You have all seen the pilots survival knife, but now for, the rest of the story.

[Sld1959]

In honor of Ontario knife closing shop. Most knife guys have seen and likely handled the Ontario version of the Pilot survival knife. But how many knew the first version was designed by Marbles knives of Gladstone MI.

Air Force Survival Knife: Review & History

Learn the history of the famous Air Force Survival Knife, and get an up-close review of an original blade made by the Ontario Knife Company.

knifeknowitall.com

 

[Snake45]

I've had one of these since the late '70s, bought cheap at a local surplus store. I think I paid $10 or less for it. I just dug it out and checked it and was delighted to see it's stamped ONTARIO 10 - 76.

The great Fred Rexer Jr. gave the USAF knife a great review in his classic Brass Knuckles Bible, describing it right after the Kabar. He said something like (working from memory here) "It has all the desirable features of its big brother, and its back saw is useful if you ever need to hack your way out of a capsized C-141 in the South China Sea."

I was delighted a couple decades ago to discover that its included sharpening stone is absolutely perfect for doing a quick, easy "street grade" (as opposed to "target grade" or "competition grade") trigger job on any GI-spec 1911. I've done dozens of these on my own guns and my friends' over the years, often in just minutes while they wait, and so far have never had any problems with any of them.