KA-BAR1292 D2 Extreme Fighting/Utility Knife Black Hard Plastic Sheath, Straight Edge

I've owned the partial serrated 1282 sibling version of this knife for some time, though a while back I decided that I also "had" to have this full straight edge version at some point in time as well. Unfortunately that time came sooner that I expected when I lost my 1282 on a trip into the woods, when some of my gear came loose and fell into a ravine, the Ka-Bar knife included. Impossibly hard and ultimately proved impossible to retrieve...one major bummer it was. Definitely the need for a new knife was now at the doorstep of my wallet.After a few years of use the full tang 1282 had started to show some wear, but for the most part it still had plenty of life left in its blade edge before it needed re-sharpening. The black blade finish showed plenty of scuffs and a few scratches, as did the painted guard and pommel, but the D2 steel used for the underlying blade material had held up fairly well. I'd also taken pretty good care of it over the years and even though it had seen a fair amount of use in salty environments, there was not a speck of corrosion anywhere on the knife. The grip did get a bit mucked up and I did end up wrapping it over with paracord a couple of years into its life with me, but other than that it proved to be a very tough knife. I really hated losing that one.So if it was such a great knife, why didn't I simply replace it with another 1282? The reality is that I didn't use the serrated portion of its edge all that much over the years and determined very early on that I would've gotten even better utility from the knife had it been a straightforward continuous straight edged blade. That plus my earlier desire to own a 1292 made the choice pretty simple.As much as I like the Extreme Fighting Knife in either form, there are a few gripes I have about the design. The first is its overall weight; I suppose as a fighting tool its overall mass becomes something of a benefit. It's a fairly well-balanced knife and would be a well-made blade for such purposes. However I've never been in an actual knife fight, so I really haven't gotten any benefit from its "fighting tool" character. That said, the heft that it has that gives it that 'solidity' sensation also makes the knife a bit of chunk when carrying it around. If I chose to wear it on my hip, I'd have to counterbalance its nearly 12oz weight (with sheath) with another piece of kit on my opposing hip. So it sometimes gearing up was made more challenging because of the extra ounces the knife brought to the table.The tough D2 steel was always something a concern as well, even if it was more of an issue lurking in the distant future background. Unlike softer steels, D2 is a very hard grade of steel, often used in making tools of many types. That's great when someone wants a blade steel to hold an edge for a very long time, but it makes things tougher when sharpening, either when the edge eventually dulls and goes away, or even when trying to regularly maintain the blade edge during the course of the knife's usage. It's a tough steel to sharpen, even with the best sharpening tools available. That also made switching from the serrated 1282 knife easier as well because if you thought sharpening a straight edge D2 blade was tough, try sharpening a serrated D2 blade.The included sheath really isn't anything to crow about; it works and that's about it. It does provide a very positive retention to guard of the hilt, and the webbing for slipping onto an equipment belt or lashing onto Molle or a backpack is made from fairly stout and thick cord, but with my original knife the sheath webbing did fray over time and I think at some point in the near future I would've had to replace it. Losing my knife negated that need, however.As much as I'm glad for buying the 1292 as the 1282's replacement, it's hard for me to actually get too worked up over this purchase. Either 1282 or 1292 is a tool to me, and although a very good one at that, it's still simply a tool. I've been guilty of buying some spendy "Gucci" knives in the past, more for collecting than using, but neither of these Ka-Bars fit into that category. These are serious knives to be used and worked HARD, and either will do that exceedingly well. Aside from the issue of its weight (YMMV of course), the 1292 is a rock solid, durable, ruggedly designed and crafted knife for those who have a real NEED for such devices.4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

I have been a meatcutter for 46 years , next month i will be retired .. This is my second one of this type of K-bar. My first one went to afghanistan with my sisters son, i wish i had a pix of it to show the wear two trips over there looks like lol. He cut it no slack, but it did come back in one piece . They come very sharp, i can sharpen one sharper but why bother it will cut the mess out of you if you don't take do care. I also ordered the USMC ver. for the wifes grandson who is 16yo.... His dad said NO WAY , 2 years and he will have no say in it lol... the USMC knife has more history in it but there is no way around it the D2 K-Bar is the better knife.

Well this is a D2 solid steel do everything knife they are made to last generations I prefer the leather sheath so I ordered one for mine the plain edge non serrated knives are made in China not a fan of that

I like the weight and the feel of this knife. I have several of this type and the most expensive is very close to this knife but cost almost twice as much.

Best kabar knife is heavy balanced and sharper than the standard version which is makes it easier for throwing as it lands on the target the standard is not balanced and never hits the target

this may be the best hunting, fishing, gardening, camping knife ever made, will be carrrying this one everywhere I go.

i didn’t expect to like a knife as much as i do with this D2 extreme. ordered by accident but kept on purpose. strong balanced perfect. continuing the kabar expert quality

Fit and finish was great, no wobbles nicks or uneaten grinds. Razor sharp out the box and has a nice heft to it that when youre holding it you know its a workhorse. The grip is perfect, I have big hands and I also had my friend hold it she loved it. Everything about this is perfect. Might take the time to sharpen and polish it to a 16k finish just to see. I have other d2 blades and this one follows suit with being amazing.