Ontario/OKC Knives

jdk1

jdk1

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Apr 21, 2010
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I need a little help. My son is turning 12 and wants a(nother) knife. He already has a Vic farmer, Mora Companion, and a 12" Tramontina. So, he has what he needs. But he WANTS something else for his birthday. He is likely getting an Ontario khukuri as well. It seems to be well liked and the price is right. In addition to that though, he wants a "USMC Kabar" type knife to carry in the woods. Practicality aside, I plan to get him something along those lines, but he's flexible. The actual Kabar 1213 (which is what he wanted) is a bit too much, as I don't want to spend over $100 for both and the khuk is about $55 shipped. OKC has some decent looking blades in their Spec line which are in the right price range. It would see some abuse, he's 12!, but not too bad. I also don'y want a POS, as I think he'll use it and appreciate it as the years go by. He knows the Mora is a great woods knife, but desires something with swagger:) Has the brain trust handled these OKC blades and maybe could offer some assistance? It looks like they make copies of several GI type blades which would satisfy his inner Rambo. Any help is greatly appreciated:thumbup:

PS. I'd love to hear some opinions on the Ontario khukuri as well, just please don't tell me it's not a khukuri. I've traveled that road before:D
 
Have you considered any of the ESEE knives?

The ESEE 3 is pretty nice, and does offer some "swagger" in the right color combination. ;)
 
I have several Ontario Spec Plus knives. The first one I bought at a gun show because it was cheaper than the equivalent Ka-Bar while still having the same look. Some folks don't care for Ontario's choice of blade coatings, but I personally think it suits the knives just fine. In my opinion, the SP1, SP2 (or similar SP25) and SP24 are all modern versions of classic US military designs, although you could go further along that road and get him a traditional Ontario pilot survival knife if you think he'd like the stacked leather handle and sheath. Another interesting choice might be the LSA SP15, although it has a much different design. The SP1 Marine Raider is probably your best choice if he likes the USMC style, though.
 
Several months ago I bought an Ontario Rat 3 and it has quickly become my favorite knife. It's just perfect in size and the way it feels in my hand. Don't get me wrong, I love my Becker's and ESEE's but that little Rat 3 is my favorite do-all knife. It makes me want a Rat 5 even more.
 
I've heard and read good things about Ontario's Spec line. For a 12 year old, I think those knives should be right up his alley. The price is good, and Ontario puts out a good product. Just look at all the love Rats and Utilitacs get around here.
 
Why not take a look at the Air force survival knife . Also their quartermaster knife its a heavy made knife ,but around a 100 .
Jake
 
Thanks replies gents. I have quite a few ESEE blades and they're top notch, but pricey, especially for a 12 YO's use. He's attracted to the military look right now, but not the leather handle, so that's where I'm looking. Ontario seems a solid alternative to the Kabar. Again, thanks for the responses.
 
Ontario makes some great knives. Their Spec Plus lineup are wonderful, I have the SP10, SP43, SP45, SP24, and SP15, and I plan on getting more from the lineup.

Outside of the SP lineup I have the M3 Trench Knife, the Pilot Survival Knife, and the FF6 Freedom Fighter fighting knife, and these are of comparably quality and also well worth owning if one is fond of "military/combat style" fixed blades.
 
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