Anyone own the SOG Elite II (SE18)

M

molinee

Joined
Nov 9, 2002
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84
I am thinking about picking up this big folder but would like to have some feedback either way... Buy it? Yes or No?
 
I had one and ended up selling it. Not because of anything wrong with the knife, just had to raise some money. I love the blade shape and it is a definate cutter. Think mine was AUS8, but SOG has started using VG10 on this knife now, which is an upgrade. The lock system was great on mine as was fit/finish, and pivot action. Only gripe I have is pocket clip placement. I do not want an inch or more of knife handle sticking out of my pocket for all to see!! Had planned to carry mine as a jacket pocket knife, or try and have STR do up a foldover low ride clip. Bottom line is I think it is a great knife!!:thumbup::D:thumbup:
 
I bought this bad boy after I saw the SE18 that belongs to the owner of a local knifeshop I visit. I was impressed with the smooth opening, especially when you take into account the size of the blade. With practice I am able to flick it open and closed with speed and ease. It makes my wife nervous when she sees me flipping it open and closed while I am watching TV. I love the blade shape, very real world practical, good slicer and the slight curve in the cutting edge seems to trap what you are cutting. I got mine on Ebay for just under $80 (It is the 8AUS version). I have a little trouble getting used to the laser straight length. Most of my knives seem to have a slight curve from blade tip to the handle end. Fit and finish are perfect. I would buy it again because I collect knives and it definetely has a place in my collection. I would not consider this and EDC because of it's sheer size. Man, I cannot imagine whipping this monster out at my office or in the shopping mall. If you need a practical (city/office)edc you might want to consider a different knife. My impression is that this knife is one tough folder that could take a beating. I tell you what though this behemoth is going on my next fishing or camping trip that is for sure.
 
No experience with this knife, but I have the Seal Team Elite and Vulcan Tanto and really like SOG knives.
 
For me : Yes

However it depends on the individual really. Some have no need for long bladed folders and some like'em long. I'm fine with it and I feel it's a lot of blade for the buck.

VG10 is a good steel and I feel SOG heat treats it well. The lock is very strong and after some breaking in (it does need some breaking in on mine) it was smooth as butter. I feel it's stronger than the Axis lock due to the design but it is my guess from comparing the design of the two.

The two Elite folders (Spec and Pentagon) are very different in design. Some feel the ease of sharpening without the serrations (Spec Elite) is better and some feel the tactical aspect of the shark-tip and the serrations (Pentagon Elite) is better however it depends on your preference.

Only two gripes are firstly the handle which is not too comfortable to use and bit underdesigned in terms of rigidity. The edges of the handle are sharp and when you grip it tight the handle flexes (should have increased the backspacer length and increased screw/bolts). Secondly the pin closest to the 'thumb-rest' has very little liner material protecting it. If you hammer/baton it then it'll have a crack there as I've seen in the internet somewhere.

(Maybe the stop bar is too thin making this folder one of the rare ones where the strength resisting closing forces/loads is stronger than resisting cutting or opening forces/loads.)

But at 65 to 70 for a Pentagon 2 I'll buy it, use it and if I break it then throw it with no pain :)
 
Thanks to all for great info... I am ordering one as I speak. Will use it mostly when hiking in the mountains.
 
Just received the SOG Elite II and first impression is .... YIKES! This is one big folder. Second impression is.... This is one nice knife for the $$. The more I play with it the more balanced it feels and the lock appears to be rock solid. Also it is plenty sharp for me.
-Me Likes!!
 
Hey molinee, does it say if it's the AUS8 version or VG10? I bought one of these a while back and I had no idea which steel it is.. any stamp on them?

and yea, it is a big folder, it took me a while to use the thumbstud to quickly flick the blade out.
 
I have one (an older AUS-8 version), and one thing I would recommend is be particularly mindful when closing. I flicked it closed one time like I do my Axis locks, and accidentally had a portion of the pad of my ring finger slightly in the way, and due to the blade's size, the closing is deceptively lightning-quick. Needless to say, it was a bloody and painful lesson, but luckily not a permanent one. I don't really carry mine because I don't find it that comfortable to carry, but I do like it, though.
Jim
 
taurn said:
Hey molinee, does it say if it's the AUS8 version or VG10? I bought one of these a while back and I had no idea which steel it is.. any stamp on them?
Click to expand...

Hey taurn... No markings on the blade but the website has it listed as: Blade Steel AUS 8 Stainless (Rc. 57-58). Interesting but this knife went up $25 overnight from this vendor. The price for this knife is all over the place.
And to James Y.... I can see where you best watch what your doing with this knife or you will pay dearly. I intend to treat it with respect... :)
 
I think I just caught the fever.... Just ordered the plain edge SOG Elite I to go with the II. If the smaller 4 incher is as solid overall as the 5 incher I think I am going to like it as well. Will use the smaller for EDC. It will be interesting to see how the smaller Elite feels in the hand versus the larger model. This is my first experience with the arc lock design and I like it so far. The arc lock really operates smoothly on mine. It appears that both of these knives that I bought are AUS 8 steel rather than the VG10 so I am assuming that they are older stock... Might be wrong. No markings on blade so just going by the sellers specs.
 
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