The Ontario Knife Company, aka OKC, was founded in 1889 so they know a thing or two about knives and how to make them. Since inception, they have been operating out of New York state and produce a wide range of tools including hunting and fishing knives, machetes, survival and rescue equipment, and other tools. They are well respected in the world of knives and considered a good manufacturer these days.
Today we are looking at the OKC Spec Plus Marine Raider Bowie Knife which is a full tang, fixed blade knife that features a Kraton handle. The carbon steel blade features a recurve (Swedge) and an epoxy textured powder coat. The Marine Raider Bowie is made in the USA. Here are the detailed specifications:
- Overall Length: 15.2 in (38.5 cm)
- Hardness: 57-59 HRC
- Edge Type: Plain
- Handle Color: Black
- Blade Grind: Full Flat Taper w/ Swedge
- Blade Finish: Powder Coat
- Blade Color: Black
- Blade Thickness: 0.250 in (0.635 cm)
- Blade Material: 1075 Carbon Steel
- Blade Length: 9.8 in (25.0 cm)
- Handle Material: Kraton
- Sheath Material: Nylon
- Sheath Color: Black
- Sheath Type: MOLLE compatible
Being that this is a bowie knife you want it to be large and always keep in mind that these knives were made with the purpose being a fighting knife. I found the OKC Spec Plus Marine Raider Bowie Knife really fits the traditional specification of a bowie knife to the point I would call it a classic bowie knife. It just looks like a great knife, and it feels like it has the perfect balance when holding it.
The blade on this is made from 1075 Carbon Steel and has a black powder coat finish to it. It has a lean edge to it and a thicker blade. Like any bowie knife this makes it a bit less functional than other knife styles but remember it is supposed to be a fighting knife, not a chopping knife. The handle has grooves that are meant to help with gripping it. For someone with larger handles this might feel uncomfortable, and I would recommend putting grip tape over the handle instead. If you are going to be wearing gloves, you won’t have to worry about this. Otherwise, I think the handle weighs just the right amount to balance the knife in your hand.
Upon using this the knife, I was pleasantly surprised by how good of a chopping knife it is for a bowie. The blade is light weight yet durable thanks to the 1075 Carbon Steel and yet it is still easy to sharpen. Seriously, I think I spent 5 minutes sharpening it and it was perfect. I will say this is not the knife that is going to be considered a good “cutting knife” but keep it might it was never designed to be. I would say this is a great bowie knife that will also be a decent self-defence or fighting knife if you train properly with it. 8/10.
Ben