Likely the most recognizable blade in the world, Ka-Bar’s USMC Fighting Knife rounds out this list as our classic tactical blade. Originally issued to America’s fighting forces in World War II, this knife has become synonymous with the name Ka-Bar. It was designed as a do-all blade that could cut, stab, dig, hammer, and generally solve the kinds of problems brute force and a good blade solve best.
The Ka-Bar line is filled with great options, including many highly affordable blades that will more than get the job done. But no knife collection is really complete without this classic piece. More than that, it’s a working blade that can take a beating. However, we would caution against using it for excessive batoning, as the original design does boast a strong full-length tang that is never-the-less a narrower profile than the blade to accommodate the leather washers for the grip. Still, if used right, this knife will easily last a lifetime.