I’m not sure you get much more iconic when it comes to cutlery and tools than KA-BAR and Estwing. They have over 225 years of American manufacturing experience between them, but it’s taken all that time to come together on a project. In a project headed up by State & Union Knives, KA-BAR’s in-house custom shop, a collaboration between these two great American brands was born.
Consisting of a special KA-BAR knife and Estwing hammer, each takes notes from the other’s traditions and branding. Read on to learn more about this limited-edition project.
A Full Tang KA-BAR?!
Let’s start with the knife in the set. Befitting the brand and history, the fixed blade in the set is a version of KA-BAR’s USMC Mark 2 combat knife. This isn’t just a standard KA-BAR with a new handle, though. This is actually a full-tang design, which I believe is a first for KA-BAR and the classic combat knife. These knives are made in the State & Union shop.
It features a 6.85-inch clip-point blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel, with a black finish. This is pretty standard KA-BAR fair, but this time, it’s mated up to the full tang design, making it the strongest KA-BAR to date. It’s fitted with Blue G10 handle scales that mirror the classic blue rubber handles from Estwing hatchets. They even have the Estwing logo on them.
In abbreviation, a single-sided guard and extended pommel are featured, similar to what KA-BAR uses on the D2 series knives. The knives come with a plain brown leather sheath, and everything is made in the USA.
Currently, it looks like these knives are only being offered as part of the KA-BAR x Estwing set. However, I imagine that the full tang design will be popular, and I suspect folks will be clamoring for more of them down the road.
KA-BAR x Estwing Fixed Blade Specs:
| Blade Length | 6.85 inches |
| Overall Length | 12.1 inches |
| Blade Steel | 1095 Cro-Van |
| Blade Thickness | 0.1875 inches |
| Width | 1.38 inches |
| Type | Fixed Blade |
| Blade Guard | Yes |
| Color | Blue/Brown/Black |
| Edge Angle | 20 |
| Grind | Flat |
| Handle Material | Blue G10 |
| Rockwell Hardness | 56-58 |
| Shape | Clip Point |
| Sheath Manufactured In | USA |
| Tang Stamp | KA-BAR |
| Weight | 0.95 lb |
| Designed In | USA |
| Knife Manufactured In | United States |
Hammer Time
The KA-BAR x Estwing Hammer is one of Estwing’s framing hammer designs. It’s just under 16 inches overall and weighs in at 2.15 pounds. It’s made from one piece of solid steel and has a milled face and claw back. It has a black finish that matches the KA-BAR knife, and it has a raised Estwing logo on one side of the shaft and KA-BAR logo on the other.
While Estwing has done stacked leather handles on their hammers and axes for ages, this one reflects the KA-BAR partnership. The 8-inch handle on this hammer is done in the style of the traditional stacked leather KA-BAR. So, while the knife mirrors the Estwing handle, the hammer mirrors the KA-BAR handle. It’s a neat custom touch and nod to each other’s iconic products.
KA-BAR x Estwing Hammer Specs:
| Overall Length | 15.75″ |
| Handle Length | 8″ |
| Marks | KA-BAR/Estwing |
| Overall Weight | 2.15 lbs |
| Head Weight | 19 oz |
| Handle Material | Leather |
| Manufactured in | USA |
| Handle Color | Blue/Brown/Black |
A Limited Time Set
While both tools are imminently functional, I’m sure a lot of folks will grab this set for its collector’s value. If that’s what you’re thinking, you may want to jump on it, though, as it is a limited release. The pair comes in a specially designed box that fits both hammer and knife, and retails for $299.00. It’s available direct through KA-BAR.
For more information on this great American collaboration, check out Kabar.com.
