Boker m3 trench vs Ontario

Hermit_Knight · Jul 4, 2018

g’day all has anyone got either of these or both? What is the fit and finish like? Do you like them? Cheers.

Legendary_Jarl · Jul 5, 2018

I'd get the Ontario version simply because it is a historical US knife US made. The boker one is made in China.

Hermit_Knight · Jul 5, 2018

Legendary_Jarl said:
I'd get the Ontario version simply because it is a historical US knife US made. The boker one is made in China.

That makes sense

sabre cat · Jul 5, 2018

It is my understanding that Boker's version is very well made. I know that the markings of origin are tastefully done. At least they were when the knife was first introduced. All the early reviews spoke very highly of the knife's workmanship with the only complaint being where the knife is produced.

I have also heard that the Boker chose the M8 series scabbard while the Ontario offers the earlier leather sheath. Not sure if that really is factual information but, it could be important.

I just have to ask, any special reason why you are looking for a repro M3? Originals are a bit more money but not super crazy. Why not just go for an original?

I could see having a repro if you plan to carry as a re-enactor or something like that but as an everyday carry, the M3 is not a very practical knife.

flatface77 · Jul 7, 2018

I have both. Both are sturdy & well made. The Boker has a more uneven phosphate finished blade. The Ontario's is more evenly finished, but far from glossy.

The leather on the Boker's handle is firmer & more smoothly & precisely finished. The Ontario's is softer & more roughly cut.

The Boker comes with the M8 sheath that will gradually scratch up the blade's finish, if that matters. It gets points for greater authenticity, though. The Ontario comes with a simple but well done leather sheath.

I like both. Neither are poorly made. I switched the Boker to the Ontario's sheath & bought a WW2 replica leather sheath for the Ontario. I'll post pics when I get home tomorrow.

Hermit_Knight · Jul 8, 2018

sabre cat said:
It is my understanding that Boker's version is very well made. I know that the markings of origin are tastefully done. At least they were when the knife was first introduced. All the early reviews spoke very highly of the knife's workmanship with the only complaint being where the knife is produced.

I have also heard that the Boker chose the M8 series scabbard while the Ontario offers the earlier leather sheath. Not sure if that really is factual information but, it could be important.

I just have to ask, any special reason why you are looking for a repro M3? Originals are a bit more money but not super crazy. Why not just go for an original?

I could see having a repro if you plan to carry as a re-enactor or something like that but as an everyday carry, the M3 is not a very practical knife.

Hey mate I like collecting WW2 type knives and was not even aware of the original m3’s for sale until I read your post now I’m looking to get one.

Hermit_Knight · Jul 8, 2018

flatface77 said:
I have both. Both are sturdy & well made. The Boker has a more uneven phosphate finished blade. The Ontario's is more evenly finished, but far from glossy.

The leather on the Boker's handle is firmer & more smoothly & precisely finished. The Ontario's is softer & more roughly cut.

The Boker comes with the M8 sheath that will gradually scratch up the blade's finish, if that matters. It gets points for greater authenticity, though. The Ontario comes with a simple but well done leather sheath.

I like both. Neither are poorly made. I switched the Boker to the Ontario's sheath & bought a WW2 replica leather sheath for the Ontario. I'll post pics when I get home tomorrow.

Thanks mate much appreciated.

sabre cat · Jul 8, 2018

Hermit_Knight said:
Hey mate I like collecting WW2 type knives and was not even aware of the original m3’s for sale until I read your post now I’m looking to get one.

I get it. I'm not up on the latest prices but you can find them. IIRC, an original Boker M3 can get way crazy on prices but the more common manufacturers aren't to bad. I think mine is made by Case and it was appraised at about two bills.

The neat thing is that most (but not all) US bayonets from WW2 until the 1980's are based upon the M3 Trench knife. Get an M3, M4 (for the M1 Carbine) and, an M5 (M1 Garand) you'll have much of WW2 covered. If you want to expand, pick up an M6 and M7 to cover the M14 and M16 rifles of the Viet Nam era. All use the same basic blade of the M3.

Something to keep your eye out for is a rubber handled M4. I've been told that it was made for issue in the south pacific. A unique version of the carbine bayonet that you don't find every day.