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Transition Hunter?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2022 3:16 am
by Whitneyrifle
I got this Ka-bar off the ‘Bay, the main reason I purchased it, I am intrigued by the tang marks. It appears the main blade has the 50’s -60’s italicized Kabar logo, but the filet blade has the mid-40’s tang stamp. I am most likely wrong, but it looks like the piece may be at a “transitional “ phase? Meaning old and new stock was used in the assembly, or is it one blade was replaced/repaired? I’m not worried about it, as it will be an EDC, but any thoughts or ideas?
Re: Transition Hunter?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2022 12:18 pm
by knifeaholic
That is also unusual in that on Kabar knives of that pattern from that era, the skinner blade never has any tang stamp (usually).
Re: Transition Hunter?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2022 2:32 pm
by ea42
I'm wondering of one of the blades was replaced at some point. The bolster pin looks a little wonky.
Eric
Re: Transition Hunter?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2022 2:38 pm
by eveled
2 blade hunters are such a great pattern. I think it will be a fine edc. I like the AstenFelts shield.
Re: Transition Hunter?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2022 2:40 pm
by Gunsil
The KA-BAR over USA mark is about 1947 or 48-early 1952, the Kabar is 1952-1968 but the rough black scales are late forties-late 50s. I suppose it is possible for the blades to be "transitional" although it is not commonly seen on KA-BAR products. Naturally it is also possible that a blade was replaced. My simple opinion is that I would not have bought it although that means little.
Re: Transition Hunter?
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2022 7:48 pm
by Whitneyrifle
Gunsil wrote: ↑Fri Sep 02, 2022 2:40 pm
The KA-BAR over USA mark is about 1947 or 48-early 1952, the Kabar is 1952-1968 but the rough black scales are late forties-late 50s. I suppose it is possible for the blades to be "transitional" although it is not commonly seen on KA-BAR products. Naturally it is also possible that a blade was replaced. My simple opinion is that I would not have bought it although that means little.
[/quote
You are wrong,Sir! Your opinion actually means a lot to me! You have years of experience with Union Cut Co and Ka-bar, that knowledge is greatly appreciated and respected.
Part of the reason for my purchase is due to the odd stampings, wether is a “transitional” piece, or a repair, or just a mistake. I am still very new to the hobby, but have dedicated my collecting to Union/Kabar. So, to me, with a small collection, this is a prime example of a, shall we call it, a “hiccup”?
It is not the prime center piece of any collection by far, but a neat conversation starter and as nice EDC to me. From the information that you provided, I would garner a guess (if not having blades replaced) that the knife was produced about 1951/1952. It seems plausible that all the materials present could have been in supply for production of the knife.
Again, thank you for all that you do!
Bryan