Ontario Marine Raider (SP10) vs. Bolo (SP11)

[Yosemite Sam]

(I would have put this in the manufacturers' section, but there wasn't a forum on Ontario. Since this is sort of a comparison question, I figured it was safe to put it here. Please move if necessary.)

I'm considering one of the two above knives. It would be for general utility and chopping use. I like the big belly on the Bolo, but notice that it's almost half the weight of the Marine Raider, even though they're the same length and made from the same stock.

This is going to be my one "big knife" until I can afford some custom pieces for the collection. (I'd been looking at SOG Bowies until I realized that I probably wouldn't use a knife that cost me close to $200.) I'd like to be able to use it as a "sharpened pry bar", clear a camp site, dig a trench, and maybe defend me against an attacker. The lighter weight of the Bolo might actually be in its favor for the latter use, as it would be more manageable, and the big belly would give an awesome cutting edge.

On the other hand, the Raider has a bit of a belly itself, and it's sheer weight and stiffness probably make it the better utility knife. I've read the old reviews on these kicking around here, and it looks like the Raider "won" in the chopping categories.

Which would you get?

-- PG

 

[Orion]

I have both. I am a big fan of large blades so I try to acquire all that I can. I got the bolo about 2 years ago. Used it once to clear some brush and was so disappointed I never used it again. It is worthless as a chopper (and pretty much anything else) and is only functional as a small machete on soft materials.
I got a Marine raider for Christmas. I reprofiled the edge and made it slightly more acute. It slices better now and chops like hell. It has the weight to be a great chopper. Also, for self defense, you can sharpen the clip on the clipped point (I did on mine) and it is good for back cuts. Also the clip point of the marine raider is better suited for thrusting than the bolo. I would not try to pry anything with the bolo, it is too thin. The raider can take the abuse.

Peace-
Cam

 

[Cliff Stamp]

I agree completely with Cam. In regards to the Bolo having an advantage in regards to cutting, yes the higher flat grind does give it some advantage, but you can offset this by dropping the edge angle on the Marine Radier Bowie. For wood work, and general cutting you can go about half the NIB angle, reference :

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=175966

-Cliff

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Thanks guys! Just what I was looking for.

-- PG

 

[bob bowie]

Another vote for the Raider. I'm a huge fan of that style of Bowie(Collins #18, Western W-49, etc....). It's a great all round style of knife.

 

[W.T. Beck]

Something else no one has pointed out yet - the Marine Raider has a big steel guard. Few good but inexpensive knives have that feature.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Good point. Also funny, considering one of the custom makers I'm looking at charges more than the retail price of this knife to put a brass guard on one of his knives...

-- PG

 

[W.T. Beck]

I haven't checked out their lineup lately but I think few if any of the other Ontario Spec Plus knives come with metal guards. Most have guards that are extensions of the plastic (or rubber) handle.

 

[m]

I broke the point off my Raider Bowie. I may have gotten a bad one but the tip is pretty thin on them.I was disappointed in the thinness of the bolo also so I got rid of it before I broke it. The BK&T Brute looks pretty good for the price range.

 

[Crayola]

Para:

how much is the MR bowie? $40? It isn't odd to see that a custom maker charges more than $40 to add a guard to a knife. Addign a guard takes a lot more work. Making a great guard takes even more work!

Custom talk aside, I like the looks of this style of bowie as well, and it does look like a great chopper and a great slicer for camp stuff. Enjoy your bowie.