The Ontario Model 2 Strap Cutter is a made-in-USA rescue tool built to slice through seatbelts, nylon webbing, and clothing in a single pull. Its short stainless blade sits inside a hooked throat, so the edge meets the strap without being exposed to the person you are cutting free. These are contemporary issue to the US military.
Short & Sweet
- Ontario Knife Company Model 2, SKU 1414
- NSN 4240-01-547-5935
- 6.63" (16.84 cm) overall; 0.5" (1.27 cm) stainless blade
- Black finger-grooved 6061-T6 anodized aluminum handle
- Ceramic sharpening rod on top of the handle; lanyard hole
- OD green nylon MOLLE-compatible belt sheath
- Made in USA; new
Ontario Knife Company & the Military Strap Cutter
Ontario Knife Company has made blades in Franklinville, New York, since 1889, and its strap cutters are some of the most widely issued rescue tools in the US military. Ontario has supplied more than 350,000 of them to US forces, and the Marine Corps made one of its models standard issue. The Model 2 has its own National Stock Number, 4240-01-547-5935, which places it in the government’s Safety and Rescue Equipment class.
Aluminum Body, Stainless Blade, Ceramic Rod
The body is 6061-T6 anodized aluminum with deep finger grooves for a firm grip with gloves or wet hands. A ceramic rod on top of the handle lets you touch up the cutter’s edge, or any pocket knife you carry, without a separate sharpener. There is a lanyard hole at the base, and the whole tool weighs about 2.4 ounces. It rides in an OD green nylon sheath that mounts to MOLLE webbing on a plate carrier, pack strap, or belt.
Beyond the Surplus Store
Hunters carry strap cutters for treestand harness emergencies, and some use them for opening the hide when field dressing a deer. Drivers keep one in the center console or door pocket in case a jammed seatbelt needs to come off fast. It also earns its keep in warehouses and shipping rooms, where it opens banding and shrink wrap without the risk of a box knife slicing what is inside.