Ka-Bar

Ka-Bar handle scales

Ka-Bar, an iconic American knife brand synonymous with military knives and combat knives, traces its origins to 1897 in Tidioute, Pennsylvania, when the Union Cutlery Company was established by a group of local businessmen. The name "Ka-Bar" emerged in 1923 after a legendary incident: a trapper in Alaska reportedly used his Union Cutlery knife to kill a wounded bear that attacked him, saving his life. In gratitude, he sent a testimonial letter stating the knife "killed a bear" — abbreviated "K.a. bar" — which became the brand's enduring trademark, officially registered in 1923

During World War II, Ka-Bar supplied the U.S. Marine Corps with the famous USMC Fighting Utility Knife (1942 design by Union Cutlery, later Ka-Bar), featuring a 7-inch straight clip-point blade in 1095 carbon steel, stacked leather handle, and leather sheath. Over 1 million units were produced, earning legendary status among Marines and establishing Ka-Bar as the go-to brand for military knives

In 1952, the company officially adopted the Ka-Bar name. Relocated to Olean, New York, in the 1960s, it expanded into hunting, survival, and civilian EDC knives while retaining its military heritage. Today, Ka-Bar remains family-influenced and iconic for durability, reliability, and timeless design in tactical knives, fixed blades, and USMC knives—trusted by service members, outdoorsmen, and collectors worldwide