The KA-BAR as a Dirk

[Riverkilt]

Probably stretching it. I've never had a dirk. Just got a KA-BAR from the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Thought I'd give it a try.



Here's the dirk/KA-BAR



Kilt is Utilikilts Original in sage green digital camo.

[flyrod6057]

As a retired Gunnery Sergeant of Marines, I approve of the dirk/KaBar. I like the shirt, too...

Semper Fidelis!

[gordontaos]

I like the theme, and think that the KaBar works very well.

I am getting ready to move and just came across my dads KaBar from WW2 (he was a Navy pilot). Since I frequently emulate you I gave this "look" a quick thought. However it was only a quick thought since I would have to purchase the kilt, hat and belt to go with the KaBar.

Maybe after the move to Santa Fe. Hmmm...where did you get the hat?

[Germankilter]

The hats looks to be a repurposed campaign hat. Nice themed kit.

[Downunder Kilt]

Sorry Ron, not a fan of your idea, that accoutrement has absolutely nothing to do with kilts or dirks. Following on from your idea would mean you could strap any knife to your belt and in some way link it to the wearing of a kilt. I don't think so

[Riverkilt]

See, I said I was probably stretching it....

Even with a Leatherneck tartan it'd be a stretch.

Hat is from Miller Hats - Doughboy modeled after War One headgear. Bought it to honor my great uncle Charles who served in France in War One. Found I liked it for a desert hat and have been wearing it a lot to break it in.

I call it my Lee Marvin Hat....

[Dale Seago]

At various Highland Gatherings/Games in recent years I've seen plenty of Marines sporting them in lieu of dirks, generally with Leatherneck tartan kilts. Many of those have also sported one of these in the stocking as a sgian dubh:

http://www.swordnarmory.com/WWII-USM.../tk-4874-m.htm

Semper Freakin' Fi, brother.

[Riverkilt]

Aye, have the letter opener. Guess the KA-BAR for a dirk is an obvious idea. If I'd seen it don't remember it...probably did see it and it came up in the subconsious meanderings of my aging brain.

Saw Steve had the letter opener replica sgian dubh in his pics of the new Dress Blue tartan. My Dress Blue is at my kiltmaker's now. Waiting my turn. When it arrives could try it with both the replica letter opener as a sgian dubh and the real thing as a dirk. Probably look better with a tartan kilt.

For me personally it seems weird to carry a knife up front. So used to having it at 5 o'clock on my right hip.

[Steve Ashton]

Here is my letter opener mini-KaBar that I use as a Sgian. This is sharpened and I use it in the shop to open packages almost daily.



Kilt is the Dress Blue Tartan
Kilt Pin by Alexis Malcolm

[Tobus]

Sorry Ron, not a fan of your idea, that accoutrement has absolutely nothing to do with kilts or dirks.

Considering that this is a modern style kilt in camouflage pattern and military theme, I actually think it's a pretty cool counterpart, even if it really doesn't have anything to do with traditional dirks or THCD. I would agree that a Ka-Bar falls well short of being in any way a replacement for a proper dirk when worn with a traditional tartan kilt, but in this case (with the photos shown) it's more appropriate.

Personally, though, I think the Ka-Bar doesn't quite look right when worn in the traditional dirk position. I'd think it would look better (and be more comfortable) back around the side as it was worn in military service. I have my father's Ka-Bar (or, more properly, the Mark 2 combat/fighting knife) and have worn it with my Utilikilt on backpacking trips. Simply put, wearing a knife in front like a dirk is incredibly uncomfortable and impractical. So I wear it around the side.

That mini-Ka-Bar letter opener as a sgian dubh, though, works pretty well! It has a nice simple, rugged look to it and is proportioned/sized quite nicely for that use.