Ontario Hell's Belle vs Fortress?

[chasden]

Aside from the length is there any real difference between the Ontario Hell's Belle vs the Fortress? Anyone have experience with both that would like to comment?

 

[Mike Sastre]

Basically the same knife (both actually are Hell's Belles - trapping guard, Spanish notch, sharpened false edge), just different blade length (half inch), different finish, different price, and the Fortress carries concealed better for most people.

 

[chasden]

Thanks, Mike. I assume you do Southern Comforts for these as well... got any pics with Hell's Belles in 'em?

 

[vikingblade]

Hey Mike, can you elaborate on the finish differences. I know the HB was mirror finished when first came out. Is it satin finished now? Whats the finish on the Fortress's blade? Ive seen pics of the Fortress with an almost grey, parkerized type finish, and others the brushed satin. Also, are they both the exact same blade profile, same width?

I believe both pics are the Fortress with Mike's Southern Comfort sheath's. Note different blade finish

 

[pageophile]

I'll throw my two cents in as I've owned both in the past.

The Fortress had a gray finish, almost looked parkerized. Not all that durable and at times I wondered if it was plain old gray paint.

The blade profile and width looked to be exactly the same except the HB was a little longer. The clip section of the HB might have been longer too.

Not too sure if this held true of all examples but the HB's fit and finish were much better than the Fortress'

Either model is a great example of a fighting bowie, not much for chopping but a better fighter I'd be had pressed to name

 

[Mike Sastre]

Ontario Hell's Belle has a satin finish and the Fortress a grey coated finish. If you go to Blade, I'll have a few of these with me (out in the truck), along with a Laredo or two if you want to check them out.

 

[vikingblade]

Thanks Mike, wish I could make blade. Have fun, should be awesome.