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KA-BAR 1256 Short Fighting/Utility Knife - 5.25" 1095 Cro-Van Black Powder Coated Clip Point Blade - Black Kraton G Handles (1256)
Overview & Heritage: The KA-BAR 1256 Short Fighting/Utility Knife is a compact, highly maneuverable scaling of the legendary full-sized combat utility fixed blade. Handcrafted in Olean, New York, USA, the Short Fighting/Utility knife shrinks the classic combat profile down to three-quarters size while upgrading the traditional handle materials to modern synthetic technology. Purpose-built for military personnel, outdoor purists, survivalists, and everyday carry enthusiasts, it delivers time-tested performance in a more accessible pocket- and belt-friendly footprint.
Blade & Performance: Featuring a 5.25-inch clip point blade forged from ultra-tough 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel, the 1256 provides high impact resistance, superior edge strength, and easy field sharpening. The blade is treated with a non-reflective black epoxy powder coating that shields the carbon steel from rust while eliminating tactical glare. Engineered with a classic flat grind and a plain edge, this versatile blade excels at camp utility, game processing, skinning, and detailed cutting tasks.
Handle, Lock & Ergonomics: Built on a full-length oval stick tang, the handle features slip-resistant Black Kraton G thermoplastic elastomer rings. Ergonomically contoured with traditional grooved rings, Kraton G provides an unshakeable, shock-absorbing grip that remains comfortable and non-slip in wet, freezing, or blood-slicked environments. A solid steel hand guard prevents slippage forward onto the cutting edge, paired with a heavy steel pommel cap for light field hammering. The knife includes a durable black leather belt sheath stamped with the official KA-BAR logo.
*Bench Notes & Field Care Guidance:*
1095 Cro-Van is an exceptionally tough American carbon steel, but it is non-stainless. While the black powder coating shields the body of the blade, the exposed plain cutting edge requires regular maintenance. After field use, clean and thoroughly dry the blade, then apply a protective coating of mineral oil, gun oil, or TUFF-GLIDE before storing. Treat the black leather sheath periodically with high-grade leather conditioner or beeswax to preserve moisture resistance and flexibility.
Key Features
- Scaled 3/4 Size Design: Compact 5.25-inch blade version of the iconic combat knife for easier belt carry and field utility.
- 1095 Cro-Van Carbon Steel: High-toughness American carbon steel engineered for extreme impact resistance and easy field sharpening.
- Modern Tactical Blackout Design: All-black finish across the blade, guard, handle, pommel, and leather sheath for low-profile carry.
- Non-Reflective Black Epoxy Powder Coat: Tactical protective coating shields carbon steel surfaces from moisture and glare.
- All-Weather Black Kraton G Handle: Durable, shock-absorbing synthetic grip textured with traditional rings for an unshakeable grip in any climate.
- Solid Steel Guard & Pommel: Metal hand guard prevents forward hand slippage, while the heavy pommel supports light pounding tasks.
- Black Leather Belt Sheath: Premium leather belt sheath stamped with the official KA-BAR logo.
- Made in the USA: Proudly manufactured in Olean, New York to KA-BAR's rigorous military standards.
Product Specifications
- Brand: KA-BAR Knives
- Series: Short Fighting/Utility Series
- Model: 1256 Short Fighting/Utility
- MPN: 1256
- Clean MPN: 1256
- UPC/EAN: 617717212567
- Country of Origin: USA (Knife) / Mexico (Sheath)
- Blade Length: 5.25"
- Cutting Edge Length: 4.88"
- Closed Length: N/A (Fixed Blade)
- Overall Length: 9.25"
- Blade Thickness: 0.165"
- Blade Steel: 1095 Cro-Van Carbon Steel
- Blade Hardness: 56-58 HRC
- Blade Style: Clip Point
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Blade Finish: Black Epoxy Powder Coat
- Edge Type: Plain
- Lock/Tang Structure: Oval Stick Tang / Full Tang
- Handle Material: Kraton G Thermoplastic Elastomer
- Handle Color: Black
- Handle Texture: Grooved Ring Ergonomic Grip
- Accessories/Hardware: Black Leather Sheath with Belt Loop
- Overall Weight: 6.40 oz (181.44 g) [Knife Only] / 9.60 oz (272.16 g) [With Sheath]
