Ontario kniefz

V

Vicarious Reality

Joined
Apr 9, 2008
Messages
1,319
I would like to inquire about Ontario knives and their quality.
Their Spec-Plus line of knives seem to have some rather interesting designs.
Unfortunately the pictures i've seen of some of their other knives looks like terrible knockoffs of Kabars.

Is there performance hiding behind the ghastly appearance of their knives?
 
Example:
498_marine_combat.jpg


1217_large.jpg
 
I have a Ontario RAT3 and one of the new XM Folders. Both are well built and seem to be good quality and well made. Not to the level of some other top brands but good enough. I know many here have an axe to grind with Ontario. I, however, do not.
 
If you are looking for performance my friend, I would look towards the OKC Ranger knives (Ranger knives are now made by Ontario). They might not be as pretty as the other lines they have available, but Ranger's are not designed for aesthetics (although some people might disagree). The 1/4'' 5160 steel is a great option for knives you plan to use due to its outstanding toughness. My Ranger RD-9 is my "go to" user and I just love it! Great balance, weight, and a nice broad blade that can cut with the best of them. I have included pics of my RD-9 ploughing through a black walnut, which is a pretty darn dense wood! I am not half as knowledgeable as others on this forum, and I don't pretend to be. I just know what works for me:thumbup: I hope I have been some help to you man.

-Brendan
 
Kabar may have been the original, but Kabar, Case, Ontario and a few others are all made to US military specifications, which is why they are nearly identical. As for the quality I have been very pleased with my Ontario products, but I do not own their USMC knife. I do however own the Case and Kabar versions, and the Kabar with the kraton handle is my favorite.
 
I have a Ranger from Ontario, the RD-4, and it is very nice and has done an excellent job in my kitchen! Just haven't had much opportunity to use it outside yet. Love that RD-9, and it is next on my list!!
 
Well the RAT1 folder still is a great deal for the bucks spent. Extremely nice design. Now when the real RAT comes out with there folder I'll snag one for sure along with the RAT1 folder I have. keepem sharp
 
I own a Ontario SP Quartermast. Great knife. Like most of that kind (1095), holds an edge fairly well and sharpens easily. Perfect for a camp knife imo. I have the Ontario and Kabars are my usual hiking/camping companions.
 
My SP Quartermaster is a few years old and holds up just fine. I don't have enough exp with the maker or several of their knives to comment on their QC and HT. Both seem fine to me. Considering most of their line is $50ish or so, I think it's a pretty good deal overall. So are the Kabars and Beckers (made by Kabar).

Some folks dont like Ontario due to their business practices with RAT.

I believe Ranger knives are now made by Ontario too.
 
I like my Ontario RTAK. Going strong after about five years of hard use. Keeps a good edge, well balanced, very well made.
 
There is nothing wrong with the Spec Plus line...I have one that has to be over 15 years old, and its a work horse. The fit and finish can be kinda blah, but they work, and are cheap. Rangers are also another amazing bang for the buck. They are 95% as tough as a Busse, and cost 20% of the price.
 
I have heard many good things about the Ontario knives. Their Spec Plus line is great, from what I hear. Don't hesitate to buy any Ontario knives -- excpet the RAT series. Get a real RAT ;)
 
the spec plus are good for the price but these handle are not comfortable....at least for me. & I wear large glove.
 
Hey man, I also want to bring to your attention steel choice. While alot of people like 1095, it rusts very easily if you don't go about regular maintenence (is that spelled right:confused:). To choose a knife because of the way it looks or appears is like choosing a movie/book because of its cover....if you follow me. Make sure you consider the activities you will be executing with the particular blade; this could save you time & money! I wish I knew about all of that stuff before I emptied my bank account :grumpy:
 
snwbrdr202 said:
Hey man, I also want to bring to your attention steel choice. While alot of people like 1095, it rusts very easily if you don't go about regular maintenence (is that spelled right:confused:).
Click to expand...

You should wipe down or clean every knife after it gets dirty, messy or wet from use. Maintenance is important no matter what steel you're using.

Would you continue using a kitchen knife without wiping it down just because it's stainless and won't rust? I hope not. I'd rate bacteria a level or two higher than rust on a scale of things I don't want on my knives.
 
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