Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife

The Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife offers a compact and affordable option for everyday carry. Manufactured by Ontario Knife, this knife features a simple, functional design that prioritizes practicality and ease of use, making it appealing to a broad range of users. It’s the kind of knife you don’t mind tossing in your pack or using for mundane tasks around the campsite.

I was looking for a lightweight, inexpensive knife to add to my backpacking kit as a backup to my primary fixed blade. I needed something that wouldn’t weigh me down, but could still handle basic cutting chores. The Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The black ABS handle felt durable, and the blade had a decent edge right out of the box. The lockback mechanism engaged with a reassuring click. My initial impression was that it was a no-frills, but well-built knife for the money.

I considered a couple of other options in this price range, including a Morakniv Companion and a CRKT Drifter. The Morakniv is a great knife, but it’s a fixed blade, which isn’t always ideal for pocket carry. The CRKT Drifter is similarly priced to the Ontario Knife, but I preferred the drop point blade shape of the Wraith for general utility.

My first impression was positive; it felt like a solid, dependable little knife. I was eager to see how it would perform in the field, and excited to test its limits.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife on a weekend backpacking trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The weather was damp, with occasional rain showers, which provided a good test of the handle’s grip. I used it for typical camp chores: preparing food, cutting cordage, and whittling some kindling for a fire.

The Wraith performed admirably in the wet conditions. The ABS handle provided a surprisingly secure grip, even with damp hands, and the blade held its edge well enough. Cutting cordage was effortless, and while the blade is relatively small, it was adequate for processing small pieces of firewood. There weren’t any immediate issues, and it felt like a reliable tool.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife continues to hold up well. There are a few minor scratches on the satin finish of the blade, but no signs of significant wear or corrosion. The lockback mechanism remains strong and reliable.

The knife requires minimal maintenance. I simply wipe the blade clean after each use and occasionally apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. The ABS handle is easy to clean with soap and water. So far, it is proving more durable than I initially expected.

Compared to other budget-friendly knives I’ve used, the Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife definitely outperforms. The materials are better, and the overall build quality is superior. It gives me confidence that it will last.

Breaking Down the Features of Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: The 2.75-inch drop point blade is well-suited for a variety of tasks, from food preparation to detailed cutting. The shorter blade makes it legal for carry in more jurisdictions.
• Blade Steel: The 1.4116 stainless steel offers a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. 1.4116 steel is known for its reliability in budget-friendly knives.
• Handle Material: The black ABS handle is lightweight, durable, and provides a decent grip, even in wet conditions. ABS is a common polymer material for knife handles known for its impact resistance.
• Locking Mechanism: The lockback mechanism is reliable and secure, preventing accidental blade closure during use. A reliable lockback provides peace of mind during use.
• Overall Length: With a closed length of 3.88 inches, the knife is compact and easy to carry in a pocket. This makes it an ideal size for EDC.
• Other Features: The knife includes a thumb stud for easy one-handed opening, a lanyard hole for convenient carry options, and a pocket clip for secure pocket carry. These features enhance everyday practicality.

These specifications contribute to a knife that is lightweight, easy to carry, and capable of handling a wide range of tasks. The choice of materials and design prioritizes practicality and affordability.

Performance & Functionality

The Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife performs its intended job admirably. The blade is sharp enough for most everyday tasks, and the lockback mechanism provides a secure and reliable lockup. It opens smoothly with a single thumb, although it’s not as buttery-smooth as more expensive knives.

The main strengths are its affordability, light weight, and ease of carry. The main weakness is that the blade steel is not the highest quality, so it might require more frequent sharpening than some other knives. Still, for the price, it meets and even exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is surprisingly good for a knife in this price range. The materials are decent, and the knife feels solid and well-constructed. The ABS handle is comfortable to hold, although it’s not as grippy as some other handle materials.

The knife is user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive design. There’s no real learning curve involved; it’s easy to open, close, and use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife should last for years with proper care. The stainless steel blade is resistant to corrosion, and the ABS handle is durable and impact-resistant.

Maintenance is simple; just clean and oil the blade regularly. The lockback mechanism may require occasional cleaning to remove any debris that could interfere with its operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife doesn’t come with many accessories, but the lanyard hole allows for attaching a paracord lanyard or a keychain.

There are limited customization options available for this knife. Aftermarket scales are not readily available. However, you could potentially customize the pocket clip or modify the blade shape.

Pros and Cons of Ontario Knife 8798 Wraith Lockback Drop Point Blade Knife