The KA-BAR 1256 Short Black KA-BAR

What is the KA-BAR 1256 Short Black designed for?

The KA-BAR 1256 Short Black KA-BAR is a perfectly scaled, 75% version of the legendary American combat knife, upgraded for extreme contemporary field work. Featuring a nimble 5.25-inch blade, this model replaces the traditional stacked leather grip with an ultra-durable, slip-resistant Black Kraton G® elastomer handle. This ensures you maintain absolute control during high-velocity impacts in wet, muddy, or snowy environments. The reduced 3/4-scale size makes it an exceptional, lightweight wilderness bushcraft tool for precision field dressing, while the scaled-down grip is a perfect fit for youth scouts, female hunters, or smaller hands.

How does the KA-BAR 1256 perform in the field?

Despite its smaller footprint, the 1256 compromises absolutely nothing on durability. Drop-forged from time-tested 1095 Cro-Van high carbon steel, it balances outstanding edge retention with extreme structural toughness. The 0.165-inch thick blade features a versatile flat grind with a 20-degree edge angle, creating a geometry optimized for precision slicing and fine carving. A baked-on black epoxy powder coating provides a primary layer of defense against the elements, while the 56-58 HRC rating allows the clean straight edge to be quickly restored in the bush using standard edge maintenance tools.

How do you maintain and carry the KA-BAR 1256?

This model utilizes a unique hybrid field setup. While the Kraton G® handle is completely immune to the elements, the exposed 1095 Cro-Van cutting edge requires routine oiling to prevent rust in damp conditions. Furthermore, this knife secures firmly into the included 1256S black leather belt sheath. This classic scabbard requires occasional conditioning to prevent the natural leather from drying out during extended outdoor expeditions.

Alternate Options:

• If you want this exact 5.25-inch blade and Kraton handle, but want to replace the leather scabbard with a fully waterproof hard plastic MOLLE sheath, see the KA-BAR 1258 Short Black Hard Sheath.

• If you arrived at this page looking for the full-size 7.0-inch combat version of this black leather and Kraton setup, see the KA-BAR 1211 Full Size Black.

Proudly manufactured in Olean, New York, USA by KA-BAR Knives. (Note: Factory-supplied leather sheaths are sourced from Mexico).

Technical Specifications