questions about kabar 1217

T

tomallen

Joined
Apr 17, 2015
Messages
6
Hi guys,
I'm new here and this is my first post (I just remove this post from General knife discussion forum to here). I was looking for an outdoor knife, and I hope it also has fighting ability ( I know it's hard to have both...) anyway, I think Ka bar 1217 is a good choice as my first knife, for its history and reliability, but i have several questions about it before purchasing it online. I really need some professional suggestions from you guys.
1. I try to buy it from amazon, and I found that the price on amazon is cheaper than the price on www.kabar.com. Are the kabar sold on amazon (I was thinking buy it from "bringbackdealers") and the kabar sold on www.kabar.com from the same manufactory? If not, which one is better for me?
2. Can I use the kabar to cut food (e.g. for BBQ) with the coating? I'm not sure if the coating is bad (heavy metal?) or not for the body?
3. If I live in a relative humanity area (Arkansas), will the maintenance be a problem (dust issue)? If so, how can I take care of it? It may not be a problem with coating, but what if coating fall off after several use?
4. Do u guys recommend leather or kydex sheath? I like the look of leather sheath, but I heard that it's sensitive to the moisture, I'm worry about that part

Since I just touched this area, most of the questions may sound naive to many of you, but I really appreciate your contributions in advance! And many thanks to TravisH for the response!
Tom
 
If the Kabar works for your budget then certainly take the scu number and throw it in google to pull up some buying options. Many dealers will use Amazon or manufactures to sell their products. Usually big companies like Kabar sell at retail so you can find deals at local shops or online retails. We don't sell Kabar's but I can attest to that model. The kydex has excellent retention and serves as a nice cover. As for using it to cut food, by definition the blade is stainless but i would recommend using a solution spray such as Aegis Solutions. Few sprays will basically make it food ready and easier to wipe down after use.

I forget what online retailer I got mine from as I'd be happy to throw a referral but I ordered 8 of them for my groomsmen at the time. As an entry level all around beater to be used and abused they enjoyed it for it's heritage and simplicity. It's not the toughest on the market as some of the high carbon steel's out there but for the price - in my opinion, solid option.
 
I would look at the 1317 (Dog's Head Utility knife) or the 2225 (Navy Mk 1)
the Dog's head knife has the pommel of the D2 extreme, but in carbon steel with the leather handle and sheath -- and a "Pirate dog" stamp on the blade and the sheath.
the Navy Mk1 is a shorter knife that works incredibly well in the woods & as a food prep knife.

the black coating Kabar uses is food safe.
 
As BTac said, Kabar.com lists full retail, which almost no online dealer or store front charges. Kabar really doesn't want to sell onesy-twoseys. But they will if someone really really wants to buy direct from Kabar. They prefer to develop and support a network of reputable dealers.

A great source for Kabars is Tomarskabars.com, a blade forums supporter. I've found that 90% of the time, his prices meet or beat most others, unless someone is running a really special deal. He has a line-up of most Kabars. He doesn't have the 1317 yet, but I'm sure he'll have it soon.
 
Again... Welcome to the forums!

Quick answers to your questions ...

1 - they are the same knives.

2 - yes, the coating is safe for food prep

3 - the coating also protects the blade from humidity ... and humanity

4 - they come very sharp right out of the box. But no outdoors knife edge will stay sharp with daily use. They will all need sharpening eventually. It's better/easier to touch them up daily with a strop or rod than waiting till their 'dull' and need abrasive sharpening.


You should also consider the KaBar Becker knives, especially the 'Tweeners' - BK15, BK16, BK17

Come join us in the Becker subforum ...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/827-Becker-Knife-amp-Tool
 
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Thanks zzyzzogeton! I checked the price on Tomark's. It's about $7 more expensive than what I found on amazon (bringbackdealers, which is not on the retail list in kabar.com however). I do want to buy a real kabar knife, but I also don't like to spend extra money (save $7 may sound funny, but I'm still a student, I just want to save as much as I could). Do you think they sell the same knife?
 
Thanks for the recommendation 1066 vik! If the coating fall off after several use, how often do you think I should oil the blade to prevent dusting? Every time after I use it or once a month something like that?
 
keeping it clean and dry will cover most of your bases - if it's going to be stored for a long period of time, giving it a quick wipe with a tuff-glide (or other silicone impregnated gun wipe) is cheap insurance.
 
1066vik said:
keeping it clean and dry will cover most of your bases - if it's going to be stored for a long period of time, giving it a quick wipe with a tuff-glide (or other silicone impregnated gun wipe) is cheap insurance.
Click to expand...
:thumbup:

Even cheap mineral oil works just fine.

Don't get so hung up on rust. These aren't fancy collectors items. They're working blades. And they are built of tough thick steel for hard work.

*pffft* What's a little rust anyway?! Just use a scotch pad and it's gone. Even surface pitting is harmless. It would take YEARS of neglect before rust could cause serious damage to the knife's integrity.
 
If you get the plastic sheath, the leather can be found for around $10 brand new if you decide to try it later. Also dealing with Tomar's if you have any issues will be well worth the extra $7. Even tho its thru amazon, they'll refer you to the seller for settling issues before they'll step in.
 
or you can buy it from Tomar's through Amazon and get free shipping.
 
Yeah, and they're very competitive pricing. I buy thru there for three reasons
1) forum supporter
2) although it may not ship prime, it's still free
3) even if it's a couple bucks more, if its sold from amazon they charge tax, if you choose tomars there's no tax sometimes making it cheaper or very close. I'll pay tomars a little more if need be, it's worth it.
 
Thanks guys for all the suggestions! I just bought one from Tomar's today, can't wait to see my new toy!
 
tomallen said:
Thanks guys for all the suggestions! I just bought one from Tomar's today, can't wait to see my new toy!
Click to expand...
Congrats!

Pics or it didn't happen! ;)



NCSlice said:
... if its sold from amazon they charge tax, if you choose tomars there's no tax ...
Click to expand...
Having just done my VA taxes, the subject is still fresh ...

VA residents are supposed to self-report when non-taxed internet purchases exceed $100 total annually and pay ~6% on that total on your income tax forms.
 
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