Need Advice - SOG Trident Replacement

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NormalEar

Joined
May 4, 2014
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I am brand new - joined this morning. I found this forum after losing my SOG Trident yesterday and would like some help with finding a replacement. The things that I liked about the SOG were the assisted opening, axis lock, light weight and serrated blade. In fact, I was thinking of just getting another...

After searching the through many of these threads, I think that I will at some point get a CRK for every day carry and something like the SOG for weekend work. The Sebenza 21 is what I will be hunting for (I think).

Knife I had: S.O.G. DFSA-98 Flash II Digi Camo Zytel Handle Black Blade ComboEdge

Considering the following:


BENCHMADE GRIPTILIAN 551SBKSN - Concerned that the handle will be too thick (liked the thinness and weight of SOG Trident)

ZERO TOLERANCE 0350SW - Concerned it's too big

BENCHMADE - LIMITED EDITION PARDUE AXIS 723SBKD2-701 - Probably closest to the SOG

I've looked through the selections from Spyderco, ZT and Kershaw and didn't see anything that interested me. Clearly, the folks on here are knowledgeable and will provide great advice. Thanks in advance.
 
I have a Trident myself, and the closest thing I own in terms of size and weight is a Boker Gemini. Unfortunately, it is not assisted, which I assume is a pretty major shortcoming for you.
 
I might just do that. As you can tell, I really liked the knife and it is relatively inexpensive. I could save the money to buy the Sebenza 21.
 
I have a few SOG assisted folders and unlike many around here, I like them for what they are. That said, if I were you I would look around on the exchange for a used BM Grip. Price difference isn't that much but quality will be much higher. Better steel, better lock for sure. I don't find the grips handle to be too thick and I have small-Med hands.

And just to clarify, you said you had a trident but then list a Flash II. Which is it? Also, you mention liking the axis lock on the SOG but the patented AXIS lock is from Benchmade. All the SOG assisted folders have a piston lock which is vastly different from the Axis lock, in both function and strength, AXIS being much better. SOG has something called an arc lock on it's VG10 Japanese folders which is sort of like an AXIS lock. This might be what you are confused about.
 
The Flash series are my least favorites of the SOG offerings, but I haven't purchased any in the last couple of years. They are the only SOGs that had excessive blade play on them and I bought them for work knives. They didn't last long as they just became MIA after a few days of my workers handling them. For a while, I purchased quite a few SOG knives, but have since kind of switched to other brands. I have always liked the Twitch XL and mini-vulcan. I don't provide knives than utility knives to workers anymore. Learned my lesson rather quickly.
 
Why not a Benchmade Barrage if you like A/O knives? It'll be a bunch pricier than a Trident, but they're very nice, well made knives.
 
As stated above, maybe try the benchmade barrage or mini barrage. Assisted opening but with a much better lock. My only complaint with SOGs assisted openers is blade play in all directions. The BM should have none of that along with a better steel.
 
Thanks cross1178. I found a BM grip today on the exchange and it's on the way to me tomorrow. I am looking forward to its arrival.
 
Glad you got that Grip youll love it and are about to truly take a biiiig step up with the Axis lock! I have 12 Benchmades now and have yet to have an Axis lock problem. Just to go over a couple you mentioned as replacements at first you brought up the ZT 0350. It is big but not too big like the 0301 and fits the hand much better than you think it would I have 2. Im not much of a serrations guy but since you said youre new to this I cant suggest strongly enough that you go to Walmart and purchase a Kershaw tanto Blur. It will be either all black or black handled with a camo colored tanto blade both colors are serrated. Both are under 60 bucks and are near hair splitting sharp outta the package, have fast AO and lock up well. I mean DAMN sharp! Made in the USA to boot I have 6 Blurs of all different blade styles and colors etc. I also have both the Trident and Flash 2. SOG folders suck period. I managed to get the blade play out of the Trident but not out of the Flash 2. Your new Griptillian is gonna turn you into a knife junkie I promise just don't forget about the USA made Kershaw Blurs at Walmart would be an awesome next knife for relatively cheap. Benchmades get pretty damn expensive after awhile...
 
CelticCross74 said:
SOG folders suck period.
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I completely disagree with this statement. NormalEar, as a new member to BF I don't think you should listen to such advice without a qualified discussion on the matter, and have it backed up with more experience on your part.

Glad you got the grip. IMO it will be an improvement over the trident. But if you feel it isn't, sell the grip and go back to what YOU liked before. That is what this hobby is all about, finding what you like in a knife.
 
You are spot on Craytab. I really liked the SOG Trident and didn't have a single issue with it (no blade play, held an edge and took a lot of abuse). I am very much looking forward to receiving the BM and seeing how it compares. Also, next time I am in Walmart, I will check out a Kershaw tanto.
 
I know you already picked one, but FWIW, when I was looking for my first assisted-opening knife, I had it narrowed down to the Blur and Flash II, which is similar in size and spec to the Trident. I ended up getting the Blur at the time, and I later picked up a Flash II. I must say the AO mechanism on the Blur just feels entirely different. Of my assisted-opening knives, I still like the feel of the AO on the Blur the best. I've got no complaints about the Flash II, but the Blur was just a better fit for me. Kershawguy actually has several Blurs right now for under $40 (new, non-blem) - red, tiger-stripe tanto, and black tanto.
 
Thanks Flarp. I just checked out Kershawguy's website. I agree that any of the Blur's would have worked as a good replacement. I am still psyched to get my BM Grip, but your advice is appreciated.
 
I'm wondering where you found those blurs under $40.00? I spent a while looking and the best deal I found was for $49.99.
 
newknif said:
I'm wondering where you found those blurs under $40.00? I spent a while looking and the best deal I found was for $49.99.
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Red Blur for $39.95.
Black Tanto Blur for $38
Tiger Stripe Blur Blem for $39 (was mistaken about this being a non-blem earlier)
Black Tanto Blur Blem for $35

IMO, that Red Blur is a great bargain at that sale price.

Blur_1670RD_800x391.jpg
 
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Thank you so much for that site flarp! What a bummer though. Earlier today I ordered a red Blur from E-Bay for $49.99. Of course it has already shipped and the money is paid.

I really have to perfect this time travel thing I've been working on. I'll be sure to use that site in the very near future. Thank you again.
 
newknif said:
Thank you so much for that site flarp! What a bummer though. Earlier today I ordered a red Blur from E-Bay for $49.99. Of course it has already shipped and the money is paid.

I really have to perfect this time travel thing I've been working on. I'll be sure to use that site in the very near future. Thank you again.
Click to expand...

Once you get the time travel thing figured out, do share. ;)
 
craytab said:
I completely disagree with this statement. NormalEar, as a new member to BF I don't think you should listen to such advice without a qualified discussion on the matter, and have it backed up with more experience on your part.
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I agree.
The Aus 8 that SOG uses is outstanding, even compared to some higher end steels, and has served myself and others well for many years.

Back on topic, the 551 was my first "expensive" knife and is still one of my all time favorites.

Someone mentioned the blur blems and while a great choice, I would suggest spending a bit more and look at the S30V Blur along with Kershaw's outstanding warranty.
 
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