What does anyone know about the 1221?

L

LairdyBird

Joined
Apr 11, 2018
Messages
8
Hi everyone.
I have a Ka-Bar 1221. I bought this knife from a guy who thought it was a Special USMC. I learned that it was discontinued. That is literally all i know. when i look up anything on this knife all i find is old Pages advertising them. and i get 50 different answers about what blade steel.

If anyone knows anything about it like
Blade steel
Years it was made and when it was discontinued
And anything else worth knowing about them.

Thanks
 
Welcome to the forum L LairdyBird I believe what you have is called a Kabar Next Generation. The steel is a 12c27 and iirc is in line with 440A But with a excellent heat treat The experts will show up with more detailed info I'm sure. But that info might help in your search.
 
The 1221 is indeed one of the Next Generation knives. If I haven't screwed up my records, it is the partially serrated version and the 1222 was the plain blade version.

The 1221 and 1222 came with leather sheaths. The 1223 and 1224 were the same knives with kydex sheaths. These were paperwork model numbers only, as the knives still had the same 1221 and 1222 model numbers stamped into them.

The original design called for 12c27 and that is what was used for the first round. Then for cost reasons (and maybe other reasons), the steel used changed to 440A.

Assuming the PROPER heat treatment process is used on each steel type, 12c27 falls between 440A and 440C in overall performance, etc. Apparently, per some reports I have read, the 12c27 knives were "soft" and the edges rolled easily, implying mis-heat treatment.

They were initially offered in 1997 and discontinued in late 2011 or early 2012.

They are decent knives, especially if you don't treat them as if they were axes or sledge hammers or pry bars.

The D2 version, the Kabar D2 Extreme knives (partially serrated only) have the same look, same handle, are made with D2 steel (hence the name), and are still available.
 
G`day from Australia.
A 1221 was the first Kabar that I ever owned.
It has a plain edge blade,and came in a black leather sheath.
This particular knife,with its excellent quality,started my keen interest in the brand.
Now with over a dozen other Kabars to keep it company,I`m still adding more to my collection.
 
zzyzzogeton said:
The 1221 is indeed one of the Next Generation knives. If I haven't screwed up my records, it is the partially serrated version and the 1222 was the plain blade version.

The 1221 and 1222 came with leather sheaths. The 1223 and 1224 were the same knives with kydex sheaths. These were paperwork model numbers only, as the knives still had the same 1221 and 1222 model numbers stamped into them.

The original design called for 12c27 and that is what was used for the first round. Then for cost reasons (and maybe other reasons), the steel used changed to 440A.

Assuming the PROPER heat treatment process is used on each steel type, 12c27 falls between 440A and 440C in overall performance, etc. Apparently, per some reports I have read, the 12c27 knives were "soft" and the edges rolled easily, implying mis-heat treatment.

They were initially offered in 1997 and discontinued in late 2011 or early 2012.

They are decent knives, especially if you don't treat them as if they were axes or sledge hammers or pry bars.

The D2 version, the Kabar D2 Extreme knives (partially serrated only) have the same look, same handle, are made with D2 steel (hence the name), and are still available.
Click to expand...
Any idea on how i could tell if which steel i have? all i have is the knife and a Kydex sheath. That was how it came when i bought it.
 
Those pictures certainly show model number 1221 which should be partially serrated, but it also looks like you have a plain edge version, which should have model 1222 on it. Not completely unusual as I have 1 as well and have seen others.

Apparently Kabar had a batch escape with the # 1221 and no serrations.

From what I have read, but never seen in Kabar original documentation is that the 12c27 versions (sometimes referred to as Gen 1 Next Gens) were bead blasted and did not have a model number on them, where the 440A blades are supposed to have a gray epoxy coating.

So assuming that tidbit of internet wisdom is true, your knife should probably be 440A.
 
LairdyBird said:
Hi everyone.
I have a Ka-Bar 1221. I bought this knife from a guy who thought it was a Special USMC. I learned that it was discontinued. That is literally all i know. when i look up anything on this knife all i find is old Pages advertising them. and i get 50 different answers about what blade steel.

If anyone knows anything about it like
Blade steel
Years it was made and when it was discontinued
And anything else worth knowing about them.

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
I also have a 1221 I bought back in the day. I’m pretty sure it’s 12C27 steel, and still have it. It’s gained a lot of miles since receiving it, since I bought it to use. It looks like it has been used a lot, but it’s still the same useful beast it was when I got it.
I also have the sibling blade, the tanto 1270, but it’s been tenderly treated.
I understand Kabar wanted to go into the new century with an updated model, but the market apparently didn’t respond as hoped. So now they’re good collection pieces if in excellent condition. My 1221 is heavily used, but I still do love it as a big favorite
 
To add a note, some are familiar with the 1270 Tanto, but I’d so like to hear if anyone has or knows the ever elusive 8” 1272 Next Gen fighter. A big, dumb knife, but I imagine a pristine one, if found, would be a bright spot in a collection.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top