Ontatio Spec Plus Machete-found mine, want opinions

[Adrstout]

I've been working on a move and as I was digging through my shed, I found this (sorry for the crappy pic-low light cell phone shot):

Here is a better stock photo for anyone unfamiliar with the knife.

It is an Ontario Spec Plus Machete. I got it from a friend years ago heavily used. I used it maybe once after I got it but stored it probably two years ago and forgot it. The sheath has fallen apart but the blade it still very sturdy and useable with nothing more than a little surface rust in two places where I left bits of dirt stuck to it. It was very dull but I sharpened it up some. I think I want to start using it again and get a new sheath for it. Maybe keep it in the truck.

However, I was just wondering what people's opinions were of this machete. I'm only interested in objective thoughts versus other compact machetes-I'm not looking for approval. Is it worth going through the effort of getting another sheath or should I buy something else that is simply a better tool for the job? Is there anything I won't like about this tool should I start using it? I don't expect it to be a slicer-just want it as a chopper, hatchet/machete combo tool, and prybar (I actually did use it as such very recently and it held up). Is there something significantly better for under $75? I appreciate all input.

When I showed my wife, she scoffed and reminded me that her machete was bigger

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I honestly do not consider the Ontario Spec Plus to be a machete in the slightest sense of the word in spite of what the manufacturer calls it. It's a chopping knife in my book.

Personally I don't care for it at all, but that's just my own opinion. I prefer a (much) thinner blade.

 

[Adrstout]

Forty two. I've tried using it for trail clearing in past lives and I agree that it is not the best in that role.

 

[bigghoss]

As far as wood chopping goes, many people seem to like them. The reviews I've seen lead me to believe they're pretty good for that role and I'm thinking about getting one despite owning several large chopping knives.

As far as a sheath goes, there are several guys here on BFC that can make you a leather or kydex sheath. I've also seen guys make them from PVC pipe. I worked out a formula for figuring the best sized pipe but it's a little fuzzy. The width of the blade + the wall thickness of the pipe should equal half the circumference of the pipe so that when it's flattened out it's just the right width.

Better yet, since yer gonna need a ruler and a calculator at the store anyway, Blade width X 2/pi=inside diameter of the pipe you'll need. I think. Add an extra 1/2" to accommodate the thickness of the blade and you should be golden.

 

[Bowman1911]

On another forum I used to frequent before it went the way of the dodo, that model was a VERY popular chopper. I even owned one for a few months. As far as 12" choppers go, it ain't that bad. you could do a whole lot worse for more money. I've seen 'em for around $60 in old brick & mortar shops. That's about all I'd pay though. The real old models came with an actual working saw tooth cut on the spine. The newer ones, not so much, but can be made use-able with placing the blade sharp end down in a vise & working the saw with a bastard file. A lot like sharpening a chainsaw. So, I'd clean that one up, go as cheap as I could for a sheath, and use it. If nothing else, I'm sure you probably know someone who would appreciate the sentiment of a new chopper. Especially if they didn't already own one.

 

[TwinStick]

I actually think it is a pretty versatile blade. But yeah, it is mostly a chopper. It is 1/4" thick. I modified the saw back so that it actually works pretty good now. You can choke up on it & put 2 fingers in the recess/choil like area for finer/close in work. The sharpened tip is also pretty cool for push shaving wood. It is a beast. It will take a beating & laugh at you. I thined the edge on mine & it is razor sharp from tip to end & holds it's edge VERY well. Not much in between on this one. You either like it or you don't. I LOVE mine. It is certainly no machete though. Machete = longer & thiner & faster.