Ontario Blackbird SK5
The Ontario Blackbird SK5 is a survival knife designed by Paul Scheiter and manufactured by the Ontario Knife Company. However, don’t mistake this blade for one of the survival knives popular during the late 1980s and 90s – there’s no screw-off handle end and no hollowed out interior. There’s no serrated scaling blade on this model. In fact, the Blackbird SK5 is streamlined, lean and built for pure performance. Whether you’re planning an extended stay in the wilderness, preparing for urban survival, or just need a dependable blade for whatever the situation calls for, this is an excellent choice.
Specs
| Ontario Blackbird SK5 | |
 |
|
| 10 inches | |
| 5 inches | |
| 154CM | |
| 58-60 | |
| Full Tang | |
| Flat Grind | |
| .13 inches (1/8″) | |
| Spear Point | |
| None | |
| Micarta (gray) | |
| Allen Screws | |
| Nylon, MOLLE compatible with rigid insert | |
| None | |
| USA | |
| Simple design, lanyard slot, unique spear point | |
| ~$111 | |
| Ontario Blackbird SK-5 Survival Knife |
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When it comes to specs, you’ll find that the Ontario Blackbird SK5 is no slouch. However, it’s not as massive as some “survival” knives on the market. The blade measures 5 inches, and the knife runs 10 inches from pommel to tip. The blade thickness is just .13 inches, and the whole thing weighs in at a whopping 8.4 ounces, which means that you won’t even notice it strapped to your belt in most instances. The sheath adds another 3.5 ounces to that, which still brings it in as a lightweight.
One of the more interesting aspects of the Ontario Blackbird SK5 is the handle. Two slabs of mircata form the grips, and each slab is attached to the full tang with three Allen screws, ensuring a solid hold and no shifting, even during “abusive static shock activities like batoning and other forces that may be encountered during prolonged use” according to Hedgehog Leatherworks.
The handle is ergonomically designed with curved edges all around, as well as a pronounced front finger groove. The extended guard reduces the chance of your finger slipping off the handle and onto the blade during use as well. At the rear of the handle, you’ll find a leveled pommel that’s perpendicular to the blade, allowing the knife to be easily added to a sapling haft to form a spear. The lanyard slot at the rear allows the addition of a tie string for security too.
The blade of the Ontario Blackbird SK5 is forged from 154CM steel made in America. 154CM was chosen because of its excellent blend of hardness, durability, resistance to corrosion and ability to hold an edge. However, the beauty of this knife extends far beyond the excellent utility of the steel.
The blade’s simple, smooth design was created for several purposes. One of those was to ensure easy sharpening, even if all you have are basic sharpening tools. The point is centered on the blade, which means that it can be easily used to drill into wood without the fanning effect found with off-center tips. Finally, the spine of the blade is smooth and dull, designed specifically to be safe and comfortable if you need a thumb to assist with cutting activities.
What Is the Ontario Blackbird SK5 Good For?
The Ontario Blackbird SK5 is good for virtually any task you might have for it. It was designed to be an excellent “all around” blade, and will hold up to years of hard use and abuse, even in true survival situations. It can be used as a drill, easily adapted into a spear, and is designed to ensure the blade cuts through wood smoothly and easily. This is an excellent knife for the confirmed outdoor enthusiast, as well as for anyone who wants to make sure they have a reliable, highly-versatile blade in any situation they might encounter.
The Ontario Knife Company
The Ontario Knife Company began in the late 1800s in Naples, New York. In 1902, the company moved to Franklinville, New York, where it remains to this day.
