Ka Bar by Conetta

[Glenn R. McMannly]

Pairs great with an M1911A1 .45 automatic:

 

[gunbarrel]

So if Ka-Bar is stamped on the handguard of a USN MK2 then it was made by Union Cutlery? See pictures of mine.

Agree! That's a WWII later manufacture USN Mark 2 "Ka-bar" made by Union Cutlery. The earlier ones were stamped on the ricasso, and the sheaths were made of leather. Yours is stamped on the guard, and it came with the plastic scabbard. Very nice example.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

That is a picture of an M5, or M5A1 bayonet for the M1 Garand. Click on the link and scroll down. If it doesn't have a loop for the barrel, it's a knife made from parts from that model bayonet. You'll see pictures of it on the same write-up.

Bayo Points 5

AHA! An M5. Whatever. I like it, regardless. I had one similar to that held to my living room gun safe via a magnet, on the hidden side by the back windows. Fire! Gone. So I replaced it with this one. What does this mean:

it's a knife made from parts from that model bayonet.

??

 

[rincar]

Remember Anyone or anything that has served in Viet Nam is liable to show some age and wear and tear. You will not find a Kabar or Veteren in like new condition So you will have to make some allowance for those reason. I know from being a old Viet Nam vet.

 

[dav2no1]

I have a couple old Ka-Bars. One thing to date older knives, is to look at the tang shape.

The one on the right was bought with a small lot of other knives. This knife is around Vietnam era, but it's been totally doctored up to represent a way older knife. I didn't pay very much and had suspicions right away. The leather sheath has engravings on it that are total bs. Like J*r Head K*ller with marks and Tarawa..unfortunately the dummy didn't know his history and marked the date a year before the war actually happened .

I called him out and he admitted that he used to sell similar faked knives on ebay(like 30 years ago) for $1K. He would just list them and not say anything in description and people would go nuts thinking they found a gem. I keep this as a good lesson to show others.

Always do your homework and history. Ask lots of questions, then ask some more. Do your due diligence.

 

[clem]

I was issued one in 1967 while in Vietnam. It is stamped, "CAMILLUS,N.Y." on one side and "U.S.M.C." on the other side.
I spent 69-70 in Vietnam also. Twenty years in the Corps, no better knife except a "Randle". I still have the K-Bar.

 

[umwminer]

Conetta

I purchased a Conetta " Ka-Bar " at the Camp LeJeune base cash sales store ( where replacement utility and dress uniforms had to be purchased that were unserviceable) in 1972 .

 

[80sgyrene]

I have a couple old Ka-Bars. One thing to date older knives, is to look at the tang shape.

The one on the right was bought with a small lot of other knives. This knife is around Vietnam era, but it's been totally doctored up to represent a way older knife. I didn't pay very much and had suspicions right away. The leather sheath has engravings on it that are total bs. Like J*r Head K*ller with marks and Tarawa..unfortunately the dummy didn't know his history and marked the date a year before the war actually happened .

I called him out and he admitted that he used to sell similar faked knives on ebay(like 30 years ago) for $1K. He would just list them and not say anything in description and people would go nuts thinking they found a gem. I keep this as a good lesson to show others.

Always do your homework and history. Ask lots of questions, then ask some more. Do your due diligence.

The most obvious give away is the sheath. No issued knives had the stamped sheaths. The EGA and USMC were only stamped on more modern, commercial knives. I only saw Ontarios and Camillus during my time.

 

[AJ]

The most obvious give away is the sheath. No issued knives had the stamped sheaths. The EGA and USMC were only stamped on more modern, commercial knives. I only saw Ontarios and Camillus during my time.

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.

 

[bph9]

In today's market the price of older made guns and knives have went through the roof. The knife you showed us is easily worth $125 to $165 Dollars. Just look at what WWII Ka-Bar knives are selling for on E-bay.

I have recently seen Iver Johnson and H&R .22 pistols bring an astonishing $550.00 when in like new condition. It shows you how little people think of today's made revolvers and pistols. Original Colt Pythons now are a steal at $2,000, if you can even find one that low in price. People do know the difference in quality of the guns and knives made back in the day as compared to what is being made today.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

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]

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

Wife or knife?

 

[80sgyrene]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!


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[AJ]

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!


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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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Ματθιας]

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

 

[ISCS Yoda]

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

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

 

[AJ]

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.