Ka Bar by Conetta

LoboGunLeather · Oct 7, 2023

gunbarrel said:
The correct names for a "Ka-bar" knife were:

- U.S.N. Mark 2

- U.S.M.C. 1219C2 Fighting Utility knife

From WWII to the present, manufacturers were:

> Camillus Cutlery Co.
> ***Conetta***
> M.S.I.
> Ontario Knife Co.
> PAL Blade Co.
> Robeson Shuredge
> Union Cutlery Co. ("Ka-bar" brand)
> Utica Cutlery

Note that this model knife was called a "Ka-bar," like a copier is called a "Xerox" machine. In other words, the Union Cutlery trade name Ka-bar became the term used to describe the item

Conetta made them during the Viet-Nam War, and some in unused condition were still left over and used at the beginning of the war with Iraq. Ontario still makes the real thing.

For more information on Post WWII 1219C2 knives, click on this link and scroll down to Post #14 by "sactroop." Frank Trzaska is the world's expert on these knives:

Two nice fighting knives this AM - EDGED WEAPONS - U.S. Militaria Forum

Good post!

A bit of additional history: The USN Mk 2 and USMC Fighting Knife originated on the basic design of the RH-36, originally made by Remington and later acquired by PAL. Before WW2 the RH-36 was issued by the US Navy, interestingly with either right-hand or left-hand leather sheaths (also very similar to the later contract "Ka-Bar" style). Published sources indicate these were purchased by the Navy on contract and also regularly available at naval base exchange stores for private purchase.

Same nominal 6" blade design, Bowie-style single edge with clip point and false upper edge, deep blood grooves, simple guard, stacked leather grip, peened pommel. Major differences were in the RH-36 polished steel finish and non-grooved leather grip, more of a civilian hunting knife look.

My little collection includes a pre-WW2 Remington RH-36 with the less common left-hand scabbard-sheath, still in nice and usable condition. PAL also offered the RH (Remington Hunting) style knives in nominal 4" (RH-34) and 5" (RH-35), similar design and features.

Dirtman · Oct 7, 2023

old bear said:
Kevin, don't SETTLE. Wait for the one you Really want in the condition you want it in.

Wife or knife?

80sgyrene · Oct 7, 2023

AJ said:
I have a Kabar that is stamped on the sheath with an EGA, my troops gave it to me as a going away present when we closed the Marine Barracks at NWS Seal Beach, Ca. I also have a WWII Camillus.

And I’m sure it’s a commercial, purchased at the PX no doubt.

gunbarrel · Oct 7, 2023

Thank you, LoboGunLeather. I just wanted to add to your comments on the RH-36 that it was made in two finishes; a bright finish and a Parkerized-like finish. Click on this link and scroll down to Bayonetman's post. He posted a picture of the two versions side-by-side. Gary Cunningham (aka Bayonetman) was a great colleague and a good man, like Frank Trzaska. These guys, although being experts on their fields, as well as published US military knife & bayonet writers, would always be willing to share their knowledge. Gary was *the* expert on US bayonets; unfortunately, we lost him in April 2017.

PAL RH-36 fighting knife and sheath question - EDGED WEAPONS - U.S. Militaria Forum

THE PILGRIM · Oct 7, 2023

The Rarest Ka Bar of all is most likely the Prototype.
They were issued for field testing to Marine Raiders during training.
Marine Raider Gordon Warner showed me his.
The big difference is - Brass Guard.
Gordon was carrying his when he was lost a leg in Bougainville, I think.
When I met him he was Dr. Warner, Command Historian in Okinawa.
Gordon was an expert on all things Japanese.
He attended a Tokyo University, was high ranked in Kendo, was a Sword, Samurai expert.

Gordon Warner - Wikipedia

AJ · Oct 7, 2023

80sgyrene said:
And I’m sure it’s a commercial, purchased at the PX no doubt.

It was a gift from my Marines. We closed the Marine Barracks at NWS Seal Beach. I was the Guard Chief. They bought it at the PX as we were not supposed to steal them from Supply.

Flattop5 · Oct 7, 2023

AJ said:
They are a bit big for a camp knife. If it comes down to it, would rather have an e-tool.

I have said this many times: the KBAR combat knife is a great knife if you're 6 foot 2. If you're 5 foot 7 like me, then not so much....but the modern KBAR "shorty" knife is PERFECT for me!

----------------------

AJ · Oct 8, 2023

Flattop5 said:
I have said this many times: the KBAR combat knife is a great knife if you're 6 foot 2. If you're 5 foot 7 like me, then not so much....but the modern KBAR "shorty" knife is PERFECT for me!

----------------------

We were taught how to fight with a Ka-Bars one on one and two on one. They also taught us to sharpen the e-tool and use it as a defensive weapon if need be.

Farmer17 · Oct 8, 2023

I bought an Ontario Knife Company version a couple years ago brand new for under $40 bucks. It has the black, stacked leather coated handle and sheath that supposedly will last longer and be more waterproof. I use it for heavy duty chores and don't mind if it gets a little dinged up for the price I paid.

cmansguns · Oct 8, 2023

ICSYoda Post #23...here is what you got

ICSYoda asks what does he have. It is a Korean War vintage bayonet and scabbard designed specifically for the Korean War (winter conditions) M1 Garand.

When I got my IHC Postage Stamp M1 Garand, made in early 1950's, I did some research to find the correct bayonet and scabbard for it.

The following is what I have:

Bayonet: M5 A1, specifically designed for Korean War, last bayonet made for the M1 Garand: Several changes to the WWII bayonet: larger release button for winter gloves; spear point without blood grooves; top of blade sharpened for 3", bottom of blade sharpened full length; first blade to eliminate the support ring, added stud to engage the gas plug to eliminate looseness. Manufacturer was Columbus MilPar & Mfg of Columbus, Ohio.

Scabbard: US M8 A1, metal lined and tipped, fiberglass shell, hilt snap retention, metal wire web belt attachment, color OD Green. Manufacturer was PWH, which stood for Philadelphia Work Home (bad boys workhouse), Philadelphia PA.

As Roy always says: Hope this helps

ISCS Yoda · Oct 8, 2023

As Roy always says: Hope this helps

Oh, my, YES!!! Gracias!

Onliest place I didn't look for markings was under the hand guard. The "US M5 A1" is separated like that as opposed to "US M5A1". The other marking is "A K I" or "A K 1". The scabbards match precisely.

Much obliged!!!

Doc Thornton · Oct 9, 2023

YES they were. I had one issued to me in May of 1970 at the USMC Force Logistics Command, Danang.

At the base of the blade it is stamped, U.S. above CAMILLUS N.Y.

I was a USN Fleet Marine Force Corpsman op-conned to III MAF
with NMCB 5 Seabees.

AJ · Oct 9, 2023

Doc Thornton said:
YES they were. I had one issued to me in May of 1970 at the USMC Force Logistics Command, Danang.

At the base of the blade it is stamped, U.S. above CAMILLUS N.Y.

I was a USN Fleet Marine Force Corpsman op-conned to III MAF
with NMCB 5 Seabees.

Yes, Kabars were issued to Marines & Corpsman. Maybe not the Conettas since they were just getting into the supply system.

wood714 · Oct 9, 2023

gunbarrel said:
Those are not "Ka-bars." They are Jet Pilot Knives. The early ones had a longer 6" blade. You can read about them here:

The Jet Pilots Survival Knife - EDGED WEAPONS - U.S. Militaria Forum

He posted a killer Ka Bar earlier in the thread. He knows his knives!

Doc Thornton · Oct 10, 2023

I was issued a "Ka Bar" in May of 1970 at the USMC Force Logistics Cmd.
in Danang. The knife (which I still have) is marked U.S. CAMILLUS N.Y.
dark brown leather sheath. Still sharp and in good shape.

Doc Thornton, USN Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, RVN 1970

LittleAugieMo · Oct 10, 2023

K Bar by Conetta

Some good advice/opinions in the previous replies,also some not so good. Might want to join one of the "knife" forums such as "Bladeforums" or AAPK. Moreknife "tuned" folks there.

wood714 · Oct 10, 2023

Got it today. Actually in better condition than I was expecting.

Ματθιας · Oct 10, 2023

Congrats on your, new to you, Mk2!!!

ISCS Yoda · Nov 9, 2023

This is the bayonet I was replacing when I bought that M5 discussed above:

iscs-yoda-albums-blades-picture16791-customized-u-s-m5a1-milpar-co.jpg

A friend of mine did a fabulous job on that knife but my 2018 fire did it in.

AJ · Nov 9, 2023

The bayonets are nice, but not Kabars. This is just a couple of pictures of friends bayonet collection. Not sure if I have pictures of his Kabars or not, but he has over 20 I believe.

Ka Bar by Conetta

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