Ontario ONP4 Patriot Marine Combat Knife.

[roderic41]

Hi everybody. I don't suppose anybody has used this knife? It has the leather washer handle and is made of 440 stainless steel. Thanks, Rod.

 

[W.T. Beck]

I have an Ontario Navy Mark III knife made of 440A. The edge grinding on the right side of the upper edge is very sloppy.

I would be suprised if the 440A Marine Combat turned out to be any good. First of all, 440A is a barely adequate stainless steel. Also, Ontario does not have the best reputation for quality control and heat treatment.

I can't remember the maker, but once I ran across someone who makes a replica of the Marine Combat in 440C. Of course, the price was much higher than that of the Ontario Knife - $235, I think.

Kabar seems to have the best reputation for factory knives of that type. One of the Next Generation models is made with D2 steel, which is miles ahead of 440A.

For a low cost Marine Combat I would get the standard carbon Kabar version. My next choice would be the Next Generation in Swedish stainless steel, which is possibly much better than 440A.

 

[bruce]

I have an Ontario ONP3 (I think), the Quartermaster Knife. It was finished with a very rough grit belt so the satin finish is very noticeable. Also, the leather washers in the handle came loose and started to lose their position in realtion to one another. It was as if the holes in the washers were three times as large as the tang. I sent it back and Ontario repaired it.

I like the knife mostly because I am a retired Army Quartermaster (Logistics) Officer, but I think my WWII vintage Cattaragus 225Q is a better knife.

Bruce Woodbury