Vintage Kabar Grizzly

[backlip]

Another from my grandfather’s collection. Not sure where he picked it up (decades of flea markets and knife shows).

Looks like the blade has been repaired. Crack on one side of the handle. Still a cool knife, really like the look of these old Grizzlies.

Blade is a little wobbly but the spring is surprisingly good.

[1967redrider]

As Gene had pointed out, I wonder why they decided to weld that blade on instead of the original? Or is it the model in the second picture below? Attaching a couple pictures I found for research.

[backlip]

What makes you think the blade isn’t original?

[backlip]

Thanks for the reference pics btw

[Gunsil]

I guess my earlier post got deleted for using the word "ugly" to describe the repair job on this knife. I didn't know calling them as I see them was agin the rules. Seems just like government censorship. There is an obvious weld where the "blade" meets the tang. Just look at that wavy piece of metal, it's not even straight and the spine of the blade should be same thickness as tang.

[1967redrider]

I guess my earlier post got deleted for using the word "ugly" to describe the repair job on this knife. I didn't know calling them ass I see them was agin the rules. Seems just like government censorship. There is an obvious weld where the "blade" meets the tang.

Looks like a suspicious weld job to me too. Do you think it's not the original blade that was welded back on, Gene? I know you have handled/seen a lot of these.

[Gunsil]

No John, I do not think that piece of metal came from the original knife. Dang sure it did not.

By the way, I just sent in my table fee for the Shenandoah show, the show will only be two days this year, Friday and Saturday, March 31 and April 1.

[Madmarco]

As Gene had pointed out, I wonder why they decided to weld that blade on instead of the original? Or is it the model in the second picture below? Attaching a couple pictures I found for research.

Why do you say "or is it the model in the second picture below", John? To my untrained eye, where the blade meets the tang appears to look correct?

[1967redrider]

No John, I do not think that piece of metal came from the original knife. Dang sure it did not.

By the way, I just sent in my table fee for the Shenandoah show, the show will only be two days this year, Friday and Saturday, March 31 and April 1.

Awesome, hope you will be seeing Herb and me!

[1967redrider]

As Gene had pointed out, I wonder why they decided to weld that blade on instead of the original? Or is it the model in the second picture below? Attaching a couple pictures I found for research.

Why do you say "or is it the model in the second picture below", John? To my untrained eye, where the blade meets the tang appears to look correct?

Mark, I defer to Gene's area of expertise. He's the Grizzly Guru in my book.

[Madmarco]

I get what we're talking about, it's just that the statement made it sound like the knife in the second picture below is a different knife from the OP, or is it, they look the same to me except for the weld?

[Gunsil]

Mark, look at the photos. There is an obvious weld or brazing seam the whole width of the blade. Then look at the photo of the top of the knife open, the "blade" is wavy. The "blade" spine also tapers down from the tang right at the tang, spine should be same thickness as tang for a long ways out. You can also see remnants of the milling done for a thumb grip on the tang, this should go out on the blade. The top of the "blade" is rounded, should be square. I'd wager the piece of metal used here for a "blade" isn't even tempered tool steel.

[edge213]

Mark, look at the photos. There is an obvious weld or brazing seam the whole width of the blade. Then look at the photo of the top of the knife open, the "blade" is wavy. The "blade" spine also tapers down from the tang right at the tang, spine should be same thickness as tang for a long ways out. You can also see remnants of the milling done for a thumb grip on the tang, this should go out on the blade. The top of the "blade" is rounded, should be square. I'd wager the piece of metal used here for a "blade" isn't even tempered tool steel.

You can now purchase this Kabar in an AAPK store.

[Madmarco]

Thanks Gene, but we're having a misunderstanding. The moment I read "weld" I looked for it and saw it clearly and I totally agree, it's been welded on, and John's picture of the weld absolutely confirms that. But, John wrote "I wonder why they decided to weld that blade on instead of the original?" "Or is it the model in the second picture below?", and he attached 2 pictures. To me that says that John is saying they are 2 different knives regardless of the weld, the welded OP is 1, and the knife in John's 2nd picture is 2, or, John is saying the knife in his 2nd picture just naturally looks like it had the blade welded on, but of course it hasn't. Are you following me cuz I'm gettin' fuzzy? Disregard all that, I think I got it. John was asking why the original blade wasn't used for the welding, and then answered his own question by saying perhaps the knife isn't the model he thought it was but maybe it's the model below, which is a different model, hence the blade looking different, yes? Whew!

[1967redrider]

Mark, that second picture I posted was of a blade shaped somewhat like the OP blade. That's the reason I posted it and asked the question. Sorry if it confused anyone.

[Gunsil]

John's second photo is of a catalog block print which was drawn by an artist and not quite true to the actual manufactured knife. The first picture is more true to the actual knives, there should not be as much of an upsweep to the blade coming from the tang. Marco, a simple google search will show you plenty of photos of the originals, some in nice shape. The google search will show more than one model Grizzly, but there are good photos of the big ones. Mine is misplaced, possibly stolen or I'd photo it for you. I have my mid size one but the blade profile on these ia a little different than on the large ones. Now that welded up knife is for sale at an exorbitant price in the AAPK stores. Hefty price for a handle!!

[backlip]

open to offers, bub

[Bill DeShivs]

The blade has not been welded. It was silver soldered-technically a form of "brazing."

[Madmarco]

Thank you John and Gene. I get it now, and apologize for being so dense it really wasn't that complicated, but it just wouldn't sink in til we hashed it out. I REALLY hope your knife is only misplaced Gene, that would suck if someone lifted it on you.

[1967redrider]

The blade has not been welded. It was silver soldered-technically a form of "brazing."

How durable would that be, Bill?

[Bill DeShivs]

Not particularly durable, and the heat required would ruin the blade's heat treatment.