Anyone familiar with combat-oriented knives from the WWII era and on is familiar with both Ka-Bar and Ek Commando Knives. Although Ek Commando Knives closed shop years ago, Ka-Bar has picked up the mantle and carried on. As a part of continuing the Ek Commando legacy, Ka-Bar releases the Model 50. And it is exactly what you would expect of Ek if it was still operational today.
The Ka-Bar Ek Commando Model 50
The 5.062 blade is constructed of 1095 Cro-Van and features a flat sabre grind. Featuring a clip point tip, a slight upsweep, roughly halfway down the spine, creates a shark fin effect. The entire shark fin features a swedge that aids in excellent penetration. Not to mention adding to the combative aesthetics.
The 4.19-inch handle features black Ultramid handle scales, held in place with the X-head fasteners, traditional on Ek Commando knives. Likewise, as is customary with Ek Commando knives, the handle scales are scalloped around the perimeter for excellent retention.
Just forward of the handle is a small guard to prevent your hand from slipping up onto the blade. Likewise, the butt features a lanyard hole for the addition of a retention lanyard, adding an extra line of security.
Each Model 50 ships with a US-made Celcon sheath with friction retention. The sheath is MOLLE compatible and also includes a belt loop for belt line carry.
Editor’s Note:
1095 Cro-Van is high carbon steel that is ideal for field knives due to its ease in sharpening. Likewise, it features great edge retention, hardness, toughness, and wear resistance. But it is also very affordable, helping to keep costs down.
However, 1095 Cro-Van, being high carbon steel, will rust easily. For this reason, Ka-Bar includes a black parkerized finish on the blade. But the finish doesn’t protect the edge, so you will want to keep the edge oiled and check it regularly.
If you do find a little rust on the edge, don’t worry, if it isn’t too bad you can simply strop it off. However, if the strop does not remove it, a quick sharpening should do the trick. Once you are done removing the rust, simply oil it again and you should be fine.
Availability
The Ka-Bar Ek Commando Model 50 is available now with an MSRP of $154.04. For more info, please visit Ka-Bar.com.
Ka-Bar Ek Commando Model 50 Specs
Blade Length: 5.062 inches
Overall Length: 9.25 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.165 inches
Blade Material: 1095 Cro-Van
Handle Material: Ultramid
Blade Style: Fixed, Clip Point
Weight: 0.65 pounds
MSRP: $154.04