Ka-Bar 1257 Short Fight/Utility Knife - 5.25" Part Serrated 1095 Cro-Van Blade, Black Kraton G Handle

The Ka-Bar 1257 Short Fight/Utility knife is a compact fixed blade that splits the difference between a fighting blade and a practical field tool—exactly what you want when you need something that does both without compromise. Built tough with a 5.25" blade of 1095 Cro-Van steel, this knife handles serious cutting tasks on game, cordage, and gear, while the black Kraton G handle gives you a secure, no-slip grip whether your hands are wet, cold, or gloved. The partially serrated edge excels at slicing through rope, webbing, and synthetic materials that would give a straight blade fits, making it genuinely useful in the field or on the job.

Ka-Bar has been making knives for professional and civilian use since 1923, and this compact utility design carries that heritage of reliability. The Cro-Van steel balance gives you edge-holding performance without the brittleness of high-carbon purists or the maintenance headache of stainless—a real-world choice for working blades. The Kraton G handle material is proven in extreme conditions and won't degrade, crack, or become slippery like old-school leather or plastic over years of use.

This is the knife for hunters who need a reliable backup blade, tactical and outdoor professionals who want proven performance in a smaller package, and anyone who respects a tool that does its job without drama. Comes with a leather sheath, so it's ready to carry right out of the box.

Key Features

• 5.25" blade length—compact enough for close work, long enough for real utility
• 1095 Cro-Van steel—proven edge-holding with practical corrosion resistance
• Partially serrated edge—cuts rope, webbing, and synthetic materials with ease
• Black Kraton G handle—non-slip grip in wet or harsh conditions, won't degrade
• Includes leather sheath for secure carry
• Manufactured in the USA

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ka-Bar 1257 good for hunting?

Yes. The 5.25" blade and Cro-Van steel handle field dressing and processing game efficiently. The partially serrated edge is especially useful for cutting through hide and synthetic materials. Many hunters carry it as a reliable primary or backup blade.

What's the difference between the serrated and straight-edge versions?

The 1257 features a partially serrated edge—part of the blade is serrated, part is straight. The serrated portion excels at cutting rope, webbing, and materials that drag on a straight blade. If you need pure slicing performance, a fully straight edge might suit you better, but this hybrid design is more versatile.

Will the Kraton G handle grip well in wet conditions?

Yes. Kraton G is specifically engineered for non-slip performance in wet, cold, and gloved use. It won't become slippery like some handle materials and won't crack or degrade over time.

Does it come with a sheath?

Yes. A leather sheath is included, so the knife is ready to carry right away.