Ontario Knife Co. began supplying the U.S. military with knives, specifically an 18-inch-bladed machete, during World War II. Since then the company has been contracted by various branches to make a number of designs-including the stainless steel-bladed Mark 3 Navy knife, the Blackbird SR5 bushcrafter’s knife and the Marine Corps bayonet with an 8-inch blade of proprietary steel.
Other Ontario-produced military-issue knives include the Aircrew Survival Egress Knife (ACSEK), and its predecessor, the Air Force Survival Knife. Of course the company still catalogs other military mainstays such as the Marine Combat Knife and the 1-18 Machete that started it all. In addition, Ontario carries other classic and modern designs, such as its value-priced Spec Plus series, that make use of tried-and-true materials such as high-carbon 1095 steel for blades, Kraton for handles and Cordura nylon for sheaths.
Contact: Ontario Knife Co.; (800) 222-5233; ontarioknife.com.
