Ka-Bar Navy MKI deck knife

The KA-BAR brand originated as a trademark of the Tidioute Cutlery Company. Tidioute was later taken over & renamed the Union Cutlery Company which continued making the brand until Union eventually adopted it as the company name in 1952. Cutco Corporation later acquired the company in 1996.
Post Reply
eveled
Posts: 2288
Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2017 9:37 pm

Ka-Bar Navy MKI deck knife

Post by eveled »

Here is a picture of my favorite KaBar with two of it's grandsons.

I collect Navy MkI knives and the original KaBar version is the nicest IMHO.

I sent a letter to Kabar telling them how much I thought of their deck knife and that they should make a new version. They sent a letter saying thanks. About 8 months later they were making the new version. Coincidence? I don't know, but I d like to think I helped bring it to reality. They could have at least sent me a hat! LOL!
Attachments
IMG_20161023_155052146_zpsmgo4mr0h.jpg
User avatar
philco
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14949
Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2008 9:32 pm
Location: Kentucky (Wildcat Country)

Re: Ka-Bar Navy MKI deck knife

Post by philco »

That is a fine looking knife design. I can see why you're fond of them. ::tu::
Phil
AAPK Administrator

Jesus died for you. Are you living for Him?

"Buy More Ammo!"
Johnnie Fain 1949-2009
Captain O

Re: Ka-Bar Navy MKI deck knife

Post by Captain O »

These were originally patterned after the hunting knives of the late 1920's. The USN Mark 1 Deck Knife is a "do-it-all" knife that can take anything someone in the field can throw at it. They served from 1942 through 1975 on the decks of many a Destroyer, Mine Sweeper, Supply Ship, PT Boat, etc. You name it, it was there. Why? It was a General Purpose sheath knife used for everything from unpacking crates to hand-to-hand combat.

The Mark 1 Deck Knife was similar to the phone booth. Ubiquitous, reliable, worked very well, and there when it was needed.

I love it!
Gunsil
Posts: 2760
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 5:25 pm
Location: Lower Hudson River valley, N.Y.

Re: Ka-Bar Navy MKI deck knife

Post by Gunsil »

There are several versions of the KA-BAR WW2 MK1, is that the only one you have??
eveled
Posts: 2288
Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2017 9:37 pm

Re: Ka-Bar Navy MKI deck knife

Post by eveled »

That's the only KaBar version I have. I have others from PAL, Camillus, Robeson, and others.
User avatar
Pile Driver
Posts: 340
Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 5:18 pm
Location: North Shore MA

Re: Ka-Bar Navy MKI deck knife

Post by Pile Driver »

Was there ever a 5.5 blade with a blood groove
eveled
Posts: 2288
Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2017 9:37 pm

Re: Ka-Bar Navy MKI deck knife

Post by eveled »

Camillus had one with and without the groove. I think 5 inch.
DSC00003_zpstvrsh98c.jpg
Gunsil
Posts: 2760
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 5:25 pm
Location: Lower Hudson River valley, N.Y.

Re: Ka-Bar Navy MKI deck knife

Post by Gunsil »

That Camillus is an air corps knife, the Camillus MK 1 didn't have a fuller.
Post Reply

Return to “KA-BAR Knife Collector's Forum”