KA-BAR is a legendary name in the knife world, with a legacy that spans more than a century—though it hasn’t always operated under the same name. While the iconic USMC KA-BAR remains its most famous blade, the Olean, New York-based company has built a surprisingly diverse lineup over the years.
By collaborating with some of the top names in the business—like Ethan Becker, Rick Hinderer, and Bob Dozier—KA-BAR continues to show a serious commitment to quality and innovation.
There’ve been plenty of solid new releases, but none have dethroned these tried-and-true classics.
Here are the 10 best KA-BAR knives you can get your hands on right now.
KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife
Let’s kick things off with the icon—the original KA-BAR. I won’t go too deep into the history here (because I’ve already done that) but it’s worth noting that several companies produced the KA-BAR knife over the years. Still, the ones made by the company we now know as KA-BAR were always held in the highest regard.
Decades later, this legendary fighting knife remains a favorite among both military personnel and civilians.
Honestly, I could have filled this whole list with different versions of the KA-BAR utility knife. But to keep things varied, I’m letting the classic USMC model represent the whole family—like the Kraton-handled variants, tanto versions, short versions and more.
KA-BAR BK2 Becker Campanion
Just like I could’ve packed this list with nothing but fighting knives, I could just as easily fill it entirely with models from the KA-BAR Becker line. Ethan Becker is a true knife-designing savant, and his work with KA-BAR is all the proof you need. One standout in the lineup? The BK2 Becker Campanion.
When people ask for the best all-around outdoor knife, the BK2 is almost always in the conversation. With its 5.25-inch 1095 Cro-Van steel blade and a rugged Ultramid handle, this knife is built to tackle just about anything. You really can’t go wrong with it.
KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter
Bob Dozier has made a name for himself with high-end fixed blade hunting knives, but his collaboration with KA-BAR brought something a little more accessible to the table — and it’s been a hit ever since. The result was the Dozier Folding Hunter, a no-frills folding knife that delivers way above its price point.
The original version held its ground for years, but the release of the upgraded D2 steel model cemented its place as the go-to budget EDC for a lot of folks.
Featuring a 3-inch D2 blade, a reliable backlock, and lightweight blue Zytel handles, this knife might not look flashy — but it performs like a champ.
KA-BAR Jarosz Camp Turok
One of the running threads in this list is KA-BAR’s knack for partnering with standout knife makers — and Jesse Jarosz is no exception. The Camp Turok is a collaboration that shows just how much mileage you can get from solid materials and smart design.
This longer, beefier version of the original Turok features an 8-inch 1095 Cro-Van steel blade paired with brown Ultramid handle scales. It’s built from the same stuff as the Becker line, but it definitely has its own attitude.
With a long drop point blade, a mean swedge, and a handle that feels locked-in during heavy use, the Camp Turok has edged out its predecessor as the more versatile and capable option. It’s made for the backwoods, but wouldn’t look out of place on display.
KA-BAR BK7 Becker Combat Utility
The Turok and BK7 may live in the same neighborhood, but the BK7 was designed with a more tactical mission in mind. Created by Ethan Becker, the BK7 is a no-nonsense fixed blade meant to thrive in the hands of soldiers, survivalists, and serious outdoorsmen.
With a 7-inch 1095 Cro-Van blade and the signature Ultramid handles, this knife is built like a tank. Whether you’re batoning wood, prying open crates, or doing whatever rough-and-tumble job comes your way, the BK7 can take the abuse and keep coming back for more. This is a go-to tool when reliability matters most.
KA-BAR MULE
KA-BAR really knows how to make a no-frills, all-function folding knife, and the MULE is proof of that. This beast of a folder was built with tough jobs in mind—whether you’re in the field, on duty, or just need a reliable tool around the house.
Its 4-inch blade is paired with a sturdy back lock that can handle serious stress, and the grippy G-10 handles give you a rock-solid grip even in rough conditions. It might not turn heads with flashy looks, but the MULE wasn’t made for show—it was made to work.
KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement
The original KA-BAR TDI knife is a perfect example of form meeting function in a high-stress environment. Designed by John Benner of the Tactical Defense Institute with help from renowned knifemaker Rick Hinderer, the TDI was created specifically with law enforcement in mind.
Its unique pistol-grip angle allows for intuitive use under pressure—especially in close-quarters situations where every second counts. While it was designed as a backup weapon for officers, the TDI has gained a loyal following among civilians for its discreet carry and quick deployment. It’s small, smart, and purpose-built.
KA-BAR Ek Commando Model 4
The Ek Commando Model 4 brings a storied past into the modern era. Inspired by the knives carried by elite forces in WWII, this updated version pays tribute to the original John Ek design while benefiting from KA-BAR’s reliable materials and construction.
With its 6.625-inch spear-point blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel and a no-nonsense glass-filled nylon handle, the Model 4 is all about function and battlefield-ready performance. It’s a worthy successor to the USN Mark I on this list, combining history with dependable modern craftsmanship.
KA-BAR BK3 Becker Tac Tool
Yes, there’s another Becker on this list. I was tempted to do something like the reasonable and just as worthy KA-BAR BK16 Short Becker, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to extol the virtues of the BK3 Becker Tac Tool. Born from the minds of Ethan Becker and John Benner, this beast of a blade doesn’t just cut—it pries, batters, and breaks through anything in its path.
With a 7-inch 1095 Cro-Van steel blade, a stout chisel grind, and a partially serrated edge, it’s designed for the worst-case scenario and built to take whatever abuse you throw at it. Whether you’re breaking through car windows or breaching doors, the BK3 proves time and again why it’s one of the toughest fixed blades in the game.
You replace a bunch of tools in your toolbox with this single knife.
KA-BAR D2 Extreme
Rounding out the list is the D2 Extreme. While I didn’t want to overload this list with variations of the original KA-BAR, the D2 Extreme stands out enough to earn its spot. It keeps the classic 7-inch clip point blade design but swaps the usual 1095 Cro-Van steel for D2, which offers improved corrosion resistance and excellent edge retention.
The handle also gets a slight upgrade with black Kraton G, a tough, comfortable material, and the guard design is subtly refined. It may not be the first KA-BAR someone picks up—but for many, it ends up being their favorite.
That wraps up our look at the best KA-BAR knives out there right now. From time-tested military classics to innovative collaborations with some of the sharpest minds in knifemaking, KA-BAR continues to prove that it’s more than just one iconic blade. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast, a tactical gear junkie, or just someone who appreciates good design and reliable performance, there’s a KA-BAR that’ll fit your hand—and your lifestyle—perfectly.
Let us know which model is your favorite or if there’s one you think we missed!
November 1, 2018 at 12:24 pm
There are a lot of expensive knives on the market today but for my money the quality of KA-BAR always supersedes the price. In my 66 years of life I have never had a KA-BAR knife let me down.
Larry J. Gauthier
larrylar15@yahoo.com
June 7, 2022 at 9:41 am
I absolutely 💯 agree with you. The marine fighting knife has always been a favorite of mine. Their Kukri and Becker line is fantastic
June 20, 2024 at 10:01 am
I have quite a few ka-bar knives.. Solid and dependable.
May 21, 2019 at 1:27 pm
I love my Turoc….awesome knive for outdoor activities
June 26, 2021 at 3:28 am
I also love my Turok, great knife, I’ve used it so much!
July 9, 2019 at 7:53 pm
Thanks for the review, Tim. The two Ka-Bars I have experience with include my trusty Warthog (9/10 for handling and ease, plus price and durability) and The Mule. Despite good reviews I found the Mule poorly made and too big for everyday uses, though I did buy — then return — one. As an addicted knifer, I would have kept it had some shoddy points not surfaced. Of course, giving Ka-Bar the benefit of doubt, the Mule I bought may have just been that particular knife, which turned out to be a jackass. – Peter Rusland, Duncan, Canada
July 10, 2019 at 4:20 pm
The only complaint I have about the Becker Companion is the belt loop on the sheath is flexible so if you put the knife in without fastening the security strap it flops over to horizontal. Not good.
June 9, 2020 at 5:24 pm
Anytime someone one puts down the Ka-Bar I chuck it up to ignorance or limited experience. There are many designs for different purposes, but the Ka-Bar, particularly the original is a great knife and is one of those classic pieces of gear. It’s nice that the company is keeping up the tradition of quality and ruggedness.
I have three vintage blades but I am also a fan of some of the newer models. Leather is always nice, but the availability of synthetic handles is a nice option for ease of maintenance.
June 9, 2020 at 9:55 pm
Kabar Hinderer Hellfire. Devastating Blade.
September 14, 2020 at 8:24 am
My favorite folding knife is Ka-Bar 1189. Made in U.S.A. Piece of beauty.
It is sad that there are no folding Ka-Bars making in USA. Im going to buy Bucks and Cases for folding knives collection.
June 22, 2021 at 9:13 pm
The 1248 Cutlass Machete is incredible — it’s like the Kukri machete but with a more intuitive edge & tip alignment. And I’m definitely a fan of the Warthog knives, as well as the Beckers (such a bummer they discontinued the BK5 trailing point)! I’m also really glad they made big blades like the Reinhardt Kukri, the Parangatang, & the Heavy Bowie — I hope they’ll do more like those in the future!
June 23, 2021 at 11:35 am
Hey Dave, This is a random reply. Went to a website selling this machete for $48.31. I bought one many years ago, still have it and will never sell it.
This is why I replied. The site said. ” Not legal for sale in the following states. N. J., R.I.,N.Y.,M.A.,Hawaii, Wisconsin, Texas, Illinois and Michigan
I lived in CT when I bought the one I have. But…. a class action lawsuit needs to be brought by all knife/ tool companies . Re-goddamn-diculous!
Sorry I used your review for my rant. Cheers Brother :))
June 23, 2021 at 2:39 pm
I have several Ka-bars as I am a knife collector and professional Kydex sheath maker and I love them. I will take the designers and manufacturers to task for making the handles of the BK-2, BK-7, BK-9 and their ilk with such slick and slippery stock handles and then having the audacity to charge half the price of the knife to buy a decent pair of after market scales to make the knives safe and functional. It is for this reason that these knives are not my favorite and why I will not recommend them to anyone to purchase.
December 28, 2022 at 2:03 pm
So which one you think is best of them, please reply because i am planing to get one for myself
Many Thanks 🙏🎄
August 10, 2022 at 6:51 pm
Do all of yourselves a collective favor and purchase the Ka-bar Big Brother and I defy you to criticize sharpness, edge retention, balance, fit and finish, the handle and overall aesthetic (all most too much of a good thing). No need to buy new scales or a sheath is a rare double bonus. A knife that will make you smile despite or maybe because of its shear audacity…Smiles are a commodity these days…
October 2, 2022 at 9:58 am
i never had a ka-bar fail me i still have the one my wife gave me 54 years ago and a couple of others as well i hunt big game every year and thats my go to knife.
June 23, 2023 at 3:14 am
I think the new BK72 should be in the last as well!
August 5, 2023 at 6:40 pm
The basic Kabar is descended from a Marbles camp knife, the Ideal, with a lot of Bowie self defense mixed in. They are a compromise of fighting knife and utility knife, which then raises the question, which job does it do the best? The answer is neither. Like a multitool, the better pliers, or sawback, or file, or phillips or socket driver is the individual one.
Considering Army had a different knife as issue, the Quartermaster for lack of a better description, and both were used doing the exact same jobs, it goes to how good could the design of the Kabar be when another knife so different was just as good.
Hype gets involved at that point, ego’s engaged, and genuflection toward traditions, which is often doing something that no longer has any real value except ceremonial. Color guards don’t carry loaded weapons now – on the battlefield that flag had to stay up for commanders and the soldiers to see to navigate chaos. Now it’s just a ceremony for the start of a toned down sports game.
And ownership of some knives is no more than that. I’ve used a Kabar variant dressing out a deer, but flipping it over to cut the hide from inside won’t work – tip points the wrong way, sharpened clip cuts the stomach and the contents spoil the meat. A better knife for that job exists – and it proves how combat oriented it is, not utility. Removing field dressings like that won’t be so great either, and right side up the belly is scoring everything underneath.
That’s why more than a few European countries with even longer histories of field use in their Army prefer a spear point survival knife and issue it. The main blade of a Swiss Army knife is typical – a utility shape, not combat shape.
Don’t let the influencers pump up the qualities of disparate designs for the same job – a knife is defined by it’s features which are required of it’s task, not popularity or how cool it is.
February 17, 2024 at 11:59 am
My favorite is the dogs head! A little more modern look on an old army favorite. I know all the marine folklore, but I used my first Kabar in the U.S. Army. Battle tested for decades all around the world. In cold weather environments, Alaska Bosnia etc., we would break blades due to extreme cold. A knife reacts differently let’s say at -40F than it does at 40F. Kabar was known for its dependability.
July 31, 2024 at 7:02 am
Thanks for this excellent post. It was very insightful and useful.
October 14, 2024 at 12:44 pm
I just got my dads old military knife from his days in the signals corp yesterday from my mom, but I cannot place era. It has the ox blood leather sheath with the slmost black leather wrap handle and plain steel oval pommel. Guard is that of the ww2 era knives and it has a red band just below the guard. Can anyone identify era and manufacturer, as far as I know the canadian forces in the cold war era used a different knife. Yet this was my dads old service knife. Can anyone help?