KA-BAREK44, Ek EK44 4 with Sheath , Black 12.625 inch

Like many who bought this, I am a knife enthusiast, and own all different types of knives. Most of my knives fall into either EDC folding knives, work knives, or camping/survival knives. The EK 44 is none of these things: it is a self-defense tool, and probably inferior for pretty much anything else. The long, thin-profile, double-edged blade is meant to stab and penetrate, not to chop food, cut rope, or baton wood. If those things are what you want to use a knife for, this knife is not for you. If you want a KA-BAR that does these things, stick with the standard KA-BAR fighting knife (with many models to choose from), or go with the EK 45 if you like the EK models with the thick, full tang.I purchased this knife because I do not own a handgun, and it gives me a better chance than nothing against an attacking predator when hiking. The 1095 Cro-Van steel is proven strong, and I wanted to be confident I could pierce through a bear hide effectively and won't break the knife (again, not the type of situation you want to be in, but I'll take some chance over none, and I feel this knife gives me the best chance over others on the market). Now to the components:Edge: the blade came very sharp (paper-slicing, though not hair-shaving sharp) on both sides. I could probably get it sharper, but as this knife is really meant for stabbing, I feel it is plenty sharp for what it needs to do. The edges comes to a very nice tip, which you need to be careful with because it's very easy to hurt yourself with, or make a stab hole in something if you bump into it. I haven't tested the knife for its intended purpose (for obvious reasons, and hope I never have to), but since it easily pierces wood and thick cardboard boxes, I have no doubt it would work great. I love KA-BAR knives, but a few I have bought have come with unevenly-ground edges. This one however, is perfect, and both edges appear straight and symmetrical as far as I can tell.Blade finish: the blade has a nice black finish on it (parkerized, I believe), which I prefer over the powder-coated black finish of the Becker knives (not to say those knives aren't awesome though: you should own at least one). Along the flat of the blade on one side is stamped "John Ek Commando Knife Co" with the brand symbol, and lower toward the crossguard, "KA-BAR, Olean, NY." On the opposite side near the crossguard "EK 44" is stamped. My finish came with a few scratches, and judging by the color of the blade, taking it in and out of it's thin kydex sheath causes wear over the flat of the blade over time. This wouldn't be a problem for me, however, as if you use the knife frequently, it's going to get scratched and worn, and if you don't, you won't take it out from the sheath enough times for it to make a difference.Hilt: the hilt of all the KA-BAR EK model knives is the same, and I think it's excellent. It has a *real* full tang, that goes all the way through the handle and out the bottom of the pommel. The handle scales are comfortable and very grippy, and can be removed with a screwdriver to clean and oil the tang. The handle is quite long, but this makes it appropriate for even the largest hands, and accommodates a wide number of fighting grips (hammer, fencing, etc.) The balance is also toward the hilt because of this, but it make the edge of the knife extremely fast to maneuver and gives you a lot of control. I'm sure it would be a superb fighting knife, if one ever had to use it this way.Sheath: the kydex sheath is very high quality and fits the knife like a glove, so it basically won't move at all once secured. A common complaint about the sheath is that it has two plastic ramps that lock down over the crossguard to secure the knife, which can make the knife fairly difficult to remove quickly (particularly with one hand, though it gets better with practice). Apparently, people have been pretty easily able to remedy this by filing down the ramps, after which the knife comes out quite easily- though you'd be sacrificing a bit of security for ease of removal. It should be noted that this is a rare factory sheath that is made in the USA (it is stamped "KA-BAR, U.S. EK" on the front, and "Made in U.S.A., Olean, New York" on the back). One reviewer of the EK 43 (which uses the exact same sheath) reported that his sheath had a "made in Taiwan" tag on it. However, I contacted KA-BAR, and a representative told me the sheath is indeed made in the U.S., so I believe this buyer must have been given an aftermarket sheath by the seller instead. You shouldn't have this problem if you buy from an official KA-BAR dealer.Overall, if all remains well and safe, I will never have to use this knife (besides to occasionally stab a box open happily to justify paying for it). However, I am confident in the build and feel of this knife, that if I were ever in serious trouble, it would hold through and protect me better than most other knives on the market.*5 out of 5 stars*

Just got my KA-BAR / John Ek Commando knife today. Within five minutes I'm sold. The knife, the blade, the handle, guard ... even the sheath, all are awesome. This is definitely a 21st century evolution of a World War II classic.I'm no expert, but I am experienced and have an lifelong appreciation for nice knives. Among my double edged blades, I've an old Fairbairn Sykes, a 1970s Gerber Mk II and the Boker version of the V-42. I've even got an Effingham Ek Model 5. This new collaboration may not be as elegant as the F-B Sykes or the V-42 or be as pretty as the Model 5, but it has a style all its own. It's not polished like the old Model 5, but the black finish and etched John Ek signature, iconic Ek symbol and "commando knife" logo are subtle and classy.The blade's grind and edge geometry -- in 1095 Cro-Van -- lend it to stabbing and slashing. The F-B and V-42 are not known for their slashing abilities. The edge of my example easily shaved my arm clean. The blade is so stout, I wager you could even chop a 2x4 with it. The tip looks strong enough to stab into a 2x4 and pry away. Once I get past the newness of the knife and mix it up, I'll let you know.The handle's ergos are versatile and feel great in hand; the full tang evokes confidence. Some will complain about the "S" shaped guard. Get over it. Instead, appreciate the smooth fit and finish of the glass filled nylon scales and lack of burrs or rough edges where they shouldn't be. How many knives do you own that you've had to go over the handles with sandpaper so you don't get blisters or abrasions? Also, the singular Ek handle geometry allows for tight, close to the guard grip, middle or long distance.The sheath is near perfect. It holds the knife tight, there's no rattle, movement or anything. There are plenty of grommets suitable for lashing and stashing. The back of the belt loops features a small label with the John Ek / Commando Knife logo. Again, subtle and classy.The pommel is classic Ek. In this case a solid protrusion of 1095 Cro-Van. You can crush skulls, jaws, pound nails, pry and otherwise amuse yourself with it.Releasing the knife from the sheath took me a moment to figure out. In addition to a retention strap around the handle, it's got a snap lock feature near the mouth of the sheath that grabs the guard. Pulling straight up, it's difficult to near impossible to release the knife. HINT: Pull the handle slightly AWAY from the belt loop as you pull out the knife and "snick!" it works! Or if that confuses you, pull the belt loop away from the knife as you pull and it works. Either way.My only complaint is what if you don't wanna carry your cool new commando knife on the belt? What if you wanna carry it inside your waist band? That could be a problem, considering the unique release mechanism. A little judicious filing/sanding of the locking bumps might be in order, as would be a little surgery on the belt loop interface. Best suggestion: Invest in quality kydex. I predict if this blade takes off -- and it should! -- there will be a lot of creative kydex available.I'm not a shill: I bought my knife on my own from Amazon. Got it in record time for $99.99, no shipping.That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Really digging this thing. I like EK’s double edge dagger design. I’ve heard good things about the Ka-Bars 1095 and was ready to see for myself!The knife comes sharp enough but could use a strop to bring the edge to a bit more a fine razor edge. Seems sturdy, full tang, good ol American style, heavy duty bolts holding the scales on the knife. Very stout and solid feeling, not too heavy, not too light. Good protection from the guard for your hands, very nice design.Can’t wait to put it to work and see how it handles! Will update after use!