New to the Forum – Looking for Info on My Father’s KA-BAR Knife

[cushman12]

Hello! I’m new to the forum and really appreciate the opportunity to learn from you all. I recently came across my father’s old KA-BAR knife and would love help identifying it.

I’m not looking to sell — this knife holds a ton of sentimental value for me, and I’d like to restore it respectfully. As a kid in the 1980s, I remember admiring this knife and thinking my dad was pretty cool. He passed away in 2012, and I only just found the knife stored away in the basement.

I have no idea where he got it, but he may have used it as a Boy Scout in the early 1960s in New Jersey. It’s marked “KA-BAR REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.” on one side and “UNION CUTLERY CO. / OLEAN, N.Y.” on the other. The blade is 4 5/8 inches long, and the fuller looks wider than most I’ve seen in online examples. The knife has a stacked leather handle with red and black spacers, and an aluminum pommel.

From what I’ve gathered, it might be a transitional model from the early 1950s — possibly related to the 1233 series — but the blade seems beefier and the fuller wider than most examples I’ve come across.

I’ve attached some photos and would be grateful for any insight into the model, production period, or history. I’m also hoping to find a good replacement sheath so I can preserve and protect it properly.

Thanks so much for taking the time to look. I’d love to honor this piece of my father’s history and learn as much as I can about it.

[Gunsil]

Your knife is much older, it was made between about 1930 and 1942. I'll have to do some research on the model number not that it really matters. I would only rub the blade down with 0000 steel wool and a little light oil like gun oil. If you try to make it shiny like new you will ruin any collectors value it has. Maybe a little Nevr Dull on the pommel and leave the handle alone.

[cushman12]

Thank you -- I didn't realize it was so old, that's very interesting. Maybe it was my grandfathers and he in turn gave it to my father. I like the look of the blade and will only gently use some 0000 steel wool as you suggest, and some gun oil.

[TripleF]

That's beautiful!! A true family heirloom.

I'd do a search on eBay for a sheath and then click "save search" so your notified of any new listings.

[Mumbleypeg]

I’ve attached some photos and would be grateful for any insight into the model, production period, or history. I’m also hoping to find a good replacement sheath so I can preserve and protect it properly.

It’s great to have a family heirloom! Glad you want to preserve it. One thing important to consider is the scratches and wear were out there by your father (and maybe your grandfather) so the more you polish and “clean” it, the more of them you are removing from it. It’s yours todo as you wish. Just trying to give you a perspective you may or may not have thought of.

As for the sheath, it is great to have one. But do NOT store the knife in a sheath, or in direct physical contact with it. Leather will tarnish and cause a phenomenon called “verdigris” on brass and nickel silver parts of the knife, and can eventually cause pitting of those metals. More about verdigris including pictures of it can be found here by searching the forum for the word “verdigris”.

Welcome to AAPK.

Ken

[cushman12]

I appreciate this advice and help. Maybe "preserve" is a better way to think about this knife. I definitely don't want to scrub away any of the character, I think it looks great as it is and like that it shows its history. I'm fine to leave it alone, unless it really needs some up-keep care after all these years?

I ask because, along with learning more about this knife, I'd also like to bring it back into the field. My son and I are planning a backpacking trip for this spring and I plan to bring this knife as part of my kit. It seems right to continue its story. Along with a sheath (but not for storage, thank you Mumbleypeg for the warning), I wonder if there is there anything I should do from a practical perspective before bringing it back into action? A little oil on blade or conditioner on handle? Or am I crazy to bring this thing on a backpacking trip?

Thanks again for sharing your expertise and advice...

[eveled]

Nice knife. Thanks for sharing.

[Reverand]

Congratulations on having a piece of history from your father. I have been told that Neetsfoot oil is great for leather, but I have not personally tried it. I know to avoid regular oil on leather handles. I have tried leather conditioners on sheaths, and they soften the leather. I have had several handles that became too dried out and began to crack, and nothing will save them after that. Hopefully some others will chime in who have had more experience with leather handles.
As far as carrying it camping and/or hiking, I think that is a great idea. It will help build memories with your son. But get some fluorescent paracord and make a lanyard, or something to help see it so that it does not get lost if you lay it down. That can also help keep it from bouncing loose when hiking, if fastened just right.

[Gunsil]

Never use Neats Foot oil on a knife handle!! It is good for old boots but will soften up the leather and cause it to swell. These handles were dry leather that was shellacked originally and this one looks like it is still in good shape to use.

[cushman12]

Thanks, and sounds good -- I think I'll leave the handle as is, it still seems in good shape (holding it now) even after all these decades. Must be the shellac. I'll keep you all posted if anything changes now that it's out of the basement box. Will also keep an eye out for any sheath recommendations or ideas on what model it might be. Thanks again!

[steve99f]

Your knife may be a Model 571based on what I've learned from posts made by gunsil about KABAR fixed blade knives in the past. Search for his posts on the KABAR forum. Very nice knife made more special by the connection to your father, GF, etc.

[cushman12]

Thanks, I'll do a deep dive on gunsils posts to see what else I can learn. Very happy to have already learned more about this knife! When I get a sheath I'll post another image...

Thanks again everyone.