Ontario 499 survival knife - officially issued to SADF Paratrooper/Parabats - (original)

This is a Ontario-499 survival knife. In the earlier years, it was also called the camillus pilot survival knife. In the SADF, it was better known as the Parabat knife.

These knives were officially issued to SADF Paratroopers (Parabats) since the 1970`s. ..... Up into the 1990`s, they were still issue.

They were not an expendable issued item and had to be handed back to the stores after service. They are very sort for & wanted item between ex-SADF Paratroopers. The originals are very difficult to find in South Africa, because they were imported by the SADF. 

This is an original item and still new. Never used.

Specifications:

Saw Teeth spine, Steel pommel screw nut (spot-weld), Blade color: black zinc phosphate finish, Blade: 1095 carbon steel, Blade length: 127mm, Blade thickness: 4.8mm, Overall length: 241mm.

The two holes in the crossguard are to secure the knife better when used on a stick as a spear or can be used as a sight for the custom-made spear. It can also be used as a lanyard fitting, so that knife will not get lost while parachuting/diving/swimming. The hexagon pommel nut is specially designed for breaking glass and used as a hammer.

Included is the leather & sharpening stone.

The knife is stamped on the pommel nut by the manufacturer & sheath is also marked on the rear to confirm authenticity.

The sheath & washer handgrip are genuine leather and treated with dubbin. If the knife is going to be used, continue to treat the leather washer handlegrip with dubbin to ensure prolong use. 

You can watch the following short documentary on the exact same type of knife:

http://2dmovie.com/SPEC-Camillus-Pilot-Survival-Knife-Ontario-49.html?ytid=IEswq8prS-0&qs=SPEC+-+Reviews&ln=Japanese