The CS recon scout will do everything you need it to. It is a thick spine, stout knife. It is a decent value for the money. The handles are a bit too grippy with the krayton when the weather is warmer. If you do tons of extended chopping, you can get blisters from the tackiness of the handle (by that I mean it grips your hand). Fallkniven also uses krayton for many of their handles.
I am not a huge fan of the SOG knives.
The CS recon scout will be a better blade design for all around use. It has a stouter tip, and more belly. It is also taller from edge to spine, which makes it a better chopper. The full height flat grind will also make it a better chopper than the hollow saber grind on the SOG in my opinion. The SOG does have a decently thick spine at .240, which puts it just shy of a 1/4 inch. The Recon scout has a 5/16th inch spine which makes it thicker. Also the recon will have a carbon steel (I assume you are talking about the carbon steel version, not the laminated version..........I had a sanmai III trailmaster bowie for years from them, but that layered steel is much more expensive)
One other thing to think about is the steel. If you want a steel that is stainless than the Sog is Aus8, which means less worry about that. The Recon is carbon steel, which means you have to worry a bit more about maintenance. The edge can tarnish and it can rust if you put it away wet, or use it in a high salt/humid environment. This is basically a non issue for me, as if you use your knife it will be fine. It is when you put it away dirty or wet you will run into problems. Many of my favorite hard use designs are going to be high carbon steel.
When you take into account the price. It appears that the price of the Recon scout is in the 60-70 range. Which is a great price point for the value. The SOG seems to be going for 100 ish. I would definately get the CS for that price difference.
If you get up into the 100 price range, you can also take a look at RAT Cutlery. For about 100-115 you can get their 6 inch version (that puts it in close running price range as the SOG). It will have a shorter blade height than the CS Recon scout. It does however have a full tang, mycarta handles, better sheath and a much much better warranty (one of the best in the business no questions asked warranty). If you break it they replace it:
this is the warranty.
"No Questions Asked Warranty. If you screw it up, break it, or cut it in two with a cutting torch, send it back and we'll replace it. Warranty is transferable. In other words, we warranty the knife no matter how many times it's been traded, sold or given away. We don't ask for a sales receipt, date of purchase or where you bought the knife - No fine print and no hassles. If you have a problem, contact us."
If you break the CS using it too hard, they won't replace it. If it is for defect in material manufacturing they might. RAT cutlery has a fanatical following. The steel is 1095, and is very very strong, and holds a good edge.
again, I know you did not want "I would buy a more expensive knife" but that rat cuttlery is almost exactly the same price point as the sog. Just shop around.
http://www.cumberlandknifeworks.com...tegory_id=215&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=28 it is listed a 115 I think. I don't know anything about that shop, so check around, that is just an example.
Check the exchange here, you might find a real steal on one. and even used, the warranty is forever.
I Don't own one, I just know they are great knives. ( I have knives that I use that are more expensive.........Busse combat..........but I know that RAT cutlery are tough, and great knives at a significantly lower price)
another great knife company is either Scrap Yard knifes or Swamp Rat knives (both Busse family knives). They are higher priced than the rat (150 ish for that size range). Son of Dogfather Is a scrap yard knife that would be perfect for you and uber super tough. They can be had for about 150 to 200 ish (if you find a deal on the busse exchange sub forum here). Just saying.
well worth the waiting believe me :thumbup: