed Blades and Utility Knives
KA-BAR's catalog extends from compact utility knives to large tactical fixed blades. The Slabby features full tang construction with glass-filled nylon slab handles for maximum durability. Modified tanto designs offer reinforced tip geometry for prying and breaching tasks. Serrated edge options improve cutting performance on synthetic materials and webbing. Handle materials range from traditional stacked leather to modern Kraton G elastomer, Grivory polymer, and Kraton/Cordura combinations. Sheaths include leather, Celcon hard plastic with MOLLE compatibility, and Kydex, depending on the model. Each knife ships with KA-BAR's limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects and material flaws under normal use conditions.
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