KaBar 12-5/8 Heavy Bowie

Reviewed 06/04/2013 by BackwoodsBoB

-Price Paid: $48.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

I bought this knife about two years ago with the intent to use it as a general survival knife. I spend a significant amount of time in the woods hunting, breaking trail and building shelters out of whatever I can find. This is a big knife, like the description says, and if you don't have the sheath tied down to your leg it will get in the way. Some people don't like the sheath it comes with but I think that for the money it's just fine. I wrapped mine in paracord more for looks than anything else.

This knife batons very well, hacks through limbs and underbrush like there's no tomorrow. Along the central part of the blade the black finish has worn off like you would expect with heavy use. The finish never seemed to hinder any batoning for me like it has for others, although for heavy batoning I usually use a little WD-40 on the blade.

The blade holds a great edge and is very easy to sharpen. Keep it oiled, especially when the finish starts to wear off because this steel will rust if you don't take care of it. The blade is nice and thick, but not too thick. When working with the knife you don't really notice the weight, it just feels 'right'.

I love the grip and the feel of this knife in my hand. The grip is secure even in the rain and cleans up nicely. I have put a thin strip of skateboard tape along the spine so my thumb has something to grip onto when needed.

Don't let the 'Made in Taiwan' keep you from buying this knife. I understand wanting to buy an American made knife, I own several, but I haven't found anything even close to this knife for around $50. I have beaten the hell out of mine and I'm pretty sure it's indestructible. This is a quality knife from KaBar.

Reviewed 01/29/2013 by NCsurvivalist

-Price Paid: $52.00
-Used for Self Defense
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

I was given this knife for Christmas and absolutely love it!!!!!Being a quarter inch thick it splits wood great but not as good as the cold steel recon scout.It chops excellently(three inch saplings in two chops)and is my bug out knife.

Reviewed 02/16/2012 by Cole Koogler

-Price Paid: $50.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

I got this knife as a gift, and I have to say it is quite exceptional. For 50 dollars this is the best combat/survival bowie you will find. This knife can chop and split like a beast. If I could only have one fixed blade to bring into the bush, it'd be this one. Good steel, easy to sharpen, and stays sharp for a very long time. I like the sheath design, some people disagree but I like the fact that I have the option to strap the sheath to my leg for extra security. Sheath holds the bowie tight, can't ask for more except leather is the most useless material for a carbon steel knife sheath. Overall this knife is a joy to own and I trust my life with it.

Reviewed 06/03/2010 by C.J.

-Price Paid: $40.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

To start I have the 14 inch version not the 12.

I have stripped the black finish off of the blade and hand sanded out 98% of the machining marks, this allows for better penetration while chopping,smoother slicing, and easier blade clean up.

kabar could stand to pay more attention to the grinds, but for the size and overall serviceability it is a great tool at a great price.

I have used and abused this knife for over three years, chopping, batoning, digging, and even thrown it a time or two and I still have nothing bad to say about it.

It takes an edge and keeps it, its not hard to sharpen, and lends itself to near any task at hand.