Does someone know the story with these bayonets?
When was this contract put into place, do have an idea of the numbers involved, are they still being made, any unique markings?
Following is a blerb from an auction on these knives:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36071&item=6500256 627&rd=1
Quote:The Ontario Knives Marine Bayonet knife is the military issue bayonet carried by the Marines in Iraq-now available to the public. The Ontario Marine Bayonet knife features an 8" clip point blade made of proprietary carbon steel with a Rockwell hardness of 53-58. The blade is .200 inches thick and 1 3/8" wide, with a 1 3/4" Mission Serration, sharpened top swedge, and non-reflective black phosphate coat. The brown Dynaflex rubber handle is ergonomically grooved to reduce hand fatigue, with a positioning access point for quick redirect of the blade position in reduced visibility situations. The handle has an oval indentation with USMC on one side, and the Marine Corps logo on the other. The low noise multi-carry scabbard is made of brown molded polyester elastomer, with a ceramic coated aluminum honing rod on the back. The bayonet is held securely inside the scabbard by a fitted internal stainless steel spring friction device. The scabbard is equipped with two load bearing attaching straps with cross straps, which allows for multiple carry options. The brown handle, sheath and webbing are compatible with the digital desert camo colors. Overall length of the Marine Bayonet knife is 13¼", weight is 1.4 pounds.
I didn't have time to figure out where that text came from but I doubt the seller wrote it...
The description for the auction says...
Quote:
This is the current USMC Issue knife with MOLLE scabbard by Ontario Knife Company! See the pictures for the sealed bag and wrapping that your knife will come in.
Be one of the few to have this knife way below the 189.95 retail. Guaranteed new and authentic.
We have VERY limited quantities of this item as Ontario has focused most of its production on supplying our United States Marines overseas.
Marked "US and Foreign Pats Pend" This will be the collectors knife to have once the patent process is completed!
OKC3S Marine Bayonet with Scabbard
8 Inch Blade (20.5 centimeters)
13 1/4 Inches Overall (33.5 centimeters)
1 3/8 Inches Wide
.200 Inch Thick Proprietary Carbon Steel
Clip Point - Full Tang Blade
1 3/4 Inch Mission Serration
Phosphate non-reflective finish
53-58 Rc. Hardness
Dynaflex® Handle ergonomically grooved to reduce hand fatigue with positioning access point for quick redirect of positioning of blade in reduced visibility situations.
Brand New! Factory Sealed!
Scabbard
Manufactured with a low noise signature polyester elastomer
Fitted internal stainless steel spring friction device at throat of scabbard to secure bayonet
Ceramic-coated aluminum honing rod is located on back of scabbard
Equipped with two load bearing attaching straps with cross straps, which allows variations of placement on the load bearing equipment.
photo from auction above
Following is a photo that I got e-mailed to me that shows a pair of USMC Soldures with one of these knives:
Threaded Mode
