Interesting KA-BAR knives facts:

  • KA-BAR has its origins in Tidioute, PA where Wallace Brown begins the Union Razor Co in 1898.
  • Wallace Brown was a relative of the Case family (mother Emma Case).
  • The name is changed to Union Cutlery Co in 1909.
  • The factory is moved to Olean, NY in 1911 due to the attractive tax incentives.
    A few old KA-BAR knives. Note the lever release switchblade at the top
  • An Alaskan hunter is able to save his own life from an attacking bear by using a Union Cutlery Co hunting knife.  After killing (KA) the bear (BAR), the hunter sent the bear skin to the Wallace Brown and the brand KA-BAR was born.
  • KA-BAR is first used on knives in 1923.
  • Many fixed blade fighting / hunting knives during WWII and gains additional popularity and name recognition.
  • The Union Cutlery Co name is dropped and officially changes its name to KA-BAR in 1952.
  • Early knives (pre-WWII) bearing “dogs-head” shields are especially prized by collectors today.  These knives are especially sought after by collectors today.

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Ka-Bar KABAR USA bone stag Dog's Head shield mint in box Toothpick knife
eBay
$76.99
Ka-Bar KABAR USA bone stag Dog's Head shield mint in box Toothpick knife
KABAR USA 1992 COLLECTORS CLUB STAG LOCKBACK KNIFE CK92
eBay
$135.00
KABAR USA 1992 COLLECTORS CLUB STAG LOCKBACK KNIFE CK92
Ka-Bar Kabar TT201 Dog Head Tang Stamp Stag Handle Three Blade Made in USA
eBay
$160.00
Ka-Bar Kabar TT201 Dog Head Tang Stamp Stag Handle Three Blade Made in USA
KABAR FOLDING HUNTER DOG HEAD MADE IN 70’s Stag Handle
eBay
$200.00
KABAR FOLDING HUNTER DOG HEAD MADE IN 70’s Stag Handle
1977 Kabar Dog’s Head Folding Hunter 2 Blade Stag Knife NOS In Original Box
eBay
$329.00
1977 Kabar Dog’s Head Folding Hunter 2 Blade Stag Knife NOS In Original Box
VINTAGE KABAR (#1184) IMTN. STAG "FOLDING HUNTER" KNIFE- NICE/GENTLY USED- L@@K
eBay
$49.99
VINTAGE KABAR (#1184) IMTN. STAG "FOLDING HUNTER" KNIFE- NICE/GENTLY USED- L@@K
KA-BAR STAG KNIFE NEW WITH BOX
eBay
$199.00
KA-BAR STAG KNIFE NEW WITH BOX
KABAR 1184 Stag Handle Two-Blade Folding Hunter Knife – Made In USA
eBay
$44.99
KABAR 1184 Stag Handle Two-Blade Folding Hunter Knife – Made In USA
-20%
KABAR USA 1981 COLLECTORS CLUB GENUINE STAG JUMBO COKE BOTTLE KNIFE NICE (25493)
eBay
$220.00 $275.00
KABAR USA 1981 COLLECTORS CLUB GENUINE STAG JUMBO COKE BOTTLE KNIFE NICE (25493)
-20%
KABAR USA 1981 COLLECTORS CLUB GENUINE STAG JUMBO COKE BOTTLE KNIFE NICE (26635)
eBay
$220.00 $275.00
KABAR USA 1981 COLLECTORS CLUB GENUINE STAG JUMBO COKE BOTTLE KNIFE NICE (26635)