I think both sheaths are superb, high quality, and both do the job well. Whichever one you choose, you will be fine. As a lover of more traditional kit, I will reluctantly admit that the new Nylon sheath is more versatile. Its got integral structural strength, more attachment options, and will not rot. I actually have a ka-bar with nylon sheath on my desk right now and the retention is excellent. Its like the Glock sheath: Once you learn where to put that tiny bit of pressure with your thumb, the blade slides right out. Until you apply that pressure, that knife is not going anywhere. I find that when I grip the handle, I just push my thumb around towards where the normal position SHOULD be, and that pressure flexing the plastic part of the belt attachment (at the back behind the handle), loosens the sheath locking and the knife draws. Very elegant design, and with a few hundred practises you will just be able to grab the handle and pull it out with zero resistance. My only criticism is that those nylon snaps have a tendency of getting cut eventually. They do great, right up until they dont, and in one moment youve partially of fully severed it. Although I would note that I reckon the sheath would function without out it just fine. Its also very annoying that when putting the knife away, about 25% of the time the tip of the knife strikes the ramp on the nylon sheath and you have to try again. But as they say, these are annoyances and "maybes", generally its brilliant. I still have a soft spot for the leather sheath though. Its kind on the body, less clattering and you can dose it with leather balm (laced with beeswax, cedar oil and whatever you choose). That way your sheath basically becomes a self-oiling mechanism for your knife, and an insect repellent for you. I think if I was going to the woods for a week, or camping out long term and using the ka-bar as a tool constantly, I would roll with the leather sheath. If I was using the knife for SHTF, a bugout bag, or for circumstances I could not predict, the Nylon sheath is a safer bet. Apologies for the wall-of-text. Ive been thinking about this all week.
The Ka Bar Fighting Utility Knife is a great knife. I carried one that was issued to me in 1977 for over ten years. But it doesn’t have a full tang. It has a rat tang.
The Ontario Old Hicory 7 inch blade butcher knife fits nicely into the ka-bar sheath. The Ontario knife makes a good camp knife for a cook. I set up a few in the ka-bar sheath.
Been carying KA-BAR since the 70s poked many a wild bor carp and salmon and a couple thousand miles backpacking. never found a reason to replace it. I switched out my Benchmade folder for KA-BAR folder in the mid 2000s or so for about town. I carr the 2 on the trail. It's like the 2 light rule and 2 or more fire maker rule. If it's not broken don't fix it
During the 70s they made scabbard sheathes for the Kbar (the OD green looking ones bayonets have had for a longtime). This being a modern updated version of said sheath.
Hey! I watched it and I was wanting to know if you have tried the Kabar Kydex sheath with a Tek-Lok, or whatever you would use with your Thigh Rig Set-up.
I unboxed mine and within 5 minutes cut that plastic buckle off the belt loop I just couldn't see having that in my way for any reason. The reason I found this video was too see if I could find out what that buckle was for
So I used mine to cinch up the belt loop. When I attached it to my belt, it is now very tight around the belt instead of having tons of play. I think I show it in this video: th-cam.com/video/LDve0cyjga8/w-d-xo.html
I was thinking of modifying it. I was thinkibg about chopping off the top plastic back piece with the nylon strap down to the ramp wedge that giudes the knife in. It has the lock and the other attachment points. And doing this would make it easier to get when in a tight situation. What do you think?
Do stores sell just the "kydex" plastic sheath only without knife ? If replacing leather sheath. What is the product ID number for sheat only ? What string / wire to use on the kydex holder's holes ?
If I have removed the top part of the cross guard will it still lock in place? Or does it require both sides of the crossguard to be there for retention?
How can you not? Man I really don't feel like I need anything else in all honesty. There are some really AWESOME knives out there but really, they aren't going to do a better job at anything the Ka-Bar can do.
Yes you can use the lashing slots on the sides to mount it sideways or you can use the strap at the top to lash it to a belt. it can be used similarly to a back pack strap tightener to get it as snug as possible. Then you can use the side lashing slots to strap it to your leg if you want.
@@cliffbernsen438 I agree! I just found that most people searched this item as "ka bar kydex sheath" so I was hoping they'd find what they were looking for easier.
I think both sheaths are superb, high quality, and both do the job well. Whichever one you choose, you will be fine. As a lover of more traditional kit, I will reluctantly admit that the new Nylon sheath is more versatile. Its got integral structural strength, more attachment options, and will not rot. I actually have a ka-bar with nylon sheath on my desk right now and the retention is excellent. Its like the Glock sheath: Once you learn where to put that tiny bit of pressure with your thumb, the blade slides right out. Until you apply that pressure, that knife is not going anywhere. I find that when I grip the handle, I just push my thumb around towards where the normal position SHOULD be, and that pressure flexing the plastic part of the belt attachment (at the back behind the handle), loosens the sheath locking and the knife draws. Very elegant design, and with a few hundred practises you will just be able to grab the handle and pull it out with zero resistance.
My only criticism is that those nylon snaps have a tendency of getting cut eventually. They do great, right up until they dont, and in one moment youve partially of fully severed it. Although I would note that I reckon the sheath would function without out it just fine. Its also very annoying that when putting the knife away, about 25% of the time the tip of the knife strikes the ramp on the nylon sheath and you have to try again. But as they say, these are annoyances and "maybes", generally its brilliant.
I still have a soft spot for the leather sheath though. Its kind on the body, less clattering and you can dose it with leather balm (laced with beeswax, cedar oil and whatever you choose). That way your sheath basically becomes a self-oiling mechanism for your knife, and an insect repellent for you.
I think if I was going to the woods for a week, or camping out long term and using the ka-bar as a tool constantly, I would roll with the leather sheath.
If I was using the knife for SHTF, a bugout bag, or for circumstances I could not predict, the Nylon sheath is a safer bet.
Apologies for the wall-of-text. Ive been thinking about this all week.
I just got mine and it’s sooooooo stiff but I’m sure that will come out
I hope
I just ordered this for mine and then saw you have a review posted. Preciate it.
same!
Very very cool. The original leather was good looking but I think I would prefer the kydex!
Yea the kydex is so much more versatile. I just feel it walking into the new millennium saying, "you're welcome." Great upgrade for an old favorite!
Magic Prepper I haven’t don’t much with Molle but it looks insanely versatile. Especially those behind the seat organizers.
@@PrescottCaliberClub yes it definitely gives it an "edge"...
My biggest problem with this sheath, is that it's not made in America.
The Ka Bar Fighting Utility Knife is a great knife. I carried one that was issued to me in 1977 for over ten years.
But it doesn’t have a full tang. It has a rat tang.
Yup or a stick tang. Very good knife but not the best bushcraft knife.
Thank you for your service brother
The Ontario Old Hicory 7 inch blade butcher knife fits nicely into the ka-bar sheath. The Ontario knife makes a good camp knife for a cook. I set up a few in the ka-bar sheath.
Thanks for the tip!
Been carying KA-BAR since the 70s poked many a wild bor carp and salmon and a couple thousand miles backpacking.
never found a reason to replace it. I switched out my Benchmade folder for KA-BAR folder in the mid 2000s or so for about town. I carr the 2 on the trail. It's like the 2 light rule and 2 or more fire maker rule.
If it's not broken don't fix it
During the 70s they made scabbard sheathes for the Kbar (the OD green looking ones bayonets have had for a longtime). This being a modern updated version of said sheath.
Nice knife, would love to own one myself. Thanks for sharing 😃👍
You got it! Definitely not a bad investment.
Just ordered this sheath for my ka-bar. Then found this video. 👍🏼
Glad you found it!
What finish process did you do to get the handle a dark cherry color like that???
Looks amazing!
Great video man.
I noticed this as well, looks like an upgrade
Hey! I watched it and I was wanting to know if you have tried the Kabar Kydex sheath with a Tek-Lok, or whatever you would use with your Thigh Rig Set-up.
I unboxed mine and within 5 minutes cut that plastic buckle off the belt loop I just couldn't see having that in my way for any reason. The reason I found this video was too see if I could find out what that buckle was for
So I used mine to cinch up the belt loop. When I attached it to my belt, it is now very tight around the belt instead of having tons of play. I think I show it in this video: th-cam.com/video/LDve0cyjga8/w-d-xo.html
@@MagicPrepper, cinched up it works well, but you must use a very narrow belt.
I was thinking of modifying it. I was thinkibg about chopping off the top plastic back piece with the nylon strap down to the ramp wedge that giudes the knife in. It has the lock and the other attachment points. And doing this would make it easier to get when in a tight situation. What do you think?
I just changed the Cordura one out because it had no real retention. I like the reassurance of that click in sound.
Do stores sell just the "kydex" plastic sheath only without knife ? If replacing leather sheath. What is the product ID number for sheat only ? What string / wire to use on the kydex holder's holes ?
One good thing about this sheath also if someone tries to take your knife it will be a lot harder than taking it down to the leather case
Now make a video on how to attach it to your plate carrier
It's a frn sheath (fiberglass reinforced nylon) wonderful sheath. I have one attached to my Mollie backpack.
That is correct! But I found most people searched for this sheath as kydex so I made it easier to find. Pretty nice isnt it?
@@MagicPrepper Indeed i love it, and i agree with your reason. Nice job on the video!
*molle
@@MagicPrepper i heard that a sheath made of fiberglass reinforced nylon, can dull the blade as you unsheath it.
I wish they would remake the old usn sheaths they used to make for it
Just got my first Ka-Bar and the with that sheath and it's difficult to open.
Upgrade to KA-BAR D2 STRAIGHT EDGE. If your looking for a stronger blade.
Would the kabar 1217 fit in this?
Where can I buy this… the sheath?
If I have removed the top part of the cross guard will it still lock in place? Or does it require both sides of the crossguard to be there for retention?
The sheath requires both halves of the guard to retain without the strap.
Do they make that sheath for a 1217?
MAGIC HELP ME OUT! what do buy to hook the sheath to my plate carrier?
Which Ka-Bar is this and have you had any issue with the sheath scratching the blade.
This is the ka bar usmc
Anybody know if he updated how it wears? Is there a follow up vid?
Love Ka-Bar 👍
How can you not? Man I really don't feel like I need anything else in all honesty. There are some really AWESOME knives out there but really, they aren't going to do a better job at anything the Ka-Bar can do.
What’s the measurements on the milled slots on the sides?
3:25 , he pulls the knife out quickly because Dawg is eyeing up his sandwich.
Is there an updated video on this?
Not yet but once I get out camping this summer I'll let you know how it goes!
I'd like to see the nylon strap removed and a tek lok attached. I might try that,
whats the intro music?
My old band! We had a couple albums and I thought the music was fitting for this. Here's a link to the song th-cam.com/video/QZu13cx4pHA/w-d-xo.html
What I like is it's ambidexterous. Lefties will enjoy it.
Not gonna lie, that particular knife looks like it's never been used. I appreciate the video though.
Will it still fit on a webbing belt?
Yes you can use the lashing slots on the sides to mount it sideways or you can use the strap at the top to lash it to a belt. it can be used similarly to a back pack strap tightener to get it as snug as possible. Then you can use the side lashing slots to strap it to your leg if you want.
Yes! The loop even fits over the plastic buckles.
It's not kydex, it's glass filled nylon. Very different from a kydex sheath.
Can I attach the Kydex Sheath to my belt
Yes
Its not Kydex. But great Sheath
But glass filled nylon just doesn't sound as cool ;)
Oh yes buddy👍😂
@@renexwing1546 haha
Glass filled nylon(zytel) is used to make guns and knives. It holds up to cold weather better than kydex. Sounds cooler to me.
@@cliffbernsen438 I agree! I just found that most people searched this item as "ka bar kydex sheath" so I was hoping they'd find what they were looking for easier.
totally badass