WWII KABAR? Help please!

[alktrio06]

Is this a WWII KABAR? I picked it up at an antique mall for like 60 bucks. The only reason I ask is because the guard is much different from any I have seen online. Here are some pics and the butt does not screw off.

Information

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[Aragorn243]

It's a Mark 1 as opposed to the Mark 2 which is the one most commonly associated with the name.

[browningautorifle]

Looks like a standard type Mk 1 to me too...

[alktrio06]

Thanks for the reply guys! Is the smaller guard a modification or is that how it was produced?

[Aragorn243]

That's how it's produced. There isn't much information on the Mark I on the net but there are plenty of photos, mostly of current production versions. Yours has the look to be an original WWII piece and $60 isn't a bad price for one. That's low end for those I've encountered and some of them were in a lot worse shape.

[Johnny Peppers]

If you didn't get the scabbard that is too high, especially in that condition.

US USA WW2 MK1 KABAR KA-BAR Fighting Knife with Sheath | eBay

[browningautorifle]

Agreed. That's a lot to pay.

[alktrio06]

I did get the scabbard. Overall, I am very happy with this piece. Best thing is, now I get to look for an MK2.

[browningautorifle]

Mk 2 is easy. Every second man here has one. I have one with a fiber case myself. I'm sure there can be one found on the sale forum.

[Aragorn243]

I got one at a yard sale about three years ago. Very late in the day. My wife wanted to stop at a yard sale because her friend lived there. So while she's talking I walked over to another yard sale nearby and there was a note on the table. "WWII US Navy knife, ask to see" I figured it was long gone but asked. The guy brings out a nice USN Kabar in the sheath and I figure the reason it's still here is the price. I asked how much and he said $20. Told me he knew it was worth more but he was afraid someone was going to cut themselves and he wanted it to go somewhere where it would be appreciated.

So it can pay to ask even when you think it has to be gone or will be too much.