SP43... Why named the Rifleman?

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

Ontario coined their SP43 as the 'Rifleman'... Does anyone know why? Thanks in advance

 

[OntarioKnifeCompany]

I just spoke to our former head of sales and marketing, who named the knife. He says that Dan Maragni told him he based that knife on one that was issued to soldiers back in the days of black powder weapons, which was given out to the soldiers that carried muskets.

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

Thank you!
Here is a picture I found online of the Ames U.S. Model 1849 Mounted Rifleman's Knife.
Yeah, I can see some blade shape similarity. But, the SP43 does fall just a wee bit short in length... Maybe Ontario could come out with a new SP43-A1 version, simply adding on another 5 or 6 inches to the existing design, lol!

 

[Yonose]

Can anyone tell me whether the guard is metal or rubber or plastic?

 

[Roguer]

Kraton for the SP-43.