When did Ontario switch to 1075 steel for 22" machete?...

PocketKnifeJimmy

PocketKnifeJimmy

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Aug 4, 2013
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Not sure if they did it across the board on their machetes, and I understand why the slightly less carbon steel may have been chosen on a machete, but when did it happen? I just placed an order for a 22" Ontario machete with a D Guard polymer handle, and it was listed as being made in the traditional 1095 carbon steel, but the Ontario website now only lists this model as being in 1075. Their 18" is only available in the 1095 (based on the Ontario website). Just wondering about this possible switch, and if it's looking like it will be the norm throughout their machete line. Thanks in advance, folks.
 
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The 22" has been made with 1075 for a number of years, now. I know this because I found the same contradicting information when I purchased mine (2014, maybe?)...I contacted Ontario; and, after a few efforts, got a response that the 22" was, in fact, 1075. That was specific to the 22" models, and I believe the rest of their machete line actually is 1095.

For the record, this machete is far better for moderate to heavy growth (thick stems, vines, branches, small trees) than grasses or other light growth. It's just too thick for the light stuff...but it sails through the heavier stuff, handling pretty much under 3" diameter in a single cut. Beware of the D-guard, though, once you start getting tired during heavy chopping.
 
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Thanks for your insight. I believe my order had the 22" model as # 8519, but the current OKC website has the 22" model as the #8518. Since you're saying that the 22" model had been switched to 1075 steel years ago, it's likely that my online dealer simply has never upgraded that info. It's a pretty popular high volume dealer, so I doubt it would be a new/old stock 1095 steel model.
Thanks again for your insight.
 
I received the machete today. It was sent to me in a big cardboard box, but the machete was also in a "for commercial sale" type sleeve (made of a heavy business card thick paper). This sleeve has Ontario's history and the machete's specs. Anyhow, I now believe that the two different stock numbers found online for the Ontario 22" machete, is not a fluke/mistake. The sleeve specifically states 1095 steel, so it seems they're simply make both a 1075 AND a 1095 version of this machete (hence the two different stock model numbers).
On another note, I can't believe that some people have actually stated, (on online forums and reviews), that they would have preferred a more stout/thicker blade. I mean, this thing is a beast, it's not something the average man would want to be carrying and swinging for any real length of time. It's heavy enough as it is, and can't fathom any reason for adding even more weight to it. Again, as far as machetes go, this is a BEAST, lol!
The factory sharpening is much better than how I received my 18" Ontario machete some years ago (which was almost non existent). Also, this one is sharpened right to the tip, the 18" stopped shy of it. Not sure if that's the new norm, or simply a difference they make between the 18" and 22" models. Same decently done finish as my 18" Ontario, it being a serious business like phosphate finish (aka: parkerized).
For the $25 total I paid for it (which included shipping), imo, it's a lot of product for the money (especially for it being USA made).
 
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PocketKnifeJimmy said:
it seems they're simply make both a 1075 AND a 1095 version of this machete
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That's strange but ultimately probably not interesting. Unless there's some actual difference in geometry they probably heat treat both models to roughly the same hardness. Maybe they just had some 1095 to use up?

PocketKnifeJimmy said:
On another note, I can't believe that some people have actually stated, (on online forums and reviews), that they would have preferred a more stout/thicker blade.
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There's certainly a bit of a disconnect around what some people think makes for a good machete. I think a lot of that has to do with location. In tropical areas where people actually use machetes all day long to clear brush etc they would probably laugh at the Ontario's 1/8" thick blade. In much of the U.S. though the weight and thickness makes a bit more sense.
 
I don't disagree that Ontario specific questions are better suited to that section; but the thread was started here, and I don't see a reason to create another one.
If OntarioKnifeCompany chooses not to comment because the question isn't in their subforum, the OP can decide whether he wants to ask the question there.
 
Looking at Ontarioknife, it appears that the 8519 model number is now defunct. Online references are largely dated - I dont really see anything more recent than 2013 (other than a few eBay and Amazon entries, and a couple of retailers that could well have simply not updated).
Maybe the 22" machete was 1095 at one time, and the D guard version was model 8519... I'm certainly in no position to say one way or the other.
The current models are 8518 and 8520 - both being 1075 steel (black and orange D-guards, respectively.
 
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The upc label on the machete's sleeve has a manufacturing, or a shipping date, on it (February 2018). It also shows the model number as 8519.

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The sleeve has the 1095 steel designation printed on it.

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I didn't see this blade steel model on Ontario's website either, but they either made or shipped this machete out last month... So, it does seem that the 1095 version is still available from them.
 
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