Digi Camo Aegis is on sale at Dicks for $44, as of 1-4-2013! (
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4310068&clickid=body_rv_txt) That’s the same price I paid at our local Dicks store… Hope this review helps.
Pros: Virtually flawless ergonomics / blade shape, and weight. I’m obsessed with knives and have a nice Benchmade/Spyderco/Kershaw collection. This is my only Sog – and I have to say they just NAILED both the handle and blade shape on this folder. The ergonomics are, in my view, fantastic. For example: your first two fingers rest in a deep groove, behind a ridge that feels almost like a finger guard (awesome); the jimping or traction grooves on top of the blade are super grippy; and the deep, curved belly and full flat ground blade make the perfect EDC slicing blade for me. You’re left with a fine tip – you won’t want to pry hard with this knife – but that fine tip comes in mighty handy. And it goes without saying: it’s darn good lookin’ (if you don’t mind camo/tactical looks). Finally, weight. Mine comes in right at 3 oz. – super, super light for this much knife. It’s light enough that I’ve worn it clipped to nylon running shorts, with no issues.
Cons: Blade play, and imperfect centering of the blade. Once open/locked, I could make my blade wiggle side-to-side (none of my other knives do that, but yeah, I’m used to nice knives) – not so much that you notice it while using, but still enough to contribute to making the knife feel ‘cheap.’ There are no steel liners & no bronze bushings, period – this blade pivots on nylon (or is it teflon? whatever) washers only, and I would think that contributes to blade play. I was able to tighten/locktite the pivot point to where that play is minimal, however, and the knife still opens fast – but that little bit of remaining play doesn’t inspire confidence. Again, the grip/ergos DO inspire confidence, but the quality control /plastic internals say “don’t use me too hard.” The blade is notably off center when resting in the handle, too, but I haven’t had an issue with that.
Other minor observations: I found the safety annoying. It clicks off/on in a vague way (mine stopped at a midpoint “is it on or off?” setting) and wasn’t necessary for me, so I opened the knife up and removed it (easy enough). The ‘rubber’ traction strips look cool but feel like hard plastic. Who cares – overall you get excellent grip. I don’t expect the Aus 8 steel to hold an edge forever, but I know it won’t be hard to sharpen and it’s holding up fine so far.
Bottom line: The price is great, but keep in mind you can get a 100% solid (no blade play, confidence inspiring) assisted-opening Kershaw (think: Blur), or non-assisted Spyderco (think: Tenacious) for around the same $$. For me, though, the low weight and awesome design (shape and looks) make this knife worth adding to my collection. I’m glad it’s not my only knife, because I have a hard time seeing it survive long/hard abuse… but it’s fun to grab when I need a light, full-sized blade.
