Ka-bar Rigging Knife.

[Chako]

I rescued this one from a local pawn shop.







Does anyone know how old this knife may be. I like how the awl locks into place on this knife.

[VICMAN]

I rescued this one from a local pawn shop.


Does anyone know how old this knife may be. I like how the awl locks into place on this knife.

Nice find Chako!


I believe they were originally made during WWII, but I don't know when they were last in production.

Go to this URL for a list of Kabar tang stamps that might help

https://officialkabar.wordpress.com/historical-information/ka-bar-tang-stamp

[SteveC]

Definitely not WW2 era.  I would say more like 1970-90's. A close up of the tang stamp would be helpful.



Here's a NOS  showing a much later date box

[cody6268]

I think Kabar made them in the '60s-'70s.   That one is one of the nicer ones I have seen--most have really wrecked blades, missing marlinspikes, and busted handles.

[David]

The black covers are probably Delrin. Delrin didn't come into use in the knife industry till the 60's. As the old saying goes "read the knife". 

[Rapidray]

The black covers are probably Delrin. Delrin didn't come into use in the knife industry till the 60's. As the old saying goes "read the knife".

Read the knife - I like that saying! 

[Ray S]

FWIW they changed the stamping from KA-BAR to Kabar(letters inclined) in 1951 so we know it is after that date. I have a couple of the rigging knives;one with the early logo and rounded edges on the handles and a later one with the squared edges.If I had to guess I would say your knife was made in the 1980's. Here are the two I have.

[PitCarver]

I rescued this one from a local pawn shop.







Does anyone know how old this knife may be. I like how the awl locks into place on this knife.

Can't say anything about dating it, but it's a nice find.  I have a Japanese clone, from the 70's or 80's that's been a go-to knotting tool until recently

[Rapidray]

Nice Ka-Bars 

[Chako]

Excellent info. Many thanks!