Ontario SP50: "Hall of Fame Survivor" by Nutnfancy
122,399
Published 2011-05-05
Also nice is the Ontario Knife 6526 Bushcraft Woodsman Knife: amzn.to/2susbNY
The SP50 strikes a perfect balance in a large woods blade: it's not too heavy but its 23 ounce weight provides excellent all around wilderness performance. The full flat ground quarter inch thick 5160 steel drop point blade brings tears of happiness to my eyes. It is distal tapered, has great sweep and belly, and a strong tip. It splits big 'ole logs with force and has wedge-like authority in the wood. The SP50's almost 9" blade de-limbs, hacks, and even digs (!) with competency. The back spine is sharp enough for fire steel use and can hammer some too. The SP50 was tested thoroughly in both temperate and artic conditions and performed without flaw. Bigger, heavier blades might do some tasks better but they are a bit harder to pack up to high elevations using "man portable" systems. You might thank Ontario Spec-Plus upgrader Dan Maragni for the upgrades in the line. Great care was used in the creation of the blades: water jet cut WCI-brand US-made 5160 steel, industrial hardening, specific grind geometries, vacuum stress relieving, and laser imprinting. It's a lot of quality at this price point. It arrives sharp from the box too and held its edge impressively through testing. The Kraton handle absorbs shock, does not transmit cold, and is durable. It features a prominent guard on the bottom only; the lack of jimping and thumb ramp on this sized blade is a forgivable miss. The MOLLE sheath is a big improvement over the Spec-Plus Gen 1 series and is lightweight and waterproof. It still has the loose-fitting thermoplastic liner that Ontario frequently provides (easily rectified as shown in the vid) and a well-made Kydex or thermoplastic sheath would catapult the SP50 up to new levels of awesomeness. The SP50 could flex into the combat blade category where it could do de-limbing of a different sort...like the bowies of old (and new!), it remains a formidable weapon. But like others in the series, its real calling lies somewhere out in the wild when it helps you create fire and perhaps emergency shelter. Its value as of 2011 is outstanding: expect around a $75 price tag at the sources I recommend in the video. I suspect with this review the SP50 will deservedly become all time best seller for Ontario so orders yours when you see it. At that price you might even want two and you won't even feel guilty for giving the SP50 the hard use it was designed for. This is one of the coolest large blades Ontario has ever produced.
Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 5 out of 5
All Comments (21)
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After doing a cold (0 deg F) January weekend hike and failing miserably to harvest wood for a fire, I bought a sawvivor and started researching big blades, thanks to your vids. This is what I bought from Chestnut Ridge along with their kydex sheath last year. Awesome blade, awesome system. Thanks Nutn for getting me on track and squared away. Much respect for what you are doing. By the way I sold my buddy on this exact system when he went with me on my next trip...good fun!
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It's awesome that you give us this kind of information for free, but I'm surprised certain companies don't pay you for this kind of scrutiny on their own products. There is really no body else that examines and compares any product into the depth you do. Thank you for everything you do, I know it's a lot more work than shows
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chop-a-matic, sir chops-a-lot, chop-a-riffic, extreme sharpness advised. Bought one to replace a broken Hoodlum. Got the Chestnut Ridge kydex scabbard, but in truth the new factory scabbard is actually pretty good with two retention snap straps, molle back, and a plastic insert that actually has some retention.
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I just bought this knife, due to your review. Thanks for the great coverage! You sold me on this blade!
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YES! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW FOR MONTHS!!!! THANK YOU NUTN!
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I love my RTAK II. I have not been disappointed at all. Another great vid Nutn!
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Just ordered mine. So I had to come watch all your SP50 videos again. For the 100th time.
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great review thanks nutnfancy!
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I was actually thinking of purchasing this, thanks for reviewing!
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Thanks for the links to the knife stores, Nutn. Helps a TON!
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Another good review! Thanks for posting. Keep up the good work and keep sharing the knowledge!!!
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Excellent review. Thank you
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Great Job Nutn. Since the release of this video, Ontario has upgraded their sheaths. Two retaining straps with snap closures (no more velcro), a tighter fitting thicker plastic insert with no more rattling, and a lot heavier duty nylon. I love your reviews guys, keep up the good work, and Thank you OKC for finally doing something about the sheaths!
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I love this knife, I hope I own one soon.
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good video nutn and veri keep up the great work
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From a fellow officer and CCP holder thank you for all the reviews on the great gear. All my purchases on gear is highly influenced by you and I have always been pleased. My friends look to me for info, but all I do is echo what you say and always direct them to your page. Thanks again for your reviews, philosophy videos and above all your service to our country. TNPr Davis
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I got this knife for Christmas and the sheath has been improved. The sheath now has two retaining straps both with military snaps.
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I love my sp17 and trust my life to it.
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Got a new one of these. Same knife...same sheath but with your suggestion for the retention strap(s). It now has two very nice straps with a snap on each. The liner still has to be reshaped to be right, but overall, I am very pleased with this SP-50. Your great review shaped my decision. I wanted the SYKCO 911 you reviewed but for the price, I felt this SP-50 was a better value for my purposes. Thanks for sharing your experience on here.
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Awesome!
