The K-bar is a combination fighting knife and utility/survival tool. There are three makers; Camillus, which created the design ( from an even older established outdoor pattern), Ontario, which got the bulk of the contracts, and K-ar, which got the glory. The leather handle and sheath is subject to the elements and the knife has been known to snap at the hilt under severe stress or even simply being dropped ( usually well used units.) Fallknivens are pretty well bullet proof. I use Fallknivens. My experience with "K-Bars" and Marines has always been pleasant, with only one exception, and that wasn't the knife <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> If you buy one, get the Camillus or K-Bar. They have better edge geometry and tangs.