Ontario Spec Plus SPAX

Joined
Sep 26, 2001
Messages
205
The Ontario SP16 SPAX is modeled after a WWII Emergency Crash Axe, and is very versitile. The hole in the blade is present so the user can have a higher grip for more precise tasks.

The sheath is side loading, with three snaps for security, and features a pivot ring with a leather strap for attaching to your gear.

Spec Plus SPAX SP 16
Length, Overall: 13.125"
Blade Length: 4"
Blade Material: 1075 Carbon Steel
Handle Length: 5.125"
Handle Material: Kraton
Weight:
Sheath Material: Black Codura
and Leather
ON-SP16.jpg


Has anyone ever bought one of these. I am considering buying one, how good are they? I doubt it is functional as a real axe...
 
The edge profile is very poor for chopping. Because the heel of the bit slants down it will not complete the cut in the wood forcing you to cut out the corners and do far more work than you should.

In regards to the hole in the blade, try doing any type of cutting with a reasonable amount of force with the contact areas being that small, it will generate a huge amount of pressure on your skin. It is far better to design the head so it can be gripped up high on the handle such as this :

http://www.bussecombat.com/images/hatchet1.jpg

On top of this I have never been impressed with Ontarios quality control. I have seen multiple failures from blades too soft and others too hard. As well I found the spec-plus handles to be very abrasive. This however was amplified by the low cutting ability.

I checked around on the price and they come it at around $65. Considering you can get a small quality forged hatchet from Gransfors Bruks for ~$50, I don't see the reasoning to buy an inferior product for more money.

If the spike on the end is something that you must have then I would suggest you look at a decent Tomahawk. ATC has a number of spiked versions.

-Cliff
 
This thread is now quite old and deals with the old version of the Ontario SPAX SP16. Can any one confirm that the new version has the same problems? How good is the tool inside the blade in the new version?
e8fd_1.JPG
 
I was thinking about getting one to throw in with my bunker gear for turning off gas meters or turning on fire hydrants.
 
I thought I read somewhere that the hole would not work on a hydrent - has that changed?
 
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