The US knife manufacturer KA-BAR was founded in 1897 and is known for the combat and utility knife of the same name, which was primarily used by the US Marine Corps (USMC) in World War II. The company, which initially operated under the name "Union Cutlery Company," rebranded due to the great success of the KA-BAR and remains one of the most famous manufacturers of high-quality knives worldwide. The origin of the name is still unclear, although the company itself presents it as a variation of the phrase "kill a bear." In the Marine Corps Museum, the abbreviation is explained as "Knife Attached - Browning Automatic Rifle."