Ontario ASEKThis is the Ontario ASEK (Aircrew survival and egress knife) system selected by the US Army to to be included in its air warrior equipment. The requirements for the ASEK knife included among other things, the ability to break plexiglass, cut thru aircraft aluminum fuselage, and have an integrated strap cutting capability. The ergonomic handle is insulated, and the guard has holes to facilitate lashing a spear. The buttcap has a lanyard hole and pointed end for the afore mentioned plexiglass busting. The blade differs from the Gerber LMF II ASEK in that it is made from 1095 carbon steel, vs stainless steel in the gerber. Carbon steel does not have the rust / stain resistance that stainless has, but it is easier to sharpen, and has very good wear resistance. Most Ka-Bar knives are made from 1095 carbon steel.  click to enlarge The
sheath for the ASEK is fire retardant, and
is designed to be attached to a vest, belt, or other load bearing
equipment. It can be worn on the chest, waist, or
calf.
Ontario knives has a long history of providing knives, machetes and bayonets to the military. This continues today with knives like the TAK 1, the Ontario ASEK, and the many other fine knives manufactured by Ontario in the USA.
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