Originally operating under the banner of Tidioute Cutlery Company before later adopting its current name, KA-BAR Knives has an illustrious history that dates all the way back to the late 1800s. While the New York-based firm is probably best-known for its USMC Fighting Knife, KA-BAR produces a huge range of blades and tools. Alongside its regular wares, KA-BAR also offers a range of more premium products through its in-house customs division known as State & Union — an outfit that’s just unveiled one of its most noteworthy releases ever with the debut of KA-BAR first-entirely USA-made folding knife in over half a century. 

The KA-BAR State & Union F01 Folder Knife sports an interesting combination of old-school and contemporary visual elements and features — a design that’s been brought to fruition using high-end, modern materials. Spanning 7.35” overall, this mid-sized folder is constructed around a G-10 handle set that’s been decorated via a host of small notches that bolster grip while simultaneously bringing a few style points to the table. This contemporary handle setup has also been outfitted with a more traditional lock back mechanism. Rounding out the handle is a reversible tip-up bent-wire pocket clip, a State & Union-logoed lockback, and a color-anodized back-spacer — the latter of which matches the F01’s anodized thumb-stud and pivot collar. 

Paired with the handle is a 3.25” blade that features a drop point-meets-Wharncliffe profile and a beefy 0.16-inch thickness. Deployed via a uniquely-shaped single-sided thumb-stud, the blade has been forged in top-shelf CPM S35VN steel and finished with a 20° hollow grind. Another unique element of State & Union’s F01 Folder is the fact that it benefits from meticulous domestic manufacturing, ultimately allowing for a superior fit and finish. Tipping the scales at just 3.2oz, the F01 is initially being offered in a trio of color options; Battleship Gray with Teal accents; Ghost Jade with Purple accents; and Olive Drab with Orange accents. 

Marking its first folder in more than 50 years, the KA-BAR State & Union F01 Folder Knife is available now, with pricing set at $175 for all three versions/colors.