John Ek Commando Model 4 Fixed Blade 18

I have had this for a couple of months now and used it for suitable jobs putting the build quality and design to the test. I can't fault it, it is not the most pretty knife of it's type but it has a nice rugged look and feel to it. The feel is very good indeed far more secure in the hand than an FS dagger, which I find has a tendency to turn in the hand, it would be hopeless when wet which is why so many soldiers in WW2 swopped them for other knives. Also the FS design is fragile, I have two as collectors items as most of my knives are, and I would have no confidence at all in them in the field. The long sturdy handle suits me perfectly as I have big powerful hands, and it gives one the feeling of security. I have not needed to sharpen the blade but the tasks that I have used it for have not been so demanding as to dull it really. I aim to have all the special forces specialist knives and this is the one that I would pick up to take on a job with me. The Gerber would probably be my second choice. My collection is not extensive, just the European and American. So I would rate this knife either for those serving who want an additional tool or as a collector's item. Highly recommended.

This is a really great knife, super build quality, it will stand up to any kind of use. Well designed and with an adequate fingerguard which is missing on some dagger shaped knives. I have had this now for about a month or so and I can't fault it. There is plenty of room for one's hand on the grip. Highly recommended.

The Ka-bar John Ek Commando model 4 knife. First impression is a beast of a military * knife. Second, it's a work of art. One hell a piece of sturdy metal for a blade, super sharp with a piercingly sharp point. 1095 Cro-Van Steel and the coating is a nice touch. Protection and looks. A nice subtle shaped hand guard. Big glass filled nylon handle that is shaped just right. A rugged textured grip with X head fasteners. a monster full tang end longer than the handle which you could use to just smash or pry through anything with. The celcon/kydex sheath and strap is just proper heavy duty, and gives you carry options. A thing of beauty and war fairplay , and a piece of history. This is a very special knife. Lovely bit of kit! Really impressive Really pleased. Heinnie Haynes have stocked a beauty here. Shipped out in their usual professional/prompt manner.

Just received mine today. I’m very happy with it, its quality made from fantastic materials. I would have no problem problem with recommending this knife. It looks great in my collection. As usual Heinnie have provided a first class experience. Many thanks JK

Gorgeous piece of craftsmanship. My first John Ek KaBar knife and it’s fab ! Nice feel in hand. Excellent sharpness.

What an amazing dagger,came super sharp out of the box fantastic commando knife to go with my FS daggers, well made but remember it is a dagger and not for chopping,these knives were made for combat fighting,I hate reviews when people destroy knives,then say they are poorly made.would definitely recommend this commando ek dagger to any collection, fantastic service from HH,as normal.

What a tool this is, classical piece.

I spent a lot of time researching this knife, looking at pics, watching videos, reading reviews. In theory this should have been a knife I would fall in love with. In practice it wasn't. I love the overall shape of the knife, clean lines, nice length. The handle is surprisingly large, this might suit those with big hands or those who like to wear big gloves. The large handle makes it feel slightly cumbersome in the hand, it doesn't have the fine rapier like balance of an FS dagger for example. The sheath is very solid and the knife clicks snugly in to place, to draw the knife you need to move the handle away from you, which disengages the plastic ridge which it clicks in to (you don't have to file this) it then slides out silently. The let down with this knife was the fit and finish. Firstly there was what appeared to be black paint on one side of the guard but not the other. The coating of the blade seemed hit and miss and almost pitted, the blade grinds were terrible, uneven and didn't come to a point in line with the centre line of the blade. I appreciate the originals were probably worse, but when you pay £110 for a knife you expect a quality item, with reasonable quality control. It's fair to say if I could find a better finished example I might purchase another. Heinnies customer service was as always flawless in arranging the return and refund.

Brilliant, best John Ek yet. Grind lines straight, unlike the originals, shaving sharp, unlike the black jack renditions, no gaps between guard and slabs, like the last rendition. It',s bigger than it looks mainly due to the large handle which provides excellent grip. The sheath is solid well made and well designed but the knife won't fit in it until you file a bit off the ramps that the guard rides up as you sheath it. Ka Bar must know about this and should have sorted it out, but I forgive them as everything else is so good. Balance point is around the first screw but don't expect delicate handling like a Applegate the simplistic grind puts paid to that, its just a flats bar with sharpened edges, and there lies it's charm. The original John Ek is a badly made thing designed to be turned out by unskilled workers Iv'e only handled one many years ago but it looked like something a rank amateur had made in his garden shed. Having said this they have accompanied many a man better than me some famous some not, so there is no doubt that they do the business. I think these will be a big hit with the military and collector alike and I hope they do a polished presentation version with wood grips. So grab one of the first models quick Heinnie were their usual brilliant selves.