Thanks for the tip. However, would the lanyard loop go around the bottom of the handle? Also, what do you think serves as the best rust preventative solution? The reason that I ask is that I am keeping the knife in the leather sheath and I've been told that moisture can accumulate on the blade. In the future, however, I plan on buying the Kydex sheath.<br>Anyway, thanks for the info (again). Your advice is appreciated.

I thought the "next generation" KA-BARS had a lanyard hole in the butt?! There are a multitude of advanced rust inhibitors and oils out there. Just remember to wipe them clean if you intend to process food.

I just looked at the Ka-Bar site so I know what Im talking about. I was thinking of the "next Generation" Ontarios. The Ka-Bars have no provision for lanyard attachment. the popular Australian bushknife modification consisted of chopping off the upper guard, reshaping the stacked leather handle to an oval shape and drilling a lanyard hole in the buttcap. None of these are really appropriate to your version. the upper handguard is needed in a fighting knife and drilling near the tang in that small buttcap calls for a talented machinist. The kydex sheaths are much better at retaining the knife, and if you wear it under clothing more secure yet. lanyards are usefull while brushpopping, but can oftentimes be as much a nuisance. Id just keep a length of paracord handy and throw a quick knot on the groove near the butt. The powder expoxy coating will work well against rust until worn. Black leather is a pita to maintain ( try a 4 in hand horse harness with brass fittings sometime. ) Until you get the kydex sheath just pickle it in a good waterproof conditioner like snowseal.

The early production stainless and kraton Mk2s from Ka-Bar has a teardrop shapped pommel, with the point drilled and smoothed for a lanyard loop. <br><br>Don't know if it's still part of the design or not, but I doubt they'd change the design- most grumpy letter that complained about carbon steel usually said something about lanyards, from what I've heard.

I have one made by Camillus and it is a descent knife for the money. The basic knife, whether it is made by Camillus, Ontario, or Kabar is made with 1095 steel. Camillus and Ontario make the knife to the government's mil-spec, round handle, pakerized finish. Ontario also makes a modified version under their spec plus line. Kabar's knives come with an oval handle and a powder coated blade. They also make a next generation series made from D2 steel. However, for not much more you can get the Becker Knife & Tool Combat/Utility 7 knife (which I also have). It is designed by Ethan Becker to replace the standard Marine Knife. It is made of a different high carbon steel, and it has a wider blade (spine to edge), but only weighs 2oz more. The blade length is about the same. I don't expect it to chop any better since it is still pretty light, but keeping the weight down was a design consideration. I feel that it is a much better knife. As an added benefit, the sheath has a pouch that will accomodate an altoids tin, if you have made a mini kit to fit in one. You can find it online for about $50.

Their specs say 15 oz. I don't have a scale that goes that light to confirm...<br><br>http://www.coldsteel.com/