Mini X-Ray Q's

G

GeckOblue925

Joined
Feb 18, 2007
Messages
14
Is it comfortable to carry? How does the clip differ from others in function? Does the Arc-Lock constitute a switch blade (in most states)?

Thanx for the feedback.
:thumbup:
 
From a legal perspective, Sir Galant is almost certainly correct. But it may be a "gravity knife" which is also illegal in most states.

From a practical perspective a "switchblade" or a "gravity knife" is whatever the officer handling your SOG Arc-Lock thinks it is. Let's suppose someone down at the station showed him the following YouTube Videos of the Arc-Lock in action:

Video 1

Video 2

Now put yourself in the officer's place. What is he likely to think of an Arc-Lock knife?

This isn't a concern unique to SOG, either. You'll run into the exact same problem with Spyderco, Kershaw, and Benchmade knives. All these brands have a bunch of models which can be "flicked" open instantly with one hand. My suggestion is buy the SOG Mini-X Ray, it's a great little knife, just be cautious how you open it in public.

Over 20 years ago, Jeff Imada gave some very good advice about fast opening knives in his Balisong Manual. He was discussing butterfly knives, but it's just as true today for the SOG Arc-Lock: when in doubt, open the knife slowly and with both hands.
 
thanx, I read some other threads about the legalities of any knife that opens easily. Interesting.

Anyone carry one of these around? Are they lightweight and comfortable?
I've since done more research about the pocket clip and like that idea.
 
i carry a mini X-ray as my weekend EDC, i find it to be very light :), the clip is great it holds in the pocket and doesn't look too sus if your shirt does not cover it. The mini X-ray is a very comfortable knife to carry and you will soon forget it's even there

this knife cuts well and is really easy to resharpen. and easy to pull apart to clean :)

hope this helps
 
Thanx Forrie,
Im glad to hear its comfortable. I work in the Geek Squad so I will be wearing work slacks and dont want anything heavy or bulky in my pants. (no pun intended) :rolleyes:

I was going to ask about sharpening it too. I just ordered the Sharp Maker 204 (havent gotten to use it yet) but was wondering how difficult it is too sharpen the 'american' tanto blades (because of the angles).

PS- have you tried putting a bevel on the back? It looks like it could easily take an edge (?)
 
Thought you all might find this interesting.
I emailed SOG to see what they thought about their Arc-Lock knives being considered a switch-blade or gravity opener by law enforcement.
They replied:

Our Arc-Lock knives are not considered switch blade knives. The knife
operator needs to guide the blade out in order to open the knife. You
can guide out the blade and with a flick of the wrist, the knife will
pop open but this does not happen unless you start guiding the blade out
or hold the arc lock nub down

It looked pretty easy on that youtube video,
but I guess I wont worry about it.

btw, I also asked if they would help defend me in court if I were unjustly charged with carrying an illegal weapon,
as you can see they chose not to address that question. Thats okay, I figured it was a long shot. :D
 
no mate i havent tryed to put a back bevel on it and i would not advise about trying this be cause of the way it rides

cheers forrie
 
Well, I got my mini X-ray today. I like it alot.
Two small areas of concern, the knife is not as easy to open or close as I had hoped, that is one tight spring. But as I just got it, alittle more practice and I'll probably better opening technique. Also I noticed the backside edge looks almost exactly as does Applejacks post. Fortunately I do have a sharpmaker, so hopefully I can clean the edge up a bit. Seems to be a very solid knife though.
 
Springs have a way of getting more flexible, especially with constant use. Just ask a switchblade enthusiast. ;)
 
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