Need opinions on Ontario sp1

[blade nerd]

So I really like what ive seen so far but would like to know what someone who actually owns one thinks. Does it come Sharp how well does edge hold? Is it easy to sharpen? Ect just lemme know thanks

 

[Twank69]

I was going to buy one but felt that the only purpose it really has is for fighting. Overall from what I researched and a buddy of mine has one, the steel is good (1095), It has good length, a comfortable handle and a thick tang unlike the kabar usmc. It comes really sharp and because its carbon steel its easy to sharpen while its edge retention is decent. what do you plan on doing with yours?

 

[AntDog]

Here are some pics of my old SP1. No, it doesn't have a hammer pommel, but it still drove many a nail. It's also developed a bit of a recurve from being sharpened so many times. It is the only large knife me and my family had for about 6 years. It's been a kitchen knife, woods knife, tent stake, jack handle, hammer, all kinds of stuff. I bought this knife in 1994. I am 40 years old, so it has literally been with me half my life. It will do whatever you need a fixed blade to do. They are dirt cheap, tough as nails, and very underrated.

They do come sharp from the factory. They hold an edge extremely well. They are easy to sharpen, and take a screaming sharp edge. If you are considering buying one, I say go ahead and pull the trigger. They are one hell of a great knife.

 

[Mikel_24]

what do you plan on doing with yours?

I think this is the main issue. With a thick sabber grind I wouldn't expect it to be a good slicer or wood carver. I try to stay away from sabber grinds as much as possible. Full flat for me (or convex).

Mikel

 

[AntDog]

I think this is the main issue. With a thick sabber grind I wouldn't expect it to be a good slicer or wood carver. I try to stay away from sabber grinds as much as possible. Full flat for me (or convex).

Mikel

This knife was not designed to slice anything other than human beings. It wasn't designed for wood carving either. It is a marine combat knife.

However, I can tell you from personal experience that it slices just fine, and it's great for wood..... Like I said me and my family used mine for everything for quite a while..... When you see your wife cut up a chicken with your combat knife, fry it up for you, and bring it to you with a beer.... Wood will appear! Did for me anyway.

I digress. It works just fine for chopping, cutting, whittling wood. Nothing wrong with "sabber" grinds on the right knife. I hated them for quite a while and swore by full flat ground or full convex. Saber grinds have their place though. This one works fine.

 

[blade nerd]

Well I plan to use it as a camp/utility knife and it might see a lil bushcraft action thanks everyone for the help

 

[AntDog]

Well I plan to use it as a camp/utility knife and it might see a lil bushcraft action thanks everyone for the help

If that's what you plan on doing with it, it would work, but I would honestly recommend a smaller knife. I'd steer you toward a BK16/17 for that purpose. Either of them would work great. Just tip preference is all you'd have to take into consideration.

 

[Mikel_24]

This knife was not designed to slice anything other than human beings.

Agreed... that is why, considering that not many of us are in need to slice way too many human beings lately... and the following comment from the OP...

Well I plan to use it as a camp/utility knife and it might see a lil bushcraft action thanks everyone for the help

I fully agree with you when you state that...

...but I would honestly recommend a smaller knife. ...

I see the Ontario as a jack of all trades, master of none knife... Which is your budget? Maybe we can make a couple suggestions...

Mikel

 

[blade nerd]

I got the sp1 yesterday its great and I do think im going to get a smaller blade to go with it. 50 is what im willing to spend anyone like condor bushlore or similar

 

[GlockandBalls]

For the smaller knife at $50 the Condor you mention is a decent option if you want carbon Steel (1075)

However if you want a little bit of stainless capability for the smaller knife (for food prep, skinning game, etc..) get a Cold Steel Pendelton Hunter with VG1 Steel 3.5" blade

Or on a budget, the Cold Steel Finn Bear with 4116 Krupp (german) stainless at only $15 with a 4" blade. Awesome knife for the money but the handle is not the most comfortable in the world.

 

[AntDog]

Izula?