FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You've got questions. We've got answers. Below are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions that you may find helpful.

Still looking for an answer? Submit your own question.

  • How do I install the TDI clip to the BK11 sheath?

    There are three parts you are going to need: the screw, the rubber washer, and the barrel fastener. The screw and the barrel fastener connect; however, the rubber washer needs to be sandwiched in between. To attach the three, place the clip on top of the sheath, then place the rubber washer in between the clip and the sheath. Insert the screw into the hole in the sheath, then through the rubber washer and finally through the metal clip and into the barrel fastener. This Clip can also be used on the #1480/#1482/#1485/#1477CB.

  • What's the Tanto blade design for or best for?

    The Tanto shape is versatile and durable and can be used for most general purposes.

  • Are the KA-BAR USMC, Classic Knives, Tanto blades, and all others with the classic leather stacked handle full tang?

    All of the KA-BAR knives that have the classic oval-shaped handle (i.e. leather and Kraton®) have a full length, narrow tang. The leather washers or Kraton® handle is slid over the tang and a metal pommel is pressed onto the end of the tang. The pommel is then cross pinned with a stainless steel pin.

  • I lost one of the nuts and bolts to my BK9 knife handle. Can you please send me a replacement?

    KA-BAR will do its best to send out free replacement fasteners for any current product. Please contact us for more information. If you reside outside the United States, there may be a $5 shipping and handling fee. We will send you an email if we need to collect payment information or if we are unable to fulfill your request for parts.

  • I have a serrated KA-BAR model 1211, but it seems everywhere I look, the serrated version is supposed to be 1212. Are both models just marked with 1211, or is something wrong here?

    Since the blades are the same and serrations are added as a final process, both the straight edge and serrated edge Kraton® handled KA-BAR Knives are marked "1211" at the tang. This also applies to Item #1213 and Item #1214.

  • What part of the knife contains lead?

    KA-BAR knives do not contain lead. The snaps in some of the sheaths sold with our knives may contain trace amounts of lead. In order to comply with some state laws, KA-BAR is required to mark its products shipped with these sheaths with a lead warning sticker.

  • I was always wondering why the knife blade isn't parallel with the handle. The blade is situated a couple mm below in line with the handle, why is this?

    The USMC knife was originally designed with the tang slightly offset. There were several reasons for this:

    1) The offset tang put the handle more in line with the tip of the blade.

    2) The raised offset tang allowed more room for the fingers on the underside of the handle.

    If one looks carefully at WWII vintage knives, you will see the offset but it was not as pronounced. The handle cross-section was rounder back then. KA-BAR has made the handle more oval which makes the offset more visible these days.

  • Am I able to order left sided sheaths for your knives? Are the hard plastic sheaths made to carry a knife for either right or left handed folks?

    While the KA-BAR leather sheaths are set up primarily for right-handed users, almost all the hard plastic sheaths we offer are ambidextrous.

  • Do you offer a USAF KA-BAR? If you do have a USAF Knife, where can I purchase one? I feel left out and jealous of the other branches of service.

    We're sorry, the United States Air Force has a policy against using its name, logo or acronym on any weapons. Unfortunately, that includes KA-BAR Knives.

  • Why won't KA-BAR ship certain items to specific states?

    NY, MA and CA do not allow sales of double-edged knives. While there is some debate over what constitutes a double-edged knife, the consensus is that it includes any knife with both the top and bottom edges sharpened in any way. MA and NJ do not allow Slingshots.

  • How do I find out about laws regarding knives?

    There are various organizations whose sole purpose is to protect knife owners. You may do well to consult kniferights.org or the American Knife and Tool Institute.

  • Does KA-BAR ever buy back old, historically significant knives?

    There are some items we're looking to add to our official collection and we appreciate you thinking of us. Please send detailed information about your knife to info@ka-bar.com. We'll let you know if your knife is something we're looking for.

  • Is there a KA-BAR museum to which I can donate my old knife?

    Thanks for thinking of us. There are some items we're looking to add to our official collection. Please send detailed information about your knife to info@ka-bar.com. We'll let you know if your knife fits the bill. Remember, with every knife there is at least one story worth telling.

  • How can I tell the age of my knife?

    If the blade of your knife is marked with a four-digit code, you may be able to find it on the list here. If you can't find a product code, we may be able to help you identify your knife using photos. Please shoot both sides of the blade, note any unique markings, measurements, etc, and send it to info@ka-bar.com. Please allow a couple weeks for a response... sometimes these things are really tough to pinpoint.

  • How can I find out how much my old knife is worth?

    We don't assess current values. We recommend you review eBay listing to check their market value. You may also be able to find information on KA-BAR knives in reference books like those written by Bernard Levine.

  • I've seen KA-BAR spelled many different ways. Which is correct?

    KA-BAR is the current, official spelling of our name. But we're an old company and over the years Ka-bar, Ka-Bar, Kabar, and KABAR have all been used. Wondering where a name like KA-BAR comes from? Read a little bit about it here.

  • Why can't KA-BAR ship to certain locations such as MA, NY, CA and International Destinations?

    Our shipping exclusions result from complex laws subject to frequent changes that are often not made public in these restricted areas. As much as we would love to ship to these locations, we do not dictate local, state, or national policy and must remain compliant. We suggest contacting your local political representation in your respective location on these matters. Please visit kniferights.org for more resources on knife laws.

    International customers can find KA-BAR dealers in their nation at the following page.

  • I am hosting a fundraising event and would like to get some donation items. Does KA-BAR do that?

    We support several worthwhile causes. If you have a cause or event you would like us to consider, please submit detailed information to info@ka-bar.com.

  • Does KA-BAR ever buy back old, historically significant knives?

    There are some items we're looking to add to our official collection and we appreciate you thinking of us. Please send detailed information about your knife to info@ka-bar.com. We'll let you know if your knife is something we're looking for.

  • Is there a KA-BAR museum to which I can donate my old knife?

    Thanks for thinking of us. There are some items we're looking to add to our official collection. Please send detailed information about your knife to info@ka-bar.com. We'll let you know if your knife fits the bill... or if it would be better passed down to the next generation of your own family. Remember, with every knife there is at least one story worth telling.

  • I am a blogger and I would like to review some KA-BAR products. How can I arrange that?

    Please submit all requests to media@ka-bar.com. Also, please understand that we get asked for freebies a lot (understandably so, our knives are awesome) and have a very limited budget for such requests. If we don't honor your request for some reason, please try back another time.

  • How do I get my store added to KA-BAR's Where to Buy section?

    Please reply with the business name, URL directly to the KA-BAR products and your telephone number. Once received, we will get you added to our “Where To Buy” section. Please keep in mind, we ask that at least 25% of KA-BAR products be represented to be included in our “Where to Buy” section.

  • I am a Vector marketing rep. Can I sell KA-BAR products, too?

    At this time Vector sales reps are generally not permitted to sell KA-BAR branded products. Multiple CUTCO®/KA-BAR® products can be sold through Vector sales reps. For more information on these items please contact your field sales manager.

  • How do I submit a design idea to KA-BAR?

    Before you send ANYTHING, please contact us at info@ka-bar.com to request official legal documentation. And remember, we plan our products several years in advance. If you don't hear from us or if we politely decline the submission, please understand we are just booked solid for the time being.

  • I would like to sell KA-BAR knives. What is the buy-in? What else is required?

    Thank you for your interest. At this time, KA-BAR is referring newly interested dealers to our network of reputable distributors. : If you are interested in selling KA-BAR products through your retail store, please email info@ka-bar.com for a list of current distributors' contacts.

  • I wanted to register my USMC fighting knife online but can not find the page to go to. Can I do this online or do I have to use the mail in form?

    Product Registrations, mail-in or otherwise, are no longer required for your knife to be covered under warranty. For questions regarding warranty replacement, please see our FAQ regarding this matter.

  • Where would I be able to get replacement washer handle for a KA-BAR knife?

    The process of compiling, compressing, shaping and coloring the leather washers used to create the traditional KA-BAR knife handles is best left to the experts. Still, if you've got the proper machinery and would like to give it a shot, we do offer a handle kit which includes washers, spacers and a butt cap. If you're interested, check it out on the site or contact KA-BAR Customer Service at 800-282-0130 to place an order.

  • Do KA-BAR Knives carry any sort of warranty?

    Yes, please read on.

    LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

    KA-BAR Knives, Inc. (the "Company") warrants, to the original purchaser of the knife only, that this knife will be free from defects in material and craftsmanship under normal use and maintenance for the lifetime of the original purchaser. This Limited Warranty does not apply to any failure of, defect in, or damage to the knife caused by normal wear and tear or by improper use, including batoning with or throwing the knife, using the blades as a can opener, chisel, pry bar, screwdriver, digging tool, or for any heavy work for which the knife was not designed.

    If the knife fails to satisfy this Limited Warranty, the Company will repair or replace the knife or substitute a knife of comparable value, at the Company's option, and such repair, replacement or substitution shall constitute the sole remedy for any failure of the knife to satisfy this Limited Warranty or any implied warranty (ies) of the Company. In order to have a Limited Warranty claim evaluated by the Company, you must return the knife, at your own expense and risk, to KA-BAR Knives, Inc., at 200 Homer Street, Olean, NY 14760, attention Customer Service Department. Please include with the returned knife a brief written description of any claimed defect(s) in or failure(s) of the knife. Any returned knife determined by the Company to not be eligible for repair, replacement or substitution under the terms of the Limited Warranty will be returned to the Owner.

    THE COMPANY MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION WHATSOEVER OF OR WITH RESPECT TO THE KNIFE OTHER THAN THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY, AND ALL SUCH OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. THE COMPANY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, AND ALL SUCH DAMAGES ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

    Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you.

    This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

  • I bought a product directly from KA-BAR and I would like to return it. Is that possible?

    If the product has not been used and is in the original packaging you may return it for credit within 30 days from the point of purchase. Please include within the original packaging a note with your name, contact information, including a telephone number, and the reason you are returning the item. KA-BAR Customer Service will call you for further information regarding your refund once it is received at our facilities.

  • Hi, I lost one of the nuts and bolts to my BK9 knife handle. Can you please send me a replacement?

    KA-BAR will do its best to send out -at no charge- replacement fasteners for any current product. Please provide your full name and mailing address by sending an email to our team at KA-BAR. If you reside outside the United States, there will be a $5.00 shipping and handling fee. We will send you an email if we need to collect payment information, or if we are unable to fulfill your request for parts.

  • What is the recommended sharpening angle for KA-BAR utility knives?

    All final edges are put on by hand at the factory. We aim for approximately 40 degrees inclusive (20 degrees per side). On our site, the sharpening angle for a particular knife can be found in the Technical Specs section under "Edge Angles." This angle can also be adjusted by the end user as required.

  • I have a WWII era KA-BAR. How do I clean and preserve the leather handle and leather sheath?

    1) General Care:

    a) Store in a dry location.

    b) Oil periodically.

    c) A coating of wax is not a bad thing.

    d) Wipe down periodically with a clean cloth to keep mildew and mold off of the surfaces.

    2) If leather gets wet:

    a) Dry the leather naturally in air. No ovens, hair driers or other artificial heat source.

    b) Once dry, oil the leather surfaces. There are many good leather oil/conditioner products on the market.

    c) Once the oil has absorbed into the leather, it will darken. Wait until the leather starts to lighten and then wax the leather surfaces. Again, there are many leather waxes on the market. Even car wax will work.

    3) If leather gets dirty:

    a) Wash off dirt with a leather or saddle soap. Dry.

    b) After leather is dry, oil and wax.

    4) Storage and handling of leather products:

    a) Store in an area that has stable heat and humidity. Not too dry or too wet. Both conditions are not good for leather. Too dry is better than too wet as oil can restore dry leather while wet leather rots and degrades.

    b) Handle leather products often. Oils from your hand will help condition the leather. The leather will take a nice patina from usage.

  • How do I sharpen my KA-BAR?

    Keep knives sharp by touching up edges as needed. Most KA-BAR knives can be sharpened using an Arkansas stone or commonly available sharpening system. Most knives can easily be touched up using a coarse or hard stone. When bringing back a very dull edge, a coarse or hard stone should be used first, followed by a finer, softer stone. Knives made with D2 steel require diamond or ceramic sharpeners. Knives should at no time be sharpened on a belt sander or bench grinder. These machines ruin a factory-sharpened edge.

  • What should I do if my KA-BAR has been exposed to salt water?

    If knives are exposed to salt water, wash with mild dish detergent, rinse with tap water, then wipe with a dry, soft cloth. A light coating of oil is also a good idea.

  • How should I store my KA-BAR?

    Treat clean blades with a light coating of mineral oil before storing. Store knives in a dry area out of their sheaths, preferably in the cardboard sleeve provided at the time of purchase.

  • Does KA-BAR have a repair facility?

    We don't offer repair or refurbishing service. Please contact info@ka-bar.com for referral. You also may have some luck searching online for a local shop or repairman.

  • My knife broke while I was throwing/batoning with it. Is this covered under warranty?

    No. Our warranty specifically advises against throwing knives and batoning with them. These endeavors rarely end well!

  • How do I clean my KA-BAR knife?

    Wipe KA-BAR knife blades after use with a dry, soft cloth. Rinse with tap water and dry thoroughly. A light coating of oil is also a smart idea.

  • Does KA-BAR offer a sharpening service?

    We do not offer a sharpening service. Please contact info@ka-bar.com for referral. You also may have some luck searching online for a local shop or repairman.

  • Is there a store in my area that sells KA-BAR?

    While many stores across the U.S. sell our products, most of them buy through distributors. As a result, it's hard to track exactly who they are. If you search your area and don't find anything, please check out our Where to Buy page for catalog and online retailers.

  • Why are the prices on KA-BAR.com higher than what I can find other places online?

    We sell our products online at full suggested retail prices so that we don't end up competing with our own dealers. You can check out some of those dealers on our Where to Buy page. You can also search online for our products sold through other dealers and distributors at discounted prices.

  • Can I use my prepaid credit card for an order I place online?

    Sorry. We don't accept pre-paid credit cards for orders on our website.

  • Can I pay for my order by Money Order or Personal Check?

    Yes. Mail us your order, along with the money order or check. Please note that if you're paying by personal check it may take longer to process your order, as the check will have to clear before we can ship your merchandise.

  • Does KA-BAR charge sales tax on orders?

    KA-BAR currently charges sales tax on retail orders being shipped to NY, WA and IL.

  • Why are there multiple charges on my credit card for an order I attempted to place online?

    Unless you received multiple order confirmation emails (including order numbers), these are most likely not actual charges, but rather just authorizations. You may see multiple authorizations on your account if you attempted to process an online order multiple times by hitting the "submit" button. Even if your order did not process, you may still see an authorization on your account. An authorization is a pending charge or hold on a payment account and is not a true charge. The authorization on your credit card account allows KA-BAR.com to make sure the account is valid and has the necessary funds available to process your order. Your payment method is not charged until we ship your order. The release of an authorization may appear as a refund on a credit card statement or may be deleted from the account entirely. The void may take 7 business days, or longer, to appear. This is at the will of your card issuing bank, not KA-BAR Knives, Inc.

  • I tried to place an order online and got an error message. What do I do?

    Agh! We hate that and we're sorry for the trouble. Please contact Customer Service at 1-800-282-0130 FREE for assistance. We're open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. EST. If you have troubles after hours, please email us at info@ka-bar.com and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.

  • I submitted an entry for "My KA-BAR Story" and I don't see it on the website. Why?

    We love hearing stories from our customers and we review each testimonial thoroughly. If you don't see yours online, it may just be a delay in approving it before it goes live. Please allow a couple weeks for us to process your submission. And be aware - crass language and inappropriateness will not be posted on the site. We keep it classy here.

  • Why are there multiple charges on my credit card for an order I attempted to place online?

    Unless you received multiple order confirmation emails (including order numbers), these are most likely not actual charges, but rather just authorizations. You may see multiple authorizations on your account if you attempted to process an online order multiple times by hitting the "submit" button. Even if your order did not process, you may still see an authorization on your account. An authorization is a pending charge or hold on a payment account and is not a true charge. The authorization on your credit card account allows KA-BAR.com to make sure the account is valid and has the necessary funds available to process your order. Your payment method is not charged until we ship your order. The release of an authorization may also appear as a refund on a credit card statement, or the authorization may be deleted from the account entirely. The void may take 7 business days, or longer, to appear. This is at the will of your card issuing bank, not KA-BAR Knives, Inc.

  • How often does KA-BAR introduce new products?

    KA-BAR introduces new products all year long! To get new product news first, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram !

  • How often does KA-BAR print catalogs?

    We print our full-line trade catalog once a year, usually in January.

  • Does KA-BAR offer web exclusive items?

    Occasionally we'll offer items online that are limited in production, are being offered only to retail consumers, or that we happened to find during our last inventory count (warehouse finds!) Be sure to check our clearance section often for special deals and keep your eyes open when shopping at KA-BAR.com for items you can only by direct from us!

  • Am I able to order left sided sheaths for your knives? Are the hard plastic sheaths made to carry a knife for either right or left handed folks?

    While the KA-BAR leather sheaths are set up primarily for right-handed users, almost all the hard plastic sheaths we offer are ambidextrous.

  • What part of the knife contains lead?

    KA-BAR knives do not contain lead. The snaps in some of the sheaths sold with our knives may contain trace amounts of lead. In order to comply with some state laws, KA-BAR is required to mark its products shipped with these sheaths with a lead warning sticker.

  • I recently purchased a TDI # 1480. It came with a belt clip sheath that did not have any belt loops on it. How can I obtain a sheath for this knife that has standard belt loops.

    For ease of placement on and removal of the unit from the belt, the #1480 Original TDI knife (and all other similar styles) is now sold only with the metal belt clip attachment option. The plastic backer piece with slots that required you "thread" the sheath onto the pant belt is no longer manufactured.

  • Do you offer a U.S.A.F. Ka-Bar? If you do have a USAF Knife where can I purchase one? I feel left out and jealous of the other Services! Thanks Mark

    We're sorry, the United States Air Force has a policy against using its name, logo, or acronym on any weapons. Unfortunately, that includes KA-BAR knives.

  • Can KA-BAR's be used extensively underwater? Scuba diving in fresh water?

    None of the products currently offered by KA-BAR are recommended for extensive use under water. Please read more in our Knife Care, Repair and Warranty section on what to do if your knife happens to get wet.

  • I bought a product directly from KA-BAR and want to return it. Is that possible?

    If the product has not been used and is in the original packaging you may return it for credit within 30 days from the point of purchase. Please include within the original packaging a note with your name, contact information, including a telephone number and email address, and the reason you are returning the item. KA-BAR Customer Service will contact you for further information regarding your refund once the item has been received at our facility.

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