Good Gear

This week's "Good Gear" review will be for the USAF Survival Knife...first let me run through the spec's:

1. Cost: $35-$45


2. Manufacturer: Ontario Knives (U.S. Based...These guys have been making alot of knives for the miltary for a long time!!!)


3. Dimensions: 5" Blade (9-1/2" Overall)


4. Knife Material: 1095 Carbon Steel full tang blade, with leather handle, and steel buttcap


5. Sheath Material: Leather with metal rivets, and metal plate attached to back to prevent knife from cutting/piercing the user.

This is a nice Knife for the price...nothing fancy, but built to perform...has grooves in the handle and two holes in the top hilt to make a spear (with the included string...or your bootlace, 550/220 cord). The leather handle is anice switch from the polymer handles that are so common these days, and also provides for a good grip in demanding situations. Also has a stone knife sharpener in a pouch attached to the sheath. Black polymer coating keeps the blade "toned down" and a little more resistant to wear. The sheath has a belt attachment at the top...I however, prefer to use some webbing and use it as an ankle knife (Just above the boot).. The steel buttcap can be used as a lite hammer...hard to do with most knives!!!

This knife is cheap (price wise) and tough, and has great balance/natural feel, so I use this as my primary knife when camping...or anything out-doors...it can get most jobs done, and when it does give-out, I'm not out $80-$100. A great tactical alternative for this knife is the SPN-24/SPN-25, still available at http://www.uscav.com/. Great Knife for the price...only wish it had grommets to give you more attachment options...for this, it gets a 9 out of 10. But, when...or if...this knife ever does give out on me, I'll just have to get another one!!!