USMC Kampfmesser

KA-BAR is a renowned knife company that originated in the USA in 1890. The original company that launched the famous hunting knife "Model 1219C2" with a 17 cm long Bowie blade was called "Union Cutlery Company". Only 8 years later the company was renamed "Tidioute Cutlery Company". However, it was not until the Second World War that the KA-BAR knife became world famous. The US military was looking for an improved weapon for close combat and found the perfect solution in the KA-BAR knife. Major Howard America adapted the design of the knife in 1942 and it became the "KA-BAR-US Navy and Marine Corps Utility Knife MKII" with an extended blade length of 17.8 cm, weight reduction and an oval leather handle made of pressed leather discs. It proved itself in the military and was used as one of the most popular close combat weapons until today.  

After the war, the company was renamed "KA-BAR Cutlery Inc." in 1952 and is now based in Olean, New York. In addition to the KA-BAR knife, the company also offers various special series and variations of knives. The KA-BAR knife is still available today as the "Full-Size USMC KA-BAR, Straight Edge".  

The origin of the name "KA-BAR" is not exactly clear, but it may derive from "kill a bear" or as an abbreviation for "Knife Attached - Browning Automatic Rifle". The Browning Automatic Rifle was also part of the standard inventory of the infantry squad in WW2.  Today, the KA-BAR knife is known as the forefather of combat and mission knives and enjoys worldwide popularity.