Opinions on the S.O.G. Mini vulcan

adinb114

adinb114

Joined
Feb 25, 2011
Messages
651
I know that S.O.G. is not thought well of on this fine forum, but what's so bad about the Mini vulcan? I know that they turn out some sub-par knives but the Vulcan seems up to par. I've handled it, and I really like it. I've heard great things about edge retention, and i know the arc-loc to be strong. The price is reasonable, i've seen them for $75-$80. Seems like a User to me. Have any of you had one?
 
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I don't know about anyone else but my full size SOG Vulcan is one of my favorite EDC knives. The knife is on par with my griptilian when comparing balance, feel and blade quality. Granted I don't have many SOGs but I will not part with my Vulcan.
 
I have one of the full size one. Personally I do not recommend it. If you are really set on buying it, feel one in your hand first, the grip sucks imho, so make sure you are ok with it.

This is one of those knives that On paper it sounds great, but is poorly executed. Vg10 sanmai with pseudo axis lock. The lock up is fine but the grip sucks and the blade is too thick near the edge.
 
the only complaint ive had with my mini vulcan tanto is that the pocket clip broke after a few months but aside from that its a decent user
 
What would you recomend as an alternative to this. I want Something with a strong lockup; handle lock, Axis. I've bent a linerlock doing something that any of my other axis knives could handle. Ive got a griptillian so what other hard use, edc knives with good steel would you recomend for $70-$80
 
Only one that hits all your points is spyderco manix 2

Up the ante by 20 bucks and you can find plenty of options on the exchange. I have seen for 100 or less:
-bone collector folders
-bm rift
-bm 710
-bm presidio
- spyderco dallara
- bm onslaught

I was able to snag a full size presidio for 50 a couple years back


Also, I dont know what you define as good steel but the old recon 1s and ak47s are worth a look. Cold steel does a great heat treat on their aus8
 
adinb114 said:
What would you recomend as an alternative to this. I want Something with a strong lockup; handle lock, Axis. I've bent a linerlock doing something that any of my other axis knives could handle. Ive got a griptillian so what other hard use, edc knives with good steel would you recomend for $70-$80
Click to expand...



If your just looking for a strong folding knife in that price range take a look at the TriAd lock knives that ColdSteel has been making. There is no stronger folding knife.

What did you do with your knife that bent the locking liner? What knife was it?
 
ac1d0v3r1d3 said:
If your just looking for a strong folding knife in that price range take a look at the TriAd lock knives that ColdSteel has been making. There is no stronger folding knife.

What did you do with your knife that bent the locking liner? What knife was it?
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+1

Triad locks are unparalleled and the ergos on the 2010 recon 1s are phenonmenal
 
Hey what are you guys talkin about the clip breaking?

Bc I had my clip snag and bend out of shape. So I took the torx screw out and pop the clip off and rebent the clip and it actally improved it

Did you guys actually break the clip in two?
 
ac1d0v3r1d3 said:
If your just looking for a strong folding knife in that price range take a look at the TriAd lock knives that ColdSteel has been making. There is no stronger folding knife.

What did you do with your knife that bent the locking liner? What knife was it?
Click to expand...

Some light duty batoning. Don't get me wrong, liner locks have their time and place. But not on a heavy use folder. (I don't make it a habit of batoning with folders but it was the only knife i had on me.)
 
res1cue said:
Hey what are you guys talkin about the clip breaking?

Bc I had my clip snag and bend out of shape. So I took the torx screw out and pop the clip off and rebent the clip and it actally improved it

Did you guys actually break the clip in two?
Click to expand...

mine had an impurity in it so it snapped pretty quick and in a nice line i might add lol just waiting till i can get some spare titanium and make a new one no biggie
 
res1cue said:
Hey what are you guys talkin about the clip breaking?

Bc I had my clip snag and bend out of shape. So I took the torx screw out and pop the clip off and rebent the clip and it actally improved it

Did you guys actually break the clip in two?
Click to expand...
The one on my Vulcan snapped in two where it was "skeletonized". I don't know why companies insist on using weak useless clips when a simple clip screwed on to one of the scales works much better.
 
I can only speak for myself. I have the full size vulcan and have been very pleased with it. I don't use it as a heavy duty folder, but for what I need it for it's great. I love the looks, lock, and it fits my hand like a glove. Highly recommended from me. Although, fellow posters do not seem to like sog products. I have had no problems. Good Luck with whatever you buy.
 
adinb114 said:
Some light duty batoning. Don't get me wrong, liner locks have their time and place. But not on a heavy use folder. (I don't make it a habit of batoning with folders but it was the only knife i had on me.)
Click to expand...

I've used a folder to split kindling before, no biggie. What knife was it?
 
Yeah, I wouldn't put too much faith on the arc lock to be honest, if lock strength is what you are looking for. Cold Steel triad lock is what I would trust my life to, if I had to choose a folder.

From the SOG website: http://sogknives.com/store/PE18.html

The Arc-Lock far surpasses conventional lock strength, tested at over 1000 lbs of force measured at the lock in an independent lab test.
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I find that really really hard to believe. It sure feels like it can't handle 1,000 lb of force.
 
res1cue said:
Yeah, I wouldn't put too much faith on the arc lock to be honest, if lock strength is what you are looking for. Cold Steel triad lock is what I would trust my life to, if I had to choose a folder.

From the SOG website: http://sogknives.com/store/PE18.html



I find that really really hard to believe. It sure feels like it can't handle 1,000 lb of force.
Click to expand...

just because it says it was tested that high means it passed

but this doesnt change my opinion on it i doubt the axis lock could handle that, and even the triad locks arent measured that high so i think its fair to just leave it at 250lbs + for all three (axis arc triad)
 
I think that the arc, triad, and axis could handle 1,000 pounds if the weight was added gradually. If you slam that much weight on the lock, than it has to cope with the weight, and the shock of the impact. The triad locks i have seen fail haven't actually failed themselves, the blade itself broke.
 
OP, I think that res1cue has given you some sage advice. I don't fully agree with his assessment of the Vulcan, but that is OK. As was suggested, hold the knives in question, if you are able. Other than the Vulcan, my own suggestion would be a Griptilian, Bone Collector or a Spyderco Manix2, all of which are fine knives.
 
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