Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

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Fishtail Picklock
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Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by Fishtail Picklock »

I have been considering investing in the KaBar USN Model 1 Deck knife (KaBar #2221). It seems to be a better knife for the money than the Colonial I just purchased. My logic is as follows:

a) The 1095 Chrome Vanadium steel will probably old an edge longer than my Colonial.

b) The tang extends further into the handle than my Colonial, (providing greater sterngth) and,

c) the intial edge Kabar mills onto their blades at the factory is far easier to maintain. (It won't require re-profiling).

Opinions? Comments?
Fishtail Picklock
Fishtail Picklock
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by Fishtail Picklock »

I went ahead and ordered the knife. We'll s'ee how satisfied I'll be with the blade.
Fishtail Picklock
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by Fishtail Picklock »

Received the knife in the mail today. This is the BEST sheath knife I've EVER had. For the money, it doesn't get much better than this. A "do-it-all" knife that is both versatile, and tough as nails.

I'll treasure this until I draw my last breath.
Last edited by Fishtail Picklock on Sat May 28, 2016 9:52 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Fishtail Picklock
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by TRYKER »

glad ya happy with it, of course it all depends on what ya plan to do with it. i prefer the becker bk7 in this size range myself.
Fishtail Picklock
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by Fishtail Picklock »

Its all about the utility. As a sheath knife the Mark 1 has its roots in theh unting knives of the 1930's. The Mark 1 was first designated as a "deck knife" made to perform in a dual capacity... as a utility and a fighting knife The modern KaBar version is so refined, it excels in nearly every conceivable camping/hunting/utility application.

This is truly a "jack-of-all-trades" sheath knife.
Last edited by Fishtail Picklock on Sat May 28, 2016 9:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by TRYKER »

actually, KA-BAR now makes the becker line.
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Viking45
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by Viking45 »

I am chiming-in a little late but I did some looking around so I could give you my 2 cents worth.
My opinion is you made the right choice for the reasons you listed above.

Being a big fan of fixed blade knives I have several military blades and am a firm believer in the KaBAR USMC but love all the different maker such as the old German made Kershaw(yes they were American military but made in Germany),Case,Colonial,Camillus,PAL Blade Co.,Utica,Imperial and too many more to mention.
Several other German companies like Henry Boker also made knives for the US.
Fishtail Picklock
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by Fishtail Picklock »

Viking45 wrote:I am chiming-in a little late but I did some looking around so I could give you my 2 cents worth.
My opinion is you made the right choice for the reasons you listed above.

Being a big fan of fixed blade knives I have several military blades and am a firm believer in the KaBAR USMC but love all the different maker such as the old German made Kershaw(yes they were American military but made in Germany),Case,Colonial,Camillus,PAL Blade Co.,Utica,Imperial and too many more to mention.
Several other German companies like Henry Boker also made knives for the US.
I am quite happy with my purchase. I did my homework/research before buying. This will be my "go to" knife for outdoor work and general utility wher a full-sized sheath knife should be used.
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by novice »

The MK1 pattern & Western L71 "Seabee" are indeed nice outdoor knifes. When I hike I usually have my WW2 Camillus MK1 with me.
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by novice »

Here are some of mine and similar -

Camillus MK1

Western L46 "shark"

Kinfolks MK2

Kinfolks K380

Image

My L71 80s repop -

Image
merKar
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by merKar »

This is truly a "jack-of-all-trades" sheath knife.
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by sammy the blade »

Glad your happy with it! Can't imagine how much money I've spent on things I thought would be just what I thought I needed.
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Fishtail Picklock
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Re: Is the KaBar USN Mark 1 Deck Knife (#2221) a better buy?

Post by Fishtail Picklock »

Most of the time, simplicity is a virtue. The USN Mark 1 is a simple design from the 1930's that does the job without fanfare or pretense.

Enough said.
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