ASEK by Ontario

[thorin6]

I was putting away some knives this weekend and came upon this knife. I picked it up some time ago at the flea market, did a little research and stuck it over by a helmet. ASEK stands for Aircrew Survival Egress Knife and actually consists of the knife and the strap cutter in the picture. My understanding is that these were purchased by the military for use much like the Jet Pilots Knife (which is still being made by Ontario) and originally came with a set of straps. Apparently Gerber also sold some knives for the same purpose; I believe they were the LMT II series. This one came out of Camp Lejeune from returning Marines but I have no idea of where it saw service.

 

 

[thorin6]

Here are close ups of the knife blade and grip. The difference between this and the JPK are the rubberized grip and pommel (designed to smash canopies?) and the serrated part of the blade which is 5 inches long. Neat little knife in a plastic insert inside the cloth sheath.

 

[jw517]

I like it! Very effective looking.

[jw517]

Just looked on eBay. They are not giving these away! Over a hundred to get close to one.

[SKIPH]

These came up a while back, so at that time I checked with a chopper pilot friend. He said these are now pretty much standard issue. Seems at least the army has gotten away from the old universal JPK. I notice that the one Bill posted is in the ACU pattern sheath. Could have originated as an army issue, that was later obtained by a USMC pilot??? . I think they are a better designed knife to get yourself cut out of a downed aircraft, but not so much a survival knife. SKIP

[bayonetman]

I have a couple I have picked up from locals - there is a Helicopter NG outfit near me. The ASEK is pretty much standard issue know as I understand it from them. Most are Ontarios, but there are a couple of Gerber's in the outfit to - haven't managed to snag one of those yet.

 

At least three color combinations that I have seen, including a green pattern (ACU? not up on the camo patterns anymore). Black handle, green handle, gray handle. I am trying to put together some information on these, anyone who knows more about them and their issue please post here or send me info.

 

Top one I am told is early issue - black handle and plain green sheath.

 

 

[sactroop]

From what I've been able to observe, they seem to be with non-Air Force crews so far. I love my JPSK's but the ASEK seems like the natural progression to me. I've also run across increased numbers of personal purchase blades that have received approval for wearing and using.

[Spathologist]

Was issued one in a green sheath in 2007. Never liked it, never carried it. Felt like it was 80% handle and 20% flimsy and cheap blade. Nice sheath, though.

 

Got issued one of the LMF II ASEKs in 2011, that one I really liked. Still carry it in my flight gear.