Kabar Dolphin Origin?

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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Sharpnshinyknives
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Kabar Dolphin Origin?

Post by Sharpnshinyknives »

Anyone know for sure where this knife was made? The seller said it was 100% US made, but I am having serious doubts about that. The handles look like they were taken right off of an Al Mar made by Moki. The bolsters look like the same bolsters used on some A.G. Russell knives that were made in Japan around the same time as this knife, which is 1989. Did Kabar have the parts made in Japan and shipped for finish in the USA? Or is it possible that these were simply made in Japan?
Thanks
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edge213
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Re: Kabar Dolphin Origin?

Post by edge213 »

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: Fri Aug 06, 2021 1:59 am Anyone know for sure where this knife was made? The seller said it was 100% US made, but I am having serious doubts about that. The handles look like they were taken right off of an Al Mar made by Moki. The bolsters look like the same bolsters used on some A.G. Russell knives that were made in Japan around the same time as this knife, which is 1989. Did Kabar have the parts made in Japan and shipped for finish in the USA? Or is it possible that these were simply made in Japan?
Thanks
It sure looks Japanese to me.
David
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Madmarco
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Re: Kabar Dolphin Origin?

Post by Madmarco »

Wish I could help Mark, but all I can add is that it's a fine looking knife. My 1st thoughts were Al Mar/Moki because it has that distinct shape of one theirs, but I'm afraid that's it. Wherever it was made it's a beautiful piece! 8)
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Re: Kabar Dolphin Origin?

Post by Sharpnshinyknives »

Thanks Mark. I was drawn to the look because it was so similar. I know I read about these “Dolphin” knives at some other point, but I can’t remember what I read now, showing my age.
SSk Mark “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan
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Re: Kabar Dolphin Origin?

Post by Madmarco »

You and me both brother, I'd never even heard of Dolphin knives! ::shrug:: 8)
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Re: Kabar Dolphin Origin?

Post by chorizotaco »

Most if not all Kabar Collector Club knives were made by Queen. The Dolphins, there were two, were the first offerings to club members in 1989. The green was the standard issue and the red with etched blade was the second and was limited to 500 knives. As with all dual club offerings you could buy the green by itself but if you wanted the red you had to purchase both.
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Re: Kabar Dolphin Origin?

Post by Sharpnshinyknives »

chorizotaco wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:40 pm Most if not all Kabar Collector Club knives were made by Queen. The Dolphins, there were two, were the first offerings to club members in 1989. The green was the standard issue and the red with etched blade was the second and was limited to 500 knives. As with all dual club offerings you could buy the green by itself but if you wanted the red you had to purchase both. E0C9AEA0-B748-4F28-972E-FC7F26ADEB7C.jpeg3653C5A5-70C5-4095-B7F8-955DEE3F80B0.jpeg
Thank you for the confirmation on this. I must say I am very surprised that Queen made this, it’s so far out there from their normal offerings. I appreciate the information.
SSk Mark “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan
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Re: Kabar Dolphin Origin?

Post by edge213 »

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 8:09 pm
chorizotaco wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:40 pm Most if not all Kabar Collector Club knives were made by Queen. The Dolphins, there were two, were the first offerings to club members in 1989. The green was the standard issue and the red with etched blade was the second and was limited to 500 knives. As with all dual club offerings you could buy the green by itself but if you wanted the red you had to purchase both. E0C9AEA0-B748-4F28-972E-FC7F26ADEB7C.jpeg3653C5A5-70C5-4095-B7F8-955DEE3F80B0.jpeg
Thank you for the confirmation on this. I must say I am very surprised that Queen made this, it’s so far out there from their normal offerings. I appreciate the information.
I'm a little surprised also.
David
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Re: Kabar Dolphin Origin?

Post by QTCut5 »

Good info, thanks for sharing. ::tu::

I knew there was something about this model that really spoke to me...perhaps I somehow picked up a subliminal Queen vibe. :)

I have both the green and the red models, but they were acquired from two different sources. I bought the red one from Mark (Sharpshinyknives), who was kind enough to let it go; the green one was an eBay find.

They're both very nice, but I'm somewhat partial to the red smooth bone version. Normally, I'm not a fan of blade etches, but the etch on this one is very classy and I totally dig it. 8)

At 3½" closed they're my preferred size (the same length as a Case 07 Mini Trapper), and I love the slender, graceful single blade and nice solid lockup.

(Mark's pics show the deep, rich red color much better than mine.)
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Re: Kabar Dolphin Origin?

Post by Sharpnshinyknives »

Those are gorgeous. You are right about that red one, it has some amazing color. Glad you like it Q.
SSk Mark “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan
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