Ontario Knife Worth buying?

wuyeah

wuyeah

Joined
Sep 29, 2005
Messages
1,665
Hi, i am looking into their new folder XM1. Nice looking knife with bulk handle. It is interesting that they use N690 on the blade, same as ER i believe.

Ontario is not been talk about much in the forum. Not heard so much good things that makes me purchase immidiatelly. i think XM1 folder is around $130.00

Hows the company's product quality history?
What is your experience from them?
If you were me, have extra to spend, would you spend the buck?
 
I looked for the knife on their site, couldn't find it. I emailed them using their contact info, got no response. I'm guessing it may not be in production yet. Would be nice to get some info though.
 
For $130.00 you could get a really nice folder from Spyderco. Ontario isn't known for their folders, and the QC for their fixed blades is hit and miss.
 
I handled one and this knife is way thick. It's the thickist handle'd folder "I've" ever held. It did have a very good grip The action was very smooth with good lock-up and also had a good feeling detent.I got the feeling it would better in some kind of sheath than folded in your pocket. It is marketed as a Military style knife. The N-690 blade steel "should" be good. (if the H/T is done well) I like 690 and have it in a BM MonoChrome. I think it's similar to VG-10. I love that steel! There's also an artical on it in the Decemder Blade. Says it's made to accomodate gloved hands. It is also tip-down and can't remember if it is reversable.

Hope this helps, Walter
 
ElectricZombie said:
For $130.00 you could get a really nice folder from Spyderco. Ontario isn't known for their folders, and the QC for their fixed blades is hit and miss.
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Good advice, I liked the Ontairo but a Para-Military would blow it away. :thumbup:
 
OMG, it's so EXTREME!

Looks like an OK knife, if you're into the "there's a brick in my pants" type of knife. Seems overpriced for the materials used though. Give me an AFCK or Manix or Wilson RFF for an overbuit tank folder.
 
Or a Buck/Strider 880, What's with the cutout in the Ontario blade, a place to get gunk stuck in?
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Or a Buck/Strider 880, What's with the cutout in the Ontario blade, a place to get gunk stuck in?
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Clearly, it's to allow blood to flow through it to reduce suction when pulling the blade out of the terrorist you just covertly deanimated. Noob... :rolleyes:
 
Theres a nice writeup on this knife in the latest issue of Tactical Knives (Jan 2006). It says the slot in the blade is to make one handed opening with gloves easier. From the pictures in the article it is a very different type of knife than we are acustomed to from Ontario. I'm thinking though that this trend towards thicker and heavier folders sort of defeats the purpose of a folder in the first place. If you need a small fixed blade just get one. Besides I have'nt seen a good quality folder (i.e. Buck,Spyderco,Kershaw,Benchmade,etc.) break anywayy. Just my .02.


John
 
Hmm, she's a tank alright.

Maybe if was without the Camo Coat, it may look smaller hehe.

Features:
First 300 pieces of each pattern are serialized
Ultra-light, Heavy Duty, Precision Balanced
Ergonomic thumb ramp and finger groove for positive hand placement under high torque.
Dual titanium locks increase stability and overall strength while maintaining light weight.
Click to expand...

Borrowed text from the link up above.

I must have not slpet that them drkns off from last night, as i don't understand "Dual Titanium locks"

Anyone have any info on this part for me please?


WR
 
I think this one is being made for ontario rather than actually made by ontario themselves.
AG Russell's website has it as being made in Italy and i'm pretty sure I read somewhere that it's made by Fox cutlery.

Chris
 
For those who are interested. I ask this question about XM1 and have to answer myself. Here is my review:

The impression:
The XM1 is beautifully made!! The pattern is truely one of the kind. My first impression was.....it is not big! I came from a background that I alway carry my Sony Ericsson S700 in my jean pocket, the size of the XM1 is a bit exaggerated I must say.

The Blade:
The XM1 is factory sharp!! This is not an exaggeration! I wasn't cautious because I assume the knife is not gonna be sharp. so i touch the blade, it opened my skin...this knife is blood seeking...i am hurt, yet, Happy. Cut my finger that easily, i am sure it cuts everything right.

The handle:
The handle geomatry allow my hand to comfortably wrap it. Seriously I hold it, i feel the knife and I become one. It is the first knife i own that has rubber finish on top of the aluminum. I breaks my traditional impression of cheap rubber handle. it is very smook, very rugget, very high end.

Lock:
The lock is very sturdy. Compare with my buck strider, CRKT M16. it is a notch higher.

The Opening:
This is the only part that I am 90% sold. The hole on the knife isn't do **** with one hand opening. The angle of it is truely for 2 hand glove open. Yet, the thumb stud comes in the play. Open with stud took me 5min to get use to it. For Sog, Sebenza, RRF is basically right the way. Why it took me 5min to learn and handle. I have a REAL real small hand. my finger tip to palm end is only 6 inch long. For manix, Chinook II, Skirmish bigger knives all took me longer to perform instant open. Yet, XM1 blade is only 3.5 inch long, i was expect more. I guess for that i can only blame myself.

Conclusion:
It is a first production knife. And as my first knife from Ontario, I am very impressed. Held it in hand i full of surprises, I had so much fun to play with it. It is not a knife that you read spec and knowing you like it or not. Held XM-1 in hand, i was "aw :thumbup: " the alway through, the designer does give it a thought, and I can feel it. Does it worth 130?? to me, judging from the build quality + band aid on my figer. I am sold. I must say, give it a shot. You don't like it you can always return it. It is worth to spend $10 to put it in hand. That was my thought, but now, XM-1 is a keeper to me. This one is not gonna end up in trading sec. It is one of the kind.
 
I have one, the N690Co steel, blades or knives made in Italy, is great. The knife was specifically made to be used when wearing gloves. As in cold weather use. It is thick, but cuts great and locks up strong. I think it is worth the money. As always, try to find a source where you can get a discount. Many on-line companies et al.
 
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