United States Marine Corps KA-BAR Full-Size Combat Knife, StraightThe United States Marine Corps KA-BAR Combat Knife is ideal for those looking for a plus knife durable and larger for tactical, survival and hunting purposes. If you are looking for the best tactical knife according to your preferences while staying within a reasonable price range, this may be the option for you. The blade measures seven inches and is made from 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel to withstand heavy use. This particular model is also a straight edge, making it particularly useful for self-defense purposes. The handle is quite unique in that it is made of leather with a split design to provide a firm grip in self-defense and inclement weather situations. Terms. The knife sports a traditional straight tip that is common on many knives, from tactical knives to kitchen knives. The design allows for good control, extra pressure on the back for precise chopping and perforating. One problem that seems to appear frequently with these knives is the dull edge and uneven sharpening from the factory. Additionally, since the blade is made of carbon steel, it will be susceptible to corrosion and stains. This particular type of carbon steel, 1095 car-van carbon steel, is a specialty of KE-BAR, but appears to be more difficult to sharpen than regular carbon steel. If the knife leaves the factory in a dull state, sharpening it can be irritating and time-consuming. Another problem may lie with the handle, as some people find it slippery. The leather has a coating to protect it from stains and damage, but this can make the handle slightly slippery. Since this knife is intended for tactical purposes, having even a slightly slippery handle could be a safety issue.Col...... middle of paper ......urpose.Handle has a rubber grip textured, which is fine for regular use, but can get slippery when wet. There don't seem to be many negatives about this knife, but the major issue most people seem to have is the sheath. The sheath is apparently very fragile and poorly designed. Some people have also stated that the knife constantly snags on fabric when removed from the sheath, and that this constant snagging damages the sheath. A knife hanging on the sheath can become a problem in case of panic and can even create accidents when removing the knife. Another possible downside is that the handle seems designed for small hands and may be uncomfortable for larger hands. This knife may be the best tactical knife for those with small hands, but people with larger hands may find it too uncomfortable to use properly and safely..