Flush this stupid Flash

HotSwat

HotSwat

Joined
Sep 13, 2002
Messages
490
I just got my Flash II in the mail and I like don't like this knife so much. I have a Pentagon II and the flash just doesn't live up to this standard. The lock is the worst part. The lock is strong but difficult. It requires two hands to operate. So any time saved with opening speed is spend on closing the damn knife. And lock giggles around if you don't jam it into place.

I got the knife online so I really can't complain. I do like way the flash feels in my hand, so the thing might grow on me. Next I think I'll get a Autoclip. SOG should make one with a blue jean colored handle, so it matches my jeans.
 
Hotswat: Welcome to the SOG Forums!

It''s a great day today. How's the weather your side? Yeah, the Pentagon II does seem like a neat one to have around. Ooooh, I see you've got a complaint with the new Flash II. If you bought it online perhaps you might ask for a money back return. Or maybe you might have gotten a pretty rare one in a million fault with your piece and could e-mail the nice folks over at SOG-K to help out.

Also I couldn't agree with you more with blue being a fantastic choice to go with jeans. Why, it could even be considered a clever disguise if it's the right sort of blue. Well, we will just have to keep our fingers crossed to see if anyone picks this up for a future project.

Hope this experience doesn't stop you from buying more SOG-K's. As for me l tend to prefer fixed blades and if you're in for one don't forget to pick a SOG-K fixed blade as first choice.


Krizzard, out.

"...Whoever kills with the sword must be killed by the sword... "
- The New Testament, Revelation 13:10
 
The knife is not defective, I called customer service@ SOG and they told me that the loose lock was part of the design. It still isn't my favorite knife, but it is still a SOG.
 
Hi Hotswat,

Thank you for taking time to visit us here in the SOG Forum and I personally appreciate you candidly posting your concerns. Not standing there with you face-to-face while both examine your knife, means that this medium has limitations. Let me do my best to address your concerns and comments.
  • Spring: All knives will have different “personalities” (if you will). By way of some examples, a lockback folding knife will always have spring tension on the tang that will vary from knife to knife (our Tomcat, for example, has a really big, stiff spring, making the blade difficult to open). Liner lock knives are known for “smooth as butter” action (both open and closed). Our Arc-Lock knives can be operated one or two handed when opening/closing. Probably the “fastest” move takes a little practice to perfect, but through manipulating the lock pin, the blade can be easily tossed out and retracted in a “flash” (pun applied to the wrong knife).

    All that being said, all automatic and assisted opening knives have a “personality” of their own. Of course, they open with the assistance of a spring. That is what sets them apart from other types of folding knives. There are two aspects in play here. Firstly, there is a coiled spring that propels the blade out. Once open, the spring is relaxed. When the user is closing the knife, the spring is “coiling” or “winding” (becoming more tense). Secondly, the lock is a “piston” type devise driven by a spring that pushed against the tang and when open, will sit into a cutout in the tang to lock the blade open. This spring driven piston resting on the tang adds to “tightening” feel you’re experiencing.

    We analogize this phenomenon to the cocking of a firearm. The feel one has when closing SOG’s SAT (SOG Assisted Technology) knives is akin to that distinct feel of putting one’s thumb on a firearm’s hammer, drawing it back (of course while feeling heavy spring tension) until a satisfying “click” is heard, telling the operator that their weapon is ready to FIRE!
  • Jiggling lock: I assuming that you’re talking about the Flash when it’s folded closed and it feels like there is a “loose lock.” The lock release is only active and needed when deactivating the lock. When the knife blade is open, the lock release is taut in the forward position, waiting to be pulled back to release the blade. Once closed, the button no longer has a purpose and freely moves until the knife is opened, again making it taut. The movement of the button is silent and is completely passive.
  • Satisfaction: If you feel there is something wrong with your knife, return it to the factory following these instructions. If you wish to talk with me personally about it, I can be reached at 888.SOG.BEST or 425.771.6230, ext. 228. If the knife is still new and you are just not pleased with it, most retailers have a “satisfaction guarantee” and should take it back for a credit.
  • Colors: Our new anodized aluminum Flash will have a rich platinum color. We are experimenting with an assortment of Zytel or anodized aluminum colored handles, so there is hope something like time may be coming in the future.
I hope I didn’t miss anything and that I covered everything to your satisfaction. I encourage you to address any other concerns remaining unanswered.

I really hope that your “true” feelings are not to “flush this stupid Flash.”
 
Yeah, Ron thanks for the responds. I wouldn't return this knife it is still a good way to spend 50 bucks.

I was talking about a new color for the autoclip (blue jean), kind of a grayish blue so it will match my jeans.
 
Ooops, poor reading/comprehension skills on my part! Sorry. :) A "jean colored" AutoClip. That makes a lot of sense. I'll bring that up in our next R&D meeting.
 
Originally posted by HotSwat
Yeah, Ron thanks for the responds. I wouldn't return this knife it is still a good way to spend 50 bucks.
Click to expand...

For the money in an assisted knife, I don't think you'll beat the Flash. I like it better than the Chive (I have the smaller Flash 1). I'm not worrying about cutting myself everytime I open it...:eek:
 
Originally posted by mksql
When will these be available?
Click to expand...

Ron will have to give an official answer, but I hear rumours of about 4-6 weeks..:D
 
You'll have to ask Rob for the "official" answer. His answer came in faster than mine and was exactly what I would have said.

Way to go, Rob! :)
 
Originally posted by Ron@SOG
You'll have to ask Rob for the "official" answer. His answer came in faster than mine and was exactly what I would have said.

Way to go, Rob! :)
Click to expand...

Where do you suppose I heard the rumour...??? ;) Maybe it slipped during my chat with Spencer... ???:D
 
Although I like the design of the Flash, and functionally it's fine, I have to say I agree with what was said. It just doesn't feel, well, "SOG-ish" is the only way I can express it. It's just not "tight", either with the blade or in the lock. I posted about the same issue shortly after the Flash I & II were released. Will the aluminum handles help with the undesirable characteristics here? The concept is great, since Kershaw has been the dominant force in assisted opening, but, the Flashes just don't live up to the standards we've come to expect from SOG:( . I apologize in earnest for the brutal honesty:( :( .
 
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