Great. Solid. What I expected from a legendary knife maker. Other reviewers who say it feels durable and weighty are correct. I don't get those who claim it is flimsy. Maybe if you are using it as a crow bar yeah, but this is a bloody knife, not a freakin leverage monster. Don't get me wrong through it is plenty capable of leverage tasks within the "knife reasonable" range. Also, it is extremely sharp. Some didn't think it came sharp, again, not sure what their definition of sharp is. No you cant drop a thread over the blade and watch it split, but that is pretty dramatic, it is not a headsman's axe. But it comes more than sharp enough to do pretty much anything you could possibly want or need to do with it.

The one minor issue I have, and it's superficial, the grip of the knife is basically straight black. As black as the blade. It is not grey as it appears in the picture. Very annoying, because the picture looks better than the real life thing, but the real life thing is also pretty awesome, so this is trivial I guess. For the price, a seriously killer knife.

The first thing you notice about the KA1271: It's BIG. That said, it's solid, well balanced, fits the hand well, and is ultra-sharp straight out of the box. I myself prefer the rubberized handle over the classic leather wrap. It has a tackier grab and will not spin easily while gripping with gloves or in your bare hand when in dry or wet conditions (sorry leather traditionalists, just my humble opinion, but something to think about). The serrated edge was a must for me. Tested it and it cut through a piece of paracord like butter, one swipe. After going back and forth, I'm glad I chose the 8" blade. More blade, more slice. This knife makes the cut and will definitely be an important tool in my go/stay grab pack. The sheath has got some knocks in reviews. It really doesn't bother me at all. It protects the knife and will last years. Only thing maybe, for me, would be making it molle compatable with camouflage options. Actually, that's non-issue and easy work-a-round. Great choice if you're being deployed, in LE, hunting, going camping, or peering through the window blinds waiting for the SHTF. The KA1271 is made in the USA, and a solid knife with a long pedigree. 5 Stars.

I'm a big fan of Kabar knives and have several but still felt as if there was a void in my life.......until I held my brand new 1271. Once in my hands, I immediately noticed the balance point was at, or slightly behind the hilt. This knife has a perfect balance for me and since I'm unusual myself, I needed something to offset and upright my life! The 1271 has brought confidence into my life and respect into my relationships with others as well! I've noticed, when speaking to others in normal conversation, that their focus almost always shifts to my big 1271 whenever I pop that baby out and start picking my teeth. I now know how big bosom women feel as men stare at their breasts when attempting to talk to them.
Now, my 1271 is not high end like other knives but neither am I. I'm just a regular guy, a carpenter, a husband and father, hunter and dreamer but still, I demand respect and so does my 1271. I have ESSEE knives, BK knives, Cold Steel knives that are all much heavier knives but..........it was the/my 1271 that completed who I am and who I always dreamed I could become!
The handle fits my hand perfectly!
The angle of the edge is perfect!
The balance is perfect!
The length and girth are both perfect!
What's not to love? The sheath?
The sheath.........is sufficient for now
I've seen better sheaths but this one is not a bad one, it's durable and trustworthy....just like me!

i have been buying knives for over 20yrs w/prices ranging from dirt cheap to $200. i have learned much about what works and what don't work at least for me. having owned numerous knives over my lifetime i always come back to Kabar knives. i find them to have a good balance b/n practicality and value. they are not overpriced and at the same time will provide good functionality. i actually use my knife out in the field and not the type that "plays" w/knives so i need no BS. personally i do not buy knives over $70. anything more is too expensive to take out into the dirty field. why would anyone take a $200 knife out into the jungle? doesn't make sense to me it is too expensive to dirty up and i don't want to risk losing or damaging such an expensive knife. so my $200 knife is worthless bc im not comforable using them. they are just to pretty!! i end up leaving them at my house for show. to me any knife that cost more than $70 is not a tool, it's jewelry. that's just me. Kabar knives are built for WORK! they are a no BS tool built for people who actually use knives and will not break your bank. this particular Kabar fighting knife is great! looks intimidating too. no one will mess w/you if they see this knife on you. it will also be great out camping. i already chopped up some trees and it's sharp and functional. it will get the job done and it didn't cost me an arm, a leg, and my soul.

if there was an emergency, this Kabar knife will be my go to knife to grab and go. that is how much i trust Kabar. also, this knife is MADE IN USA!! it was made w/honor and i love that!!!

on another note....the knife market is inflated. personally i wouldn't be buying knives until the prices come down. for example, in 2018, i bought the Gerber Strongarm for just $45 and now that same knife is double the price!! it's ridiculous. my Buck 110 i bought during the same time costed me only $30 now that same knife is double. i will not be buying anymore knives until inflation is fixed, or if they increase my wages, or if the knife is already $70 or less, such as the case when i bought this Kabar fighter knife.

in summery, i am very happy w/this purchase. it's a Kabar and it was under $70. perfect combo!!

Excellent knife, what can I say it's a Kabar.