About OKC Knives
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to explore Ontario Knife Company today. This American manufacturer has been producing dependable cutting tools for military personnel, outdoorsmen, and everyday users for over a century. Their no-nonsense approach to knife design has earned them a reputation for rugged reliability and practical functionality. Today we will examine the company's history, manufacturing approach, notable product lines, specialized designs, and practical applications. Without further ado, let's dive into this iconic American knife manufacturer.
Who is Ontario Knife Company?
Ontario Knife Company was established in 1889 in Naples, New York, when three men purchased an existing knife business and incorporated it under the Ontario name. The company initially focused on traditional slip-joint pocket knives and fixed-blade hunting designs before expanding their production capabilities. In 1902, OKC relocated to Franklinville, New York, where they remain headquartered today, maintaining their American manufacturing tradition.
The company's relationship with the U.S. military began during World War I and strengthened significantly during World War II when they produced the M3 Trench Knife and various other military patterns. This government connection would become a defining aspect of OKC's identity, leading to numerous military contracts over the decades, including their most famous military design—the USMC Mark 3 Knife (commonly called the "Kabar" pattern, though OKC was one of several manufacturers).
OKC's modern era has been characterized by both continued military contracts and expansion into civilian outdoor, tactical, and everyday carry markets. In 1990, the company was acquired by Servotronics, Inc., which has maintained OKC's focus on American manufacturing while updating production technologies and expanding product lines. Today, OKC balances their heritage designs with modern innovations, serving military, outdoor, and everyday users with practical cutting tools.
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Manufacturing Approach and Facilities
OKC maintains their manufacturing facilities in Franklinville, New York, where they produce the majority of their knife lineup. This American production is a key selling point and distinguishes them from many competitors who have shifted manufacturing overseas. Their facility combines traditional knife-making techniques with modern manufacturing processes to balance efficiency with quality control.
The company employs a diverse range of production methods depending on the specific knife model and price point:
- Full CNC machining for precision components in their premium offerings.
- Automated grinding and heat-treating for consistent blade geometry and performance.
- Traditional hand-finishing techniques for their heritage models.
- Specialized military-spec production lines for government contract items.
For blade materials, OKC primarily utilizes practical, proven steels rather than exotic super steels:
- 1095 carbon steel features prominently in their military and outdoor fixed blades, offering excellent toughness and ease of field sharpening.
- 420HC stainless appears in many of their more affordable models, providing good corrosion resistance and adequate edge retention.
- D2 tool steel is used in their premium everyday carry and tactical folders, balancing wear resistance and toughness.
- AUS-8 appears in many of their mid-range folding knives, offering reasonable edge retention with excellent sharpenability.
Handle materials follow a similar practical approach, with an emphasis on durability over aesthetics:
- Kraton and thermoplastic rubber for ergonomic, non-slip grips on utility and military models.
- G-10 and FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) for lightweight durability in modern designs.
- Traditional materials like wood and stacked leather in heritage models.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum in some of their tactical folders.
Signature Product Lines and Notable Models
OKC organizes their extensive catalog into several distinct product categories:
The Military & Tactical line represents OKC's most recognized products, continuing their long tradition of supplying servicemembers with dependable cutting tools. This category includes the legendary USMC combat knife pattern, various bayonets still in active military service, and the Chimera tactical fixed blade designed for modern combat operations. Their military heritage remains evident in the robust construction and practical functionality of these designs.
The RAT (Randall's Adventure & Training) series emerged from a collaboration with survival instructors Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin. The RAT fixed blades include the versatile RAT-3 with its 3.75-inch blade optimized for general outdoor tasks and the larger RAT-7 featuring a 7-inch blade suitable for heavier duty wilderness applications. Both models utilize 1095 carbon steel with powder coating and feature ergonomic canvas Micarta handles designed for secure grip in adverse conditions. These knives have developed a dedicated following for their combination of performance and value.
The Model 1 and Model 2 folding knives represent OKC's modern everyday carry offerings, providing reliable performance at accessible price points. The Model 1 features a 3.5-inch AUS-8 blade, while the Model 2 offers a more compact 3-inch option. Both utilize a straightforward liner lock mechanism and come in various handle materials including nylon and G-10. These models have gained popularity among budget-conscious users seeking dependable everyday carry options without premium pricing.
The Old Hickory line continues OKC's heritage with traditional kitchen and outdoor knives based on patterns from the early 20th century. These simple carbon steel blades with hardwood handles offer excellent performance for cooks and outdoorsmen who appreciate traditional designs and materials. The line includes everything from paring knives to butcher patterns, maintaining the classic aesthetic and functionality that has served users for generations.
The Spec Plus series offers modern tactical and survival designs at affordable price points. These fixed blades feature black-coated 1095 carbon steel with Kraton handles and typically include practical extras like lanyard holes and compatible MOLLE sheaths. The line includes various blade geometries from tanto profiles to sawback utility blades, catering to users seeking tactically-oriented tools without premium pricing.
The Bushcraft Field Knife Series includes the CF100 Woodsman and related models designed specifically for wilderness craft applications. These fixed blades feature full-tang construction, scandi grinds optimized for woodworking, and ergonomic handle designs. The CF100 in particular has gained recognition for its practical 4.5-inch blade that balances size with functionality for campsite tasks and general outdoor use.
Distinctive OKC Design Characteristics
Several distinctive features appear consistently across OKC's product lineup:
Practical blade geometries emphasize function over style, with blade shapes optimized for their intended cutting tasks rather than aesthetic considerations. Their military and outdoor knives typically feature robust tips, adequate belly for slicing, and thickness appropriate for expected stresses. This practical approach prioritizes real-world performance over trendy design elements.
Full-tang construction appears in virtually all their fixed blade offerings, providing structural integrity and reliability under stress. This design approach extends even to their budget-oriented models, reflecting the company's emphasis on durability across price points. Their experience with military specifications has influenced this focus on structural integrity.
Utilitarian finishing characterizes most OKC products, with an emphasis on function rather than aesthetic refinement. Their blades typically feature practical coatings or simple stonewashed finishes rather than decorative patterns. This straightforward approach keeps costs reasonable while delivering tools designed for use rather than display.
Ergonomic handle designs reflect OKC's understanding that a knife is only as good as its user's ability to control it effectively. Their handles typically feature pronounced finger grooves, textured surfaces, and generous dimensions that accommodate gloved hands and provide secure grip in adverse conditions.
Value-oriented engineering appears throughout their product line, with designs that maximize functional performance while eliminating unnecessary features that would increase costs without improving utility. This approach has helped establish OKC as a go-to option for users seeking dependable performance without premium pricing.
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Practical Applications
OKC knives serve diverse user groups based on their specific design characteristics:
Military and tactical users continue to represent a core OKC customer base. Their blades designed for combat and field utility emphasize durability, reliable performance under adverse conditions, and functionality that serves military-specific requirements. From active duty personnel to veterans who trust the tools they used in service, this market segment maintains a strong connection to OKC products.
Outdoor and survival applications leverage OKC's focus on robust construction and practical cutting performance. Their RAT series and bushcraft-oriented designs excel at campsite tasks, wilderness crafting, and general outdoor utility. The straightforward designs and durable materials stand up to the rigors of field use, making them popular among backpackers, hunters, and survival enthusiasts.
Everyday utility needs are served by both their folding and fixed blade offerings. The Model series folders provide accessible everyday carry options, while compact fixed blades like the RAT-3 offer more substantial cutting capability for users who don't mind the additional carry requirements. Their straightforward designs and reasonable price points make them practical tools for regular use.
Traditional users appreciate OKC's heritage designs like the Old Hickory series and classic patterns that maintain traditional aesthetics and functionality. These models serve both practical cutting tasks and connect users to America's cutlery traditions, appealing to those who value historic designs and time-proven materials.
Budget-conscious users across all categories find value in OKC's approach to knife design. By focusing on essential functionality and proven materials rather than marketing trends or exotic components, OKC delivers practical cutting tools at price points accessible to average users. This value orientation has helped establish them as a recommended entry point for many knife enthusiasts.
Market Position and Reputation
OKC occupies a distinctive position in the knife market, bridging the gap between budget brands and premium manufacturers. Their products typically fall in the affordable to mid-range price categories, though specialty and premium models can reach higher price points.
The company's reputation centers on delivering reliable performance without unnecessary features or inflated pricing. Among military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts, OKC is known for making tools that may not be the most refined but will perform dependably under stress. This practical reputation aligns with their straightforward approach to knife design and marketing.
Their connection to American manufacturing remains a key aspect of their brand identity, appealing to users who prioritize domestic production. While not every component in every knife is American-made, their commitment to maintaining significant U.S. manufacturing distinguishes them from many competitors at similar price points.
Conclusion
Ontario Knife Company represents over a century of American cutlery manufacturing heritage combined with a no-nonsense approach to knife design. From their military origins to their contemporary outdoor and everyday carry offerings, OKC maintains a focus on practical functionality, durable construction, and reasonable pricing. While their knives may lack the refinement or exotic materials of premium brands, they deliver dependable performance for users who prioritize function over form.
For those seeking hard-working cutting tools with American manufacturing heritage and practical design features, OKC provides compelling options across numerous categories. Their commitment to essential functionality without unnecessary embellishment continues to resonate with military personnel, outdoorsmen, and everyday users who appreciate tools designed for real-world use rather than display.
We here at True Shot Ammo carry Ontario Knife Company products in addition to our range of ammo for sale. Our inventory of ammunition for sale covers popular calibers like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Put plainly, we carry a wide range of pistol, rifle, rimfire, and shotgun ammunition optimal for shooters of all types. Whether you want to buy OKC knives or purchase bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
