US, Cold War Era - c. 1980s, Ontario Model 498 Marine Combat Knife, USMC Mark 2 “KA-BAR Pattern”, with Leather Scabbard (DOT Press Stud)

*US, Cold War Era - c. 1980s, Ontario Model 498 Marine Combat Knife, USMC Mark 2 “KA-BAR Pattern”, with Leather Scabbard (DOT Press Stud)*

An original Ontario Model 498 Marine Combat Knife, complete with its black leather scabbard, representing a modern U.S. military classic based directly on the iconic Second World War Mark 2 “KA-BAR” pattern. This example retains the traditional leather-mounted configuration favoured for general field use, in contrast to later specialist designs such as the Navy Mark 3 dive knife, which adopted synthetic materials for prolonged saltwater exposure.

The knife is of standard Mark 2 pattern form, with an 18 cm clip-point blade incorporating a long fuller and showing typical service wear. The ricasso is stamped “U.S. ONTARIO,” confirming manufacture by the Ontario Knife Company, one of the principal long-term producers of this pattern. The blade is made from 1095 carbon steel, a material well regarded for its toughness and ease of sharpening in field conditions, though requiring light maintenance to prevent corrosion.

The hilt features the characteristic stacked leather washer grip, circular-grooved and darkened, providing a secure and comfortable hold even in adverse conditions. The crossguard and pommel are of standard steel construction, with the tang peened through the pommel in the usual military manner. The proportions and construction are entirely consistent with regulation Model 498 production.

The accompanying scabbard is the correct black leather type, fitted with belt loop and retaining strap. The press stud is marked “DOT,” a widely used military-grade fastening system known for its durability. The sheath remains a correct and appropriate pairing for this pattern.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 18 cm. Overall length: 30.7 cm.

History Note:
The Ontario Model 498 continues the lineage of the U.S. Mark 2 combat knife introduced during the Second World War. While the pattern remained in service after 1945, Ontario Knife Company became a principal manufacturer from around 1980, producing knives to the established U.S. military specification (MIL-K-20277).

This example, stamped “U.S. ONTARIO” on the ricasso, is consistent with post-1980 production. While most military-issued examples are commonly encountered with markings on the crossguard, ricasso-stamped examples are also known and represent a variation within Ontario’s production rather than a strictly defined dating feature.

The pattern itself saw continued use throughout the Cold War and beyond, making it one of the longest-serving U.S. military knife designs.

*Condition*
Good used condition, with expected service wear to the blade, grip, and fittings. The blade shows surface marks and light oxidation. The leather grip is intact with typical age-related wear. The scabbard is complete with functioning DOT press stud, showing general wear and handling marks consistent with use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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