Ontario SP51 Knife Review: Hall Of Champions

[@MasterK9Trainer]

So basically this is almost a purpose built chopper well designed for wood processing.... It's about time. Good job Ontario and great video as always Dude.

[@gideonstactical]

Thank so much!

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

The 51 is a great heavy woodsman's blade. It's a shame that it's been discontinued.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

I so regret not buying one when I had the chance.

[@gwailotus9154]

PISSES ME OFF

[@gerardogarcia6578]

Agree

[@paulie4x1]

Thank You so much, you proved my point that I've been posting about the Saber Grind, in fact, I have the SP-47, SP-51, and the SP-53, the only problem now is which knife to pair my BK-2 with, I wanted to stay in the Ka-Bar family, and paired the BK-2 with the Zomstro, but it's a Full Flat Grind, and it's a very deep knife, but it's ok, the Ka-Bar Swabbie isn't as thick, and makes a very nice looking set with my BK-17, BK-7, and it's a very good chopper, but because I'm a Saber Grind guy because what I like to do in the woods, my go to set is my Swamp Rat set, my Ratmandu, Rodent 7, and my Rodent 9, are all Saber Grind's, but also are choiled, I like choil's because it add's another demension to the knife, it's like two knives in one, with my Rodent Solution, I can go with any combination for the occasion, and the Swampies are made out of Deferentially Tempered 52100, it's similar to the 5160, but has more carbon, again, Thank You so much for your video, I am saving these video's in my favorite's, Thanx.

[@chrislewis9985]

I got an sp51 and removed the finger guard now it heaps more balanced choked up for choping thinner stuff through the bush Great knife!

[@martywilkinson6722]

Great review. I put this one on my want list!

[@gideonstactical]

Sweet!

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, I would like to Wish You a Happy Easter. What really be awesome would be a face off between the O.K.C. Gen2 SP-51 and the Becker BK-9.

[@paulie4x1]

Serious question, You having experience with.both the O.K.C. GEN2 SP-51 and the Ka-Bar Becker BK-9, which knife would you pick as your favorite, no question in my mind both belong in the Hall of Fame, but in your honest opinion which do you like better, and why ?

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

In my humble opinion the bk9 seems to be more well-rounded in handling some of the finer tasks. Because it is lighter it is also less fatiguing to use for longer periods of time, ie making Trails through heavy brush. The bk9 can also make a flint and steel fire whereas the SP51 cannot . The bk9 is also more readily customizable . The S P 51 seems to be more bomb- proof, and takes an easier Edge in the field due to its lower RC hardness. The SP 51 out chops and out splits the bk9 in seasoned hardwoods.

[@RogerF]

Thanks for the video. I was concerned that my SP51 was not sharp enough. I tried cutting paper and it failed miserably. I guess what you are saying makes sense. It does chop like a mad man.

[@gideonstactical]

Ya, I would like to see a better edge on the Spec Plus line, but these blades are designed for hard chopping, not slicing and dicing.

[@RogerF]

I was chopping with my SP51 and BK9 on a piece of white oak today. I think I have to respectfully disagree with you, My BK9 out-chopped the SP51. Plus the handle of my BK9 was much easier on my hand. No fatigue and no stingers. I really dislike the SP51 handle. Especially when chopping. Maybe you can do a comparison video soon. Thanks again!

[@overlandedc]

Great review as always. I love Ontario knives. They offer a great value compared to an ESEE and Becker. The sheaths are much better. I love my BK9 but I may have to check this one out.

[@gideonstactical]

I love my BK9 also, but this one will just baton and chop better.

[@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib]

Hey gideonstactical, could you do a video of your top 10 blades that you will never get rid of?

[@JGstunts22]

does it chop better than the esee junglas? you would think because if thr thickness it would but my junglas is very good .... should i get this also for harder work

[@paulie4x1]

Hi, I use my Work Sharp to sharpen my O.K.C. 5160 knives, I find the Work Sharp leaves A Very Sharp edge, In fact I call my Gen2 SP's the Saber Vex Grind's.

[@paulie4x1]

My three fav's in this size knife is my Swamp Rat Rodent 9, O.K.C. SP-51 or the BK-9, I would be happy with any of the three knives in a survival situation although my fav is the Rodent 9, my SP-53 is another class with my Busse Anneversary Straight Handle Battle Mistress LE and my new Busse Nuclear Meltdown Fussion Steel Heart and a sleeper the Fox Hitam Golok I have other's and I luv them all.

[@gwailotus9219]

+gideonstactical if u could only have one knife for survival and no other tools, which one of these: Ontario SP 51, SP53, Esee Junglas, Kershaw Camp 10, Tops Armegeddon, or Survive GSO 10? (please state which ones u have not used). Other than these what knife would u pick? can u explain why too please? thanks for vids!

[@aznelite325]

i like that you have your own thoughts on the blade geometry for outdoor knives, at least FFG vs saber grind. so it would appear that the actual quarter inch blade stock is actually perhaps negatively affecting its performance for smaller tasks? for an ultimate jack-of-all-trades large knife, what blade thickness would you prefer?

[@gideonstactical]

The BK9 3/16" thickness. Watch my review on it.

[@bigghoss762]

+aznelite325 I'll second the BK9 for a do-everything blade. It's surprisingly good at a lot of things and it's fairly light for it's size.

[@midwestoutdoorsman]

what about hand shock on this vs the bk9 or esee junglas or rtak 2 or gso 10 ?

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, I sharpened my O. K. C. Gen2 SP SP-51 on my Work Sharp. It came out great. Infact I also sharpened my SP-53 the same way. Their nice and sharp.,,.p

[@sangamonriverrats]

great review!! how do you think it compares to the sp8? i have been using the sp8 for years, i'm looking at the sp51 for a change of pace.

[@1997saltydog]

Too bad they discontinued it. I'm looking anywhere online to buy it.

[@shcmoly]

I have heard the saber / hollow grind is better at batoning than a flat grind but have not experienced the difference myself, yet. Always looking for a new knife... :-) I'd like to see a 6 inch version of this!

[@gideonstactical]

That would be sweet.

[@shcmoly]

Even better; a 6-7 inch version of the SP49 with micarta handles... :-)

[@gideonstactical]

Ya with out the upper kraton guard.

[@paulie4x1]

I luv this video on the O.K.C. GEN2 SP-51 your video is the best representation on this knife of all, one thing I have to remember about the SP-51 is exactly why I'm going to do with it, it's main purpose is to process wood, other then the "Sharp Hammer" the SP-53 this one is really shines too, another thing I have to remember is that most of the time I go into the bush with this kind of knife I always take a smaller blade to compliment this large knife, a slicer sort of speak something for finer work like my Bokor Black Vox Rold or even a shorter blade, I've even paired my SP-51 with my C.S. Black Rhino Folder, very few large knives are used as a one tool knife carry even my new Busse N.M.F.S.H. choil and all, their just too big, the only one I ever heard of is the Leuku and it's mainly because it's a very thin knife and Scandi Grind, I heard where soldiers cooked ham on their Leuku and the Indigenous Saame People used it from bush work to home use to build tools, shelters and kitchen work, it's seated deep in a sheath so they don't lose it easy that's how they respect this tool, I always wanted a Leuku because of that and yes with enough practice I can skin a squirrel with it, I imagine if I used it for everything like the Saame People do I would be as good, but I'm not and I'm so use to have two knives with me a large knife and a small knife, that I have no problem going out for my lately hot cup of coffee on the open fire and now I even bake a potato too, now that the weather warmed up I scout for some fatwood and the SP-51 especially with a backpack is a very easy tool to carry, infact a compact folding saw like my Wicked Tough Saw combo and a 2Hawks Double Bit Hatchet does the trick for me. Again Thank You for doing one of the best video's on the SP-51, It's spot on.

[@gideonstactical]

paulie 4x Thanks so much!

[@liljesse1990]

Plz do a review on the Ontario kukri that would be awesome and u can get it for under 60 bucks I'm not sure if I should get the okc or a authentic one from Nepal love ur videos I always look to ur reviews before I buy a blade thanks for the honesty and good quality videos

[@gideonstactical]

I do plan on doing a review this year. My buggy has one and we have used it a few times and I am impressed. I would go with the OKC especially at that price.

[@liljesse1990]

+gideonstactic aweome I'm super stoked for the vid thanks for the advice my friend

[@EarlyMist]

From your review I am very tempted to buy this and swap the sheath with the bk9 and keep the Bk9 and ontario sheath and onsell sell the sp51 with bk9 sheath...discounted. It seems the ontario sheath is definitely better for retention, quality and the pocket has a cool clip instead of velcro. Is the a fair assesment?

[@gideonstactical]

Just go to knifecenter.com. They sell the RTAK II sheath separately for around $20 I think.

[@SandraSantos-rp6yl]

Buy it if you get the opportunity, you will never need another knife, it’s a beast, 5160 spring steel is indestructible

[@cj_m2477]

Why did Ontario discontinue this knife?

[@louisbecke2348]

Damn shame its discontinued. My son lost mine. Cant even find one on ebay.

[@gwailotus9219]

do knives come with info that tells you the blade edge angle so u know what angle to sharpen it by yourself? do u guys recommend sending it back to the factory for sharpening? if u do survival training or camp a lot how often do u have to sharpen your knife like if if you widdled chopped batoned everyday for maybe 30 minutes to an hour?

[@Airik1111bibles]

Gwailotus No these Ontario's don't tell ya about the grinds, Arron is right though their knives come with a very aggressive angle for chopping. I myself plan on getting a WorkSharp, they run around $65 for the basic one now and its way easy to use. Once these knives are sharp they will stay sharp even after hard use, mainly all you will need to do is stropping the blade on leather which brings the edge back to razor sharp. There are tons of videos on KZbin to learn about sharpening and stropping blades . I started over a year ago and had zero experience with bush craft camping style knives, but now I'm able to sharpen by hand with stones somewhat good. A very low cost sharpening system that I bought has been awesome for me, its called the Lansky Turn Box system, its a little wooden box that has 4 sharpening rods inside. The box has a 25° and 20° angles and makes sharpening easy and its only about $15-$20 you can't go wrong with it. If you're just getting into bushcraft camp knives I highly recommend Mora knives, the Bushcraft Black is a good starter knife, also Gerber has their new Strongarm knife and for $50 its amazing. I started off thinking I needed big thick heavy knives but after learning and using them every day I quickly found out that a good 5 to 6 inch blade is perfect for me. Take a look at these blades .....ColdSteels SRK , K-Bar Becker Bk7, SteelWills Druid series, Schrades Schf 42, Ontario's Rat7 and the Mora Black or their new Garberg. All these knives run under $80 and the Mora's have very low cost but awesome knives for woodcraft. Anyways I hope this helps ya out, Arrons channel is one of the best he has a ton of videos and really breaks down everything from price to specs and if its a good blade for your purpose.

[@gwailotus9219]

+Airik1111 thanks for info. how do u know what angle to sharpen it if the manufacturer doesn't have that info in the box? also have looked at several manufacturer websites and the specs r less detailed than retailer sites. u need to know the angle or u will re-profile it making it less useful for the tasks it was designed for right? do knives only come sharpened in either a 20 degree or 25 degree angle?

[@Airik1111bibles]

Gwailotus No problem, Larger knives are usually in the 25° range the easiest way is if you have a rod sharpener like the Lansky turn box rod system which has 25°&20° the two basic knife grinds 99% of manufacturer's use. What you can do is wrap a piece of paper around the rod and if the knife cuts into the paper then that's the degree angle you want. If the rod degree is not right the knife will glide over the paper not touching the edge. I like the TurnBox system its simple and has worked excellent for me, keeps all my knives sharp for only $15 its an awesome tool.

[@billpeart]

No need to worry about such things. A heavy knife like this could be sharpened with an axe puck. If it ends up being 23 degrees or 25 degrees, you will never really functionally know the difference

[@adamant7146]

just curious, if u had to pick only one, ontario or kabar which would u go with?

[@gideonstactical]

adam ant Can you be more specific? Which model.

[@adamant7146]

well i guess i want ur opinion on the companies, never gave much thought to which knife, but if u want to give me ur opinion and y and i will certainly look into it. thank u, i want a good knife but don't want to waste my money, thank u again and have a good Thanksgiving

[@sic615]

gideonstactical sp51 or bk9...

[@bigghoss762]

+adam ant Both companies make good products and have solid customer service if something goes wrong with the blade. I have several knives from both. it's going to come down to what you're actually looking for in a knife and selecting a specific model that suits you best.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

I've had mine for years. The SP51 and SP49 are my go to camp and backpack blades. I just trust the 1/4" 5160 steel over a 3/16" 1095 blade deep in the mountains. The only negative I have is the handle tang. But again, maybe the 1/4" thickness makes up for the thin tang. I would still like to get a BK9, BK7, RAT7 (but I don't like full flat grinds) and Buck 124 because of the full width/length handle tangs and micarta scales. By the way, what the hell is Ontario doing discontinuing all these bad ass blades? Their current catalogue is very sad. Agreed Aaron, this is a Hall Of Champions blade.

[@AverageDudeAdventures]

I've been eyeballing the trailmaster by cold steel. The sp51 has my attention now. Which do you prefer between the two?

[@gideonstactical]

I have yet to use the Trailmaster. I think the SP51 would be tougher.

[@JourneytoAdventure]

Can I ask what your thoughts are between the Cold Steel Trailmaster or the SP51? Pros/cons?

[@gideonstactical]

JourneytoAdventure The sp51 is heavier and has a better steel, the Trailmaster is thicker and comes with a better sheath.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, I'm still having a little problem finding a knife to team up with my BK-2. But so far I have two that I can, One the SL-51 but it's not a Ka-Bar, and the Second one is my Ka-Bar Zomstro. Both are acceptable. The Coping Style of the Zimstro resembles the Japanese Hatchet and works similar. It has a straight edge that allows me to form with it similar to a Carpenters Hatchet. But alot of wood drag when I baton it. But Becker came out with two that look promising. The BK-20 and the BK-21. The BK-21 is a Kukuri Style and I understand it's a good one, atleast my friends think so, and the BK-20 is a Bowie, but a 1/4" thick, I wish it had a choir, But Becker doesn't, but it has the Becker Handle. Time will tell. I'm not that much in a rush, because I just got my Swamp Rat Ratweiler which Dwarfs the BK-2. I'm practicing using it as a One Tool Option and it's a great one. It's a 7 1/2" blade with a choir, a 1/4" thick and a Beast. I could use it for my fine work within reason and defenetly a great chopper. Even though I teamed it up with my Rodent Solution which is a near perfect match. I Still like to neck carry my Mora 510, As I mentioned I am using the Ratweiler for mist of my work and so far it's passing with flying colors. Again, Aaron, a great review, Thanx.

[@nathanbailey9944]

MINT review man! do you still rate this blade or are there better options out there? any suggestions?

[@gideonstactical]

Nathan Bailey The SP51 and SP53 are the two best choppers and batoners that I have reviewed to date. The down side is that their grinds are wide (good for batoning and chopping) so they will not do finer work very well.

[@nathanbailey9944]

gideonstactical Cheers for that! Think I'll go the SP51 and pair with one of my smaller blades.

[@JGstunts22]

gideonstactical would you even say better than the bk9 or the junglas for batoning

[@gwailotus9219]

+JGstunts22 in the video he said it blows the SP50 and BK9 out of the water

[@JGstunts22]

thats why i asked if it was better than the esee junglas?

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

Intrested in selling?

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

for sale?

[@CrimsonGuard1992]

Becker BK9 vs Ontario SP51. Which is better or are they equally good?

[@gideonstactical]

Demon Hunter It depends on what you are looking for this big knife to do. The SP51 will chop and baton better, but the BK9 can do the finer cutting tasks like notching and feather sticks. Both or good quality.

[@Monse883]

How's the coating on these line? Is it on par with esee?

[@gideonstactical]

No less quality.

[@baileynewman1530]

I have a bk9 would a sp53 be a good back-up

[@ricktunnissen3407]

Get a sp53 bk9 would be a good back-up

[@oldgoat8861]

I'd group the SP51 & SP53 togeather as chopper/large knife.....Chopping by design the SP 53 is better IMO. I own both and prefer the 53 over my 51 within my area. I live in upstate NE--USA, A hardwood, dense wooded area, with lots of ponds, rivers, lakes.

[@evenhand7743]

the best knife.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, Copy that. When I'm out on a cold afternoon delight and we know we need alot of wood just to stay warm, I like teaming my O. K. C. Gen2 SP-51 with my Becker BK-2. It should make sense to you Aaron, True that huh.,,.

[@ActionHero29]

Good review thx

[@gideonstactical]

ActionHero29 Thanks!

[@paulie4x1]

For me, it's a great knife, because, one, I multi carry knives, my medium size blade, generally is my slicer, also my neck knife, the chopper, is just that, it's my chopper. I have the BK-9 too, and I like it, the only knife that will give my SP-51 a run for its money, is my Swamp Rat Rodent 9, other than that, you would have to go into compitition choppers to compete with the SP-51.

[@JGreen.]

SP51 come on~~~ good video clip

[@gideonstactical]

Lancelot Green Thanks so much!

[@ezahamm]

SP51 or BK9?

[@gideonstactical]

Great question. The SP51 is better at batoning, but I think the BK9 is better at chopping. So which ever one you do more of go with that one.ezahamm aman

[@jeredsyn1964]

Aaron I was all excited to tell you about this great new knife I ordered. I should have known, you already know ;) Mike

[@gideonstactical]

Michael Quigley Haha, thanks!

[@realUlfricStormcloak]

Now discontinued!! 😨 Still got mine 😃

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

Still have mine too!!!

[@realUlfricStormcloak]

2:48 That baton is fucken awesim.

[@vladledesma3765]

They discontinued their best knife

[@boonsfrc]

Would u sell this knife to me please our real

[@RhysTucker2603]

I see no difference in functionality between the 50 and 51