The early models did have incredible edge retention, but were easily subject to rusting if left "unloved". If yours is cleaned up, let me share a little secret with you...go to (http://www.museumreplicas.com) and look for "Renaissance Wax". This is a microcrystalline product that the British Museum uses on its armor and weapons collection, and it wears like iron on the blade...impervious to fingerprints, moisture, etc. A VERY little goes a long way!
If you still have that old "beater" Ka-Bar, keep it close to the chest; it will be worth a small fortune in the collecting market!

Marshall, if you want to "talk shop" with me at any time, use the E-mail...that's why it's there, Sir!

(I should have added that I have spent more than a few years restoring old rifles and edged weapons; no machine shop, no "bells and whistles", but the old-fashioned way...by loving, handworked care. And I have never disappointed any who came my way...even my kid's friends who asked me for a little "help" now and then, for which I didn't charge a penny.)