The KA-BAR is a 12-inch (30.48 cm) combat knife that has been used by the US Military since World War II. It was originally designed as a hunting knife, and was chosen by the US Marines to replace the ageing "US 1917/1918 stilettos" and "MARK I" daggers that were issued at the time. The standard issue KA-BAR features a 7-inch (17.78 cm) high carbon, low chromium, steel blade, and a 5-inch (12.7 cm) stacked leather handle with a steel pummel. Other variations of the standard KA-BAR exist including models with shorter or longer blades, synthetic leather, wood, or plastic handles, and even models with varying weight distribution.

	An all black KA-BAR

One of the KA-BAR's best features is its high carbon, low chromium steel mixture which allows the blade to hold an edge very well. This feature gives the knife the versatility to be used for odd tasks such as opening cans, digging trenches, and cutting wood and roots without having to worry much about the blade's edge dulling. This is a very important feature since versatility of your tools is very important in the post apocalyptic zombie world of tomorrow.

Although it was originally designed to be a hunting knife, the KA-BAR has been modified to be an effective killing device. The current iteration features a small fuller to lighten the blade allowing for better overall balance of the weapon. The blade is strong and ridged enough to make repeated contact with flesh and bone while still maintaining its integrity. The KA-BAR is one of the few modern knives that has been designed from the ground up to be used as a weapon in hand to hand combat. It is designed for killing and it will perform its sole task against the undead horde flawlessly.

The KA-BAR uses a full tang design, meaning the blade of the knife extends down the full length of the handle. This style of design prevents the blade from "wobbling" around. It also makes the overall structure very sturdy and ridged. The blade's high carbon steel alloy makes it very hard and able to hold an edge remarkably well. Genuine military issue KA-BARs feature a stacked leather handle which will stand the test of time very well. KA-BARs have even been known to be passed down for several generations giving testament to its longevity.

	A KA-BAR attached to a M.O.L.L.E tactical vest

Measuring in at 12 inches (30.48 cm) the KA-BAR is slightly longer then your average utility knife, but it is by know mean "too big". It is extremely lightweight for its size, and can easily be stored on your belt. Since the KA-BAR is considered standard military equipment, several different sheaths have been made which allow the KA-BAR to easily be mounted to "M.O.L.L.E" or "A.L.I.C.E" style load-carrying equipment which in turn allow the KA-BAR to be carried just about anywhere.

The KA-BAR is a well balanced effective utility and fighting knife designed for hand to hand melee combat. If maintained properly, it will serve as an excellent means of self defense in the zombie apocalypse.