KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

The KA-BAR brand originated as a trademark of the Tidioute Cutlery Company. Tidioute was later taken over & renamed the Union Cutlery Company which continued making the brand until Union eventually adopted it as the company name in 1952. Cutco Corporation later acquired the company in 1996.
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Lovun
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Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2021 5:01 am

KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by Lovun »

I found a fixed blade knife , stamped on blade UNION CUTLERY CO. over OLEAN, NY . Opposite side ; KA-BAR over REG. US PAT , OFF . Has hollow aluminum handle ( u threaded at hole in butt ) blade is approx. 4 1/2 ins. Long . Very nice knife. Holds an amazing edge. Was in very poor shape when I found it. I started cleaning it up and was told I shouldn't take away the patina. But I continued to clean and polish it gently with no chemicals and it is a beautiful, still usable everyday knife that I carry in a sheath I had on hand. Makes for interesting conversation. It's an I catcher and I think it's enjoying the fact I didn't pack it away in a box but put it back into use ! I almost think the original person who owned it was very proud of this blade and it served him well.
I would love to learn more about this knife if possible. I've seen alot on different forums but none that match this one. Unfortunately I can't post a picture at this time. But any information that I can get to put me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. I believe I have it down to 1920 's to early 40 's . Any idea of worth would be nice too. This thing has me really interested in starting to collect now ! Exspecially after she some of the other knives it seen here !
Gunsil
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Location: Lower Hudson River valley, N.Y.

Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by Gunsil »

Sounds like you have a model 2000 from the 1930s. They had a removable butt cap with a small compass in it (on the inside). They are not worth much without the cap and compass especially if they have been rusted and cleaned and without original sheath. I have seen very nice complete all original ones sell for less than $150. Sounds like you have a good user but not a collectible. Photos would help since they came with two blade variations, one of which is a rarer version. They also made a matching hatchet with the same hollow handle and compass, the hatchet is fairly rare. The handle was meant to hold matches and there was a gasket between the pommel and the handle.
Lovun
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Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by Lovun »

So I believe you are correct , on the model 2000. It's the 4 1/2 " upswept skinners knife . By the Tang stamps being KA-BAR reg. u.s. pat. office one side and UNION CUTLERY CO. , over OLEAN N.Y. on reverse. Sorry I can't post pictures.
Would it be possible to get a compass and sheath somewhere ? Possibly some has a beyond use, repair knife but these items were salvageable ?
Lovun
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Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2021 5:01 am

Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by Lovun »

@ Gunsil , wanted to thank you for your information. Can't figure out how to mention you in my post. Hope this finds you !!
eveled
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Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by eveled »

I’m sure he’ll see it, this forum doesn’t let you mention someone with the @ before their name. Best way is to quote their post then they’ll get an alert. Gunsil is a wealth of knowledge and always helping out.
Lovun
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Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by Lovun »

Thank you @ eveled, did get a photo too !
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Lovun
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Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by Lovun »

Figured out how to post photos. Sorry guys, new to this
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Lovun
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Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by Lovun »

More photos of the same knife ,
Attachments
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chorizotaco
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Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by chorizotaco »

This is the earlier version...model 1000. The 1000 had the "diamond with two dots" in the aluminum handle according to my documentation.
Lovun
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Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by Lovun »

So that being said . Would that date it pre- 30's ? And from my photos does it have much value . Or vou collectability ? Just to say not going up for sale or trade lol . I really like this knife. I'm going to pass it on . Just curious on info. Any more you can tell me about it. Or any references I could research myself ?
Gunsil
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Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 5:25 pm
Location: Lower Hudson River valley, N.Y.

Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by Gunsil »

Finding a butt cap with compass is a near impossibility. Years ago I was able to purchase four handles (never had blades in them) with butt caps but no compasses in them so at least I was able to have a couple butt caps I needed, and I have none for sale. Only way to get one is to get another knife as a donor. Funny, but in my old price lists caps and compasses are listed as available spare parts. Not to be a knife snob, but your example is in pretty poor condition, one can get pretty nice ones complete for $150 or so on the bay or at gun and knife shows, they are not really rare. Mint might be a bit more but they do show up sometimes. I hate to say it but the very poor condition of yours renders it of little collector value. The model was discontinued by 1941-42. There is no record of when they changed the pattern of the aluminum handle but yours may be late 20s-early 30s.They also made a much rarer hatchet with the same type of hollow aluminum handle. Case, Cattaraugus, and Kinfolks all had knives with similar handles and there are some marked Clauss. I am pretty sure the handles were made by Alumac Corporation in NJ and there are knives with the same handle but a different blade marked R-G Co, NJ. The forementioned brands do not have the same blade style but identical handles. If you take the compass out of the KA-BAR caps it says Alumac NJ cast into the aluminum.
Gunsil
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Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 5:25 pm
Location: Lower Hudson River valley, N.Y.

Re: KA-BAR , fixed blade ,

Post by Gunsil »

Here is one in good condition so you can see how much metal your blade is missing and it is missing a lot. It also appears that your handle has been sawed off and shortened so there is no flare or widening where the butt cap screws in so even if you had a proper butt cap it would not fit properly.

E010D910-C107-4595-BE05-C16E83EAD3F8.jpeg
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