I received Ontario SP-18 Frontiersman last week. It is inspired by Bagwell designs Ontario also makes, but this one is much cheaper. It costs $ 40.32 at Discount Knives, and I have not noticed any other Internet knife dealer to offer this Ontario model at all. Since I still have found no real reason to buy $ 100plus knives this is the Bagwell style knife for me (and possibly other economy minded persons).
Blade is 11" long blackened 1095 steel, flat ground, and has a 4" swedge (upper edge). It has a typical 5" long Ontario handle made of rubber (Kraton?). The handle feels good to my hand and is sticky enough for a good grip even when hands hand are wet etc. What is missing of the Bagwell desingns is the metal handguard, there is no such thing in this knife.
Sheath is typical Ontario leather/nylon combination, but in this knife it is swiveled, and that is really needed when sitting with a 16" knife.
The point of balance is not on the forefinger, but in the blade in front of it. I think making a knife with this long blade handle-heavy would mean adding too much to it's total weight, and I can live with this kind of balance. Actually it feels good and "lively" in hand.
The knife's main edge came partly sharp (near the handle), partly dull (near the tip). The swedge has not been sharpened, but can (and in my case will) be sharpened.
Aa a conclusion, I like this knife. It is longer than I am used to, but the swiveled sheath makes carrying more practical. The knife feels good in my hand and the flat grounded blade probably cuts well when sharpened. When I buy a knife I want a knife, not a prybar, and this one looks sturdy enough for my use.
For the price I think this knife is an excellent value for those who like fighter-type blades. Hopefully it also works as a utility knife.
Ossi
Blade is 11" long blackened 1095 steel, flat ground, and has a 4" swedge (upper edge). It has a typical 5" long Ontario handle made of rubber (Kraton?). The handle feels good to my hand and is sticky enough for a good grip even when hands hand are wet etc. What is missing of the Bagwell desingns is the metal handguard, there is no such thing in this knife.
Sheath is typical Ontario leather/nylon combination, but in this knife it is swiveled, and that is really needed when sitting with a 16" knife.
The point of balance is not on the forefinger, but in the blade in front of it. I think making a knife with this long blade handle-heavy would mean adding too much to it's total weight, and I can live with this kind of balance. Actually it feels good and "lively" in hand.
The knife's main edge came partly sharp (near the handle), partly dull (near the tip). The swedge has not been sharpened, but can (and in my case will) be sharpened.
Aa a conclusion, I like this knife. It is longer than I am used to, but the swiveled sheath makes carrying more practical. The knife feels good in my hand and the flat grounded blade probably cuts well when sharpened. When I buy a knife I want a knife, not a prybar, and this one looks sturdy enough for my use.
For the price I think this knife is an excellent value for those who like fighter-type blades. Hopefully it also works as a utility knife.
Ossi