Ontario ASEK tang

[Ruger 44 Redhawk]

Wondering if anyone has x-ray pictures or has removed the rubber handle on the Ontario ASEK. I know what the 499 Pilots tang looks like and I am aware that it isn't strong. I believe Ontario differentially heat treated the tang so it would bend. But when bent back it will snap. Just curious if the ASEK tang is thicker and stronger.

 

[Alone]

If I can find the NDT on it, I'll post it. (*That's a big "If")


Anyhoo, the tang is full, appears to have a small swell at the guard, but runs from just past the swell/guard (*toward the pommel) at about 3/8" height. It's full thickness. (*.188)

Somewhere around the last groove in the over molded handle (*around the brand and patent stamp), the tang shortens to about 1/4" height and runs at that height for about 1/4". After that, it becomes a threaded .188" section, with the pommel being screwed-onto that section.


Obviously, it's not a TOPS, Becker, ESEE, Busse, etc. However, in my humble opinion, it should prove to be a bit more rugged than the 499 and Camillus it replaced, and appears to be a vast improvement overall. Unlike the 499, which was 50-55 HRC, the ASEK is 55-57 HRC. For reference, TOPS treats their 1095 to 56-58.

 

[Ruger 44 Redhawk]

If I can find the NDT on it, I'll post it. (*That's a big "If")


Anyhoo, the tang is full, appears to have a small swell at the guard, but runs from just past the swell/guard (*toward the pommel) at about 3/8" height. It's full thickness. (*.188)

Somewhere around the last groove in the over molded handle (*around the brand and patent stamp), the tang shortens to about 1/4" height and runs at that height for about 1/4". After that, it becomes a threaded .188" section, with the pommel being screwed-onto that section.


Obviously, it's not a TOPS, Becker, ESEE, Busse, etc. However, in my humble opinion, it should prove to be a bit more rugged than the 499 and Camillus it replaced, and appears to be a vast improvement overall. Unlike the 499, which was 50-55 HRC, the ASEK is 55-57 HRC. For reference, TOPS treats their 1095 to 56-58.

Ok, thanks for the information. If you do find pictures, that would be awesome. I can't find any which is weird. Usually you can find pictures of any modified knife where people have removed the original handle.