Ontario or Ka-Bar

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revolverman357

Joined
Jan 30, 2007
Messages
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I am interested in either the Ontario sp1 marine combat or the ka-bar u.s.m.c fighting/utility knife. Which do you all recommend and why.

Or is there something better in this price range ($45 - $65).
 
I got experience only with Ka-Bar. I've had the idea that ka-bar has better finish out of the box (such as sharpness). Ka-bar has really handy handle butt that I've used a bit as hammering tool. The knife would do better without the top guard, ontario seems more functional in that means.
 
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I had one Ontario knife and it will be my last. It was one of the marine raider bowies. I admit that I was throwing it into a wooden target, but I wasn't missing and the blade took a severe bend just from getting thrown into some wood. I've done the same with a bunch of my knives and the ones that fail like this are usually flea market specials left over from childhood. I was really unimpressed with that knife.

On the other hand I've owned a Kabar and was very happy with the quality for the price.

Kabar all the way!
 
Neither, save up and get something from RAT Cutlery.

But from the two, Ka-Bar
The Cold Steel SRK isnt too bad either
 
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Glock model 78. Three times cheaper and three times better in every way. I got RAT 7, Ka bar kraton and 78. RAT has terrible handle, Ka bar has has best handle in the World but very narrow thorn in handle so blade can be broken with strong lateral force ( if you try to open wooden box or door ), Glock has good handle ( not like Ka bar ), but is strongest knife of all three. I really don't understand how is RAT 7 actually used in NATO forces. Useless piece of steel.
 
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Ok, answered my own question about the glock. Midway usa has it for 27.99.
Doesn't sound like a very strong bladed knife.

Maybe I could pony up for a better camp knife.
Becker knife & tool, maybe?
 
I have the Kabar USMC with both the leather and rubber handles, they're both great, strait is better but combo edge is not bad either. I don't know what these people are talking about as far as it being weak, I've had one of these in one form or another for years and I've put my leather handled one through quite a bit of hard use and have never had one fail on me in any way. The only reason I don't have my first one anymore is because the sheath ripped off when my canoe capsized and I wasn't able to find it afterwards. I also have the SP1, haven't used it much yet, but as long as you're not throwing it, not sure why you would ever do that to any knife, other than a throwing knife, it shouldn't fail doing any kind of normal task.
 
Are you looking for a combat knife per se or a hiker/camper knife? If you are looking for a traditional hiking/camping blade, I'd check out the Kabar heavy/short bowie. Nice flat grind and I like the bowie shape better for camping/bushcraft then the USMC profile.

I have a Kabar USMC type knife and an Ontario SP Quartermaster. Both are great knives. Honestly, either one is a winner in my book.
 
Of both you mention I suggest the Ka Bar, I have both, and the Ontario is not of my favorites of this brand.
The Ka Bar USMC is a lot of knife for every dollar.
Other knives like Glock 78 or 81, Beckers or RATs are good knives too.

Good luck with your choice!

Leandro
 
I plan to use the knife as a hiker/ camper and need some suggestions from those who have experience with this type of knife.
I'll take a look at the beckers and the rat knives.

Any more suggestions, I'm all ears?
 
revolverman357 said:
I plan to use the knife as a hiker/ camper and need some suggestions from those who have experience with this type of knife.
I'll take a look at the beckers and the rat knives.

Any more suggestions, I'm all ears?
Click to expand...

Check out the Becker/Ka-Bar BK-2 while you're at it. I think it may be what you're looking for.
 
I have quite a few Ontario's and Kabars, They have both been great performers for me. I have had the Ontario Marine knife for 40+ years.
 
I've owned a Ka-Bar 1217 for most of my life. I've asked it to do everything a hard-use knife can be asked, and probably more, and I'd have a hard time saying one bad thing about it. You'd have to spend a lot more money to get anything that's noticeably better.
 
Had two Ontario knives, the Raider bowie and kukri. The kukri's edge literally tore chopping a branch, and the bowie is also very soft, bendable steel.
I wouldn't buy any more Ontario products, their junk as far as I'm concerned.
 
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