Ka-Bar's history goes back to the Tidioute Cutlery Company, which was founded in Pennsylvania in 1898. Out of the failure of that company, the Union Razor Company was formed in 1902. The name was changed again in 1909 to Union Cutlery Company then moved to Olean, New York in 1910. The Ka-Bar trademark was introduced in the 1920's and around 1942 the company submited a Ka-Bar branded knife to the U. S. Marine Corps. The Ka-Bar knife became so well known and so important to the company, that in 1952 the company name was changed to Ka-Bar Cutlery, Inc.
In recognizing their 110th Anniversary, Ka-Bar has introduced three limited edition reproductions of knife patterns produced during the Union Cutlery years. These knives are marked with some of the same marks used in the early 20th Century. The blade steel is D2 at 58-60 Rc., the handle scales are Roofline Licorice Jigged Bone with nickel silver Dog's Head inlay, bolsters, caps and guard. The liners are brass. Each knife is serial numbered on the bolster or guard. Made in the U. S. A. The Hunters Bowie measures 9-7/8" overall with a 6" bowie blade of D2 at 58-60 Rc. Marked Ka-Bar - Olean, N.Y on the obverse side of the blade and Union Cutlery Co. - Olean, N.Y. on the reverse side. Includes a leather belt sheath of the type that would have been provided with the original knives. Weighs 5.3 oz.