Have I got the real thing?

ChrisN

ChrisN

Joined
Feb 16, 2003
Messages
88
Hi all from a newbie

I've just bought a second-hand knife which I think is a SOG Government model. Tell me what you think. It matches the specs for size and weight, the shape is right, the grind lines are right, the handle is chequered Kraton. It looks like carbon steel, and the blade and hilt have the remains of a blued finish. This one looks like it has several years of hard use behind it, with chunks out of the rubber, but the blade is in pretty good condition. Sharpened up nicely. Really nice balance. There's no makers mark at all on the knife. Is this a SOG knife, or are there some knock-off copies around? Thanks.

Chris
 
From my expert opinion ... ;)

I know that the Government model was the target of rips-offs quite a number of years ago, but I don't think the Recon Government (the blued model) ever was. In the rip-offs, the goal was to sell knives a literally a fraction of the original's price. I doubt a rip-off would use carbon steel (rather using cheaper 420 steel) and have gone through the expense of bluing (which would not adhere well to non-carbon steel knives). The lack of markings puzzles me, though. My Recon Government, as well as every Recon Government I've seen, all has the SOG logo and the "Made in Japan" markings on opposite sides of the blade up on the tang.

Now to yours. My guess is that there would be a significant quality feel difference between a rip-off and a SOG. If yours feels every bit as much quality at any other SOG, it probably is an original. The rip-off almost always deviates from the original design somewhere. If I was you, I'd take your knife and compare it will any current Government model out there. From my understanding, there is NO structural or manufacturing differences between the Government (brushed stainless steel model), Recon Government (blued carbon steel model), and the Government Agent (gray powder coating stainless steel model)--the pummel, cross guard, handle, etc. (except for the differences listed above) should all look identical. I just don't know why yours doesn't have markings. If the knife is authentic, maybe SOG did a few truly "sterile" knives in this series (but I'm not aware of any such models). Maybe it missed getting stamped and got through quality control. I just don't know.

This is the best info I can offer...from a former SOG expert! ;)
 
I had a knock off once... long sad story, but it's gone now...:rolleyes: It was very similar to a SOG, except in "feel"; it just didn't feel right.
It was blued steel, so...
Ron is (as usual!) correct. Compare it side by side and you'll know.:cool:
 
Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately I won't have the opportunity to put it side-by-side with the real thing - good knife retailers are pretty scarce in this part of the world! I'm starting to think it's probably a knock-off, even allowing for a hard life there's a bit of movement in the handle on the tang, and I'd expect better from a knife with the reputation of SOG. Never mind - for $15 Aust (about $10 US) I can't complain, and it will make a good beater to leave in the back of the car! Can I send you some detail photos? ( don't think I can post photos.)

Chris
 
Originally posted by ChrisN
Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately I won't have the opportunity to put it side-by-side with the real thing - good knife retailers are pretty scarce in this part of the world! I'm starting to think it's probably a knock-off, even allowing for a hard life there's a bit of movement in the handle on the tang, and I'd expect better from a knife with the reputation of SOG. Never mind - for $15 Aust (about $10 US) I can't complain, and it will make a good beater to leave in the back of the car! Can I send you some detail photos? ( don't think I can post photos.)

Chris
Click to expand...
Feel free to send me the pics at my profile address.
Regards,
Rob
 
Perhaps these links may be of some use to you.

Lousy pix
http://www.toptexknives.com/images/sg21.jpg
This is not the Recon-G but as Ron says they are similar in all respects except blade material.
http://www.bkcg.co.uk/products/manu/sog/sog21.html
Ah, better but still not quite there on details
http://www.bullmancutlery.com/catalog/sog/pictures/sog21.jpg
No pix in Aussie site but hey, its Aussie and you know what that means...
http://www.mitchells.net.au/knives/sog.htm
Who knows, perhaps one day you might soon venture to these here parts Down Under
http://www.mitchells.net.au/stores/store_locations.htm

G'day mate


Krizzard, out

"...Whoever kills with the sword must be killed by the sword... "
- The New Testament, Revelation 13:10
 
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