My review of the SOG Night Vision!

B

Blizzard

Joined
Jun 29, 2001
Messages
20
Hi everyone, I have just bought a SOG Night Vision. I have read several posts about this folder, and I got it despite Cliff Stamp's review. I like the price as well as the weight. It balances nicely and is actually light enough for EDC, unlike some folders which are almost unbreakable but pulls your pants down.

Anyway, I found the blade developing some rust spots after carrying it for a few days. I was surprised, after all, I used Sentry Tuff Cloth on it, and I was very liberal with the wiping. Upon closer inspection, I found the bead blasting (about 1/4 inch from the edge)slightly shiny. I guess the blade was over buffed, but the course machining marks are highly visible on the back of the spine and on the choil. I don't know about you but I am sick and tired of bead blasted blade rusting while you watch it. Maybe SOG should consider another finish?

The Arc lock works like a charm, it is very smooth but it requires some effort to push the blade slightly out of the handle to begin the opening. The lock up is strong and there is no blade play either vertically or sideways. I don't like the thumb stud, it is too rough for me, I would prefer a smoother rounder thumb stud, which is less abrasive. This is not complaint but I don't see the need for that kind of a thumbstud.

Anyway, while pulling the Night Vision from waist, I found that I can duplicate the Emerson Wave action by letting the thumb stud grap the edge of my trousers. However, the blade is always half open and at 90 degreees to the handle. I wouldn't recommend this, you could easily cut yourself badly on the stomach.

I don't appreciate the tip up carry system, I prefer the tip down carry, it is better in my opinion for faster deployment. I think SOG should consider this option in their next generation of Arc lock knives.

I haven't done much cutting with the blade to give any opinions about edge holding but I like the serrations. It is wide enough for proper sharpening with standard rod sharpeners. Like most bladeforums members, I hate serrations, I have never found them useful in most applications and a pain to sharpen. I think the SOG serration is a good compromise. I would have to do some cutting with it to see how they hold up.

Until later.
 
good review! BTW, if it had a bead blast it was an X-Ray vision, not a Night Vision. The Vision(titanium handle) and the night vision(g-10 handle) had polishes, while SOG made the X-Ray Vision(zytel handles) with a bead blast.
 
Oops, my mistake, yup it is the X-ray vision, lack of sleep, too much coffee and stress at college has finally done it, sorry guys.
 
I would surely be more likely to buy the x - ray vision if it weren't for that damned combo edge. I prefer plain edge, though every once in a while a fully serrated blade can be useful. So far as I'm concerned, the combo edge is the worst of both worlds. The rest of the x - ray vision's design looks pretty good, though.
 
Blizzard, good review. I know what you mean about the thumbstuds, the corners are too sharp! I too would like to see SOG offer plain edge versions and rounded off thumbstuds. Personally, I like tip up carry as I simply find it easier to draw and open the knife, but I can deal with either tip up or tip down carry.
 
Blizzard --

I'm particularly interested in blade play. After you've used your knife for while, could you tell me if any play develops? It's up to you, but I did some hard stabs into wood, some chops, some whittling, some blade torquing, etc., to accelerate the process a bit. In any case, I'd be interested in hearing about whether or not you develop blade play after some use. Blade play means any slop, even if you just feel it rather than see it.

Thanks!

Joe
 
Hi Joe, I would do it gladly, the knife is not so expensive that I cannot replace it. I saw your review and would like to try some spine knocks and a little side to side prying to see how everything hold up. I believe the problem you have experienced may be a deformed latch pin. From what I could see, it is the only part that would wear out.

I did notice that the stainless liners is quite thin, and when I gripped the knife tightly, I can feel the clip and the handle compressing slightly. The clip is not very stiff and flexes easily when you pressed slightly on it.

After wearing the knife for a week, I want more rounded thumbstuds. The sharp edge digs into my sides and I am forced to constantly readjust the folder to prevent it from pinching. I will probably take a file to smooth it out.

Anyway, the more I flick the knife open, the smoother the action becomes. It is the smoothest action I have seen.

I hope SOG introduces more knives with the Arc lock, and in plain edge versions too. :)
 
I have the Titanium Vision and like it a lot, it just does not see much carry time because of the Tanto and combo edge so I'm selling it and waiting for a plain edged clip point (Hey Ron...;)).

I personally like tip up carry and due to the excellent lock found that it held in place nicely.

I think SOG has a winner in this one if they'd just change the blade around a bit.

The blade on my Vision is like a work of art, perfect grind lines and very well sculpted.

Enjoy your knife! :)
 
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