New to Knives

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benchSOGmade

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Oct 29, 2007
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Hello everyone... new to knives... first time in the forums (just some crazy urge that said "GOTTA GET A FIXED BLADE!) Well, about two weeks ago I knew nothing of knives... and have researched steels, blade shapes, handles, manufacturers, etc. -ALL vs. COST- of course! Lol! It seems that SOG is hard to beat. To make a long story short... I have narrowed my decisions between the Field Pup (AUS8), the NW Ranger (AUS6), and (I know this is the SOG forum, sorry) the Benchmade Griptilian (fixed 154CM). I have read some about each knife here, but am asking for any other "opinions/knowledge" that may help my decision. Thanks!

Oh... and a non-serrated NW Ranger would def be AWESOME!!!
 
I would vote for the Field Pup, but yes I am slightly biased. Actually I don't think you an go wrong with any of the your choices.
 
I love the pup and ranger. I don't really care for Benchmades. I had a few very bad experiences with them that I gave them numerous chances to make right and they only made things worse. SOG is an amazing knife company. Not just because of the quality of their knives, the attention to detail, the beauty of the work, but also because of the people in the company. I know that if I need some help with something or my SOG knife has a problem, the guys at SOG are going to do everything they can for me. They're willing to go the extra mile with all of their customers. That means a lot to me. For those reasons, I carry my Recon Bowie 24/7. I know I can rely on it, just like I can rely on people like Chris and Robbie. Great people, great blades.

...and no, noone paid me to say any of that. lol
 
I'm a fan of SOG but you should go with an SOG with a Seki blade as your first knife. SOG's Taiwan knives are part of their discount line. Nevertheless, I have one of those as well and it is a good knife. But your first should be from Japan. IMO.

I think the two SOGs you like are Seki knives.
 
Just discovered the x-42 SOG Field Knife (which I realize is out of production, I think), but I'll find one... somehow... someway... lol!

Well... I'm an avid fisherman, love hiking and camping, and just being outdoors in general... however I do not hunt so "field dressing game" is not a variable. I was originally looking for ONE general purpose, do-it-all knife, which is looking more and more like the Field Pup in terms of size, blade, etc. However, after much thought and further study (and finding out about the x-42 Field Knife!) I'm think what I may be looking for is a nice "pair" of knives, as I realize no one tool can do TWO things equally effective. From my research, and trying to be "practical" (no double-edged super-combat tanto point armor piercing anti-tank blade), I'm thinking the SOG x-42 matched with the Field Pup would be a PERFECT combination. And then I think the NW Ranger would do well enough alone. Then I think I may buy all three, and carry which-ever when-ever depending on where and what I'm going to be doing. I'm new to knives and am a SOG fanatic already... the only other knife I'm considering is the Fixed Griptilian <---???


Thoughts? Opinons?

Also, someone mentioned Seki blades? What defines a Seki blade? and which knives are made where? and where can I find an x-42 (read something, somewhere about counterfeit x-42's?)?
 
benchSOGmade said:
Also, someone mentioned Seki blades? What defines a Seki blade? and which knives are made where? and where can I find an x-42 (read something, somewhere about counterfeit x-42's?)?
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All of the blades that are made in Japan will actually have the words "Seki-Japan" stamped into the blade low by the hilt. All of their Taiwan blades will have "Taiwan" stamped into the blade. Or you can just ask Chris@SOG.
 
Dylside answered the Seki question for me.

As for the counterfeit X-42 I have never seen one. If you are interested in the X-42 you should also check out the Team Leader it is very similar to the Field knife. In fact it uses the same handles with a slightly different blade.
 
benchSOGmade,

Welcome !!

I'll recommend a SEAL 2000 for all that outdoors stuff. A bit stouter than the Field Pup, more utilitarian for the bigger chores.
And the X-42 Field Knife will be that perfect companion to the SEAL 2000.

Cheers and Happy SOG'ing !!!!

Carl
 
WOW! Team leader is very nice! I don't know how I missed it ( narrrow point makes me question tip strength)! Thanks Chris! Is the Team Leader Sawback going to be around a while?, I like it. And you guys were saying the Japan made knives were of better quality, correct? Of the x-42, field pup, nw ranger, team leader, which are made where ( I haven't found this info, perhaps I've overlooked it somewhere). And, finally, any ideas on where to find an x-42?!? Sry, so many questions guys. Thank you all for your help... it is GREATLY appreciated.

As for the SEAL 2000, I'm sure it's a great knife... just seems a little "overboard" to me for what I'd be doing... and a little larger than I'd like. I guess is the best way to say it... I prefer a more "simple" design. LOL! I don't know! just not my fav design, but what do I know?!?
 
I understand your sentiment about "overboard". No problem. Both the Field Pup and NW Ranger are great knives. I have both. Take a look at the straight edge Seal Pup Elite. You may like that one too. The Seal Pup Elite is my everyday field knife for non-hunting situations. The Field Pup is a great everyday knife for carrying out in the woods. The NW Ranger is larger.
 
The Team Leader sawback has not actually been released yet but it is going to be standard production item by the end of the year.

I would not necessarily say that Japan knives are of better quality. If you are comparing dollar for dollar I think that Taiwan is producing a better product. What Japan seems to offer is more attention to detail and finer craftsmanship. At this point I would put a Taiwan fixed blade up against a Japan one with equal materials any day, for folding knives Japan seems to offer a little finer construction but you also pay more for that attention to detail.

Origin of the knife you asked about is below
Field Pup - Taiwan
NW Ranger - Japan
Team Leader (Duratech) - USA
Team Leader (AUS8) - Taiwan
X-42 Field Knife - USA

Hope this helps out.
 
Is the field pup always made in taiwan or is it a recent transition? I want to pick one up but the local shop only have leather/kydex sheath, and one older thread here say it's easily cut through when drawing knife so I'm not sure anymore.
 
jzmtl said:
Is the field pup always made in taiwan or is it a recent transition? I want to pick one up but the local shop only have leather/kydex sheath, and one older thread here say it's easily cut through when drawing knife so I'm not sure anymore.
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As far as I know the Field Pup has always been made in Taiwan. I had one back in 2003 and it was made there. IMO a great knife for the money. Lots of people I showed it to really liked it. Some day will get another one....

By the way, I have the X-42 Field knife and like it. Can't wait to also get a Team Leader. Handled the Duratech version, it was nice but pricey. Am waiting for the AUS8 version to show up locally before I do. Nothing you couldn't do with a Field Pup, Revolver and Tigershark. For me right now it's a Outdoor Mini Autoclip (drop point folder by SOG) Revolver or Field knife and my Tigershark (SK-5 version)

Heber
 
Hmmm...All are GREAT knives.

I LOVE my Pentagon. Looking at a Seal Team Elite. Id go with the Benchmade Fixed Griptillian. It's just so freaking awesome of a deal. i think it gives you more blade than the Field pup, and better edge retention and a more durable handle than the NW ranger.

What about the Seal Pup Elite? Also another BIG nod to the AUS 8 Team Leader.
 
Every question I've had has been thoroughly answered! Thanks guys!

I think I'll start with the x-42 Field Knife (If I can find one)!

All but one... ha ha. Where to get an x-42? I've looked, searched, browsed, and searched some more. The only x-42 Field Knife I can find is on EBAY, and it's $200 (kinda crazy if you ask me). I've also found it on 2 other sites for less (have to find them again), but the stores didn't have "phone numbers", only email addresses. Seemed a little odd to me. Who knows? Anyway, if anybody happens to run across one online and they don't plan to purchase it... if you could let me know I'd greatly appreciate it (there are no local "knife shops" here, and if there were I'd doubt they'd have one).

Thanks again guys!
 
Good luck on the X-42 I snagged 2 of them of of ebay and I payed around $175 for each. There is on on the bay for $199 buy it now if you really wanted one that bad.
 
benchSOGmade said:
Every question I've had has been thoroughly answered! Thanks guys!

I think I'll start with the x-42 Field Knife (If I can find one)!



Thanks again guys!
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You'll shoot your eye out!:)

Call Knives and Edges in Las Cruces NM. She may have one in stock.
 
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