Guest nh10ring Posted February 21, 2007 Share #1 Posted February 21, 2007 I am a newbie to the world of combat knives, and throughout my research, I happened across this board. It looks like it can be a valuable resource, and look forward to your input. Here is the situation. Although it sounds "paranoid," I am one who likes to prepare for the worst. To me, that means all out caos where we can not relie on law enforcement or military to protect us. It means the possible call to arms or living in a world of self reliance when society breaks down. In either case, it seems reasonable to have a good edged weapon available. One that can be used in the worse possible situations, even as a tool if necessary. My question is which one to buy???? I like the looks of the M3 trench knife. Original WWII error knives are a bit pricey, but are they worth it say compared to reproductions of the M3 from Camillus??? Are Camillus any good or are they for looks only? Then I see the Ka-Bar. Lots of people like the Ka-bars. Are they that much better than the M3's??? Oh, what to do..what to do? Can anybody shed some light on these two styles of knives and make suggestions for what to keep for a rainy day??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bayonetman Posted February 21, 2007 Share #2 Posted February 21, 2007 The current M3 as made by Camillus may be slightly better than the WW2 version in quality. They of course are not going to ever be that highly collectible, but as I understand your question, you are more interested in use than in collector value. However, in my OPINION, the KaBar style knife is more useful than the M3. The M3, at least in my hands, is a little small and light for heavy work and if I had to choose between the two, I would certainly get a KaBar style knife. That said, there are better choices for an all around use knife, especially in materials and the ability to hold an edge. I will defer to those who are more interested in the non-military current blades, although both Camillus and Ontario make a wide line of "use" knives that are probably better for field use. Some people prefer the current M9 bayonet style, especially in the newer Marine OKC 3S and it does have a good feel in my hands. The same thing can be had from Ontario in a combat knife form, and I have heard very good things about these. Another knife to consider is the Jet Pilot Survival knife, which has been around since the 1960s and earned a very good reputation in Vietnam as an all around knife and tool. The grip is a little small for my hand, but I am a big person (6'4" and 230 pounds) so a lot of things are small for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Robinson Posted February 21, 2007 Share #3 Posted February 21, 2007 Between the M3 and the "k-bar" I think the "k-bar" is the more versatile knife. In the scenario you're preparing for a knife would be far more useful as a tool than as a weapon and the M3 is not that great a utility knife. But whatever you choose I'd suggest getting something modern made of more durable materials than carbon steel and leather. Look around in gun shops, army stores, etc at what's out there. One possibility, and I'm not saying this is the best choice but one that appealed to me last week when I saw it, is the new manufacture KA-BAR. I think they called it the new generation Ka-BAR or something close to that. It's a nice knife made of modern corrosion resistant materials. And there are lots of others to choose from. Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nh10ring Posted February 22, 2007 Share #4 Posted February 22, 2007 Wow! Thank you for the fast replies and information. Both responses have given me valuable information to work with and research. I have no experience in this field, and appreciate all the information and opinions that anyone can provide. I am on my way now to check online for information about the OKC 3S, Jet Pilot Survival Knife and new generation Ka-Bar. If you or anyone else thinks of anything to add, please let me know. Thanks again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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