Help navigating Ontario™ product selection?

L

Lorenzai

Joined
Aug 15, 2016
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Hi guys, took a hiatus from the forum world. I got some free cash to spend and I've always been a fan of the Ka-Bar style knives. I'm currently trying to navigate the Ontario catalog to find the perfect version for me. I see they have military knives, spec+, as well as survival style. Most of the knives in those categories are pretty similar. So I was wondering what you might suggest to me. Firstly, my budget is ideally going to be around $35-55. I might allow some wiggle room for extra shipping if something really catches my eye. Second, I plan to use this as a camping/survival/yard work jack of all trades type of blade. Specifically with camping I anticipate it being used to chop smaller pieces of wood, scrape bark for kindling etc.
For that use, a longer heavier blade might be more use than the smaller air-force survival blade, but I'm not positive on that. The air-force knife has a serrated blade though, so maybe it's better for some activities.

What do you all think? Am I overthinking this? I'm really thinking either SP1, SP6, or the Air-Force model. Which ones come with the best sheath?
 
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Ontario SP-43 and SP-46 are 5160 steel are in the price range about from main stream sites.
 
I use my SP5 for a ton of yard work and also for car camping to do some splitting and general camp knife duties. Essentially the stuff you are talking about. The sp10 is a good blade and has more of a following because of the profile and its a slightly better chopper, but the SP5 is a lighter and more versatile blade and it rocks.

I will say that it's too big to be lugging around as an edc so it's use as a "survival" blade in that regard can be challenged.
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Also there is the Spec Plus Alpha with a rubber over skeleton handle made from 1075, its AFFORDABLE, not cheap. I got the Spec Plus Alpha machete, its great! Check out the U-tube vid on it!

The Marine 498 marine combat knife, like the SP-1 profile but stacked leather handle.

Staying with in your stated budget is what I suggested these as.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. After teetering back and forth, I think I've got it narrowed down to either the SP1 or the 498. I really like the butt plate on the SP1 better and it's a little cheaper, but it comes with a lower quality sheath. The 498 has the leather handle and the nicer full leather sheath. I may have to buy one now and the other later lol. By the way, nice RAT knife you have there. I had no idea what RAT meant until I found it on Ontario's website and realized that I own one of them. I have the RAT II with the AUS 8 blade. Those things take a wicked edge!
 
Lorenzai said:
...nice RAT knife you have there. I had no idea what RAT meant until I found it on Ontario's website and realized that I own one of them. I have the RAT II with the AUS 8 blade. Those things take a wicked edge!
Click to expand...

Agree with that. I stumbled across the Rats a few years ago and I've bought and given away about 5 since then, but I always keep a 1 and 2 in my stable. Great knives that perform well beyond their price point. I am thinking abut giving away my current two and replacing them with D2 versions.
 
Only one way, saaahhn.... Line up on that SP series.... Then a boogaboombaaa!

JUMP ON THE CARPET, LETS TAKE A SPIN
EVERYBODY'S WAITIN FOR THE SHOW TO BEGIN
UP TO THE TOP BY THE NECK AND LET YA GO!
TRY N LAND IN THAT GLASS OF FAYGO!

Translation: they cheap, start everywhere.
 
Lorenzai said:
Thanks for the suggestions. After teetering back and forth, I think I've got it narrowed down to either the SP1 or the 498. I really like the butt plate on the SP1 better and it's a little cheaper, but it comes with a lower quality sheath. The 498 has the leather handle and the nicer full leather sheath. I may have to buy one now and the other later lol. By the way, nice RAT knife you have there. I had no idea what RAT meant until I found it on Ontario's website and realized that I own one of them. I have the RAT II with the AUS 8 blade. Those things take a wicked edge!
Click to expand...

I think the SP-1 don't have a pommel "plate" but the 498 does. I don't know what sheath comes with the 498 Marine Combat Knife.
 
AndreLinoge said:
Only one way, saaahhn.... Line up on that SP series.... Then a boogaboombaaa!

JUMP ON THE CARPET, LETS TAKE A SPIN
EVERYBODY'S WAITIN FOR THE SHOW TO BEGIN
UP TO THE TOP BY THE NECK AND LET YA GO!
TRY N LAND IN THAT GLASS OF FAYGO!

Translation: they cheap, start everywhere.
Click to expand...

Hokus Pokus!

Roguer said:
I think the SP-1 don't have a pommel "plate" but the 498 does. I don't know what sheath comes with the 498 Marine Combat Knife.
Click to expand...
Yeah the 498 has the more classic style pommel.
 
I got the SP1. I'm more than happy with this purchase. I have a question, though. What is the angle I should be sharpening this blade at? The grind seems a little uneven to me.
 
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