KA-BAR has dropped a spiritual successor to the Mark 98, a flipper knife that has been in their lineup for several years. The new model is called the Mark 25, and it features a refined design, different color scheme, and higher-performance blade steel.
We wrote “several years” above, but really, the Mark 98 has enjoyed over half a decade in service. It was a notable release in 2018 because it was the first modern flipper folder KABAR had ever attempted. Like many of KABAR’s most beloved releases, the 98 aimed for accessibility, with a sub-$100 price tag enabled by its humble material choices – humble, but still capable enough for workhorse cutting chores.
That being said, the D2 steel on the Mark 25, stepping in for 5Cr15MoV steel on the 98, is an indisputable performance upgrade, and a particularly good fit for a mid-size cutter like the 25, whose 3.75-inch drop point may be pressed into some of the gnarlier folder-appropriate tasks. Of course, the flipper action is carried forward, although the tab itself has been redesigned as well on this sequel model.
Gone are the brown/black G-10 handles from the 98; on the Mark 25, everything is black coated, and the scale material is GFN. There’s a liner lock underneath the off-side scale, and a very stubby deep carry pocket clip – which, lefties will be glad to hear, can be switched to either side for carry. The Mark 25 is not the lightest knife in the world, but it certainly won’t be dragging down pants at 4 oz.
It is available now.
Knife in Featured Image: KABAR Mark 25
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