In your opinion, what is SOG's best folder and why.

The Arcitech. High end materials in a very nice and lightweight package. The Arc Lock is great, the VG10 san mai is great looking and performing. The filed backspacer and the abalone thumb stud just add icing to the cake. I really regret trading mine off. If I ever get the chance and have the funds I will get another. Sog really can make a nice folder when they put their minds to it.
 
Architect, fatcat, tomcat, Bluto, Visionary, Vulcan

The Bluto is HIGHLY overlooked... if you can find one I recommend picking it up
 
Original Tomcat. It's a classic. One of the original super beefy folders.
 
All that Senseless mentioned pretty much cover it, I think. I'm a fan of the Vulcan, and intend on buying a Mini when I have the luxury of having (sort of) duplicate knives. I've handled a Bluto, and although it's like a baby Vulcan, it just felt too small for me to flip and operate the Arc Lock (and I prefer 3" folders).
 
I would have to toss my chips in with the Vulcan. Built like a tank and VG-10 steel.
 
My favorite SOG folder is the Spec-Elite 1. To be totally fair, it's kind of a clone of the Benchmade 710, but what better knife to clone? Relatively lightweight, good steel, great lock and maybe the best blade-to-handle ratio I've seen on a knife. Given that they often pop up for around $70 it's a pretty nice package for the money.
 
senseless said:
Architect, fatcat, tomcat, Bluto, Visionary, Vulcan

The Bluto is HIGHLY overlooked... if you can find one I recommend picking it up
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I dunno. It looks great but sucks to open and close and blade is not too functional. Best f and f I've seen tho. Gorgeous knife!
 
Another vote for the Vulcan here. It's easily one of my "top 10" favorite folders. I also wish they made an upgraded version of the Salute (which I think is made by Ganzo for SOG) with better steel.
 
A.P.F. said:
I would have to toss my chips in with the Vulcan. Built like a tank and VG-10 steel.
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I'll have to check that out.

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I'll go against the grain a little and say my favorite is the Flashback. Yeah, its loosey goosey in the lockup (like SOG assisted folders are), but it has the features I favor most: 1) medium to large blade but still super light weight, and 2) deep, deep concealment carry. The futuristic looks and krazy-hard deployment are bonuses. This knife is not for everyone, and certainly not for the guy who demands bank vault feel and lockup, or who favors prying over slicing. But if you can get past its flimsy countenance (not unlike the Flash II and Aegis), its an awesome carry knife. Note the added grip tape for easy extraction.
 
I believe the Arcitech and Tomcat are SOG's best folders. I lusted for a Tomcat, but after getting the Vulcan and Mini-Vulcan I felt it was probably too large a folder for me to want to carry. Used to carry the Mini-Vulcan a few years ago, but have moved away from it. It stays in my work bag to be used as needed. The Vulcans were the first knives of that nature that I had ever owned.

I own the Blink, Twitch II, and Twitch XL.
 
I only post these for ref. and fact. Tom cat has 3 models, they vary GREATLY. the TOMCAT II is the legend and imo the best Sog every made. And ONLY IMO certainly a top 5 BIG folder choice, mind you please when I say BIG , the Tomcat II is massive in weight and thickness.. Blade is 3 1/2 long but a full 1 inch deep. And for our "jimping" loving friends it was a full 1 1/2 inch top "jimp" .Seldom ever see one in the "wild" or for sale or trade. I once owner 2 nib, a forum "friend" begged for one, I gifted it, and amazing as it seems, He never replied again. Great "friends" are made daily.. AHH... and Seki City Japan, need I say more ??

sog tomcat ll.jpgsog tomcat thumbscrew ll.jpgtom cat good.jpg
 
I have a Trident and the Arcitech. The Trident stays in a travel pack as a beater knife. I'd say the Arcitech is the nicest EDC sized knife SOG makes. Great blade, good fit and finish, a nice looking knife in my opinion. The one complaint I have is the back spacer design. It's not a solid piece, and the pocket clip on mine has knocked some of the pieces out of line...This issue frankly keeps me from loving it.

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The original SOG Tomcat is far and away the most robustly built older folder I have ever had. I got one here recently on a trade, and I couldn't possibly be more happy with it.
 
I have to agree with Powernoodle on the Flashback Dropped-Point.

I would like to add the Trident plain edge Clipped-Point Bowie too. It takes a very sharp edge that looks great, but is very functional.

I just wish that it didn't have the slot in the handle, I find it very annoying when placing it into the pocket, as it is easy to catch on.
 
BenchCo Spydermade said:
I dunno. It looks great but sucks to open and close and blade is not too functional. Best f and f I've seen tho. Gorgeous knife!
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I personally love opening and closing it, but it's the only arc/axis lock I own so maybe I'd like a full size knife with one even more. I like the recurve too... It sucks to sharpen but the VG10 is nice as well.
 
What about, for price/value, the AE22-CP Aegis Mini Knife or a full-size Aegis?

And yes, I know, not a "genuine" SOG, but not a clone or knockoff.

Named on Everyday Commentary as a "Readily Available Benchmark," achieving a score of 17 of 20. Not bad for a $45.00 knife!
 
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I've had quite a few SOG's over the years, it was my first breakthrough into "nicer knives. I've had two Pentagon Elites, the original liner lock (which I lost fifteen years ago much to my chagrin) and the updated Arc lock model. Still have my original mini X-Ray Vision, arc-lock when it first came out, ats-34 steel. Its retired, but has taken serious abuse and been sharpened many, many times. I've also owned two Trident folders, Tanto TiNi and satin clip point, a Flash 1, aluminum handle w/ TiNi blade, half serrated. I own a Seal Pup tigerstripe, and wow has that thing held up. When I first got it I nearly took the tip of my finger off.

Back in the 90's, most of their lineup was well made. Today, with the exception of the Japan made VG-10 models, the quality just isn't there. My favorite is the ATS-34 mini X-Ray Vision. Hell of a knife. Good luck finding one.
 
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