Ontario Air Force Survival...

I carried one when I was with the 56th Air Commando Wing (later 56th SOW) in 1967-68. I gave it to a roofer years ago to cut shingles with. Once you wear down the zinc phosphate and thin out the edge some, they will cut. The steel is only hardened to about 54 R to ease sharpening in the field. They are rugged and can be had for about $30 or so. Some outdoorsmen swear by them. A friend of mine (former Marine recon) said it was the preferred knife in his unit. I managed to get a Marine Combat (the preferred knife in my outfit). Jarheads with AF knives, Flyboys with Ka-bars. Go figure.
I like the bigger blade better, but the AFSK is a good knife. For survival, the new Gerber is LMF II is better. I like the Sealpup Elite, too. Some survival experts recommend small knives. I really like the Ontario RAT-7 or the RTAK, but I'm no "expert".
 
I have one that I got in a surplus shop when I was sixteen. I never could put a truly sharp edge on it but it has an adequate working edge. It's a great knife to use on stuff that you would hesitate to abuse your finer knives on. I used mine a lot doing landscaping-type stuff around the house. Now I have a Becker Crewman BK-10 for this sort of thing - just as sturdy, but with a shaving sharp blade. The USAF knife now resides in the car trunk.
 
I like 'em. They're tough; in my experience, sharpen well and hold an edge fine. For survival purposes, I find their smaller size has some advantages over their 7-inch-bladed cousins. Pricewise, you can almost always get one used on eBay for $20, shipping included.
 
Thanks, everybody...it seemed like it might make a good, reasonably priced "reside in the car trunk" knife.
 
I just remembered. My Air Force knife was the Camillus, as was my Ka-bar. At any rate, I don't suppose there is a great difference.
 
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