If you are looking for one of the best KA-BAR knives on the market then the #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife should be on your shortlist of possible purchases. The product comes highly recommended by survivalists, outdoorsmen, and hunters alike. Its superior construction makes it durable and keeps maintenance to a bare minimum. It is a small bowie style knife that has been battle-tested, torture tested, and time-honored. What more could you want?
Important Features and Specifications
- Blade length 7-inch, thickness 0.165-inch, and overall length 11.75 inches
- Made of super high carbon steel (1095), weight 0.70 lb
- The fixed blade has a fuller with a clip point and tiny black finish
- Full-tang design Kraton G composite made handle provides excellent grip and balance
- It is a durable non-slip handle even when your hand is slippery and hilts for finger protection
- This knife offers a newly designed Kydex Sheath with a locking system and belt-loop
- The knife is made in the USA but the sheath is made in Mexico
- KA-BAR #1213 offers a limited lifetime warranty
Blade Type
This KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife is featured with black seven inches fixed clip point blade. Like the USMC Mk-2 that it was patterned after, this knife terminates at a twenty-degree angle.
This blade lacks the serrated teeth that you find on other hunting and tactical knives. The long, smooth blade is sharp enough to shave with and evenly balanced. And the color makes it easy to avoid detection during night operations.
Blade Construction
This American-made blade is virtually indestructible, capable of performing under extreme circumstances, reliably. This best tactical fixed blade knife is made of high-carbon steel, specifically 1095 steel. 1095 steel is often called spring steel because of its ability to flex or vibrate without breaking or cracking. For your purposes, it helps to avoid bending the blade.
The blade is suitable for precise cutting, splitting wood, battening as well as skinning and chopping. The flat ground blade is easy to sharpen and holds an edge well. The KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife comes with an epoxy powdered finish but will require oil to avoid rusting.
The Handle of the KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife
The ergonomically designed Kraton wrapped handle ensures a safe and secure grip, even when your hands are wet or slippery. The Kraton coating also helps to resist the effects of water, extreme heat, or extreme cold. The full tang construction ensures that the knife is balanced, for ease of maneuverability and accuracy of use.
The pommel is securely fitted and attached to the tang, allowing you to use the butt to hammer without fear. The KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife handle has integrated finger guards, which are ideal for personal defense. The Kraton casing also helps to avoid blistering after prolonged use as well as providing a slightly tacky surface for a firm grip every time.
Accessories Come with this KA-BAR #1213
The KA-BAR 1213 comes with a MOLLE-capable, hard Kydex sheath. The sheath locks the knife securely in place with an internal clip. Unlike other sheaths that use a clasp over the handle, this sheath keeps your knife secure while on the move while also making it easily accessible should you need it. One strong tug is enough to dislodge your knife.
Kydex is a premium composite material that is heat and water-resistant and doesn’t scratch easily. This thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride is often used in bulkheads and firearms holsters. It can stand up to the toughest tests and will perform for you. Whether you are wearing it on your hip or as part of an Alice pack, you will be ready; this sheath will give you superior performance under all circumstances.
The Usefulness of the KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife
KA-BAR built its reputation as the maker of tactical knives. Like all of KA-BAR’s offerings, 1213 is an excellent fighting knife and is ideal for military use or personal defense. However, its uses are not limited to military or paramilitary purposes. The KA-BAR 1213 is an excellent knife to have on hand for any circumstance where a knife might be ideal.
Hunters, campers, survivalists, soldiers, and outdoorsmen – of all kinds find the KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife to be the best fixed blade knife on the market for any use. The unique, secure sheath and belt loop make it easy to keep this blade securely on your person at all times.
Pros:
- Extreme quality high carbon steel (1095) blade.
- The durable Kraton G composite-made handle has a good grip.
- Ideal for survivalists, hunters, skinning, campers & outdoorsmen.
- Modernized Kydex Sheath with a locking system.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Need a little bit of care for long-term use.
- Somebody snapped right off the blade while cutting wood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question- 1: Is the knife heavy to carry?
Answer: In fact, the knife is quite lightweight for a seven-inch blade. The sheath does add nearly a pound of weight, so it is best to be aware of that when considering it as a tactical knife.
Question- 2: What is the difference between 11213 and 1214?
Answer: The serrated edge. While this is a great all-around knife, it is not meant for sawing motions.
Question- 3: Is the blade rust-resistant?
Answer: The sharpened edge will require you to maintain it with oil. The rest of the blade is protected with powdered epoxy that should protect against rust.
Question- 4: What kind of oil should I use?
Answer: Many people use standard gun oil, but KA-BAR has videos about knife maintenance on its website. Follow the recommendations for the best results.
Question- 5: Will the finger guards get caught in my clothes?
Answer: Not really. The finger guards are designed to be unobtrusive. KA-BAR has a lot of experience designing knives for personal defense. The KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife’s original purpose was as a tactical knife for combat-ready soldiers. As such you can rest assured that the design features are useful and well thought out.
Question- 6: How do I sharpen my blade?
Answer: Your best option is to have it sharpened professionally. Of course, KA-BAR has videos and recommendations on proper at-home blade care. Follow their recommendations. You can also have the blade engraved professionally, but in all cases follow the care instruction offered by the professionals to ensure that you don’t chip or weaken the blade.
Final Verdict
The KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife is a new take on an old classic. It is similar to the knives used during WWII and has been a fan favorite among knife enthusiasts, doom’s day preppers, and survivalists for years. The blade does require some attention to maintain, but there is no gain without effort. The beauty of the knife is that it has incorporated new technologies into the classic design for greater ease of use and durability. For a durable, multifaceted knife, the KA-BAR 1213 is the best tactical knife on the market.
I am an amateur traveler in the forest or mountain area. I use to go there for hunting and survival purpose. But most of the time I face a common problem with my knife. I can’t use it for different tactical works and also their quality is very low. So now I need to buy a good quality and versatile tactical fixed blade knife.
I am searching on google for it while I have found your blog. After reading your great review about this blade, I think this KA-BAR #1213 would be the best choice for me, or if you have any suggestion, please provide me.
Hi Lucia, at first I would like to thank you for your lovely comment. I think this KA-BAR #1213 would be your excellent choice but if you need a heavy duty knife for different circumstances, then your can for the great Benchmade Bushcrafter Knife. This is the world’s strongest knife.
Good, very informative review. I have looked lots of sites but I don’t find full description of this knife. Here I have found what I am looking for. I will also recommend this blog to my other friends too. Have a great time Jame Morris.