SOG is a brand that has been producing high-quality knives and tools since 1986. From everyday carry knives to tactical knives, SOG offers a wide variety of products to meet the needs of hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, military and law enforcement personnel, and anyone who values top-notch gear. At Knife Depot, we are proud to offer a range of SOG knives, and in this blog post, we will delve deeper into the brand, it’s history, and some of the knives we have available.
The History of SOG
SOG Specialty Knives, Inc. was founded in 1986 by Spencer Frazer in Santa Monica, California. The brand is named after the Studies and Observation Group, a covert special operations unit that served in Vietnam. Frazer drew inspiration from the group’s unique blend of innovation, precision, and resilience to create SOG knives and tools that reflect these characteristics.
Initially, SOG produced a single model of knife called the SOG Bowie, which was based on the Bowie knife used by special forces soldiers in Vietnam. The SOG Bowie was a success and was soon followed by other models like the Tomcat, which was designed to be a large, tough, and reliable folding knife.
Over the years, SOG has continued to innovate and expand its product line, always keeping its focus on creating top-quality knives and tools. In 1996, SOG introduced its first multi-tool, the Paratool, which was designed for military and law enforcement personnel who needed a rugged and versatile tool in the field. Since then, SOG has continued to produce a wide range of multi-tools, along with folding knives, fixed-blade knives, and specialty knives designed for hunting, fishing, and survival situations.
SOG Knife Technology and Features
SOG knives are known for their high-quality construction and innovative features. Here are some of the technologies and features that make SOG knives stand out:
SOG Assisted Technology (S.A.T.): This technology is used in many SOG folding knives and allows the blade to be opened quickly and easily with one hand. The S.A.T. system uses a spring mechanism that helps to initiate the blade opening, making it easier and faster to deploy the blade.
Compound Leverage technology: This technology is used in SOG multi-tools and provides two levels of leverage to increase the cutting and gripping power of the tool. Compound Leverage technology uses a pivoting joint that doubles the force applied to the pliers, wire cutters, and other tools on the multi-tool.
DigiGrip: This is a unique pattern that is found on the handle of some SOG knives. DigiGrip is a series of small diamond-shaped cutouts that provide a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet or slippery conditions.
Blade Shapes and Materials
SOG knives come in a variety of blade shapes and materials, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common blade shapes and materials used in SOG knives:
Blade Shapes:
- Drop Point: This is a versatile blade shape that is well-suited to a variety of tasks. The blade has a curved edge that makes it good for slicing, and a point that is strong enough for piercing.
- Tanto: This blade shape is inspired by traditional Japanese swords and has a straight edge with a pointed tip. The Tanto blade is good for piercing and slicing and is often used in tactical knives.
- Clip Point: This blade shape has a concave curve near the tip that creates a sharp point, making it well-suited for piercing and detail work.
- Bowie: The Bowie blade is inspired by the classic Bowie knife and is known for its strength and durability. It has a clip point and a long, curved edge that makes it good for heavy-duty tasks like chopping and cutting.
Blade Materials:
- AUS-8: A Japanese-made steel that is known for its toughness and corrosion resistance. It is often used in SOG’s entry-level knives and offers a good balance between performance and affordability.
- VG-10: A high-quality Japanese steel that is known for its sharpness and edge retention. It is often used in SOG’s mid-range knives and offers superior performance compared to AUS-8.
- S30V: A premium steel that is known for its exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. It is often used in SOG’s high-end knives and is preferred by many enthusiasts and professionals.
Some of our Favourite SOG Knives
Now that we have covered some of the key features and technologies found in SOG knives, let’s take a look at some of our favourite models that we have available at Knife Depot.
- SOG Flash II: The SOG Flash II is a popular folding knife that features the S.A.T. technology for quick and easy blade deployment. The blade is made from AUS-8 steel and has a partially serrated edge that is good for cutting through tough materials. The Flash II also has a durable and lightweight aluminum handle with a comfortable grip.
- SOG Pentagon: The SOG Pentagon is a tactical fixed-blade knife that features a tanto blade shape and a durable VG-10 steel blade. The handle is made from textured glass-reinforced nylon for a comfortable and secure grip. The Pentagon also comes with a hard-molded nylon sheath for easy and safe carrying.
- SOG Fielder: The SOG Fielder is a stylish and affordable folding knife that is well-suited for everyday carry. The blade is made from 7Cr17MoV steel and has a classic drop-point shape. The handle is made from beautiful rosewood with stainless steel bolsters for added durability.
- SOG PowerAccess: The SOG PowerAccess is a versatile multi-tool that features the Compound Leverage technology for increased cutting and gripping power. The tool comes with 18 different functions, including pliers, wire cutters, a saw, a can opener, and more. The PowerAccess also has a comfortable and ergonomic handle with a DigiGrip pattern for a secure and comfortable grip.
- SOG Kiku XR: The SOG Kiku XR is a high-end folding knife that was designed in collaboration with Japanese knife maker Kiku Matsuda. The blade is made from S35VN steel, a premium steel known for its edge retention and corrosion resistance. The handle is made from textured carbon fiber with stainless steel liners for added durability. The Kiku XR also features the XR locking mechanism for a secure and easy blade deployment.
Conclusion
SOG is a brand that has a long and impressive history of producing high-quality knives and tools. Their commitment to innovation and precision is evident in each of their products, which offer a wide range of features and technologies to meet the needs of different users. At Knife Depot, we are proud to offer a selection of SOG knives, including folding knives, fixed-blade knives, and multi-tools. Whether you’re looking for a tactical knife, an everyday carry knife, or a versatile multi-tool, SOG has something to offer. Thank you for considering SOG and Knife Depot for your knife and tool needs.
Discover more about SOG at their official website.