SOG Knives
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Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
timn8er:
I carry a SOG Escape folder (in a belt pouch) as my EDC knife (it was a Christmas gift from my kids). It has the features I was looking for such as a half serrated, half plain blade, stainless steel blade, easy opening, lock-blade, and as an added bonus, it has a glass-breaker and a razor blade edge that is covered by the blade body except for a small slot (for cutting nylon strapping or as a seatbelt cutter - I guess). I believe the company was once started by some former Green Berets (SOG = Studies and Operational Group, one of the first "black ops" groups in the Viet Nam War). I think their knives were once made in the USA, they're now made in China. Construction and quality are okay, not very refined, but usable. When I got mine, it was very difficult to open. With arthritis in both hands, this was the last thing I wanted. I contacted Customer Service, and they suggested I loosen the blade pivot screw. I had already done that without success. In fact, I completely removed this screw without any improvement. I had to mail the knife back to them (on my dime) for them to work on it (under warranty). I also asked them to remove the pocket clip as I was trying to reduce the thickness and bulk of the knife. Summary: if I was given one, I'd probably keep and use it, but I don't think I'll buy a knife from this company in the future. By the way, my favorite knife company is CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool Co.). Great products with outstanding customer service.
Good luck,
Dave
I carry a SOG Escape folder (in a belt pouch) as my EDC knife (it was a Christmas gift from my kids). It has the features I was looking for such as a half serrated, half plain blade, stainless steel blade, easy opening, lock-blade, and as an added bonus, it has a glass-breaker and a razor blade edge that is covered by the blade body except for a small slot (for cutting nylon strapping or as a seatbelt cutter - I guess). I believe the company was once started by some former Green Berets (SOG = Studies and Operational Group, one of the first "black ops" groups in the Viet Nam War). I think their knives were once made in the USA, they're now made in China. Construction and quality are okay, not very refined, but usable. When I got mine, it was very difficult to open. With arthritis in both hands, this was the last thing I wanted. I contacted Customer Service, and they suggested I loosen the blade pivot screw. I had already done that without success. In fact, I completely removed this screw without any improvement. I had to mail the knife back to them (on my dime) for them to work on it (under warranty). I also asked them to remove the pocket clip as I was trying to reduce the thickness and bulk of the knife. Summary: if I was given one, I'd probably keep and use it, but I don't think I'll buy a knife from this company in the future. By the way, my favorite knife company is CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool Co.). Great products with outstanding customer service.
Good luck,
Dave
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Recently bought a SOG Flash II assisted opener. Decent steel (AUS-8, I think), 3.5 inch blade. No serrations, which I don't care for. Clips securely in a pocket but then has to be reversed and flipped over to access the sliding lock button so it can be opened. The clip isn't reversible that I can see. Kind of clumsy and slow, although I bought it as a cutting tool and not a weapon. It cuts nicely enough and locks open securely.
The more I handle it the more I wish I'd spent the extra bucks for a Spyderco Endura.
The more I handle it the more I wish I'd spent the extra bucks for a Spyderco Endura.
No offense, but you get what you pay for. Especially with knives.
If want a good solid knife that will serve well for box cutting and/or protection I think I would spend a little more.
I would look for D2 or S30V steel. Look at Benchmade.
If it's just a box opener then buy the Sog or maybe a Kershaw.
If want a good solid knife that will serve well for box cutting and/or protection I think I would spend a little more.
I would look for D2 or S30V steel. Look at Benchmade.
If it's just a box opener then buy the Sog or maybe a Kershaw.
Texas Star
US Veteran
I have one of the older SOG SEAL 2000 knives, adopted by the Navy for use by SEAL teams after very grueling tests. It has a very wide tang under the synthetic handle.
This and the Swedish Fallkniven knives are the only ones I know of to have passed especially tough govt. tests. A couple of the Fallkniven models are approved for unit purchase for use by US air crews. They have govt. stock numbers. Another (A -1) passed tests, but is too large for the sheath on US survival vests.
I've examined several of SOG's other models & they are well made and well finished. I don't like the swaybacked blade shape, but the knives seem to be very high quality. The handles of some are too short to take the Fairbairn-recommended grasp. The SEAL 2000 is better in that regard and is a very rugged knife. They have re-designed it and I don't like the looks of the new one.
I'd buy Fallkniven over SOG (or Cold Steel), but that's largely personal preference.
I have never seen a folder by them, but the sheath knives are good. At the price cited, I suspect that the knife is made in Taiwan or some other Oriental country. But my smallest Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn folder was made in Taiwan and is a very good knife, especially for the price.
Is this something with the typical SOG swaybacked blade? That'd turn me off, but some like it. You might price the U-2 folder from Fallkniven from US dealers. I have one and it is a fantastic knife of its sort. Small, but very strong, sharp and efficient. Mine was a gift from a Swede, so I don't know the US price, but you should check. Dealer prices here vary. Shop around.
I don't know why you want this knife, but if it's for defense, look at the Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn folders. I wear them at home and other private places. I'm a little concerned that some cop might deem them a "dagger, dirk, poignard, or stiletto" so usually carry a Benchmade Model 710 or a Puma lockblade that closely resembles the Buck Model 110 when in public. My Gerber blades weren't especially sharp as made, and I had a custom knifemaker hone them.
My general use pocketknives are mostly Victorinox Swiss Army models. I wear the lockbacks in a discreet belt pouch.
Is there a good warranty on this SOG item? If it looks good and seems solid, I suspect that it's a good value, if you like the looks. What are the materials for the blade and the handle? At that price, I'd expect 420 steel, but it's not as bad as some say. For most real world use if you aren't cutting carpet or such things a lot, you'll probably like it. Buck uses a 420 variant, but they have a very sophisticated heat treating process that gets the best out of that steel. I don't know what heat treating SOG may use.
If you like the looks and the knife feels good in your hand, you can't lose much at that price! In general, SOG has a good reputation. NOTE: I have not seen the new SOG's from China. What I said is based on their older knives.
My only assisted opener is a Kershaw. Nice knife, but I don't carry assisted openers. It stays on a bookcase near my front door.
This and the Swedish Fallkniven knives are the only ones I know of to have passed especially tough govt. tests. A couple of the Fallkniven models are approved for unit purchase for use by US air crews. They have govt. stock numbers. Another (A -1) passed tests, but is too large for the sheath on US survival vests.
I've examined several of SOG's other models & they are well made and well finished. I don't like the swaybacked blade shape, but the knives seem to be very high quality. The handles of some are too short to take the Fairbairn-recommended grasp. The SEAL 2000 is better in that regard and is a very rugged knife. They have re-designed it and I don't like the looks of the new one.
I'd buy Fallkniven over SOG (or Cold Steel), but that's largely personal preference.
I have never seen a folder by them, but the sheath knives are good. At the price cited, I suspect that the knife is made in Taiwan or some other Oriental country. But my smallest Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn folder was made in Taiwan and is a very good knife, especially for the price.
Is this something with the typical SOG swaybacked blade? That'd turn me off, but some like it. You might price the U-2 folder from Fallkniven from US dealers. I have one and it is a fantastic knife of its sort. Small, but very strong, sharp and efficient. Mine was a gift from a Swede, so I don't know the US price, but you should check. Dealer prices here vary. Shop around.
I don't know why you want this knife, but if it's for defense, look at the Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn folders. I wear them at home and other private places. I'm a little concerned that some cop might deem them a "dagger, dirk, poignard, or stiletto" so usually carry a Benchmade Model 710 or a Puma lockblade that closely resembles the Buck Model 110 when in public. My Gerber blades weren't especially sharp as made, and I had a custom knifemaker hone them.
My general use pocketknives are mostly Victorinox Swiss Army models. I wear the lockbacks in a discreet belt pouch.
Is there a good warranty on this SOG item? If it looks good and seems solid, I suspect that it's a good value, if you like the looks. What are the materials for the blade and the handle? At that price, I'd expect 420 steel, but it's not as bad as some say. For most real world use if you aren't cutting carpet or such things a lot, you'll probably like it. Buck uses a 420 variant, but they have a very sophisticated heat treating process that gets the best out of that steel. I don't know what heat treating SOG may use.
If you like the looks and the knife feels good in your hand, you can't lose much at that price! In general, SOG has a good reputation. NOTE: I have not seen the new SOG's from China. What I said is based on their older knives.
My only assisted opener is a Kershaw. Nice knife, but I don't carry assisted openers. It stays on a bookcase near my front door.
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OP
timn8er
Absent Comrade
According to the stats, Its called a Flash II folder. I'm looking at the one with the tanto blade, no serrations. The blade is made from AUS 8, stainless. Rockwell hardness is supposed to be 57-58. I went through a bunch of reviews on the site and they were all positive.
Texas Star
US Veteran
I don't use tanto blades, but my son has one on his Benchmade folder. He was attacked by a large canid, probably a coydog, and stabbed and ripped it very successfully, so I guess the blade shape works okay.
An assisted opener could be a boon under those circumstances. Geoff said that being able to open the knife one-handed may have saved him, as the mutt was trying for his throat and he used his other hand to hold it off.
I interviewed a man from Vancouver Island who used a conventional Schrade folder very much like a Buck 110. He was attacked by a cougar and said that keeping her off of him enough to draw and open the knife (a two-handed operation) was very difficult. He was badly mauled, but survived. I think he lost an eye, but surgeons repaired his detached scalp. You may have seen him and a couple of other survivors of cougar attacks on Discovery TV. That was back when they did serious programming. The only thing they have now that I watch is River Monsters. As I recall, he cut the cat's throat. The knife was all that kept him from being killed and probably eaten.
RCMP constables recovered the dead cat, verifying his story.
An assisted opener could be a boon under those circumstances. Geoff said that being able to open the knife one-handed may have saved him, as the mutt was trying for his throat and he used his other hand to hold it off.
I interviewed a man from Vancouver Island who used a conventional Schrade folder very much like a Buck 110. He was attacked by a cougar and said that keeping her off of him enough to draw and open the knife (a two-handed operation) was very difficult. He was badly mauled, but survived. I think he lost an eye, but surgeons repaired his detached scalp. You may have seen him and a couple of other survivors of cougar attacks on Discovery TV. That was back when they did serious programming. The only thing they have now that I watch is River Monsters. As I recall, he cut the cat's throat. The knife was all that kept him from being killed and probably eaten.
RCMP constables recovered the dead cat, verifying his story.
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Buying a good knife is just like buying a handgun. It's a very personal decision.
I must fit and feel good in the hand. It must be strong.
I don't buying knives that I can't hold in my hand first. It must fit my hand and feel right. I prefer assisted opening but it's not a deal breaker if I can open it quick without using two hands.
I like good quality steel and there are many out there. All with differing qualities. But the higher quality the steel the more you will pay.
And it's equally important to me that the knife looks as good as it performs. And I don't like knives that are "fat". Meaning that they have thick bulky handles. I like slimmer.
So I recommend Benchmade whenever someone asks. Their quality is outstanding as well as their service.
I broke the pocket clip of one of my Benchmade knives when it got caught in my seatbelt as I existed my car. Broke the handle too. I emailed Benchmade and explained what happened and admitted that it was my fault. They said to send the knife with a check for $5. They replaced the handle AND sharpened my knife!
I only paid shipping.
So, if it's something that you will take care of and use for years to come, spend a little extra. It's an investment.
I must fit and feel good in the hand. It must be strong.
I don't buying knives that I can't hold in my hand first. It must fit my hand and feel right. I prefer assisted opening but it's not a deal breaker if I can open it quick without using two hands.
I like good quality steel and there are many out there. All with differing qualities. But the higher quality the steel the more you will pay.
And it's equally important to me that the knife looks as good as it performs. And I don't like knives that are "fat". Meaning that they have thick bulky handles. I like slimmer.
So I recommend Benchmade whenever someone asks. Their quality is outstanding as well as their service.
I broke the pocket clip of one of my Benchmade knives when it got caught in my seatbelt as I existed my car. Broke the handle too. I emailed Benchmade and explained what happened and admitted that it was my fault. They said to send the knife with a check for $5. They replaced the handle AND sharpened my knife!
I only paid shipping.So, if it's something that you will take care of and use for years to come, spend a little extra. It's an investment.
kozmic
Member
Seems like you should be able to find a place to put your hands on one locally and decide if it "fits" and is what you're looking for.
Most reviews of SOGS are fairly positive. I'm not familiar with their assist, but I won't own another carry folder without some sort of assist. Opening is becomes a quick one-handed operation.
A daily carry knife (for me anyway) is indispensable (even if it is to just open boxes). I carry a D2 Benchmade Mini Griptillian (no serrations). I got mine for 90 bucks at Cabela's about a year ago. I absolutely sold on the technology and the brand. I clip it to my pants pocket and it disappears 'til I need it.
I prefer a drop point to a tanto...a bit too "tacticool" for me. But that's why Baskin Robbins is still in business and Ford no longer makes just black cars. If you're reading good stuff on it and the size, etc. work for you and it's in your budget then jump! I'm made hundreds for $32 mistakes and I've gotten some $32 gems! What's the worse that can happen? If it sucks, send it back. If it's just so-so, put it into your knife rotation and keep trying 'til you find a real keeper. You can't have too many pocket knives.
I'm waiting for YOUR review!
Most reviews of SOGS are fairly positive. I'm not familiar with their assist, but I won't own another carry folder without some sort of assist. Opening is becomes a quick one-handed operation.
A daily carry knife (for me anyway) is indispensable (even if it is to just open boxes). I carry a D2 Benchmade Mini Griptillian (no serrations). I got mine for 90 bucks at Cabela's about a year ago. I absolutely sold on the technology and the brand. I clip it to my pants pocket and it disappears 'til I need it.
I prefer a drop point to a tanto...a bit too "tacticool" for me. But that's why Baskin Robbins is still in business and Ford no longer makes just black cars. If you're reading good stuff on it and the size, etc. work for you and it's in your budget then jump! I'm made hundreds for $32 mistakes and I've gotten some $32 gems! What's the worse that can happen? If it sucks, send it back. If it's just so-so, put it into your knife rotation and keep trying 'til you find a real keeper. You can't have too many pocket knives.
I'm waiting for YOUR review!
I've owned two SOG knives, a Government and a Seal 2000. Both were older fixed blade models made in Seki City Japan and were good knives.
SOG has since moved production to Taiwan and then China. The newer knives don't seem as well made and don't bring close to the same money.
Do a google search for "sogknivescollectors" and you'll find a site with lots of information.
SOG has since moved production to Taiwan and then China. The newer knives don't seem as well made and don't bring close to the same money.
Do a google search for "sogknivescollectors" and you'll find a site with lots of information.
Arik
Member
I carry the SOG Tanto as an edc. Not a bad knife. I use it for everyday stuff at work.....from opening mail, boxes, cutting whatever. It doesn't stay sharp long but its not bad for what it is.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Hack
Member
I bought a couple SOG Meridians a few years back. These are 'skeleton' handled, spring assisted, folding knives. They came nicely sharp from the factory, and they do resharpen well. However I did manage to break a tip off one of them (misuse/abuse). Even with the assisted (spring) opening, I wouldn't consider it as something I would bet my life on, if fast deployment was necessary.
Carry a folder as a backup, and a fixed blade as your 'go to', when out in the field.
Carry a folder as a backup, and a fixed blade as your 'go to', when out in the field.
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WPWarhawk
US Veteran
I don't like liner lock folders, and it's getting hard to find anything else. There is one SOG model that I like, the Autoclip
AutoClip
It is available in two sizes, decent knife but it's Chinese and the steel is not as good as a premium US made knife.
My preference in a folder is the benchmade Bone Collector. This one also comes in two sizes and uses D2 steel and the Axis lock.
15020 Bone Collector? AXIS® Folder Product Detail
AutoClip
It is available in two sizes, decent knife but it's Chinese and the steel is not as good as a premium US made knife.
My preference in a folder is the benchmade Bone Collector. This one also comes in two sizes and uses D2 steel and the Axis lock.
15020 Bone Collector? AXIS® Folder Product Detail
mstuhr
Member
Howdy
Howdy,
My experience is with the new assisted open SOG that was bought by a nephew and my own X-ray Vision.
I put the quality of the axis lock X-ray Vision up these with Benchmade's best. It is one of my favorite knives.
The newer SOG assisted opening knives are run of the mill inexpensive knives.
They are as good as many knives in that price range. The one the nephew has is bulky.
This is just my opinion. I think the assisted opening knives are a novelty.
I had several and have passed them on to a couple of nephews. A good quality slick folder doesn't give up anything to a A.O. knife.
Not beating up value priced knives. I have my share.
Personally I'd rather have a Spyderco "Byrd" series or even some of the CRKT and feel like I had a better knife for the money.
Best of luck on whatever you pick.
Mike
Howdy,
My experience is with the new assisted open SOG that was bought by a nephew and my own X-ray Vision.
I put the quality of the axis lock X-ray Vision up these with Benchmade's best. It is one of my favorite knives.
The newer SOG assisted opening knives are run of the mill inexpensive knives.
They are as good as many knives in that price range. The one the nephew has is bulky.
This is just my opinion. I think the assisted opening knives are a novelty.
I had several and have passed them on to a couple of nephews. A good quality slick folder doesn't give up anything to a A.O. knife.
Not beating up value priced knives. I have my share.
Personally I'd rather have a Spyderco "Byrd" series or even some of the CRKT and feel like I had a better knife for the money.
Best of luck on whatever you pick.
Mike
ChattanoogaPhil
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I just took delivery of an Emerson Horseman. I have been carrying a Benchmade mini Griptillian for a couple of years. I really like it but wanted something bigger for outdoor chores. I may have gotten in over my head. The Horseman is 3.5 blade length which I wanted, but it is harder to open and close. Not sure I like the liner lock. Maybe when I build a callous on my thumb I will like it more. Right now I am thinking I should have gone for a standard Griptillian.
One more point, make sure the clip is reversible. The knife should be carried with the knife opening towards the back of the pocket.
Don't know how or why but I know two people that had their assisted opening knives open in their pocket with the blade opening towards the front of the pocket.
Don't know how or why but I know two people that had their assisted opening knives open in their pocket with the blade opening towards the front of the pocket.
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