Almost exactly two years since the release of the original State and Union-branded version, KA-BAR is bringing the F01 into its main production lineup. The F01CV alters the design in key ways to make an affordable, hard-working EDC.
We were first introduced to the F01 design, the first all-new folder from KA-BAR in 50 years, in the spring of 2024. It was positioned as a premium piece and eventually landed in the State and Union catalog – State and Union being a custom/special project shop for KA-BAR. The F01C currently available from State and Union has G-10 handles and a blade made from S90V steel. Naturally, it’s on the pricier side, with an MSRP of $175.
The F01CV is the budget-friendly companion piece to that version. The design is the same, with a 3.25-inch modified wharncliffe blade shape being the star of the show. Here, however, the blade steel is 1095 Cro-Van, KA-BAR’s favorite variant of the hardworking, time-tested carbon steel. It’s an uncommon choice for a modern folder, but as something that’s easy to maintain, holds a great edge, and isn’t prone to chipping or other damage, 1095 Cro-Van offers a ton of advantages without ballooning the price tag.
As with the blade, KA-BAR did not alter the design of the handle one jot compared to the State and Union version – although the material is different. Instead of G-10 here we have Ultramid – a funny name given today’s slang but essentially a rigid, durable thermoplastic in the vein of things like FRN. Again, KA-BAR made the material choice to deliver high performance and low added cost, and this U.S-made folder is hitting the streets with a $75 price tag.
It is available now.
Knife in Featured Image: KA-BAR F01C
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