USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife KA-BAR and Its Evolution

The American USMC KA-BAR Fighting/Utility Knife became one of the most successful knives in use. Created by the Union Cutlery Company in 1941 this all-purpose survival tool was exclusively government order and designed to be effective as a defensive weapon, hammer, can opener, digging tool, and cutting tool.

The origin of the first prototype of the KA-BAR, the 1219C2, had its roots in World War I.

World War I

The stalemate entrenchment of World War I officially brought the fighting knife back to the battlefield. The trench systems in Belgium and France extended for hundreds of miles and close-quarter fighting between the Allied and German troops continued within the environment of the trench. Soldiers were required to cut-down their 19th century long-sword bayonets that most nations still issued. These cut-down weapons enabled close-quarter hand-to-hand combat.

It became apparent during the end of World War I that a new knife design was needed to meet the demands of not only close-quarter fighting but versatility of use. After detailed comparison of the trench weapons then in use the United States and France began production of the Mark I Trench Knife, in 1918, during the last months of the war. Most of these weapons were never issued.

The Mark I was a cast-bronze knuckleduster. The pommel was secured to its cast-bronze hilt with a nut that had a significant point which if used with enough force could fracture a mans skull. The weapon could be carried while crawling and kept securely in the hand. With a 7 double-edge blade, it was useful for thrusting and cutting. Yet, due to expense and soldier complaints of blade breakage, the Mark I had a short production life and only 120,000 were made.

With the wars end in 1918 the evolution and development of the military fighting knife continued.

World War II

When the United States entered World War II in 1941 most Americans were armed with the pre-World War II 16 M1905 Pattern Bayonet (later renamed M1942); and the U.S. Army had only one fighting knife the Mark I.

The Marine Corps issued the Marine Raider Stiletto to its elite forces but the stiletto was most useful for silent killings rather than general utility tasks. Many Marines obtained their own knives before deploying. These were for the most part the hunting/utility knife L76 and L77 by Western States Cutlery.

The proposed reproduction of the Mark I was rejected and the U.S. Government requested military knife suppliers to develop specifications for a modern fighting knife utilizing the designs of the Mark I and the civilian hunting/utility knife patterns.

Several changes to previous pattern designs resulted in the 1219C2 prototype. Made with thicker blade stock, added fuller, straight cross-guard and peened pommel; it also had the now famous compressed leather washers at the handle. The 1219C2 was later coated with a non-reflective matte phosphate finish to reduce glare. (Marines to this day still add an additional coat of black paint for glare reduction and corrosion resistance).

On November 23, 1942 the United States Marine Corps adopted the 1219C2 which it later re-designated the USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife. The United States Navy also adopted the 1219C2 as the US Navy Utility Knife, Mark 2.

The Mark 2 became general issue to the United States Marine Corps, and returning veterans were impressed by its combat effectiveness.

The Union Cutlery Company stamped their Mark 2 Combat/Fighting Utility knives with the “KA-BAR” trademark, and as early as 1944 regardless of manufacturer all Mark 2s became known as the KA-BAR.

Used in eight wars World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Grenada, Operation Just Cause, Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq the KA-BAR has hit the mark as one of the most successful knives made.

Todays KA-BAR is made of 1095 Cro-Van Steel, flat ground, easy to sharpen, and features a 20 degree edge angle and is effective as a combat knife and utility tool. With a hardness rating of 56-58 HRC, the moderate carbon and low chromium steel combination enables the blade to hold its edge quite well.

and the legend born during World War II continues, and over seventy years later the dual-purpose design is still doing its job.

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Korean Fashion Clothing – Internets New Shopping Destination

Korean fashion clothes are favorites with people all around the world. Asian fashion is the fastest growing industry in today’s world and it famous because of its styles and trends. The designs and fabric are classy, easy to wear and contemporary. Among different types of styles Japanese fashion and Korean fashion clothing is the most profitable and attractive for everyone. Previously, the Asian fashion industry was just popular in their local markets but now they are all rage around the globe. Presently, it has become a familiar name in the western countries, thanks to the changing times.

Korean fashion has its own appeal and its own fan following. The fabrics, styles and dresses have a fragrance and they are very different from the western style. You must search on internet first, if you are looking for some latest trend of Japanese or Korean fashion clothes. From there you will be able to know various aspects about Korean fashion. These styles have been famous worldwide and will catch your eyes for sure. Among different companies, you will also be able to bring in a comparison of products and prices. Korean fashion clothing is definitely a big benefit over the usual brick and mortar stores. You can select any apparel of your choice by checking out various types of outfits from Japanese and Korean fashion industry.

Asian fashion is the best place for shopping for your apparels if you consider yourself as a bargain hunter. Fantastic designs and smart apparels from Korean fashion clothes are available at cheaper rates along with free shipping offers from some of the websites. On some of the online websites, you as a customer can avail discounts as per your convenience. There are many people who enjoy shopping for Korean fashion clothes and Japanese fashion and there are many who are shopping fanatics. They get to wear affordable and beautiful clothing and fashion accessories. At extra ordinarily low costs, one can shop for fabrics, excellent designs and dresses. You can always enjoy fashion a bit more at such websites who deal with clothing and accessories. You can also avail the beauty of Korean fashion clothing at such stores and get to know more about the latest trends in fashion industry. Asiankoreanfashion is the ideal place to shop. One who has made use of these apparels and Korean accessories is bound to re visit. That is the beauty or the essence of Korean fashion clothing industry.

Through internet, international locations all over the globe can offer various styles of Korean fashion clothes. Previously it was not available but with the emergence of internet, Korean clothing can be bought from any place in the world be it USA, Singapore, Canada and Thailand. Their offers include party dresses, tops, prom dresses, jackets, maxi dresses, ladies clothing, several other fashionable ladies wear and accessories. You now have a great opportunity to fill up your wardrobe with the best, Korean fashion clothing of your choice.

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Leather Blazers Perfect Fashion Essential – Manitobah Mukluks Nappa Boots

Leather blazers have always helped any one to look fabulously distinct and make you look out standing from the crowd luxe boots. It will be always know as attire which will create a style statement and perfect impression on any one.

It has been long time that they are in fashion now; it has gone to different design to stay such a long time in fashion cheap luxe boots. Both men and women love to own one for them self.lf.

Leather blazer can be found in different style and pattern, with latest trend and design australian luxe boots. You will look super voguish and stylish if team up properly.

Teaming up with denims make you look more smart and stunning, with various colors to experiment it luxe boots sale. Red and brown are one off the most preferred one.

It was a time when leather blazer were plain and bland, the latest design are crafted taking latest design and comfort in mind. Lambskin leather is mostly used in design leather blazer; it’s very soft as compared to any other leather. Soft texture of lambskin gives you a very soft feel. Lambskin imparts a very refined and elegant look to your appearance, due to which they are in more demand than any other material. Perfect combination leather accessories with your leather will make you look truly striking and impressive looks. For the durability and rugged purpose cowhide is the best option. While going to your office or a formal meeting team it up with formal pant and shirt inside.

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Korean Fashion Is Unique

The common belief of creating a sexy and confident women look amongst Asian women is to wear brand names, such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Prada, coach. But true Asian fashionista understands while brand is important, coordinating properly to create the desired look matters more. Popular fashion stylist Have looked to Korean fashion in the recent years, and its a topic requires further emphasize in.
Korean fashion is unique and helps with confidence because it accentuates important aspect of a womens body. It focuses to enlongate height, emphasizes the small waistline and creates an illusion for a more slender physique. Most importantly, Asian Fashionistas likes to experiment with layering. Layering makes the outfit more versatile and simply removed to suit different occasions. You may switch easily from a professional look to a semi formal lunch out look to a daring party look. Korean fashion can provide all these added trendy styles and color patterns while looking chic. Its easy to bring attentions when you incorporate Korean fashion into your existing style.
Tailored with the idea of comfort and attention to the utmost detail, Korean accessories such as graffiti leggings and oversized jewelries also add dynamics to outfit. You can put away the luxury bags, the pricey shoes and high-end jewelries; your outfit coupling with carefully selected accessories will look indifferent on its own. No matter if you are going for the cute Lolita, punk gothic, or casual chic, Korean Fashion allows you to explore all these styles when you mix-n-match. There is cropped funky graphic tee, artist baggy harem pants, and boardwalk gym shorts matches just all occasions while stand out. And however you mix your clothes together, you will always be a unique fashionista who dares to try new things and create new sensual identities.
To spice up your wardrobe next time, you may want to consider mixing some attributes of Korean fashion. Korean fashion can be wore alone or can be mixed. Try different looks with layering and accessories. Its easy since Korean fashion are already made to brings out the best parts of you for every occasion.

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Can Fashion Addiction Lead To Debt

For the majority of people, fashion is just a harmless interest they choose to indulge in every now and again. But, all over the world, fashion is becoming something people rely on, causing shopping to become an addiction which could potentially lead many into serious financial difficulties.

For many women as well as men, fashion provides that much craved feel-good-factor. For women especially, fashion is relied upon for make them feel good, as, as the saying goes, to look good is to feel good. However, anything that makes someone feel elated can become potentially addictive, and, combined with the media’s visual of looks relating to success, can create a real problem.

The fashion industry today is also highly pressurising, with thrown-away fashion making it harder and more expensive for women especially to keep up to date with the latest trends. With the changing seasons come changing trends, but we are also now seeing more trends per season, again making it more expensive to get all the looks.

The media are particularly to blame for sheer amount of idealised images of fashion we are subjected to day after day. Whether it’s on TV, in magazines or online, we never seem to be able to get away from what is sold to us as perfection, making it so much harder for people to avoid the temptation of fashion. The danger of all these influences is that many people are getting into dept trying to obtain this level of fashion fulfilment.

Spending a large proportion of hard-earned money on fashion is bad enough, but with the availability of credit cards, loans and store cards, the appeal of a ‘fashion-fix’ is more appealing than ever. With more people using unsecured credits and loans to get their next pick-me-up, it is clear that there is a problem with the value people place on fashion in the 21st century.

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