KA-BAR’s got a new fixed blade line out for the new year. Anybody on the look out for rugged tactical and/or outdoors fixed blades should take a peek at the Dust I and II; they’re no-nonsense, hard-use designs rendered in reliable materials.
Dust I
The Dust I has a pronounced, ramrod-straight design. Its 6.125-inch drop point runs out from the dead center of the handle, which means that a large majority of the cutting edge here is a straight one – although of course we do see some curvature as it moves up into the tip. We also see a finger guard beneath the sharpening choil, which, in conjunction with the pointed impact tool on the butt, gives the Dust I a decidedly tactical feel.
The blade steel is D2, a tool steel that takes to the demands of hard work with aplomb. A dark gunmetal gray blade coating shores up D2’s relatively susceptibility to corrosion, while the GFN handle – done up in a subdued teal color – should remain more or less impervious to the elements. These materials are carried directly over onto the smaller Dust II; speaking of which –
Dust II
The Dust II is the smaller knife, but it ain’t that much smaller: the blade here measures 5.25 inches, so the list of the Dust II’s possible applications is still going to be a long one. It has the same straight drop point blade shape, although there is no fighting knife-style finger guard on this one – which, in tandem with the generally restrained, linear design, gives the Dust II a hint of the puukko. Between the two, this is the one that seems geared towards outdoorsmen.
Both of these knives are out now. KA-BAR has some other new stuff on the shelves, by the way, which we will be covering in future stories. Stay tuned.
Knife in Featured Image: KA-BAR Dust I
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