Restoring a Vintage Jet Pilot's Survival Knife and Making a Leather Sheath

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

Fantastic!! Love the detailing in the construction of the sheath. I love this knife. I had one for 30 years.. lost it.. replaced it with a new one last year. It was the one knife i could always count on for "hard use" scenarios. Thanks for restoring this wonderful underappreciated knife.👍👍❤❤

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you for watching!

[@paulwilliams6753]

I was trying to determine what you specialize in, metal working, or lapidary. I guess I’ll just have to choose both. Just outstanding………However, I own a knife with a similar sheath, and with the retaining strap so close to the top of the blade opening, I’m very concerned about cutting the retaining strap in the event I have to pull the knife quickly in order to slay a bear or dragon.

@@paulwilliams6753 I think it would be better to pull your .45 first, maybe you just want a fair fight.

[@paulwilliams6753]

Wouldn’t carry a .45 if I was in bear territory, you would only annoy him.

[@DavidCadena-h1l]

Really cool. Well done Sir 👏

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@6Sally5]

If old knives have a soul, this one is likely feeling, “I feel useful again!” Well done.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you kindly!

[@mrrustygray]

That is awesome. Mine was made in 1983. Picked it up at Ft Brag in 1985. Still have it. Carried it for years. had to have it recoated. leather handle is still in great condition.

[@pittbullcustomleather6509]

Very nice work. I’m currently working on a Camilus Kabar. After sanding & buffing the steel, I used Super Blue to give it a bit more tactical look. I’ll stack the leather washers on the handle tomorrow morning. Love your work.

[@cranium0384]

If you havent already, for the tactical look try ferric chloride etch. I do a stonewash after a few soaks. It's one of if not my favorite finish for a knife

[@mariehughey5390]

I appreciate your craftsmanship and videography. Well done on both.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you very much! It's a lot of work filming a project: slows everything down.

[@jackgoodner6789]

Another great video! I appreciate the descriptive information at the bottom.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@magilla9792]

Another masterpiece, using that cord to sand the grooves was genius. Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! I wish that cord came in larger sizes. Could skip the file part altogether. But alas....

[@mercoid]

Beautiful work on the sheath. Looks more refined and better made than original spec. I’ve owned my Camilus since about 1980. It’s my glovebox knife.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

thanks for watching!

[@walterwaller9784]

What a cool time piece. History in the palm of your hand! Sorry not sorry I am a history guy and these really intrigue me. That pitting is amazing and the end results… wow! Great stuff and thanks for sharing

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for subscribing!

[@TheGreatest1974]

Brilliant job. Especially the handle work and the sheath work is great. Well done. 👍🇬🇧

[@The_Wood]

Sir, Is such a pleasure to watch you work. Your skills are really a cut above and the finished product is simply amazing.

[@JohnTBlock]

She's seen better daze.... glad you're bringing it back to life!!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!

[@gordonhood6265]

Another awesome undertaking!! Your skill set is enviable to say the least, Thank you for sharing.

[@N98858]

AMAZING Restoration and Sheath Re-Creation Jason...

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!

[@6Sally5]

The company, KBar, sells handle restoration kits that include pre-cut leather ovals, guard, pommel and pommel pin for $7.00. I’ve bought several.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

really? I may have to find an old, beat-up KA-BAR to make a video on.

[@johnhull2941]

again a class project great job on the design looks fabulous class class class

[@ROE1300]

👍 Really nice job. Thank you for sharing.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@BOBBYB3133]

i am blown away at your craft and skills in such detail. Absolutely beautiful. My brother-n-law has passed away several days ago and has left me his Ontario 1-86 pilot knife. It is in need of overhaul and has no sheath. He served in the Air Force 22 years. Researching this knife is what brought me to your video but was not expecting to see such a detailed and beautiful restoration on a similar pilot knife. I have to ask, are you for hire to possibly restore the one I have? I dont have the mechanical resources and certainly not the skill you possess to do this myself.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

shoot me an email.

[@BOBBYB3133]

@@RoadAgentLeather Thanks for the reply. Will do with pics of the knife.

[@ca8920]

My father was a Navy Pilot and had one. I restored his a couple of yearsvago.

[@marty01957]

Good Job! Thanks for sharing!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@littlemanphil7905]

Great looking project as usual! I can't help but think that maybe I need to look into a lazer and 3d printer every time I watch one of your videos. 😂

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Go for it! Much cheaper and versatile than a clicker press (although I'd take one of those too :).

[@russellcraven251]

Another resurrection ,great job 👍

[@jackfromthe60s]

When I did my Air Force flight training we were issued with a flouro pink flick-knife. Which was pretty cool, because it's illegal for civilians to own a flick knife in my country. The idea was if you ejected from your jet and got hung up in a tree with a busted arm, you could take out the flick knife with your good arm and cut the para cords.

[@rcompton]

Nice job!! I still have mine that carried while the US Army, Cp Casey, Korea. It is marked "Ontario 1-86" and is still in great shape for an old well used knife. I carried it on my LBE until mid 1989. After that I had Kabar, which I still have as well.

[@roncochran7650]

I’ve never been a fan of this knife, but if you look at it from a different perspective, it’s a Marble’s influenced camp knife. Very, very nice attention to detail. Overall, you did a fantastic job.

[@ClintHollingsworth]

Such amazing artistry!

[@acbigal]

Ive got a knife sharpener like that worksharp but it is worthless. Im just gonna have to spend the extra buck and get that worksharp one. Amazing craftsmanship!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

There's an Amazon affiliate link in the video description to the sharpener I use. Thanks for subscribing!

[@antchung2370]

Beautiful leather work my man ❤👍

[@savageater57]

Had one of those 40 years ago, never could get it sharp enough to suit me and not enough blade for me . I went with a Randall 14 , price wasn't so terrible 40 years ago still cost a paycheck but worth it.

[@craigcook1571]

You do exceptionally good work. I really like that lazer cutter

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you very much!

[@darrengriffiths2372]

Simply out standing job of eney boddy would be proud of to hang up and hus with the respect of the knife amazing job i lv it sir👌👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you for watching my channel and leaving a comment!

[@stefanwesterberg5319]

Awesome restoration! 😎👍

[@bransonwillis1672]

Now that is bonified incredible!

[@wm_survival]

Beautiful job!! Ive enjoyed your video very much. 👏👏👏

[@MASI_forging]

Great technique 👍👍

[@richardstone5241]

This is one of the worst knives ever made by Camillus for military use but every pilot and many others carried them. The design of the knife wasn't bad but the assembly was atrocious as the handle would always come loose. Many of us would rework them and have the pommel welded to prevent loosening. The size of the knife IMO is perfect and the original sheath allowed it to be worn in several configurations. The date and verification of the area of use is what makes these knives valuable (mine for example is 1970 and verifiable of where it was used in war). Great job on this!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! I can't imagine the pommel coming loose on this knife! As you see in the video, it took quite a bit of work to get it to budge!

[@richardstone5241]

@@RoadAgentLeather Yep, I understand your point. The pommel wouldn't come off, it would just get annoyingly loose. Great work and recent new subscriber.

[@Screaminhelo]

@richardstone5241 Had to laugh when I read this. I have always had an Ontario made knife, and I love them! The ASEK that the Army issues now is not quite as versatile, in my opinion. I currently have an ASEK on one side because I have to (it comes with a strap cutter) and an Ontario 499 on the other because it has never let me down. I will add that I have rubbed oil into the handle a few times over the years. Maybe that is why I have never had a problem with it getting loose.

[@mrrustygray]

My 1983 build has survived intact and took heavy use from 85 through now. Field carry in the Army. Then as a camping knife. Never got loose.

[@richardstone5241]

@@mrrustygray I'm glad to hear that. I was just saying what we went through. I still have mine also but is was modified.

[@capatainnemo]

If you form the sanding strap into a loop you can run it over a drill chuck and sand it that way, you can adjust the tension as needed by simply moving the drill nearer or further from the piece

[@Screaminhelo]

These are great knives! Not the best at anything, but very good as a jack all trades tool. I was disappointed when the Army started issuing an "improved" knife. The build quality on the Ontario knife never let me down.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

When did they stop making these? For some reason I thought this was still standard issue. Thanks for subscribing!

[@Screaminhelo]

@RoadAgentLeather Ontario Knife Company still makes them (Air Force Survival Knife model 499) They also make the ASEK (Arcrew Survival Egress Knife) that the Army currently issues, I don't know if the USAF switched or not. I do like the strap cutter that comes with the ASEK, but the model 499 knife is a much better tool, in my opinion. The leather handle offers better grip overall, and it is not hard to put an edge on the straight blade, so you don't need to worry with the annoying serrated edge. I love to watch you work. Watching you has pushed me to try new things to improve and expand my own skills. I still haven't dove in on the magnetic retention holster, though.

[@timanderson5543]

That knife allowed 😊me to make a hidey space in the maine woods in SERE school avoiding capture.

[@josegustavopena3844]

Cool Job! Congrats

[@HNZ.]

what a wonderfull job‼️👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Martin-b5t9p]

Masterful. We're I younger, I'd try to become your apprentice.

[@italoromano7336]

dude..... awesome work !!!!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks!!

[@jeffallen3382]

Kroil is the best lubricant made! I swear that stuff has Alien DNA in the ingredients!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

lol. I'm more of a WD-40 or 3-in-One man myself. I've had that can of Kroil for years. It's one of those things that I used only once in a blue moon. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffallen3382]

@@RoadAgentLeather I'm an automotive mechanic living in the rust belt of America. Kroil has saved me a lot of headaches over the years getting rusted bolts & nuts off. I use my wd-40 for simple projects that I know are not rusted bad. But I save my Kroil for the really rusted parts! It's not cheap but man does it work!

[@ricko6514]

Very nice work! Also at minute 9:28 i can tell you i do not miss that sound lol. finally done with them here in north texas.

[@BrentDelong1253]

Just because it's GI doesn't mean it's good. This knife is a perfect example.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Another commenter mentioned how the pilots who where issued this knife hated it. What was your experience?

[@howesfull8]

@@RoadAgentLeather I was issued this knife and hated it. My dad was issued this knife (Viet Nam) and it was just as bad. Thankful that neither of us needed to use it.

[@jessefrazier9263]

But its " Military Grade ". The only nice thing i can say about the one i had was it was kinda heavy. Wouldnt hold an edge to save my life and when i actually tried to use it the blade snapped off

[@Dynamytguy]

Right nice job there, son. That'll pass MIL specs. 😅😅😅😅 Always love your videos.

[@bobchronister3429]

I still have mine! Could you have used an edger for the grooves?

[@johnmachner6450]

Hey super dude what was that metal wrap looking thing that you were using to take down the leather handle

[@Finke.]

Hey mate ... just wondering if you have the standard sharpening kit shown @ 20:30 or the elite kit with multiple abrasives ... if you have the elite kit do you use all the abrasives or is it an over kill ... cheers mate ...

[@gipsysmith3383]

I have mine from my navy years with the original sheath and stone. I got it in 1965

[@Bottlemaker1]

Awesome job 👍 looks great. What grit are you grinding the leather at? Every time I do it I burn the heck out of it.

[@Zulutime44]

I prefer a handle of this type be ovoid in cross section, so you can index it by feel alone. Can't tell if yours is like that. Also, I like leather to be brown, not black. Otherwise an interesting knife, well done.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching! As far as shape, I was following the original handle, which was round. The color choice was mine though.

[@German.A777]

increíble trabajo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@geraldstamour1312]

Dope AF results, @RoadAgentLeather!

[@donparker1823]

I was issued one in 1986. Like an idiot I gave it back with the rest of my deployment stuff. But what I really wish I had kept was that watch with the radium dial.

[@saxman7131]

Great job.

[@jenkins1979]

i have a military knife to fix up.Would you cut the ovals for handle for a price$$ ?

[@Orlosthedruid]

knife makers supply shops carry leather washers for sale

[@RoadAgentLeather]

This. Thanks for watching!

[@jenkins1979]

like who,where? I don't have any near me that I know of​@@Orlosthedruid

[@jenkins1979]

in the video you use what appears to be a sanding or polishing Bow it's silver in color.Where did you get it from and what do you actually call the tool? thank you

[@rmoore321]

Bravo !

[@longrider42]

Very good restoration, and excellent job on the leather sheath. But the blade really should have been Browned or even blued before putting it all back together :) Too bad you where not able to put the metal piece on the tip of the sheath.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching! I've never been a fan of knife blades that have a coating on them. They always look bad as soon as their used and the finish gets scratched up. Additionally, I don't have the proper equipment for blueing a blade.

[@longrider42]

@@RoadAgentLeather True, but that knife did come Browned, if I remember right, since it was military.

[@dannyskidmore1240]

I had one that I carried in Vietnam my brother lost in a pawn shop

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Hope they got a good deal on it. Thanks for watching!

[@1htalp9]

I think it would have been cool if you blued the steel on the knife to complete the black transformation. I have one of these, but did not go as far in my resto. I wish I had seen this video before I cut the grooves. It would have saved me some trouble.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! Unfortunately, I'm not set up for proper bluing (besides some cold blue stuff). I do have rust blue solution ... though that's a whole process. Maybe on the next one? Make sure to subscribe! :)

[@1htalp9]

@@RoadAgentLeather Subscribed. I am just getting into leatherwork and really admire your skill.

[@paullambert4445]

Beautiful restoration. The rivets are a little too flashy for me. I prefer stitching on the sheaths I make. Thanks 🎸🔪

[@SuperFivesta]

Gut-gut🏴‍☠

[@pinjohnston3706]

¡Que maestro!

[@murat-mrkantr]

nice work.

[@davidbrooks4294]

Ready for another 40+ years.

[@darinh.5860]

Harbor Freight tools...my man!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Love HF.

[@jeffallen3382]

Any fighter pilot would love to carry that with them!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@jtc1947]

MEGA WOW! You appear to have SKILLS up to the BRIM! I don't know if You are SELF TAUGHT or had an incredible MENTOR ! Could You make a sheath for a small knife so that the knife would NOT fall out by accident? Only removed from the sheath if grasped?? Pls advise? Many Thanks!! BE WELL & SAFE!

[@FredStpierre]

Why did you stain the leather before grinding and sanding it

[@elizabethwatson71]

Joann’s fabric has some of their duck on sale

[@joselopezislas575]

Esa daga tiene daño crítico 🤯🔪✨

[@bradincaliphas]

Can you reuse the Evapo-Rust? (nevermind, next time I'll watch the whole video before posting a question :) )

[@RoadAgentLeather]

lol. No worries. I usually buy a new container once it starts getting pretty nasty-looking.

[@richrichy7558]

Nice

[@Psychobilly]

Hellofa Job brother!!

[@paulmarshall3099]

lucky if you find one ground cemetrical

[@Дмитрий-у8и2ч]

Нож авиатора со стеклобоем, который использовался по назначению.

[@jimgersky]

you've made a mockery of it,

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Curious how so?

[@sebf2226]

👍

[@Snakes-w1c]

Good heavens, that's a laser. Correct, a device capable of emitting a beam of pure anti-matter.

[@ClenioBuilder]

👏👏👏🤜🤛

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@陳勝偉-m7c]

✌️🥰❤️👍

[@RoadAgentLeather]

first comment! Thanks for subscribing!

[@ChrisPasch-so1fy]

This type of knife was referred to as a bolt knife

[@dannyskidmore1240]

They came in a box of sea rations

[@Martin-b5t9p]

Sea Rations? ... How about C-rations

[@АлексейБронников-э1е]

👍✋️🇧🇾

[@user-ww4od4jl1f]

*nice knife, but the angular butt like a screw nut looks very strange. Doesn't fit in any way. Get rid of it!*

[@chipchaffee2416]

Fake as Fuc?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

@chipchaffee2416 Curious how so?