The Ontario 499 or 499 Mod. What's the Difference

[@WoodsmanHobo777]

Tobias, that 3-11 is not the date. A lot of those knives have that stamp 3-11 may be the stamp for the mod

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

You are correct. I have sense found out that, at least for Ontario, the 3-11 is when that particular blade style started getting used. So it only marginally relates to the when the knife was made. I believe the 11 does stand for 2011 but that doesn't mean the knife was made in 2011, only that the style dates to 2011. I'm not as sure about the 3. Thanks. I'm going to pin this comment

[@gordz62]

Jeez people, this knife was originally designed for USAF pilots for emergency use. The 'saw' was meant for ripping through aluminum aircraft skin back in the late 50's early 60's. The sharpened swage was for helping to poke an initial hole in the aluminum skin before cutting. This thing was never meant to be a $300 'tacticool' or 'bushcraft' knife. Good job dressing them up though.

[@fred1barb]

I still have the one issued to my in flight school and carried in Vietnam. It was made just before the metal covering became standard. The sheath has a single rivet and strap and it does spin, just like the China made copy. All of the knives issued to my class were made by Camillus, and even the brand new ones had a smooth leather handle, not quite as smooth as one with some use. The stone is branded Norton and is medium not coarse. There is a small lip on top of the pommel faces, just enough to catch with a nail. The washer and leather washers just in front of the pommel are not perfectly aligned. Never noticed it until now. I think that back in the 1960s when my knife was made the fit and finish standards were for a serviceable knife, not a retail product. The details you are bringing out are important for display (on the belt or in case) more than use. It its like a pistol or rifle we looked for functionality first and last. I carried a SW .38 or a M1911. The .38 was what it was, and if the M1911 had been maintained for accuracy, what did I care if the finish was worn or a little pitted? The false edge was not very sharp, and the point was fragile. i broke the tip on mine and ground a new point so the blade is just a bit shorter. These are fairly tough knives otherwise. The thick blade and profile make it difficult to sharpen as a slicer and the saw teeth were I think designed more for cutting aircraft doors and skin. Also supposed to be OK to break plastic-never had to do that. Some of the pilots preferred the Gerber MK 1 or 2 combat knife. The MK2 could be used to saw wood, the issue knife not so much.

[@douglasgordon1822]

I broke the tip of my knife off to use as a screw driver. Worked well

[@BigRedEDC]

Excellent comparison Tobias! Very well done a thanks for the explanation!!

[@andrew4x4x4]

Wal-Mart has all knives on clearance! I just got one today for 9.99.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

If you can grab one of these for $9.99 you should've grabbed two! That's a steal!

[@elginestate]

The Walmart clearance sticker on my said $9 even ✊

[@DoughboyJonesmk2]

Maaaan, mine was half off at 20....

[@joeljoel5061]

Lol. You very likely have a good copy made by Sturm. Chinese steel. Still a decent knife, I sell them myself, and still a good knife. But I doubt it says OKC on it. If I'm wrong feel free to correct me guys.

[@WoodsmanHobo777]

​@@joeljoel5061you are wrong, they are made in USA. I bought one a few years back at Walmart for $30 and it's a great knife, wish I had gotten two

[@alfonsedente9679]

Helluf alotta complaining and nitpicking for a surplus $20 survival knife

[@darrylpowell8247]

I'm a trucker. I bought the 499 mod from Cabelas. Absolute worst knife I've ever purchased. Bad azz looking mind you. But even Cabelas had a problem putting a sharpening that lasted after(cutting nylon rope).😠 They sharpened it when I purchased it and I've taken it back once. Anything other than leather or paper dulls the freaking blade.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@korgan7779]

Yes, thank you for clarifying this! I had considered getting a 499 at one point but didn't because I kwpt seeing the price differences and they were often shown incorrectly in the ad/preview pic. Luckily for me I had gotten an Ontario SP-2 as a kid in the 90s from a Mil Surplus shop back home and was very pleased with it so I didn't have that "I must have this" feeling/mindset. While I love the looks of a Ka-Bar or Kay-bar style knife like this one I don't care for the tang style and honestly if I were to get one it would probably be a Mark I USN for general purpose use.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I need to get an Mark 1 USN. It's a good looking knife and it is also a sturdy hunting knife. Very much an ideal size, also. I recently picked up the SP-2. It's also a good one.

[@farklestaxbaum4945]

Wow great info, I was expecting mine was the cheaper MOD version but I think it is actually the real 499. So can I darken the handle just by sanding and using shoe polish? I dont have to dye it?

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

It will also darken with use or simply properly oiling it with a leather oil.

[@WoodsmanHobo777]

I like the 499 mod, because I prefer it without the fuller and swedge. I bought one a few years back at Walmart for $30 and I regret not buying another being Ontario is now not in operation anymore and for $30 it can't be beat, I love my 499 mod

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

It is definitely a good knife for that $30 mark.

[@staradder218]

Thank you for clarifying these knives! Bought a 499 at Cabela's and thought at first it was a counterfeit. But upon watching this video, I am glad I kept it because it looked cool. Thank you for clarifying again, peace.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Glad I could help!

[@The_RC_Guru]

Same here. Got it at cabelas years ago then when looking them up my blade didn’t match the 499.

[@philharmonicwittgenstein9662]

I am ex Australian Army. I have one of these knives. Mine has no markings whatsoever but has the metal backing for the sheath. I got this around 1990, perhaps it was a version sent to Australian Forces under licence? I will never know. I think it is a great knife and built for purpose. I wouldnt use it as my go to survival knife butit would dothejob nicely in a pinch. Blade on boys and girls.

[@malcolmgully2064]

I still have my issue one too since 1989

[@WilliamMancel]

Great in depth coverage on these knives. I bought one after I got out of the AF sometime early 1980's, and carried it in the back of my Jeep in the deserts of New Mexico. When I moved back to Texas, I forgot how much it rains here, and a weather seal on my Jeep back window was allowing water to leak in directly on the knife. By the time I figured that out, the knife was destroyed. The sheath was the first to go, then it started working on the handle & blade. I thought I kept it, but I can't find it right now. I always liked how the USAF knife felt in my hand compared to the K-Bar. When I do replace it, I will go with the more expensive version.

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

Ontario Knife Company is going out of business, you better strike while the Iron's hot on these or any other Ontario Knife Company design!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

We'll see. The company has been bought. So I can see some reorganization but this doesn't necessarily mean all production will cease.

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias yes it absolutely does the Machinery wasn't part of the deal

[@jjcahill8934]

Very cool knife that has served the US Military for 5-6 decades. I like the NSN version as the MOD does seem to be a bit of a factory second. Another Ontario I received over 40 years ago is the 6141 MK 3 which is the 440 steel and hard plastic version for waterborne usage. Thanks for another excellent historical video!

[@michaelk487]

Cool

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

Hey Tobias holly smokes I was going to pick one of them up every time I’m in Walmart!!!!!!! Yo I just picked up the canoe Christmas gift set in the tin at tractor supply I’m shootings a video on it soon thanks Buddy!!!!,,,,

[@afisher3657]

First time the hearing finger groove, I have heard it referred as a blood groove. Allowing easier retraction from a body cavity.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Fuller is probably the most appropriate term. Finger Groove is often used for the wider fullers. Blood groove is a term more inclined to be used by sales people because it sounds cool. That said it was a very common terms for decades.

[@jeffreygriffin1963]

I have one dated 3-11 that says 2nd on the blade but I can’t find anything wrong other than the tip of the blade isn’t quite straight or centered

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

There you go. That was enough to be a "second"

[@ramblers69]

Great comparison Tobias, very knowledgeable, :) 😎 👍

[@rhino5419]

Hello. That 15$ will get you a Rough Ryder as a secondary knife. Making it a more complete camping systeme. As you know, the swedge and the saw back are primarily for cutting the way out of a downed aircraft. Not something most people need. It all depends i think on if you are more a collector or more a user. The real blade looks cooler too. A.other vert interesting vidéo. All the best.

[@sharzadgabbai4408]

There is no such thing as a USAF survival knife. The original knife was a 6” blade requested by the USN fir the first generation jet fighters. They had a high accident rate and needed a escape tool. It was eventually adopted by USAF, USCG , USMC and USA aircrews. Camillus was not the same blade. The point was deeper and more prone to snapping. The Rockwell is 58 vs 56 on Ontario. The issued sheaths were made in Mexico. Dated knives are issue, but the military would buy undated runs to meet demands.

[@TheSogGrunt]

Thank you so much for posting this!!!!!! I’ve been trying to tell people the Modified is not the same!Im going to post on a video today and probably put your channel in the description to subscribe your channel.I just subscribed your channel myself brother 🔪👍

[@lanedexter6303]

Thanks, Tobias! I have been thinking of picking up an Ontario 499. Didn’t know about the 499 Mod. I appreciate the video. BTW Amazon currently has the 499 for $36.99.

[@bdh3949]

Great review and comparison Tobias thanks.

[@caniaccharlie]

I bought the Mod on a whim a few years ago. I then began to notice the differences when I looked it up on KZbin. I think mine came with a little better fit and finish than yours. It was absolutely dull as can be though. I like hand sharpening, but haven't really gotten around to sharpening it up like I think it should be since it would take a lot of work by hand. Mine is also stamped 3-11, is that an actual date code?

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Yep. definitely dull. 3 -11 is date code, supposedly March, 2011

[@julianparks8485]

Thanks. My father and I have been using 499 for decades.

[@eliasabreu2311]

eu gosto é das duas . isto é se eu pudesse né!

[@leastamongyou1111]

Weird my sheath has 499, rivet and stichtes. But the 499 mod tan color. My knife handle also is 499mod color with horrible attention to detail on handle, but my blade is in between the two blades you've shown, mine has a swedge but no fuller 03/11 is the date on the knife. I'm guessing the one I have is a model made in between these two you've shown, maybe???

[@The_RC_Guru]

I have a 499 mod, and today the only place I can find one online is a single listing on eBay for $100. I don’t want another, just was curious how much the price had gone up since Ontario switched hands.

[@richardsteele6776]

I’m happy to know that I have the better 499 knife. If I would have seen “China” on the sheath I would have put it down and continued my search. I bought mine in 1994. It came in a white cardboard box and wrapped in lite brown wax paper. The only thing I have done with the sheath and handle is put neatsfoot oil on it. I didn’t dye or sand it at all.

[@anthonymorelli1636]

If they made that knife a complete full tang knife I may consider dropping the dollars.thanks for your time.👍👍👍

[@Bushcraftandknives]

Love the way these knives look! I would definitely pay a little extra for the finger groove and swedge! Thanks for the very informative video, Tobias! 👍

[@HDSME]

They real nice but the Chinese sheath is total junk

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I can't say it is total junk because it does what it is supposed to do. That said, I can question if it will last as long as the other sheath.

[@Kurogane_666]

Sorry for the late comment on the video but I just received a gift of a OKC 499 knife I believe it’s the one with the China sheath, I have to ask do you feel that it is a good knife to carry around I’ve been seeing one star reviews everywhere

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

My version was purchased about 25 years ago and the clip point always seemed to me, to be very fragile with the sharpened swedge. That original point is "promising" to snap off, so I just might be leaning towards the MOD version for point durability.

[@douglasgordon1822]

Blue Eyes White Dragon years ago, I broke the tip off so I could use the knife as a screw driver

[@tomhickman1006]

I have both, the mod is flat on top, the mod version better for batoning. My original 499 has a razor sharp clip point..

[@robertvanbuhler9509]

Mine is Camillus 8-1974 You guys have knock offs. USAF SSgt

[@6strung21]

I've owned at least half dozen of these 499 mods from Walmart. They are better in my opinion. These knives baton wood with minimum effort.. They're stronger then any other knife you'd get at Walmart.. It's legit and not not being sold there

[@mr.2d749]

Thanks, always wanted one, these knives were in our USAF aircrew survival vest.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Nice comparative review. I have a 499 stamped 5-01 on the pommel and I think I got it from Ontario back around that time. The leather stacks were so skinny on the handle that I thought maybe they just used the smaller end stacks and said screw it. So, being a hockey player, I had this stuff called Protect Toe which was used on the toe of hockey skates when they still used nylon. Anyway, the Protect Toe is like tar and hardens like a plastic to protect the skate. So I put that on the leather stacks which blackened the handle made it hard. Then I wrapped the handle very tight with black 560 paracord because the stacks were so skinny. It's almost a perfect width now, about the width of the pommel all the way up to the cross guard. I figured that would also strengthen the handle. I do have a question regarding the stacked leather. Would you use a mix of beeswax and neatsfoot oil, coat it, heat and repeat? I treat a lot of my leather sheaths or leather that way. Hopefully that's good for treating and waterproofing leather.

[@ronmartin3755]

The scalloped out grooves you are calling finger grooves are actually called blood groves.

[@terrillschneider3778]

Hey Tobias I just sent this to a buddy in Ohio who sent me an article on Curtis LeMay I think this is the one where you talk about LeMay

[@jfarill834]

If you were doing something to draw the attention of law enforcement they they look at the edges on your knife, you have bigger things to worry about.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

Unfortunately, Ontario "quality control" went to hell and they sell knives in which the guards are so loose that they actually rattle when shaken. The stacked leather handles will eventually delaminate.I have real doubts the newer knives are made in the US. All negativity aside, Thanks for your review, Mr. Gibson and all the best.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I have several post 2007 Ontario Knives and they are holding up quite well. Also, I have loose guards on old Camillus knives as well. I am aware that others had complaints about Ontario as well, especially back in 2008-2010 time frame.

[@The_RC_Guru]

If you soak the handle in oil it expands and tightens that problem up.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

@@The_RC_Guru You are correct to some degree . 2 knives brought to me had to have the guard peened with a hammer . The situation is - The old Ontarios' had the pommel put in place while the stacked leather washers were under extreme pressure . Ontarios foreign manufacturers do not use this procedure. China has crap quality control.

[@The_RC_Guru]

@@QuantumPyrite_88.9 I must’ve gotten luck with the mod version I got around ’16 at a cabelas. Tight leather stack and the “bolt” bottom tang is perfect as well as a perfect stamping of the name and date. No lip on the bolt like the creator here described. Came dull and it took me hours on my stones to get the bevel I wanted. I’m happy with it that’s what matters.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

@@The_RC_Guru You purchased an American made knife. I still have a pilots knife purchased in 1971 while in the Army and another purchased in the late 70s'. Very good steel which takes a bit of work to make the knife great.

[@DanKelley08]

I have an Ontario 5" blade, gray paint on the pommel, and a single hole in the guard, any ID?

[@engenheirosdocaostheband4954]

:;thanks ur very match™

[@silverwiskers7371]

the reason the snap moves is for right or left hand carry, this is actually better for this reason

[@slick_slicers]

Very interesting! I’ve just watched this comparing the one you sent me. Mine is clearly the 499 original, but a couple of interesting little points. First, though yes I have the fuller, but the clip point isn’t sharpened at all, and the saw stops further from the clip point, but less far back than the MOD. The other thing is that the fit of the leather to the pommel isn’t quite perfect, leaving a small step. The pommel is, however, very nicely chamfered and the date (3-11) is very clear and straight. I’ve polished the handle and sheath with Kiwi brown shoe polish and oiled the lot with several coats of boiled linseed oil. Both came out really nicely, without any sanding. The grain laid down very well. I’ve burnished it with a bit of policed wood on the handle and the edges of the sheath too. What I haven’t done yet is to rub down the blade a little. It’s only that I didn’t have any fine wet and dry to hand. I think it will serve to highlight the contours, especially of the fuller, well. I may sharpen the clip, but I haven’t decided yet. Finally, it came with a black lace. Would leather be more authentic? Thank you again for sending it. You should have held it back till you’d shot this though.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

No doubt year of manufactured has a bit to do with minor changes. And, yes these knives have some crudeness to them.

[@stevecochran2677]

I have exactly the same as you described.

[@simonmaguire5250]

I never even knew this and I know mine is a Mod, which must be why I got a good deal.

[@russniceshootingbarnhart6993]

Alot of the guys discarded the sharing stone and replaced it with a Big lighter

[@peddypeoples941]

This knife looks cool but is ground uneven, dull and costs 84 Euros new on amazon germany lol. I got it gifted from my brother who worked at a military base and its quite shitty. A 15 Euros Mora Companion is a lot more knife for the money. My 499 has a thumbgroove and a sharpened swedge, but has the bright leather, weird.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Let me know if you can cut your way out of jet canopy or the side of helicopter with your Mora Companion. Have you managed to pound a nail through a 2X4 with your Mora Companion? As for sharpness. its 1095 carbon steel at a 50-52 HRC. If you know how to sharpen a knife it can be sharpened fairly easily.

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

I have the Onterio dated 3/11 but has a swedge and a fuller on the blade

[@heikoplotner2636]

Wir bekommen in Deutschland nur das helle Messer. Die Qualität vom Ledergriff, nach Fotos , ist teils grausam.

[@joshualabonte9838]

I have the 499 mod and the rivit on the button lach is sewed on to great video tho very informative

[@billballbuster7186]

Thanks for an interesting talk. I had an old Camillus Pilot Survival back in the 1970s and recently bought the Ontario 499 Mod on a Wal-Mart sale. I do like the historical factor but for me it is not a good knife for practical use. The edge geometry is poor and it takes a lot of grinding to get a sharp edge. The steel is 1095 treated to about 54 Rockwell, nice and tough but poor edge retention.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Yep. The rockwell was intentionally kept low to reduce the chance of breaking the blade and to make it easier to sharpen on a simple river rock. Everything about the knife was really make it "idiot proof" and capable of keeping a down pilot alive for about 4 or 5 days until help arrives. Even the ASEK, latest version of this knife is made in 1095 with a low rockwell. If you're looking for a more optimal knife for the camp fire, an ESSE 4 or ESSE 5 is probably the way to go.

[@Davebaker364]

It’s the extra grinding into the blade and the stitches in the holder snap strap and the the workmanship that went into the product in the first place is the cost difference if you’d ask me!

[@LuckyMrSam]

Great review and comparison, thank you very much! It helped me to decide on which one I'm gonna buy - 499 Mod, which I'm gonna modify even further for outdoors use.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Glad I could help. I also think for many people, the 499MOD is the ideal choice.

[@LarsRibe]

The sheath I would simply treat and upgrade my self.. but the blade. What a diff. Worth the 20$! Both are way to expensive here in Europe, so..

[@rhino5419]

Unfortunatly all knives are more in Europe even Chinese made ones. I am jealous of US prices.

[@jelkel25]

Yes, you can get say an SAK Camper for less than an RR or Marbles Scout type knife and most with only a few knives will go for the SAK. I've no idea what you'd get as a European equivalent to cut down the cost for these USAF Survival knives.

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

The tip is fragile on the original...when you look at used examples from the 70's...the tip is often broken & re-ground. The MOD version looks tougher?

[@tomsoki5738]

I got a 499 for £60 online in the uk pretty good considering I found most at £80-100

[@5colNet]

This video was very helpful. My guess is that Ontario makes the 499 MOD knives for two reasons: 1) By eliminating some manufacturing steps (no fuller, no swedge grind on false edge), and outsourcing the sheaths to China, OKC creates a cheaper version of the knife that can be sold to wholesale distributors, who can then pass it on to small retailers at a price similar to OKC's for the regular 499 knife. I notice that the MOD version is not available direct from OKC, suggesting they do this as a special for some of their bigger customers. 2) No swedge grind might be helpful for sales in places like California, although I have no idea what CA knife laws are like at this point. BUT, the upshot is that the 499MOD version does not conform to the MIL-K-8662 specification, and is somewhat less useful as an egress tool.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

California is about as nutty as Chicago and New York, I think with its knife laws. But I think you've made some very good points, especially with a sharpened swedge. I'm not sure how different places feel with the saw back spine but the sharpened swedge is almost always considered a double edged knife and therefore verboten. You are also right about where this knife tends to be sold most often. These are found in Walmart and Bass Pro Shop where as the 499 normally isn't. I've heard of people getting them from Walmart for as little as $15! Still. its a solid USA made knife and it not a bad knife for the backpacker. Yes, there are definitely better ones but this one will get the job done for most folks!

[@charlesbrown5991]

Thanks for this video. I just found this by accident and glad i did. I had no ideal there was difference. I prefer the regular 499. I do not see the 499 mod on OKC website but do see it for sale on various other sites.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

These were all the rage in the bog box outdoor stores like Bass and Cabela's. Walmart was also selling them like hotcakes. Glad you found the video useful.

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

It's almost like the 499 Mod is a last ditch edition

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

The 499 MOD is simply a dumbed down version for big box stores.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Yep! Pretty much sums it up!

[@MarkPdot]

Got my 499 from the Air Force back in 2000. It is dated 5-94, it has been a great knife over the years. It started out duller than a butter knife and the leather needed seasoning. I've only ever sharpened it with the included stone and is enough for me. Should be around doing the job for many more years to come.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Sounds about right. They are not that sharp on receiving but you can definitely put a good edge on it!

[@rickeybullington68]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias I soak mine in 30 weight motor oil . Do you think that will be ok and make it look better .be safe and have a blessed day great video .

[@stevecochran2677]

My sheath is sewn and riveted, my knife has the groove but is not sharpened at the top swedge and my date on handle is the same as your mod. 3-11 so im guessing I have a crossbreed between a 499 and a 499 mod.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Sounds like they just used whatever blade blank was handy! Pretty cool!

[@TheShawna1]

I purchased a camillus a few years ago sheath is riveted an sewed. Has groove ,long saw blade and sharpened chisel tip but no born on date.if i remember right it was toughted as left over parts assembled after going into bankrupts .very well made wouldn’t get rid of it!jim

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

The sheath on these knives is really rugged. So many rivets for a five inch sheath! And then the metal plate to boot! Knives are also rock solid in my opinion.

[@MrJoshDoty]

Interesting comparison. I have 2 older Camillus Pilot Survival and a 499 MOD. The Ontario 499 MOD has much lower fit and finish standard. It’s basically unusable. I tried to sharpen it on a Wicked Edge. I gave up after a while. The primary bevel is wonky and very thick making it difficult to sharpen the secondary edge. The handle also way off with oddly placed grooves. It’s as if they had a bunch of undeliverable issue blades and used them as trainers for new employees to grind, sand and finish. The sheath is much lower quality. The snaps are plastic not metal. The metal on the back and tip is noticeable thinner and the stitching is coming undone. I do like the no fuller and non sharp clip. I probably got a lemon. 🤷‍♂️.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

WOW! Yours sounds awful! Mine is definitely lower in quality than my Ontario and Camillus 499 but not as bad as yours sound. As for the sheath, it's nowhere near as good. I've seen where some folks have paid as little as $18 for the 499Mod at Walmart. That says something about it.

[@michaeldutchnilsson6170]

Isn't one of the reasons that the Blade comes with a Parkerized Finish, is so they're not only protected, but Non-Reflective so that the enemy doesn't see a flashing reflective glint...

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Parkerized finish is definitely there to Protect it from rust. It will wear off, however.

[@anthonyrichards7261]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias I have read that the Parkerization holds a coating of grease/lube to remain on the surface of the metal to help prevent corrosion, and the lube helps keep the Parkerization from wearing off, but it does wear down somewhat but it is there in a micro state.

[@tomsherwood4650]

I payed 18 at the BX for an Ontario in 1987.

[@danieloshea3326]

Mine is the non mod one but it doesn’t have the sharpened swedge

[@chrissmith7669]

The one I was issued 35 years ago or so seems to be identical to the cheaper one you have. I didn’t sand my grip, I oiled it and it fit my hand perfectly.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

The older Camillus ones definitely had a better finished leather grip than the Ontario one I purchased. The Ontario deemed half finished.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this informative review.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

No problem 👍

[@HollywoodTacticool]

i'm almost ALWAYS budget minded and will take the reduced price version. in this case i think the difference is significant. firstly having a swedge and fuller are better blade geometry. to have the swedge SHARPENED that's too good, gotta get it now! lol

[@boomshanka8743]

Thanks Tobias, excellent review. I am in the market for a 499 now, so this tells me exactly what I need to know.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Glad I could help!

[@xusmico187]

what is your life worth rough for a reason.

[@Sarge2112]

$15 can buy a Mora knife

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

And you can get the Walmart Bait knife for $4. If you don't want the Sheath the Off Shore Bait Knife for $2.29. These knives are on par with Mora Basic which is an on over glorified Bait Knife. I'm not sure what you're getting at. Ontario also made knives for as little as what you pay for a Mora. The Mora Garberg is more online with the Ontario 499. The Mora Garberg goes from $60-$100. Or if you really want a quality Morakniv. you can grab Finn BlackBlade. It's only $200.

[@Sarge2112]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias I was just using the Mora as an example you could get a decent rough ryder for $15 etc...

[@RayFloro]

Excellent review. Most informative. Thank you

[@Reichsadler-Germania]

Wow! That was outstanding! All my questions were answered. Greetings from Germany!

[@stant807]

The 499 MOD's blade is from the current Ontario ASEK....sans rubber handle.

[@orionexplorer]

I still have the 499 that I bought in Germany while on my way to Bosnia in the late fall of 1995. I carried it every day even though Battalion HQ had said we were not to carry any large knives on us. I had sharpened it to a razor sharpness. I used it mainly for opening MRE's, but I had it with me as a last resort weapon. I had an M16A2 and a M9 Baretta as weapons, but I liked having a knife with me as a backup.

[@rustyminer]

Fantastic information Tobias!! Now I want both of them!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ernestwalden3894]

Hello from Kentucky land between the lakes and Happy Halloween 🎃 I had one of these knives back in the 80s. It was my very 1st fixed blade knives. When I wached the movie first blood I started practicing wilderness survival skills. Long story short I'm 52 and still into survival lol. Anyway I baught another one just to add to my knife collection. There cool knives but definitely wouldn't be my 1st choice for a shtf survival situation. They bend and don't keep an edge but very cool looking. Anyway thanks for sharing and God bless. 🇺🇸

[@michaeledlin9995]

Just find one in a pawnshop

[@perry2768]

Equal leather and structure of made in usa on model FOX combat Maniago. China blaaaaahhhh.

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

The main reason I really want to own this knife I simply because this is the real-life Rambo Knife, sorry but its true, yes I know the Randal model 18 is also a valid candidate, but this one is the real deal, granted I will attempt to get myself a far better custom made bull leather sheath, with Arkansas sharpening wet stone, now all I need is M16/AR15 CAR15 XM Commando and I am good to go! :D Still, this would be something I'd keep on my person when driving, I've seen too many times people doing stupid things behind the wheel, would try and have small first aid kitt with it too,

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

I just ordered the 499 from Amazon for 48 dollars. I like the fuller/thumb groove. A true fuller doesn't weaken the blade, it depends upon whether it was pressed in, or milled out. My comment from 2 years ago under my Locksport channel William Mancel, still stands. I am finally getting a replacement for that water destroyed knife.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Cool! I'm sure you'll enjoy it! This knife is truly an American icon!

[@gordontyree9858]

HANDS DOWN...499! I WILL GLADLY PAY THE EXTRA CASH FOR ALL USA MADE KNIFE/SHEATH!!🇺🇸

[@stoneblue1795]

Oddly, Ontario's Rat series which is way more complex and clearly better made, fit + finish and function. And they are not made in the USA. Seems we did this to ourselves. A large RAT perhaps a better choice that doesn't offend people.

[@kevinclark6965]

I just bought a 499. It's my new favorite! Very functional, good weight and beautiful in it's simplicity. Sharpens to a razor with the high carbon. Great video and nice shirt! I live a few miles from the stray dog.

[@trynsurviven2440]

I have the 499 and it lives in my go bag. I have considered buying a 499 MOD which I believe used to be factory 2nd but maybe folks weren’t buying them so the name changed. Either way they are a great little knife.

[@HDSME]

Over the yrs I have had and sold many of the 499 you ll never get 2 that are the same And there roughly made but very cool ! Its not a every day knife but I love them I have never seen the 499 / mod so thanks very much great vedio! Also ebay is flooded with fakes Some better then the real ones! But as far the sheath I compared a brand new pilot to to the esek Sheath their identical same exact color amazeing ! The esek knife did have the white stitching ! The pilot has a revit. Here's the big difference the new rivets are very strong they lye in between The leathers much better the the older sheaths were they just peen over and dig in to the leather To bite!!! Also the single stud I actually preferred because you can swing the leather strap out off the way! I think the new sheaths are an improvement not a cost cutting thing these knifes are never finished nicely! you will see a ton of little screwy things from crystals to no welds to off center Stone pouches that annoys the hell out of me! To machine and tooling marks! I owned hundreds of knives and I never go in the woods with out one of these in my kit Thank you. TONY

[@aaronanstett8987]

Both these knives are not meant to look beautiful or perfect there ment to get you out of a shit hits the fan situation and be reliable

[@mrweeby1961]

Just doing some looking around at different fixed blades I either have or am thinking about getting. This 499 Mod is the model I have. Funny that I bought it less than two years ago from wally world and it has the 3-11 date also.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Ontario May have had a lot of 3-11 pommels laying around and used them for quite a few years or Walmart might have a lot of old inventory.

[@danieloshea3326]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias I talked to someone from okc and the dates are the revision dates. 3-11 is the newest so even the ones manufactured right now have the 3-11 date

[@justicews]

Thanks!

[@0351nick-ch8ee]

Well done.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jak-it]

Has anyone ever successfully sharpened a knife on one of those tiny stones that come with cheap survival knifes lol I feel like I tried alot and never actually got it to do anything but dull

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

You know that is a good question. I have never tried! Too afraid I slice open a finger using that little stone!

[@davidseitz9788]

I am in no way an expert in sharpening. But I would think they put a sharpening stone that's not the best because if you were in the field and you need a sharpening you would at least have something other than nothing.

[@BabakPA]

Very nice video, I think they changed the heat treat on the 499 Mod to 55-57 And the 499 was only at 50-55 by I may be wrong. Very cool knife and I enjoy the fire made with this knife a lot more than knives costing 10 tomes more :) Thank you for the video

[@perry2768]

Made in usa it's beautyfull geometry and quality

[@brucecamparmament3728]

very interesting, thanks for sharing

[@dahu6557]

Hello nice vid, how is the edge retention on these knives ?

[@vitocarbonara7770]

Is this knife actually deployed currently in the military?

[@johndoe43]

Vito carbonara. They issue a different knife now with a green handle. Surplus store in my area wants 100 dollars for them. I'm sure the Gov has the 499s in storage somewhere. They hang on to some stuff for years after they change something.

[@RacerX-124]

My 499 Mod looks a lot more expensive than it was after I gave the sheath and handle a whole lot of leather lotion.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Absolutely. It's a solid knife. Give it some love and it'll love you right back!

[@RacerX-124]

I've been using it hard for bushcraft stuff and it's really not a bad knife at all. It gets way too much hate. I'm glad they revised it, much more useful this way.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

@@RacerX-124, my personal thought was it really came down to the users and personal preference. I like the sharpened swedge but I also knife for most chores this is not necessary and in many case weakens the tip.

[@RacerX-124]

Yep. The sharpened swedge is cool, but on a survival knife I think that flat backside is preferable. With either you're getting a great little knife for the money.