Glock knife vs KA-BAR, it is one of the most common arguments you will come across in online survival forums. When it comes to field knives and survival knives, these two brands represent the best offerings. Therefore, if you are planning on buying a field knife anytime soon, Glock and KA-BAR should be at the top of your considerations.
Both knives have earned rave reviews from countless users over the years, so you will not make much of a mistake going either way. That said, there are certain differences between these knives in terms of functionality. So, before buying, you should do a bit of research to find out which one fits you best.
In this article, we will break down the special features that set these knives apart from each other. Therefore, you should be able to make an educated choice after going through the entire piece. So, stay with us for the next few minutes and buy the perfect field knife for you.
Glock: Sleek, Lightweight, Compact
Glock is mostly famous for their firearms, but they also produce top-of-the-line knives. Glock collaborates with the Austrian military to design these blades. So, these are quite helpful out in the wilderness. On top of that, they serve well as a mode of self-defense. These knives are commissioned for Austrian and German special forces.
Another attribute that made Glock knives immensely popular is their prices. Without a shred of a doubt, Glock is the best survival knife you can buy on a budget. These knives have narrow blades, which makes them useful in a variety of scenarios. Since this is a military-grade knife, Glock has made it fit for bayonet use. So, it is easier to carry and wield.
By buying a Glock knife, you will get a knife with respectable strength and sharpness. The 1095 steel blade can take a beating and serve you for quite a long time. The polymer grip, compared with the knife’s lightweight design, makes it very easy to hold and maneuver. That said, it is a bit susceptible to rusting. So, you will have to take good care of it.
Features: What Makes Glock Knives Unique?
Softened Steel Build
1095 grade steel is widely used in forging utility and field knives, so what makes the Glock knife blade different? Most knives, like the Ka-Bar ones we will later talk about, have a hardened construction. While that accounts for a bit of ruggedness, hardened steel blades can snap without giving you prior notice. Also, they are not easy to sharpen.
As you compare the blades between a Ka-Bar and a Glock, you will realize that the Glock blade appears more malleable. Therefore, it takes less time to sharpen. Moreover, it gives it an extra dose of durability. Its softer blade surface results in better pressure distribution. So, it is less likely to break when you expose it to extra stress.
High Quality Sheath
When you are purchasing a field knife, you need to pay attention to the quality of its sheath. We recommend avoiding folding knives, which do not offer the same level of resilience as their fixed blade counterparts. A substandard sheath can damage the blade over time and lead to injuries if the blade cuts through the sheath and reaches your skin.
Glock has used gun-grade polymer to construct the sheath, which makes it incredibly strong, weatherproof, and lightweight. The design objective of the sheath is to attach to your equipment without a hassle and then secure it by linking the pieces. Towards the tip, you will find a tensioned plastic clip that grants instant access to the knife upon pressing.
Ergonomic Grip
The grip plays a crucial part in determining the utility of a knife. If the knife slips out of your hand frequently, it will be an extremely risky tool to work with, not to mention it will not give you the desired cut quality. Glock knife handles provide a relaxing grip with immaculate control. For this reason, you can use the knife for extended periods without any discomfort.
The blade does not run through the end of the handle, but because of the handle’s ergonomic design, it does not cause much of a problem. Like the sheath, Glock has used high-quality polymer to make the handle. It feels really good when you hold the knife, and the handle will not wear away anytime soon.
Our Recommended Glock Knife: Glock KB17281 81 Field Knife
The Glock KB17281 81 Field Knife is our stand out pick from Glock’s line of knives because-
- It has a serrated blade on one side for an increased cutting ability. Also, it comes with a rust-resistant coating.
- The other edge of the blade is plain. The dual-edged blade makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Ka-Bar: Classic, Stronger, Larger
Ka-Bar knives constitute a significant part of US military history. Since the Union Cutlery company released the first Ka-Bar knife back in 1942, it has been the go-to combat knife for US Marines. Hence, Ka-Bar knives are legacy items that bear an unmatched emotional appeal to American patriots.
Okay, ‘’legacy item’’ might not be the best term to describe these knives because Ka-Bar knives are as relevant today as they were decades back. Over the years, Ka-Bar knives have evolved to meet the needs of modern adventurers. So, owning a Ka-Bar knife in 2021 is quite a practical decision for an outdoor enthusiast.
Ka-Bar knives are characterized by their full tang design, which most survival experts prefer because of their increased stability. Some also come with a partially serrated blade, which lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the precision of a straight-edged knife and the brute strength of a serrated knife at the same time.
All that said, Ka-Bar knives do have some drawbacks. They are not the lightest knives in the market. So, if you prefer portability, these might not be the pick for you. Also, they are not easy to sharpen, as we had previously mentioned. The hardened blade does make the knife more rugged, but it makes it more likely to break when you apply excessive pressure to it.
Related: Shun vs Wusthof- The Ultimate Guide To Buying Knives
Features: Why Should I Go For A Ka-Bar Knife?
Trusted By US Marines
The Ka-Bar has become synonymous with the US Marine Corps. It is more than just a weapon; it is suitable for a handful of other usages that will make it easier for you to survive a hostile environment. It is a versatile tool that you can use to cut and chop tree branches, dig holes, skin animals, and slice vegetables. The pommel is also fit for light hammering.
A Balanced Size
Ka-Bar knives are not overly large, neither are they too small. When you go for a very large knife or a very small one, you will have to accept some compromises because of their specialties. Ka-Bar gives you an intermediary option with its sizing. Therefore, the knife will prove handy in a myriad of scenarios.
Excellent Sheath
The Ka-Bar sheath is a heavy-duty covering that keeps the knife accessible all the time and secures it when you are not using it. Thanks to its ambidextrous design, it is equally comfortable reaching for the knife with your left and right hand. The attachment holes also add to the ergonomics of the sheath.
Our Recommended Ka-Bar Knife: The Ka-Bar 1213
The Ka-Bar 1213 is our pick as the best Ka-Bar Knife. Here are the factors that inspired our decision:
- It has a non-slip handle, which gives it excellent operability.
- It has an impressive blade length of 7 inches and in width, it measures right over the 3-inch mark. Overall, it presents the right size for optimal maneuverability.
- Premium 1095 grade steel blade sprinkled with anti-rust powder.
Glock Knife vs KaBar: Which One’s Better?
Both Glock and Ka-Bar are excellent choices, but we favor Ka-Bar knives because of their heritage, versatility, and performance. However, there are certain conditions where Glock is a better choice than Ka-Bar. Like:
- You should choose Glock if you are backpacking and do not have much storage space. It is easier to carry because of its low weight and small shape.
- Glock is better for cutting through ropes because of having a dedicated serrated edge. It is also a convenient pick for skinning animals.
Ka-Bar is a clear winner, however, when it comes to these situations:
- Ka-Bar knives are better for slicing through the wood because of the size of their blades. They will also prove more useful for digging holes in the ground and starting fire.
- The plummet is larger in Ka-Bar knives, so you can use it as a makeshift hammer.
Final Say
We hope the discussion we had above has helped you pick a side in the Glock knife vs Ka-Bar dilemma. Just keep in mind the special features of both knives and see which one ticks most of the box for you.
Ka-Bar is an all-purpose knife that is backed by a rich history. Glock, on the other hand, is a budget consideration but it packs a lot of functionalities that will cater to your demands in a challenging outdoor situation.
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