Or more formally, KA-BAR Knives, Inc. You may know about us from our high quality military, hunting, sporting, all-purpose utility, and outdoor survival knives.
We offer hundreds of quality cutlery products and accessories sold through independent retailers, distributors, mail order catalogs and our online knife store.
We've been making knives since 1898 and each knife undergoes our unique manufacturing processes and testing to ensure corrosion resistance, strength, edge holding ability, and an out-of-the-box razor sharp cutting edge.
On December 9, 1942, after the start of World War II, KA-BAR submitted a knife to the United States Marine Corps in hopes that it would become general issue to that branch of the military. Working with the Marine Quartermaster Department the original design was revised and production began of an improved fighting and utility knife for the Marines.
As the War escalated, the USMC KA-BAR knives became so well recognized for their quality and so abundant in number that "Kabar" became the name by which many referred to this knife pattern, regardless of whether the knife was manufactured at the actual KA-BAR facility.
The USMC KA-BAR was adopted by not only the Marines, but also the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Underwater Demolition Teams. Years after World War II, many KA-BAR knives were unofficially reactivated in the Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom conflicts.
Today, the original USMC Fighting and Utility Knife remains the first choice for many men and women of service who carry it as their personal knife option. It is also a favorite of adventurers, survivalists, outdoor sportsmen and, of course, knife collectors who know that this knife deserves a place in their collection.
The KA-BAR Story is a four part documentary following the 120+ year history of KA-BAR Knives. The documentary in its entirety can be viewed right here.
Want to learn more? Read about our full history here.
Visit to learn more about the rich heritage of KA-BAR Knives and how they're made, and to view antique military and pocket knives, as well as historical photographs and documents.
Customers can also purchase KA-BAR and Cutco products at the Visitors Center. Cutco Cutlery is the largest manufacturer and marketer of high-quality kitchen cutlery and accessories in the United States and Canada. Cutco Corporation shares its manufacturing facility with KA-BAR.
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday (Memorial Day through Christmas) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
