Recieved my Sog Nautical

[VictGerbSogCamill]

My new Sog Nautical knife was waiting for me when I got back from vacation a week ago. So here it is, borrowed description from Sog website.

SOG Nautical (FF-23)
The Nautical is not just a knife it’s a precision instrument with many parts working together in synchronicity. A marlin-spike is especially useful in marine applications to untie knots but we were surprised to find out how many other uses they have. Use it as an awl, a scribe, for digging, prying, scraping, or … you get the idea. What you might not see at first glance though is that the liners are crafted from super strong and lightweight titanium and mated to tough G10 handles. The big half serrated blade opens fast.

Specifications:

•Blade Length 2.875" x .1"
•Overall Length 7.125"
•Weight 4.9 oz.
•Edge Half Serrated
•Steel 6Cr12MoV
•HRC 52-55
•Handle GRN
•Finish Satin
•Includes Marlin Spike
•Country of Origin China

So what do I think of it thus far. First of all, I love marlin spike knives, great for knots duh. I bite my nails so working with knots can be a challenge, but not with one of these.

Fit and finish great, a little stiff to open, but thats good, I can work with that. The marlin spike locks into place and is released by pressing down on the hinge. Love the contrast of the blue titanium liner. What I don't like is the hinge used to release the marlin spike, seems to protrude out , doesn't seem happy in either position, down towards blade or the reverse, just seems bulky, like it would hang up if in your pocket. But then I am comparing it to my Camillus Seaman's knife I got in the Navy. Over all I really like it, not as compact as my Camillus, but made with better materials and the spike comes to a more pronounced point.:thumbup:

 

[Foremast Jack]

That is a sweet knife. It's good to see more manufacturers putting out quality rigging knives. I don't need to tell you that the spike lock release, or hinge, is intended to be a lanyard attachment point as well, and that many or the other older marlin spike knives have similar behaving releases (Ka-Bar, Case, Shrade and, yes Camillus) (My Camillus has 90 degrees of movement in the release, from straight out to straight up, it doesn't fold back towards the blade the way your SOG does in the photo). BTW, it looks as if Colonial is the sole remaining manufacturer of the 1757 'jiggered' scale Mill Spec rigging knife still out there selling to the GSA. Of all the knives I've collected, the Camillus spike is the least pointy, however it never fails to work it's way into knots in even the smallest line.

Once again, that is a great looking knife, I hope it serves you well.

 

[nutz_about_knives]

Nice review! Although I find it fishy that SOG managed to get titanium liners and G-10 in for $70. Quite unlike SOG! Any "premium" stuff used by SOG normally jacks the price of the knife 2 or 3 times.

 

[wildmanh]

Thanks for the write up. I can't justify buying that knife, but I sure do like the way it looks.

 

[VictGerbSogCamill]

Thanks Guys!!

Wildmanh,
I coulndn't justify it either, seeing as I already have a Marlin spike knife.

But the obsesed knife guy on my shoulder said "get this one to use and put your Camillus in a drawer." That little guy has quite the collection. FYI I paid $43 bucks, very reasonable.

 

[BLACKHAWK41]

Before SOG came out with the FF23, they were making the knife for West Marine. It has the West Marine name on the scales, but the tang says SOG and runs about $30.

Another interesting item sold by West Marine and made by SOG is a multi-function tool with a true marlinspike. Not a C4 punch, as currently marketed by SOG as a useable marlinspike.

Bill