KA-BAR D2 Extreme Fighting Knife: A Modern Twist on a Timeless Classic

The KA-BAR knife has earned its place in military history as a dependable tool for both combat and survival. Whether you need to open a can or dispatch a bad guy, the KA-BAR can handle the task.

Since its introduction during World War II, this blade has become synonymous with toughness and reliability, serving generations of service members in the field.

Over the years, the KA-BAR has undergone various updates, but its core design has remained largely unchanged—a testament to its effectiveness.

The D2 Extreme Fighting/Utility Knife variant represents the latest evolution of this iconic blade. It incorporates modern materials and design enhancements while maintaining the timeless qualities that have made the KA-BAR a favorite among military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

This article examines the D2 Extreme’s features and capabilities, exploring how these updates have improved its functionality while staying true to the knife’s rugged heritage.

A Brief History of America’s Favorite Survival Knives

KA-BAR knives have a rich history and several lesser-known facts that add to their mystique:

1. Marine Corps Adoption: While KA-BAR is often associated with the U.S. Marine Corps, it wasn’t the first knife they adopted. The Marines initially used a different knife, but due to its inferior quality, they eventually adopted the KA-BAR in 1942 for its superior durability and functionality.
2. Name Origin: The name “KA-BAR” comes from a letter sent to the company by a fur trapper who claimed the knife was so reliable that it allowed him to “kill a bear” after his rifle jammed. The phrase “k a b a r” was later adopted as the brand name.
3. World War II Usage: During World War II, KA-BAR knives were issued to Marines, Navy personnel, Army soldiers, and even some Air Force pilots. They became a symbol of reliability and toughness across multiple branches of the U.S. military.
4. Multi-Purpose Tool: The KA-BAR wasn’t just used as a weapon. Marines used it for everything from opening cans and digging trenches to cutting wire and preparing meals. Its versatility was a key factor in its widespread adoption.
5. Design and Manufacture: The knife’s iconic clip-point blade design was chosen for its ability to pierce, slice, and cut efficiently. The blade was made of 1095 Cro-Van steel, known for its hardness, edge retention, and ease of sharpening, making it ideal for military use.
6. Leather Handle: The handle of the original KA-BAR knife was made from stacked leather rings that were compressed and polished. This provided a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions, and helped absorb shock during use.
7. KA-BAR and Union Cutlery: The company that makes KA-BAR knives was initially named Union Cutlery Company. They rebranded as KA-BAR in the early 20th century after the name became synonymous with their most famous product.
8. Cultural Icon: Beyond its military use, the KA-BAR has become a cultural icon. It has appeared in countless movies, books, and television shows, often symbolizing ruggedness, survival, and combat readiness.
9. KA-BAR Collectors: There is a strong collector community around KA-BAR knives, with vintage models, especially those from WWII, being highly sought after. Some early models even feature unique markings and variations of particular interest to collectors.
10. Modern KA-BARs: Today, KA-BAR produces a wide range of knives, not just the traditional combat knife. They offer everything from folding knives to tactical and survival knives, all carrying the legacy of the original design.

These facts highlight the KA-BAR’s enduring legacy as more than just a tool; it is a symbol of American military history and craftsmanship.

The D2 Extreme Fighting/Utility Knife

Now, let’s focus on the D2 Extreme Fighting/Utility Knife, the modern evolution of the KA-BAR. While the overall design remains faithful to the original, there are several notable changes worth mentioning:

• A new, thicker finger guard with the upper part removed
• Your choice of a partially serrated blade or straight blade.
• An elongated pommel with a lanyard hole
• A rubber (Kraton G) grip instead of the traditional leather
• A powder-blackened blade instead of the original blued finish

In addition to these visible changes, there are other subtle updates:

• The use of D2 tool steel, hardened to 59-60 HRC
• A shorter bevel on the back of the blade
• A narrower fuller (the groove on the blade)
• The Kraton G grip is now one-piece and has a more distinct oval shape

The knife comes with a Cordura sheath, which includes a small 34° Readi-Edge sharpener, although this accessory isn’t standard issue with every purchase. You can also choose between a glass-filled nylon or leather sheath, depending on your preference. However, these sheaths no longer include the sharpener.

Refer to the table below for a more detailed view of the KA-BAR D2 Extreme fighting knife:

Grip and Hilt

The updated finger guard design is a welcome change. With the upper guard removed, users can now place their thumb on the top of the blade for better control—a feature that many owners have customized themselves in the past. The finger guard is also thicker, providing added comfort, especially when gripping the knife tightly.

However, this design change does come with a trade-off. Removing the upper guard could increase the risk of your fingers slipping over it during heavy stabbing tasks. While this scenario is unlikely, it’s something to remember when using the knife.

The pommel has also been redesigned. It’s no longer round but elongated and flat, making it easier to pull the knife free if it gets stuck. The new design also provides a larger surface area for hammering if needed. The pommel now includes a lanyard hole, allowing for added security during use.

Both the finger guard and pommel are coated in a matte gray finish. While effective, this coating will wear off over time, particularly if you use the pommel for hammering.

The Kraton G grip is another significant upgrade. It offers excellent traction without causing discomfort or blisters, even during extended use.

Blade and Tang

The KA-BAR’s blade length strikes a balance between versatility and strength. The shorter bevel on the back of the blade improves its durability, particularly when batoning wood.

The knife is available with a partially serrated or straight blade. While the serrations can be handy for sawing through tough materials like bone, they can also make sharpening more challenging. Personally, I find the serrations unnecessary for most tasks, but they may prove useful in specific situations.

The knife features a full hidden tang, a “stick tang” design that provides plenty of strength for heavy use. The tang is visible at the pommel and secured with a horizontal pin.

There’s a common misconception that “stick tangs” are weak, but most bladed weapons throughout history have used this design without issues. A knife’s durability depends more on the quality of the steel and the construction process than on the tang design alone.

Sheath/Scabbard

The KA-BAR’s sheath has seen some changes over the years. Today, the sheaths are made in China, but older models, like the one I own, were manufactured in the USA by Eagle. The sheath is made from durable Cordura and includes a pocket for a field sharpener or fire steel. It also features two holes for securing the sheath to your thigh and two buttoned straps to secure the knife.

The sheath has several attachment points, making it versatile enough to attach to various combat harnesses, tactical webbing, and belts. Whether it’s fully compatible with Molle systems is unclear, but the many attachment options should allow you to carry it in almost any way you prefer.

When you insert the knife into the sheath, it makes a noticeable click. The knife stays in place even when held upside down, but if you shake it, it may come loose. Always use the buttoned straps to secure it properly.

Handling

The KA-BAR D2 Extreme is designed to do many things well but doesn’t excel in any one area. Its sensible weight and balance make it comfortable to use for most tasks. However, it won’t give you the same satisfaction as a knife specifically designed for a particular purpose.

The knife feels light and agile in hand, but not too light. Compared to older models, the D2 KA-BAR has a more distinct chopping ability, likely due to the additional weight and changes in balance. The grip is large enough for even the biggest hands, with plenty of room left over when held in a hammer grip.

With the upper finger guard removed, you can thumb the back edge for better control when carving or performing other fine tasks. The grip’s more distinct oval shape adds more control when using the knife.

Maintenance and Durability

The KA-BAR’s blade is made from D2 tool steel, a high-carbon, non-stainless steel known for its strength and edge retention. The blade is blackened and coated with epoxy powder to prevent rust and reduce reflection. However, this steel requires regular maintenance to prevent rust, especially if you plan to use the knife for food preparation.

D2 steel is also slightly more brittle than other types of steel, so while it holds a sharp edge well, there’s a higher risk of chipping if you strike hard objects like stone or metal. Despite this, many users have put their KA-BARs through extreme abuse without any significant issues.

There have been reports of knives breaking at the tang, but these incidents usually result from improper use, such as batoning wood or knife throwing. Like any tool, the KA-BAR will eventually break if subjected to misuse.

The knife comes with a double bevel grind, giving it a sharp edge with good durability. The included Readi-Edge sharpener provides a slightly sharper edge than the factory edge. However, the D2 steel’s hardness means you’ll need a diamond or ceramic sharpener to maintain the blade, as traditional sharpening stones won’t work.

Final Verdict

The KA-BAR D2 Extreme is a well-designed and well-made knife that performs admirably in a variety of situations. While it may not be the perfect tool for every job, its versatility makes it an excellent choice for those who want a single tool for multiple purposes.

The only change I would like to see is a name that doesn’t try to appeal to the “extreme” crowd. It seems that KA-BAR is trying too hard there. They don’t have to; their products speak for themselves. Overall, this knife is practical, durable, and timeless, appealing to both the practical user and the knife enthusiast.

The KA-BAR D2 Extreme is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable utility knife with a rich history.

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.