Future of Iconic Navy SEAL Knife in Question After Company acquisition
The future of the Ontario Model 497 Mark 3 MOD 0 knife, a standard-issue blade for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for decades, is uncertain following the acquisition of its manufacturer, Ontario Knife Company (OKC), by Blue Ridge Knives, Inc. Production is currently paused, leaving the continuation of this combat knife in doubt.
The Mark 3 MOD 0 is a direct descendant of the mark 2 (Ka-Bar) knife, which served the U.S. Navy from World War II through the Vietnam war. Originally intended for the Marine Corps, the Navy also adopted the Mark 2. Beginning in the 1980s, the Mark 3 replaced the Mark 2 as the primary knife, specifically designed for maritime warfare.
OKC, founded in 1889 and based in New York, fulfilled the Mark 3 contract for many years. Tho, facing financial difficulties in 2023, the company was acquired by Blue Ridge Knives, Inc.,and relocated its headquarters to Marion,Virginia.
The MK 3 MOD 0 has existed in two blade profiles. The initial design featured a curved tip, which proved prone to snapping. A later iteration, introduced in the late 1990s, incorporated a flat clip point for increased prying strength, while retaining the same designation. Both versions feature a low flat-grind clip-point blade constructed from 440A stainless steel with a black oxide finish. the blade measures approximately 6 inches in cutting length (6.5 inches overall) and includes a saw back for cutting rope or webbing. the handle is made of glass-filled polyamide,providing a secure grip,electrical insulation,and shock resistance. An isolated steel pommel allows for hammering.
While considered a rugged and low-maintenance maritime tool, some navy SEALs have found the Mark 3 to be too heavy for field operations. This perceived weight may be a factor in its absence from lists highlighting the coolest pieces of gear Navy SEALs use.
Alternatives to the Mark 3 include knives available online that are lighter in weight. the SOG SEAL Pup is another option, a short and light knife that SOG’s brand manager states has been issued to SEALs, further supported by its U.S. National stock Number. The Emerson CQC-7 switch knife also sees use among special operations forces; one example was reportedly used during the Osama Bin Laden raid and subsequently sold for $35,400.
