Something to think about,,, Back in the 1960's - early 1990's the F-4 Phantom II had a SERE Kit in the pan (seat). They would usually try and put a "Woodsmans Pal" in the pan. But then in 1978 a pilot did his doctoral thesis on having better contents (survival) and more modern items in the kit. He said that some of the pieces in the kit needed to go because they were outdated and considered too fragile and that there were better items available in the civilian market then what the military had contracted out to be made. An example of this was the "Pal". He drew out what a proper sized machete to be that still had room for more components that were very useful for survival. His design was very similar to the SP-8. Sizes were similar too. The only thing different on his design and the SP-8 was that the top portion of the blade was to be used as a wood saw/canopy breaker/aircraft skin cutter. Everything else on the SP-8 was included in his drawing/design. As usual the government (USAF) rejected the idea and even the idea of "Updating allot of the older components from the civilian market side". Believe it or not allot of TAC squadrons back then didn't even fill up the spaces of the seat kit. Instead, they filled the kit with lead shot to make the required weight specified on the ejection seat. What a waste of space. Just wanted you to know this. Oh, one other item I just remembered. There was to be no Choil on the knife. The blade extended downward from the top and went all the way back to the handle. Also you are right on why the front is sharpened. It was to be used as a digging tool and a pry bar. NOTE: He went around and talked to a very large group of Phantom pilots who flew during the Air War over Vietnam. Especially the ones who had ejected and were on the ground for more than 24 Hours. They all agreed that his design would of been a better choice then the Pal. Good video by the way!

Great review on this spectacular survival tool, Aaron! I picked up my SP8 in Hawaii some 30+ years ago, processing bamboo for shelters, coconuts, fish (including octopus), prying open clams plus a myriad of other camp chores. I wouldn't trade, sell or give up my SP8 for anything. Once a year or prn, as needed, I use a file on the blade and a Lansky Puck to hone it. I even made it into a self-contained survival kit using industrial Velcro adding: a small CRKT knife in a kydex sheath, a Smith PP1 sharpener, a Bic lighter, a 4" Bayite ferro rod, and a Bushnell 65 lumen lamp with white and red light functions; and all of these accessories are wrapped in a water resistant bag that's used as a tinder collector. Rather than using 550 to secure the kit to my leg, I affixed a 1" lashing strap ($1.97 @ Walmart) just above the tip of the sheath. Works really well. I agree that the entire sheath should be leather but I haven't experienced any problems with fraying or loose threads. As far as extraction, just popping the top two snaps is all you need. The entire kit weighs just under 25 ounces and I either molle it to my pack or wear it on my belt which is a regular military web belt. If I were to do the "Alone" thing, all I'd need is my SP8 kit and a tarp...lmfao.

I've had mine for about 17 years. It rode between my passenger seat & console for years while I worked in Chicago. At home on about a 1/3 acre with a real mishmash of tangle and god knows what kind of brush & trees it's a beast. The hook on the end of the handle combined with a lanyard allows you to swing away with complete security when you're sweating your axx off while working in the summer. First class all the way. Great review!!!

Whenever you use an axe or a big chopper,try to start chopping with the same width as the tree or object you are chopping.And try to hold the same width thru the limb,it goes much faster because you breake of large amounts of wood,and the knife/axe wont get stuck. When you chopp i see you make a v cut,and then your knife will absolotley will get stuck. It lodges itself into that v cut and cant go any further,you will just stand there and not get any wood off. This is just a tip,if you try it will open upp a new world to you when it comes to chopping wood in general.This is how we do it in Norway,and yes we can chop wood in this country. By the way,great vid!

I have processed and battoned so much wood with my Sp-8... This blade along with a Mora Bushcraft Black and a Bahco saw is all that one needs in the woods...

I have had mine since 1994. The abuse it has taken is unmeasurable. Not a knife. Not a machete. It is however, a hatchet, shovel, pry bar, hammer. I've dropped many a small tree, dug Dakota fire holes, built shelters, delimbed trees, built ground blinds, and even yard work removing big knarly shrub bushes by digging in and chopping big roots. It went with me to Iraq as a egress/entry tool, and last weapon of resort. The most impressive thing about mine is the incredibly large volume of firewood I have batoned with it. I heat my house with a wood burner, and live in Michigan, and have a small chop block in store room just off the kitchen where I keep wood and the SP8. I have literally batoned probably more than a few FULL cords of varying wood for kindling. The SP8 is as strong, tough, and determined as the person holding it.

I bought the exact same tool in 1990 and it is still going strong. It is awesome like you said. I know it is nearly indestructible and can be used for anything. I have used it to cut trees, chop pine lighter wood and split green oak logs. As long as the tip of the tool extends beyond the back of the log, you can beat the tool through with an oak limb or something wood but never use metal on metal. As far as it being heavy, that is definitely not a problem. The advantages are greater.

If my memory severs me well, I've had this machete for 25 years. I bought it at Ranger Joes outside of Ft Benning when I was a young private. I used to use it a ton in the field and it's even seen combat. Is it the best machete ? nope not even close but damn it can chop wood live a beaver. It's worn out pretty good and the sheath sadly was neglected while it was strapped down to my assault pack in Iraq but damn I love that thing.

Dude, your videos are always great. You have a talent at creating excitement. I've seen a bunch over the years. Well done.

I was on the fence about buying this knife until I saw this video last year. Couldn't be happier for what I use it for. The sheath isn't great but not nearly as bad as the one SOG sends with the Force. Keep up the great reviews and thanks.

Ontario is my favorite knife manufacturer and I was excited to see your review of this blade. I'm definitely going to pick one up. Thanks for the info. I'm glad to see someone review the SP line.

Just watched this again.....(several times now). One of my favorite tools and may be my favorite video of yours. Always appreciated your meaningful high yield reviews. Thanks......again.

Ive got one that is over 20 years old. I have used it the same way forever. My sheath has never failed or the blade a little paint loss and Heavy but it is still as good as new.

Had one and loved it. Ironically though, I hadn't been using it and gave it to friend who helped me move a few years ago. He is also loving it-even got it out to show it to me a few weeks ago! I agree with your review-great "performance-to-price" ratio!

Yep. This is my go tool in my b.o.b. Bought almost 20 years ago and is the best shelter building ever.

For me it started four years ago with Chris Tanner and Tops knives, a CUT 4.0. Chris mentioned you and TAC in his videos. Then you guys mentioned other reviewers and knife brands. I bought the Ontario Sp53 because of your review. I bought two more. I chopped a small rock in half with it. Sixty bucks, HA! Ontario owes you money. I just bought the sp8 for 40 bucks, 125th anniversary edition. I can't wait to beat the living crap out of this thing only to have it smile sarcastically and say "That all you got". I'm excited about digging and prying. Thank you.

This is a really eye-opening review for me Aaron. I've never given the SP8 more than a glance, mostly I think because I didn't like the look. I had no idea it performed so well, or that it was so affordable! Thanks for a great review :)

You do the best reviews man

This is a tool to use for getting out of an aircraft during a disaster. The saw back is for cutting through aircraft metal. It is also my favorite go to woods tool. Great video.

great review ... i love mine, it never lets ya down

This is a good review-well done

It will be AAAMAZING to see that blade vs. El Chete by Tops Knives

Such a high value tool. Has been a staple with me for years. I stripped that coating and put a vinegar patina on. Only thing id change is the sawback, which doesnt work

I have it from 1995.its basic Carbon still 1095.and will rust.they should made it with molybdenum and vanadium in alloy.this machette is strong only cause of thick 6 mm blade.I still like it,even they should make it with better still than cheap 1095 steel.edge should be oiled sometimes to prevent rust

Glad i saw your vid. I just purchased mine. We’ll see how it goes. : D

Great review Aaron! You have a really good knack for understanding the idea behind different design features! Good display of common sense my friend! It's refreshing honestly because not many people seem to exhibit a high level of common sense these days! Lol. Be well brother! =)

i recently moved from indiana to washington so i can attest to how well this thing battons and chops even hard wood. i used this thing to make kindling and process 8 in diameter red oak and it did pretty well. Softer woods it absolutely destroys

Ontario just does everything solid for a very reasonable price.

For the price, its a blade that be good to put in your vehicle for emergency or recreational uses. Plus if its something that gets stolen, you didn't invest much into it. I wouldn't use it as a survival type of blade because not only do I expect to process fire wood, tools, etc, but also to use it to protect myself from both the four and two legged threats. Cool video, love the scenery you work in!

Where's your safety glasses Mr.???? LOL!

I wonder how the Becker BK3 Tac Tool compares to this? Might make a good review and comparison video. EPIC RAP BATTLES BECKER BK3 VS ONTARIO SP-8

Reminds me of the Bk3 tac tool. I'll have to get one of those at some point though... I guess it's going on the list hahaha. Great review as always!

Trying to decide between this or the SP 10 Raider Bowie. Both have features I like.

Haha, I was never going to get this until around July when I saw it for $49.10 on Amazon. For the amount of USA made 1095 steel you get its a ridiculous value compared to other blades of the same size. Wouldn't want to march with it, but it's been great so far. Sitting in my truck right now.

The sheath has been updated, it is now ambidextrous AND has quality MOLLE. Great chopper. I chose it because it did NOT have a point.

Hey man, i would love to see the Helle Temagani, it'd be nice to see a different knife brand/style and they are just gorgeous looking

Looks very usable

I have one , the saw part is not all that functional but it does everything else it is designed for

I miss Ontario

i bought it and it is fantastic!

How about comparing the SP-51 to the SP-8?.. It could be a pretty interesting video...

I love my SP8 it's a beast!

Great review.

I might have to get one of those... seems reminiscent of the spetsnaz machete almost

When I tried out my SP8 I thought it performed more like a hatchet than a chopping knife, which isn't necessarily a bad thing or a good thing. It's quite a bit heavier and more obtuse than a knife and I haven't used anything like it but it's a great tool.

I know they're different knives but if you had to pick one which would it be sp8 or bk9? I'm looking to buy a big blade

I would love to see a re-design of this, it does have some weird quirks to it.

Excellent review. Btw when will you post the review of the Outland axe?

Nice video 👍

i like it ..i was looking at the mini duku parang now i have to do a little thinking

I got one in 1994 never used it yet is it the same steel?

Great for batoning!!

Arron, will it throw sparks off a ferro rod or is the coating a hindrance??

I have an sp8. 1/4 inch thick all the way up.

The gap might be for vibration damping. NOT sure really, but that''s my guess.

How practical is notching? Booby traps?! Do they sell a blunt edged model?

but how does it fair against zombies?

Please don’t take this as an insult because it’s not meant to be, but I love how you flail around when you talk. The beginning of this video is a perfect example.. I’ve seen a thing where they say for like on TV you should act overly animated and “talk with your hands” when showing a product. My question is are you naturally like this when you speak? Or is this just something that comes about when your on camera showing a product. It’s hard to tell someone’s tone and intention when your just reading a text or a comment online, so like I stated please don’t feel bad or take this like I’m clowning on you because I’m not.

I have an Ontario spec plus bowie that turned into a nightmare and swore never again. Well I will take the risk and see.

Leather sheath would hold water thus promoting rust.

I like many of the knives produced by Ontario. They're a good company. This Ontario SP-8 Survival Machete is no doubt a good knife to own as demonstrated, and at a fair price.

Hey Aaron, you should update this link to the new model because this one says it's not available. The new model is going for $39.99 right now.

I thought the saw was for aluminim/thin sheet metal, not for notching.

so as far as a froe/machete hybrid, is the only other option the buck 108 compadre? i love the concept of froes but want more versatility than the traditional perpendicular ones that are common. need one like this sp8 or the buck 108, but i wanna know if there are other options

Can the SP-8 machete chisel?

maybe you shouldn't keep mentioning the price of the sp8 - it sounds like the equal of most high end knives at any price - i have had one from the 90's and its absolutely the best i have - built to last - your right about the sheath - they went cheap on the front with the nylon and a kydex would be better - one modification i made is to grind down the saw teeth - they were eating the sheath when extracting and didn't add to the performance - with out the teeth you can use it as a draw knife because you can grip the spine - i ground it down to the point where is left a nice hatch patters which adds even better grip when batoning - also stripped the black coating - after a short while it was looking real bad and offered zero protection - i just oil it up instead - its my most powerful knife - i have even grabbed the spine and handle and used it to dig trenches or dig out fire pits - it would be easily worth several times its price - especially in a bad situation - it will get you through anything - friends have referenced it as an Apocalypse knife ( more of an axe ) they could be right :-) great review

I love mine but I have always wished that there was a sharpened hook near the top front for light trimming of small stuff on the trashy brooks that I like to fish. Also, you do have to pay attention to where your fingers are when using this thing. Only stitches I ever needed were courtesy of this thing. Great review!

Thick saws on the back of knives never work and thin ones usually don't work, maybe some do but the concept is overrated... I heard that outdoor edge had a saw backed knife that worked but I've never tried one... I read that in a knife magazine, a proper paper one! You should try it so I don't have to!

How well does it work as a chisel?

Everywhere I checked has it listed for around $100 so idk where he got the “under $50” from but otherwise good review

It's like 80 bucks on amazon now

have you used the bk3 tactool? so you know how it compares? I have been eyeing both for some time as urban survivor blades.

Guys, I just picked up an SP-8. Who do you recommend (or not recommend) for a Kydex sheath I need one?

Would you say this is better at chopping or the bk9? Just for straight up chopping without taking in consideration of ergo's

Great review. It's not a machete, not really a knife, almost a pry bar, chopping beast sure. Cool but odd. I think I'll stick with my traditional large fixed blade - for now. Ontario does makes some of my fav's.

Ive had mine since 2006 its done everything ive ever wanted it to do i have given it all the abuse i can dragged it through all sorts of taskson any part of the blade chopping ive had no vibration ??? and you say it does must be down to your grip so over 12 years of work i have had no nicks in the blade and hit dozens of nails even used it for nailing once when i forgot my hammer tinniest marks on the back tip the wear and tear on the sheath is brilliant no freying any where i pen and breed pheasents and partridge for a shootso its un the wood all the time it only cost me in 2006 $ 25 - i can say to anybody out there with confident buy one ..

The vibration aspect is one reason I prefer my original indonesian parangs. You are not holding this long iron bar in a fixed angled grip, it's much more of a whipping motion and the rounded wooden handle is so light that there is barely any transfer. Some may not like the fact they they are not full tang, but that's where the balance comes from. The rattail also means they're unlikely to snap under stress because here is not much to work against if you will and usually no weakness from rivets either. It's more likely to just break the handle. Should the handle break it's easy to make another one, so you are not screwed like you would be with a broken blade.Never had that happen though. Mine are not as heavy duty as say the SP-8, that's the only downside to using them in a colder climate. I wouldn't go batoning that material, escpecially not with the rattail tang design. But then they are not as heavy, which is a real boon at least in my setup. That and a classic wood handle mora and I am pretty much set.

That thing is an ax, a wedge, and a pry bar.

Nice

this or the sp53 ? +gideonstactical

well it beats the hell out of knapping a stone axe...i guess...lol...woods

"Wear your safety gloves"... I think the better thing to do is be aware of where your hand is in relationship to where the blade is (or will be).

i have been abusing my sp8 for years, it never lets ya down .. and yep we do some stupid crap to it and it begs for more ....

An elongated axe

👍👍👍

the reason it needs a lanyard is because of all the extra effort you use with a tool that is too light and too short. For the same money you can get a Marbles hatchet and a folding saw. Expensive odd ball shop tool, not so great for field work

Had it for 3 years. Finally gave it away. Never really that impressed with it especially the "sawback"...... My Condor HD Kukri I believe is a much better chopper and all around functional tool.

The _Ontario SP8 Machete_ is an OK tool. It's not great but it is not too bad. Japanese *Natas* are superior & have much better sheaths. I don't like much about the _Ontario SP8:_ - it is heavy so why not just use an a small axe/hatchet - it's weight is spread out instead on toward the end like a say kukri or bolo - it is too short for clearing the camp/cutting grass So I personally would just go with the classic small axe/small knife combo for better performance. *EDIT* _Look at all that energy gideontactical is expending just to chop a small dia. branch!!_ At minute 7:45. NOTE: If you need a "survival" tool (knife or axe) instead of a normal/regular tool (knife or axe) to get you out of a survival situation then go back to the Boy Scouts or outdoor/camping school because you need to improve your skills. Also, in you get into more than one survival situation in life, stay out of the woods as you do not know what you are doing and are a danger to yourself & others. God bless

Design is based on Russian Spetsnaz machete.

Not a parang. More like a specnaz.

Learn how to chop my friend

Hate this knife.

Saw blade edge on a 1/4 in thick blade is pointless and I doubt the teeth are cut correctly to be a functional saw. Sheath design is junk. I'd pass

Blaaa,Blaaa,Blaaa "Only speak ll!!! ONLY!!!

before watching this video I had absolutely no interest in this knife after watching this video I think I'm going to buy it right now just seems that I pretty much bought the sp51 for nothing now because this chops better ....

survival, tactical, spec op. Just urban definitions for douchebag. Just make a goddamn knife that cuts and quit labeling it for marketing. Why can't anybody just do that.

Are you REALLY going to carry this thing into the woods? For the weight and bulk of this useless thing, you can carry two real tools, and a large lunch.If you want to chop, go buy a hatchet, a tomahawk, or a camp axe. If you want to whittle on a stick, use a knife. I love that it's made of 1095, but it's completely useless piece of crap for real bushcraft and survival tasks. It screams AMATEUR. . .or nut.