KA-BAR , confused with dating this

[Ripster]

Been getting ready for some hunting and in the box of folding hunters this one . Not sure when I got it, so checked some charts and old posts. Now more confused to dating than when started, it’s a great knife, but got many to choose from ,to you KA-BAR guys, would you use it or stash it. It’s in very good shape. Is it good for trade? Think Paid 20.00 it ,got sheath somewhere around here.
Appreciate your feedback ,don’t know much about this brand ,thanks .

[Ripster]

Note ,it also has etch that didn’t see earlier. KA-BAR U.S.A. over 1189 stainless. Thanks again for any advice. JP

[Gunsil]

These had a pretty long run, circa 1968-2001. I don't know who actually made them, they were not made at the KA-BAR factory in Olean, NY. I'd say use it, they have not yet really become collector items.

[Ripster]

These had a pretty long run, circa 1968-2001. I don't know who actually made them, they were not made at the KA-BAR factory in Olean, NY. I'd say use it, they have not yet really become collector items.

Thank you , appreciate it. It’ll make a good knife for hunting season. Have a good one .

[Greenman]

These had a pretty long run, circa 1968-2001. I don't know who actually made them, they were not made at the KA-BAR factory in Olean, NY. I'd say use it, they have not yet really become collector items.

IIRC, the earlier model 1189s were produced in Olean—not in the KA-BAR factory, but under contract by Alcas/Cutco. Cutco began phasing out much of their contract production after the 1982 buyout, and ceased producing any contract knives after they lost tens of thousands of dollars to Jim Parker when he bankrupted both Case and the Cutlery World retail chain in 1990.

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