USAF Pilots Survival Knife, Ontario Knife Company, 1986

Description

This is a USAF Pilots Survival Knife by Ontario Knife Company. These very recognizable knives got their start during the Korean War, when the Defense Department began spelling out requirements for a knife for aircrews as early as 1953. By the 1960s the design had been refined to the knife we know today. The general idea behind the knife was to give aircrews a tool they could use to free themselves from an aircraft and to defend themselves with. At the time 3 companies were considered with the production of these knives, the Marble Arms Corp, Camiillus Cutlery of NY and the Ontario Knife Company. While Camillus Cutlery ultimately won the military contract, Ontario Knife Company continued to produce the knives as well. The knives have a straight edge, with a rough serrated edge along the back of the blade. A small metal cross guard helps protect the users hand. These guards commonly have two small holes drilled into one side to aid in helping lash the knife to poles. We think. The handles grip is made from leather disks and the handle is capped with a large metal pommel. The sheath is belt mountable and securely holds the knife with a simple button snap strap. On the front of the sheath there is a small pouch for a knife sharpener. Most sheaths, except for early examples, have a reinforced metal cap, with some occasionally having a metal reinforced back. These are knives that are meant and made for serious use, and were commonly kept by their user as they left the Military.

The example in the pictures is the exact knife you will receive. This example was produced by the Ontario Knife Company in 1986. This one is the roughest of the bunch. The blade is rusted and the handle is extremely dried out. The sheath is intact but is particularly stiff/ crusty as well as having a broken snap button. This example does include its sharpening stone.

Features:

• Includes Knife Sheath – Include sheath for knife for storage and carry.
• This is Fancy – This item has been deemed Fancy by the Cataloging Team.
• Please Read Main Description For Important Details! – Main Description contains notes that apply to the item.

Manufactured by:

• Ontario Knife Company – Founded in 1889, the Ontaro Knife Company is a knife manufacturer out of New York. They are known for producing a variety of knives for military and civillian applications alike, most notably manufacturing some of the “KA-BAR” style knives which saw extensive field and combat use.

Country of Manufacture: USA – This product is manufactured in the #1 country, the USA.

Issue Type: USAF Issue – This item is genuine US Air Force issue.