Is this a legit Ka-Bar?

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.
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Ruthie
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Is this a legit Ka-Bar?

Post by Ruthie »

I have this Ka-Bar 2 blade knife but it doesn't look correct to me. Granted, I'm not familiar with all the models out there, but hadn't seen that shield before. Main blade is stamped Kabar and secondary blade is stamped Union Cut Co. No model number on it anywhere. Pretty sure it's delrin or similar on the handles. Any ideas are appreciated!
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Gunsil
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Re: Is this a legit Ka-Bar?

Post by Gunsil »

Sorry to say Ruthie, it is not an original configuration KA-BAR. The handle looks odd like it has been repaired and the main blade is from 1952-1968 while the small blade is pre WW2 and the shield is from the 1920s-1930s. What does the handle look like on the other side?
Ruthie
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Re: Is this a legit Ka-Bar?

Post by Ruthie »

I appreciate the response - had a feeling it wasn't quite right. I added a pic of the other side of the handle. One of the pins looks copper. It's solid & functional, but clearly a cobbling of parts.
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Gunsil
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Re: Is this a legit Ka-Bar?

Post by Gunsil »

Man, that old knife had some gorgeous bone when new! I think it was an early knife, like 1920s. I suppose it was near dead and somebody tried to make it somewhat functional. The copper pin is not original either.
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Miller Bro's
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Re: Is this a legit Ka-Bar?

Post by Miller Bro's »

Gunsil wrote: Tue Jan 06, 2026 11:59 pm Man, that old knife had some gorgeous bone when new!
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btrwtr
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Re: Is this a legit Ka-Bar?

Post by btrwtr »

Your knife looks to be made from a small Union/Ka-bar hobo/slot knife. Nice bone with a rather ugly patch on the front. The larger blade is not original but the smaller may have been reshaped from the original fork that was in the knife. Originally the knife was made to separate into two or three pieces depending on the model and then be used as an eating utensil. Models would contain a knife blade, fork and possibly a spoon and can opener. Can you give us a picture of the knife looking down into the knife where the blades rest when closed. It is always best to include pictures of the entire knife when asking for opinions.

Although your knife has been reworked the back handle section could still have some worth as this type of knife often would often be separated and parts lost making replacement parts valuable to collectors that have incomplete knives.
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