USAF Pilot Survival Knife - Military Knife

USAF Pilot Survival Knife. I found these at a surplus store. Hope you guys like it. Please leave comments below.
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[@jadenephrite]

Regarding 4:03, on the USAF Pilot Survival Knife the two holes on the crossguard are for lashing on a binding cord to the end of a pole to improvise as a spear. However, you should not throw the spear as if it were a javelin, because of its imbalanced center of gravity. Instead you would use the spear like a lance for thrusting into a wild boar or into a big fish. Regarding 4:37, the grip on the hilt is not made from wood; instead the material consists of multiple layers of stacked leather washers that have been tightly compressed onto the tang of the blade. Then the pommel cap is pinned to the tail end of the tang by a rivet. Regarding 5:52, replacement sharpening stones are available from the Ontario Knife Company for the leather sheath of their USAF Pilot Survival Knife Model # 499.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

I know a lot of people hate on the Ontario 499 but it has grown on me for a couple of reasons. One is it's a very concealable blade in it's sheath. I can fit the "bolt" knife in my Carhartt coat easily. Another reason is it's a good car/truck blade in it's original pilot concept. You can use the butt for a glass breaker or skull crusher against let's say a carjacker. The saw has many uses and the blade can get razor sharp as I did with mine just using a Worksharp pocket sharpener. I've had mine since the early 2000's as it is dated 5-01 and recently I'm starting to like it more. I also strengthened the handle with 550 paracord by wrapping it tight. starting at the top leather stack just under the guard, I then wrapped up and over both sides of the guard and then down to the bolt. So in essence, I locked the guard in place and then gave more strength to the handle. I know there are better, more modern blade designs all over the place. But lately I'm starting to like the older stuff. I've been sheath carrying (original 1980 low profile sheath) a 3 dot Buck 110 1980-81 in 440C for a couple years now so now I'm looking at pairing it with 1980-81Ontario or Camillus pilot knife. Of course for backpacking and camping I will have a RD9 or SP51 on my pack for heavy use.

[@hogheadtb6489]

I've had mine since 1987 when it was issued to me at SERE school at Fairchild AFB, in Washington state. At the time we were limited to survival and bush craft knives. The handle is made of stacked leather like the KA-BAR. SSGT Dyer told me once, rest his soul. "A good sharp knife can clothe, feed and protect you!"

[@johnheller5786]

Ssgt Dyer was correct in his statement. To bad this knife doesn't deliver. Hate the knife. When I finished SERE training I trashed mine,went to the BX and bought myself a buck 119.

[@ronalddavidleindecker3358]

I carried mine(same make/model) on the strap of my plate- carrier when I was in Iraq. I was the team doc so it's purpose was to cut web gear off of casualties. Thank you for your service Marine. 10thSFGA. 18D/18B De Oppresso Liber.

[@barnaclebill1615]

Nice review. The us government replaced this model with the ASEK by Ontario. You should splurge and find a nice Camillus brand pilots survival knife. Its quality is far superior to Ontario. They’re available but hard to find. The pouch is actually designed for the CMU-33 Aircrew Survival Vest. It’s good to also note the true function of the serrations on the opposite side of the blade. They were designed to saw out of the fuselage of an aircraft. Serrations in knives have been abused since this introduction. Serrations are meant for a purpose but not needed in many. Great review!! Thanks for your service devil dog!

[@mistersmith3986]

I lived in California for almost four decades before I moved. The amount of Military Surplus stores in that state, is unbelievable! We don't have as many out here in South Carolina. Those handles are not made of wood, they are made of stacked leather.

[@jimmymitchell7901]

My dad used one of those when he was in the airforce 28 years ago he has recently passed it down to me.

[@fred1barb]

I still have the knife issued to me in 1969, made by Camilus in 1967. It does not have the metal plates on the sheath. The first version of with the metal were just being issued in '69. Later versions had longer guards on the back. The stone was from Norton. We wore these knives on our flotation gear along with s strobe light and flare pen when flying over water, marshes and swamps near Savannah Georgia. The metal plates were added to prevent the blade from piercing the sheath during a crash/hard landing. The knife went to Nam with me but I did not carry it when flying because there was no good fit with the chest armor, shoulder holster and emergency radio. I eventually decided to strap it to the M3 that I kept tied to the bulkhead behind the front seats. The "saw back' was not a wood saw, but a tool help cut through aluminum, it was just about useless as survival saw. The two holes in the guard were not, according to the SE &E instructors for making a spear. It was for attaching a loop to go around your wrist so that you would be less likely to lose the knife in use. It was not a popular knife with Army pilots, at least in Air Cav units. The survival vest (like a mesh fishing vest) had a SS pocket knife, and if it did not get lost or stolen that was the usual EDC. The Gerber fighting (later called a survival knife) was very popular but again it was awkward to carry in the pilot's seat. But the Mark I and 2 were primarily a fighting design, a dagger, and not a bush craft tool. But really it did not matter. If you went down either help arrived or the bad guys arrived. I know guys who actually used the .38 revolver when help and the bad guys arrived at the same time, but that was rare. The heroic survival stories were about aircrew who did not have any tools. I worked for a fellow who went down in a bomb crater filled with water. Everything lose went through the bubble, including his radio and pistol. He went into the water feeling for the gear and found the pistol but not the radio or the extra ammo or the knife. he got off a couple of shots when he tried to climb out and then grabbed the mud when his red team rolled in. I think most of us felt that our best survival tools were the guys who would cover us and pick us up.

[@paulapepengle4794]

The green pouch is a military issue and the knife fits in with the flight suit. And it is not a wood handle rather leather. I have one I found in a drawer at an apartment I rented when I was at Ft Benning. The numbers on the green pouch are the nomenclature used by the military supply system to reorder when the supply room goes gets short.

[@paypatrolfactor5336]

They are tough little fixed blades and with decent steel , I like the fact that you have your top clip sharp.

[@deador9064]

The black sheet metal is to protect the wearer from stabbing oneself, in case one falls on the knife. Hopefully, the sheet metal will keep the blade tip from entering your body.

[@blackdogsurvival9339]

good to know. thanks.

[@brittthomas7618]

I have been pondering about getting this knife for over a year now, and yesterday I finally got it. It's the first Ontario Knife Company blade, that I have ever bought; even though I paid $76.99 for it. It is one grown man of a knife, it's going to be my EDC blade for as long as it will last. To my knowledge, it will last longer than any other brands of knife companies other knife made for the same purposes, that all look practically identical, and as a great example, the KA-BAR USMC Mini. It's one of the/if not- the best (my favorite) knife that I have. **I HIGHLY SUGGEST THIS BLADE, TO ANY PEOPLE THAT NEED A RELIABLE BLADE**

[@Eurotrash4367]

4:37 - I can't believe that a person with 7 years of military experience can't tell the difference between leather and wood. Your squad leader must have been a very patient man. God bless him.

[@teabaggervance8]

Chill out

[@ernestwalden3894]

First of all I thank you for your services and may God bless you and your family. My father was in the Korea war and he had one of these in his collection and he taught me a lot of survival skills. He told me yrs ago that most knives that had what people say are woods saws on the back side of survival knives are actually not saws at all and are actually fish scalers. Anyway thanks for sharing and God bless 🇺🇸

[@SoldierAndrew]

The saw jipping on the airforce survival knives is for cutting through aircraft aluminum of downed aircraft planes.

[@craigcook1571]

Thank you for your service. The psk is one of my favourites too. Great knife. Got a couple of early 6 inch ones to

[@OnTheRiver66]

I love mine. It takes and keeps a razor edge. That heavy pommel can be used like a hammer, especially useful for breaking open hard shelled nuts. Having a sharpening stone in the sheath is critical in survival situations. It is as good as more expensive knives.

[@d.b.cooper4495]

The one in the "knife pocket" without the belt loops is called the "sew-in model". It's made to be sewn onto the pilot's survival vest because it's too awkward and useless attached to his belt when he's strapped into his seat.

[@karlnash7105]

These are a very good utility knife. I have had a couple . Found the second at Cabela's bargain cave. $10.00 it needed a new snap. My Boy Scouts anyways said that it was no good for fine work. I have it sharp, so I sliced a tomato so thin that you could see through it. If you guys see one for under $30.00 you won't be disappointed. Semper Fi, Jarhead :-) From an older Jarhead.

[@AB-kg6rk]

Excellent video. Thanks for serving our country.

[@troy7124]

THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE

[@matthoughton6922]

Nice video mate 👍🏼 would like to get one of these I'm in the UK and i was in Royal Marines training

[@garywilliams1935]

Nice presentation....well done.

[@brittthomas7618]

Also, to fasten the knife into the sheath easier and quicker, pull the straps upward around the pommel past the leather and fasten it then pull down to straight position

[@tomhickman1006]

I've wrapped some 550 para cord around my handle on mine. You can also make a wrist loop with extra length if you wish.

[@johnelder4273]

The handle is stacked leather. You should put a little bit of neetsfoot oil on it yours seem quite dry. You can also use a little medium grit sandpaper to smooth the handles just a bit.

[@trynsurviven2440]

Have to say it is an awesome knife. I modified mine a little by trimming the finger guard down and rounding the corners. Would like to find one of those knife pockets.

[@MmmChipotle]

hey I've got one of those ! nice knife

[@bendougharty319]

By the way, if you have recently bought this knife and don't necessarily like the lightness of the leather, put some mink oil on it. It looks much better after your put leather treatment on it.

[@dwightehowell8179]

Leather washer handles was typical on military knives. They are in surplus stores because newer designs have come along. For one thing they now use synthetic handles though I'm not sure that matters. As this guy noted his had no problems getting through a tour of duty and his looks barely used. With reasonable care those knives will still be good in 100 yrs. With enough neglect and abuse they won't.

[@kenr1067]

I have a 499 Ontario and I recently came across a Camillus I could afford. I usually pair it up with my Camillus "demo" pocket knife..

[@nonyabiz9487]

My current issue Marine kbar is freakin huge compared to those pilot survival knives. That design is from the old type issued. The new ones are huge wicked black blades. We used the big Kbar in the Marines or a lot of Marines used the OKC bayonet which was equally a big knife. Basically the same thing as the Kbar just you could mount it to an M-16.

[@LittleAnastasia...]

I picked one up at a gun show for $50. One gripe is that I'm trying to get it sharp and haven't had any luck.

[@CedricAda]

I've ordered one of these as a kit knife for my car. I have a feeling I'm going to like to too much and make it a main knife for my camping and walking. I like the rustic looking or understated looking blades and that great edge sounds too good to leave in a bag in a car!

[@blackdogsurvival9339]

Well.. I love it as my camping knife.. I'd have to say it's the best bang for the buck in my whole collection.

[@christianwilliams4795]

But no review Pete!?

[@Airik1111bibles]

These blades are just oozing with classic American military style, I love the look of the knife and the leather sheaths are awesome. It's a very simple design just like a K-BAR and a simple sharpening stone is all one needs to put a workable edge back on a knife. I like your "gives it character" idea, BUT ya gotta atleast keep the edge oiled and free from rust, thats just sad man....very sad;)

[@JoeZelensky]

Only about 3 surplus stores around Oceanside now

[@festol1]

Does your knife wears a "overcoat" of paint int the top of the pommel? Regards.

[@BrennerBay]

You dont throw a spear...you stick with it like a lance...the handle is stacked leather washers...

[@beatricekeane4452]

I bought one 5 years ago never really used it but leather handle loose and snap on sheath that holds knive came off paid 39 dollars then it was not what I thought it would be okc

[@dwainsw4076]

These must have been issued in the Army. During Vietnam era all the Huey pilots had them.

[@Biblicalgiants]

Dwain S&w ..yeh..these knives are dated on the butt cap or guard..

[@stevanoutdoor]

I would say that the price in the surplus stores is a fair price for buying some history. Of course there are other way better knives but you always have to take into consideration that they knives had to be mass produced fast.

[@rightyouareken7587]

I have a K.I.P. Made in Japan 5" knife very similar to these. I found it in my Dad's stuff after he passed. He never served and either did his brothers. All I could find is Vietnam era knife 6" pre 65' and 5" post. Anyone else out there know anything about my knife?

[@adktree8ter261]

It’s a leather stacked handle .,,not WOOD!!!

[@edrader]

neetsfoot oil

[@komar6]

Where I can buy knife pocket for that USAF knife?

[@bryanbishop2377]

You wouldn't use it as a throwing spear. It would be a stabbing spear. It would give you some standoff against wild animals...

[@philipchristian9142]

How could i clean paint off of it

[@johnny_w]

Thanks for the review ! Would you prefer this knife over a Ka-bar ?

[@tomhickman1006]

I use both knives.

[@thomstoddert2091]

Best knife I ever owned, served well all over the place with me till a homeless pretender veteran stole it

[@caleb3676]

Rah devil.im a pfc in army jrotc and plan joining the corps as a grunt

[@goldeneagle3608]

+Black Dog Survival Can you fight with this knife or is it just for cutting wood and aluminum? And thanks for your service. My cousin was in the Corps. He went to Iraq 4 times. He also gave me his helmet. But yeah can you fight with this knife.

[@blackdogsurvival9339]

Absolutely you can fight with this knife. In the corps we used to practice knife techniques with a plastic knife modeled after this. I'm in the process of making a kydex sheath for my knife right now.

[@goldeneagle3608]

+Black Dog Survival ok Also I am considering Joining the Air Force. Can I buy one and take it with me to BMT or will I have one issued to me sometime within my 8 weeks?

[@blackdogsurvival9339]

+Goldeneagle360 you definitely won't be able to take it with you. It is my understanding that only air crew gets these issued. MC only issues them to air crew in certain units.

[@tomhickman1006]

The spear would not be thrown, if you have seen the Crockadile Dundee movie they show him spearing fish.

[@derkwayne1833]

That is a leather handle not wood. I agree the sheath is awesome. I love a good leather sheath.

[@blackdogsurvival9339]

Derek Graf I'm seeing that its leather now.. Lol. Its awesome. I love it!

[@MrMrGAsMASK]

I’m doing a review on this knife I hear they are trash for combat BUT IT DOES SAY SURVIVAL ILL LET U KNOW ABOUT MY OUTLOOK

[@MrMrGAsMASK]

Please check out. SERE TRAINING AIR FORCE

[@margaretadler6162]

It's not a combat knife! It in intended to be used to help extricate a downed pilot from the air craft by using the saw edge of the knife to cut the plastic ( if you want to call it that) of cockpit canopy or saw the aluminum of the fuselage. Then used as a survival knife. Sam Adler

[@jacobquigney163]

Why did you chop down at your hand? 😂

[@panzerfaust5119]

Wall Mart 35 bucks.Just ordered one.

[@silverwiskers7371]

the handle are leather

[@CorcoranAL]

A good knife ... !!!! ... Channel useful. I subscribed. I invite you to visit ..)) ...

[@blackdogsurvival9339]

Thanks bud, subscribed as well.

[@CorcoranAL]

OK. Let's be friends. With respect of the Ukraine. Dmitriy.

[@dwainsw4076]

Handle is stacked leather. Look closely.

[@trynsurviven2440]

4:37 wooden handle?? Try doing more research on something before reviewing it. Its leather not wood.