2002 SOG X-42 5" Field Knife

[onehikes]

I recently acquired a SOG X-42 Field knife with 5" blade.

I always liked the feel and handling of the original SOG Field Pup knife made in Taiwan with the 4" blade. It has a good grip, thumb ramp for detailed work and a blade that was easy to sharpen and get sharp. However, I recently acquired a 2002 SOG X-42 Field Knife with a 5.35" blade of BG 42 steel with a Rc 60. This could be the ultimate all around knife. I have not used it yet but the sharpness is amazing and it features the same feel and handling as the Field Pup knife. Anyone have experience with the BG 42 steel?

 

[KenHash]

Nice catch. That's a pretty rare SOG.

 

[mauser9]

Nice! Good size blade for serious work. Easy to sharpen?

 

[onehikes]

BG 42 seems like an excellent blade steel, but I guess it is not longer produced as such. In my hunting days I would have loved a blade of this caliber for field dressing game. I usually made do with a USA made hardware store knife, that worked but you carried a sharpening stone. You also needed to be careful of the grip when they got slimey. Is it easy to sharpen, I do not know for sure but usually knives of this Rockwell, I just hone them to bring back the edge.