I'm thinking of getting a SOG Seal Pup Elite for camping...

A

agoutihead

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May 5, 2007
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I need a great camping knife that is reasonably priced so I dont mind actually using it out in the field.

I think I've decided on a SOG Seal Pup Elite http://sogknives.com/store/E37TS.html

I think its got a great look, made of good SS for the outdoor weather.

I'm not so much for the notching on the back of the spine of the Elite and could do with out them, but I'll deal with them on the the Elite over the regular pup because it does have a longer blade/cutting edge with a thicker blade overall.

I dont think I want the full sized Seal Elite, because the Pup seems to be a little more "manageable" (I'm a shorter guy, 5'5") and perhaps even less "scary" to non-knifers out there.

I was thinking of getting it in either the tiger stripe 1st or black 2nd.

Any ideas how the tiger stripe finishing will hold up to some use? It will probably "show" less wear than the black will wont it, just based on its multi colored pattern?

Whats the input on these?

I would also say that their new Aura Seal knife coming out in November has got a pretty good look to it & a great idea with the carbide striker in the handle, I'm just not sure I like the handle overall though. It seems to be priced much less than the Seal Pup Elites though...

http://sogknives.com/store/AU-03.html

Thanks.
 
You are going to get a lot of people talking trash about SOG for various reasons, some deserved, most not. What I do know is that SOG has sold a lot of fixed blades that I haven't heard bad reports on. I think that the Seal Pup Elite will perform as expected and regardless of what you are advised, your own experience is the best teacher.
 
I know its never a good topic for some reason lol

I really want one with partial serrations, but I always hear a lot of people say they hate them. I think they could be very useful. And with the Elite, it offers a longer cutting edge to help balance the serrations.

But then again, serrations only really excel in cutting rope, & well, doesnt the blade end of the knife cut rope just as easy?!
 
I know that a lot of people hate these, but have you looked at WSK style of knives. They are purpose built for camping and I personally think that look pretty unique. They are also made for chopping which can be a pretty time consuming task when camping.
 
Yeah I don't like Serrated blade's....but I'm not going to tell someone that wants them not to get them. There's some negative thing's about sog but you could find someone that will complain or dislike any company, and most of the negative I've heard about sog had to do with their folders,except the only thing I ever really here about there fixed blade's is that they are over priced compared to the competition...witch I agree but if you really are set on a particular design then you don't really have a choice. If your not dead set on that design I would go with someone else for my money there are better choices, esse,Becker,blind horse,swamp rat,scrapyard, to Name a few. Of coarse that's just my opinion, but you should buy what you want because your the one that has to use it. Good luck and let us know what you decide to get.
 
You'll learn real quick that things said about serrations are repeated on the internet so many times people start to believe them. Do a search on manufactures sites to find out how many people ask if they can send in their serrated blades and have them replaced with regular blades.

I bought a serrated blade about 30 years ago thinking the same thing, they would perform some take better and I knew they would cut rope better cause I read it so many times. That knife when in the trash when I discovered not only is it harder then heck to cut rope with serrations they are not much better for cutting cardboard. I've send test after test that shows the same thing. If you want to cut rope don't use a serrated blade to do it.

I bought two this year just to be sure nothing changed, one from SOG. Do yourself a favor and get the plain blade. You'll like the knife and it will handle pretty much anything 99% of the world would use a knife for, but serrations are a waiste of a good blade.
 
Without getting into anything negative about SOG, I'll just say that there are better knives for your intended purposes.
 
i have a sog pentagon. its kind of big but its legal to carry. at least for me. i am exempt from knife laws in puerto rico."special circumstances for handicapped folks here" its a tough knife i stabbed corrogated steel just for kicks and it took it without a flinch.serrated on one side and plain on the other:jerkit:. but its far from my favorite knife. i mostly use it when im crabbing. bad area especially at 2am.. i think its aus6. but im unsure. i dont think they bad knives. but for camping i use a machete. might have to dig a hole to take a dump. and thats a whole lot of digging with a even a large fixed

fried
 
Why would you get the Seal Pup? Its not a camping knife. "Seal"...like the underwater Navy guys? Its right there in the name. Its a "military"/"fighter" knife.

Its got a top guard, you can't baton on that spine, serrations are pointless, the coating is entirely unnecessary, etc etc etc.

If you want a SOG for camping, get the Northwest Ranger. Its designed to do stuff that one does while camping.

Unless your camping involves playing Navy Seal. Maybe go diving in the lake and attach a mine to bluegill.
 
The Seal Pup elite was one of the very first knives I bought. It is light, the handle is extremely hard, not very comfortable, and transfers shock like a tuning fork! Also the serrations are not ideal for camping at all!!! I got rid of mine and fast! It didnt do anything well. It was tough but that was all I liked about it. I also had a Gerber LMFII and liked it better but it had serrations also. I am not a fan of serrations! I would consider the Buck Nighthawk as a cheaper alternative. No serrations, priced right, better for camping. One big questions...what is your budget?
 
A seal pup elite would be a fine camping knife. AUS8 steel gets a lot of crap, but in reality, it's a fine working steel.
If I were getting one, I would get it in the satin finish without the serrations. Serrations have their uses, but I'd prefer there not be any on a camping knife.
The seal pup elite is a good length, holds an edge, and looks neat.
If you dig the style, buy one and enjoy
 
Try not to get too stuck on a single brand, esp. SOG.
If you're looking for a cool knife to play with, the seal pup elite is one sweet looking blade! It would probably make a good dive knife, so take it swimming! You can use it to sharpen sticks, make traps, cut string, open packages... a co-worker of mine uses one for hunting & fishing to process game, including filleting (to my surprise), and really likes it. It's a great knife, and very light for its size.

But for the price... It's not great quality steel and may require resharpening fairly often. The handle has terrific grip, but has the potential to cause blisters fairly quickly if used with significant force (e.g. carving wood) so you may want gloves. You can baton with it, but it won't hold up as well as some other less expensive knives, and it will take more work, followed by resharpening. It is too light to chop efficiently. Also be aware of SOG's warranty, specifically what is not covered and terms with flexible definitions...

This is not a 'hard use' knife nor a traditional 'camp' knife as it will struggle to perform all the tasks usually associated with that epithet. This is not really a 'survival' knife or a 'military' knife as the marketing suggests. But it is a really cool-looking knife that is both useful and light-weight. If you've got the money (or aren't the one buying it), go ahead and grab one! I doubt you'll be disappointed.
If you like this style of knife and can bear to wait for it, Gerber is releasing a similar knife in collaboration with BearGrylls, lablling it a 'survival' knife. You can do a google-search or youtube for pre-release videos. You can pre-order the knife on Amazon for $60. It'll have a hammer pommel, firesteel, whistle, and some other features you may find to your liking. I encourage you to check it out. Ether way, I'm sure you'll be happy.
 
i have one and it has worked out well--mine is the satin plain edge--replaced the factory sheath with a OD Green Black Hawk sheath--much nicer--:thumbup:
 
On the link you posted, It had a price of $140. Go to the makers area and the exchange area for that price you could have a custom made to you specs or find a used custom in great shape
 
Someone had one listed for sell for $70, either this fourm or "the other one".

The regular Seal Pup can be had for under $60 and I'm guessing the Elite for not much more than that if you look around.

I would agree the Pup isn't the best choice if you want to chop wood. I believe ESEE is a popular choice for a do everything camp knife. They do have a much better warranty too.
 
Personally I'd go with ESEE or Buck for the intended purposes originally stated.
 
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