Originally released on October 26, 2010 the Ka-Bar 5055 Short Tanto is a modern classic knife brought down to a more manageable size for individuals who have a smaller stature including women and youth. It’s also a great size if you are seeking a belt knife that is not giant and overpowering but still love the Ka-Bar brand. The blade is made in the Ka-Bar factory in Olean, New York.
If you are working in the bushcraft/survival industry or around children with a conventional Ka-Bar knife you may often garner unwanted attention and comments regarding how robust the standard Ka-Bar is. I even once had a student remark “That knife is a small sword!”. As a result, I have often had to choose inferior blades by other manufacturers as a result. The “Short” series of the Ka-Bar blades are a perfect balance of form and function for most tasks and when working around the public or with children.
Ka-Bar is an iconic American knife maker which started life in the 1800’s as the Union Razor company. In 1911 Union Cutlery was formed and was chosen during World War II to create what is now universally known as the “Ka-Bar Knife” design.
The Ka-Bar 5055 has a tanto blade shape which is formally called the Americanized or Westernized Tanto, is a newer blade format that was popularized in the 80’s by American knife company Cold Steel. It has a thick pointed blade that’s rugged enough for the most difficult tasks. Many people love the look of the tanto tip, while others abhor it.
Included with the knife is a plastic sheath that resembles kydex. It is well designed with three points of contact to reduce the possibility of loss. The knife connects to the sheath by its hilt, and a strap which also goes over the hilt, and a strap over the butt. Sadly I lost my first Ka-Bar while exploring a cave because the sheath system was not this thought out and effective.
The 5055 model also features a partially serrated edge which some people prefer for making wood shavings for survival and bushcraft as well as cutting rope quickly. Serrated blade edges are a matter of personal choice.
The Knife features a Kraton-G polymer handle which has largely replaced the leather ring handles which were put on their knives for over 100 years. This is largely due to reliability and military design. The military insists on a polymer handle which does not conduct electricity or degrade through hard use or in a marine environment. Kraton-G is also completely hypoallergenic for use by people who have latex, leather, or other allergies which could flare up if touching handles made of other materials. Kraton-G handles also do not succumb to the elements in the same fashion as leather, particularly in salt water marine environments which wreak havoc on leather if left untreated.
Right out of the package, The knife is relatively sharp. Not shaving sharp as the Mora knives, but sharp enough to complete most tasks. The Kraton G polymer handle feels very much like a rubber or latex handle, but is firm to the grip, and identical to the traditional leather handles.
The blade angle is 20 Degrees, which is common in most American style knives. It is a relatively decent edge angle. If your edge is too narrow (less than 15 degrees) the metal becomes too thin and will bend, break, and chip during heavy use. If your edge is too wide, think the edge of a table, you will not be able to keep it sharp. Some people will adjust the edge angle of their knives to suit personal taste. The most often adjustment is to reduce the edge angle to 15 degrees, also known as a Scandi-Grind seen in European knives such as the Mora.
Like many modern Ka-Bar knives, it is coated at the factory with an epoxy powder coat which is designed to protect the metal from corrosion. Over time and heavy use, the coating will wear away, leaving a patina on the blade itself.
Overall a fantastic knife for most camp tasks and if cared for properly, will last for years.
In the video below, Wolfmaan goes through the knifes features and demonstrates basic camp activities.
- Weight: 159 Grams (0.4 lbs.)
- Blade Length: 5 1/4″
- Edge Angle: 20 Degree
- Overall Length: 9 3/8″
- Shape: Tanto
- Stamp: USA
- Edge Angle: 20 Degrees
- Steel: 1095 cro-van
- Grind: Hollow
- Handle Material: Kraton G
- HRC: 56-58
- Butt Cap / Guard: Powdered Metal
- Knife Made in USA