On December 9, 1942, during the Second World War, KA-BAR presented a knife to the United States Marine Corps hoping it would become the standard weapon. In collaboration with the Marine Supply Department, the project was revised, and production began on an improved combat and utility knife.
During the war, USMC KA-BAR knives gained such recognition for their quality and abundance that "KABAR" became the common name. It was adopted by the Marines, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Underwater Demolition Teams. Years later, many KA-BAR knives were reactivated in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 2019, KA-Bar partnered with Spartan Blades to form Pineland Cutlery. CEO John Stitt aimed to create a "KA-BAR" with improved strength, robustness, and corrosion resistance. During development, metallurgist Larrin Thomas identified CPM MagnaCut® steel with the desired qualities.
CPM MagnaCut® is a sintered high-carbon steel produced by Crucible Industries and specifically designed for blades. Spartan Blades developed the Spartan-KA-BAR using CNC machining, cryogenic treatment, and PVD coatings.
Intended Use: Tactical / Military
Production Type: Industrial
Country of Production: USA
Blade: CPM MagnaCut steel 61/63HRC
Blade Finish: ZrN Flat Dark Earth
Handle: Kraton G with stainless steel 301 guard and tungsten DLC treatment
Blade Length: 178mm.
Blade Thickness: 4.2mm.
Total Length: 305mm.
Weight: 306g.
Sheath: Black leather
Packaging: Cardboard box with Spartan Blades logos
Notes: Please note that the Flat Dark Earth (FDE) coated blade, when inserted or removed from the leather sheath, may show streaks or stains due to the dye used for the sheath. The blade can be cleaned with petroleum or acetone, re-oiled (e.g., with WD40 or light mechanical oil), and dried with a clean cloth to restore the original coating finish.
