KA-BAR as a hunting knife

[magnanimous_j]

So I drew my cousin for a Christmas exchange this year. He wants to get into hunting and I was thinking about getting him a knife. Is there any reason that the classic, full sized KA-BAR wouldn’t make a good hunting knife?

[npaull]

May be a bit bigger than you need, but otherwise no nothing wrong with it as a hunting knife. I've been gravitating more towards smaller knives for hunting actually, as it's quite a a bit easier to use a small blade to break down a big game animal, and they weigh less.

[762Armo]

I can't see a reason why it couldn't be.

[scout/sniper]

Excellent general utility knife. I carry a K-Bar 2nd gen.
Of course I also carry skinning and gutting knives for processing the animal.
I think it will be a great knife for hunting.

[magnanimous_j]

Thanks guys. He’s really interested in everything WWII, so I know he’ll love it. I know it’s a bit bigger than most knives marketed as “hunting,” but I wanted to get him something versatile. Just out of curiosity, do most people carry more than one knife out in the woods? When I’m fishing or doing birds, I use a little 3” cold steel folder. I can’t imagine field dressing a deer with it, but I haven’t been lucky enough to need a bigger one yet. 

[wafisherman]

I like mine.  A bit heavy for backcountry work, but very versitle.  Used to to skin, chop through bone, used as a small machette, help cut firewood, and so forth.

Yes, I always pack more than one knife.  Also bring along a sharpener, especially if you'll be skinning a deer.

[superdown]

IMHO that is not really a practical hunting knife He's not going into battle    I would look for something along these lines alot more nimble and maneuverable this is a crkt killbuck i bought my dad one about 5yrs ago and have used it on 4 or five deer and it works great. KA BAR are a great quality knife though. 

[superdown]

This would be my second choice. Of the knives i use regularly this one has done the lions share of work on the last two deer i have killed.It is a Havalon Piranta 

[lostbackpacker]

too big in my opinion.  they make a smaller k bar that pilots use.  look at that

[bobcat]

Mag, is your cousin going to hunt western Washington? If so, that's a great knife to always have on your belt, even when you're in the woods but not actually hunting. I would use that knife as a mini machete. The most common use for me would be cutting my way through blackberry vines.

Now if the knife was just for gutting, boning, and skinning game, I'd get him that Havalon for sure. But if he hunts in the brush here on the westside, or even brushy areas elsewhere, I think he will love that Ka-Bar. I know I would.

[magnanimous_j]

Mag, is your cousin going to hunt western Washington? If so, that's a great knife to always have on your belt, even when you're in the woods but not actually hunting. I would use that knife as a mini machete. The most common use for me would be cutting my way through blackberry vines.

Western Oregon.

I think I’m going to order him the pilot version. From what I’ve read, 5” blade is about ideal for survival/camping etc and the full size can be a bit cumbersome. I also looked into the Havalon. It looks like a great knife, but it’s also very reasonably priced. So I’m thinking I’ll get him the Ka-Bar and then he can buy himself the Havalon if he needs it.

[scout/sniper]

He's not going into battle.

Ever hunted elk in the Colockum?   

[762Armo]

He's not going into battle.

Ever hunted elk in the Colockum?   

Or St Helens, or Deer in Entiat?
 

[wafisherman]

Cabelas is running a knife sale right now.  Online, not sure if in store...

Freddies has them on sale here in Monroe for $68.  Good deal.

I liked the full sized version for the abilitity to use it as a machette.  If I wanted something smaller, I'd look into a folding knife or maybe a 4 inch fixed blade - buck knife probably, but lots of good options.

[yakimarcher]

I can't think of why not, plus it would be pretty handy if he ever had to knife fight pack of wolves.

[Alchase]

Mags, that would be a great knife to give your cousin. 

It is a knife he will be able hand down to his kids.
I carried my Dive knife for years (Sog Seal) know I carry it's smaller cousin the Seal Pup in my pack, and another Browning straight edge on the outside of my pack while hunting.
Some will say it is to big. I have heard some even say it looks stupid to have a big knife.
The best knife period, is the one you have on you when you need it. Havalons are awesome for skinning and gutting, I would choose a k-bar or a large straight edge for any serious work.

[magnanimous_j]

Thanks for all the input guys. I ordered the Ka-Bar USMC short. It’s got a 5.25” straight blade. It probably won’t make as good a machete as the full sized, but for everything else, I think the smaller size is a little more manageable. Oh, and I ordered one for myself as well.   

[bobcat]

The 5 inch will be a more useful, all around type of knife. And, still good for cutting through those blackberry vines. Good choice.

I almost forgot to say- the best thing about Ka Bar is they're made in the USA!

[scout/sniper]

I almost forgot to say- the best thing about Ka Bar is they're made in the USA!

Yes sir, standard issue Marine Fighting Knife. 

[splitshot]

in addition you could add a sharpening device like a steel, hone or the plastic quickie deals.  just a thought.   mike w

[Fishaholic]

I carry the smaller of the 2 with me when I hunt the bigger one is in my pack frame pouch. They both work well. They stay sharp and work great.