Ontario SP1 and Ka-Bar USMC

W

wmc1982

Joined
Oct 2, 2010
Messages
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Are these knives both used by the military? Someone told me that Kabar stopped supplying the military with knives and Ontario picked up the slack.

If that's true, is this Ontario SP1 the new military standard? I was looking at Chestnut Ridge and they had a great deal on a factory second and I was wondering how good a knife the Ontario is because I didn't even know it existed until 10 minutes ago.

So how does it hold up to the Ka-bar and is it now the military soldiers knife?

Thanks guys,

Will
 
If you are talking about the Fighting/Utility design it is purchased on people's own dime and pretty much always Ka-bar brand purchased at the base exchange. Issued bayonets are from Ontario and resemble that design.
 
The ON498 is probably the one issued to the military. The SP1 is the same blade with a different coating and a rubber handle.

Camillus used to be a major supplier before they closed in 2007.

The Ka-Bar has a nicer finish than the Ontario and Camillus models, but all of them are great knives.

Also, I have one of the SpecPlus seconds from Chestnut ridge. I couldn't tell you where the blemished bit was if you paid me.
 
Yea, Chestnut has this for a very good price if it is comparable to the Ka-Bar USMC

SP1 MARINE COMBAT KNIFE

They have some seconds of the SP10 too for $20 less than brand new, thought about getting one of those but I don't know, that huge bowie blade is almost too much for me. If I'm going for a big blade I usually go for something like an Rtak style. But for these factory second prices it might be worth it to at least try one of them.

So how about SP1 vs SP10 Ontario? Chestnut has both of the factory seconds.

I'm thinking of getting the Raider. The SP1 is like the Kabar, but I don't even know if it has a kydex sheath available for it. Plus the Ka-bar is just going to be nicer and I want the best for that kind of knife. The Raider I can go out and beat on things and not worry about it. I emailed them and they said they should have some in for a few more weeks (it says 3 left but I think there is another shipment coming). Half price not bad for a blemish that apparently no one can find! They say they are cosmetic, and almost every one just has not enough black coating on a spot, stuff like that. No dents or dings, just a batch of coating minor flaws.

But again, I'm not familiar very well with their Marine Bowie either except for watching one youtube review, not sure of the steel or how they hold up. Hard to go wrong it being $40 after shipping though.
 
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They are very different in how they handle. The SP10 is a very fun knife and is a solid design that can last years of use. Either way you should definitely get the Ka-bar Fighting/Utility with leather handle and leather sheath, USMC version.
 
OrdnanceBubbaUSMC said:
They are very different in how they handle. The SP10 is a very fun knife and is a solid design that can last years of use. Either way you should definitely get the Ka-bar Fighting/Utility with leather handle and leather sheath, USMC version.
Click to expand...

yes, I do have the leather USMC in leather sheath. I got that and won't ever use it (just to collect). But I want another 7"ish blade similar (if not the same one in black) to take out and use a bit. I just feel like if I'm going to get that look, I may as well spend the $60 and get the best, with the best sheath. And I can go ahead and get that SP10 and have fun in the woods :)

I do have a Becker BK7 coming in the mail too. Trying to think if another USMC in black or a Marine Raider would be best. The Raider would be bigger, might could split logs with it easier.
 
You should beat up on that one a little too, makes it look even better :)

The SP10 definitely sounds right, my brother and I did a lot of crazy, hillbilly stuff in the 90's with the one my father owned and it was great times.
 
I won't worry about any problems from the SpecPlus series. They are all good dependable blades.

I'd personally go for the Ka-Bar aswell. Not that there is any problem with the SP1 or ON498.
Functionally, they are just as good. I just like the leather handle and sheath of the Ka-Bar better.

The SP-10 is big, heavy, and can chop through anything. A different sort of beast than the USMC knife. Take a look at the SP-5 aswell. It isn't as heavy as the SP-10, but cuts a lot better due to the flat grind.
 
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