sog arcitech

Joined
Oct 10, 2009
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85
Im thinking of buying a sog arcitech. the ao1 model with the jig bone handle. its an expensive knive. and I would like some feedback before I invest in one.
Can anybody give me some advice as to the quality of this knife...also does anyone have any opinion on the blade steel..Thanks...Tom::confused:
 
I have one ordered that should be arriving in the next week. I would be happy to let you know what I think when I get a feel for it. I am new to the SOG line, but already have a Vulcan that I LOVE!

And I am NOT anyone who has every been moved by some dumbass spokesperson, but when I went to their site to research the Vulcan and found out about the GUNNY I was on board. I know he gets paid, but the man strikes me as a true no bullshit man. If he felt they sucked I doubt any amount of money would get his John Hancock on the contract ;)

I searched high and low for info on the Arcitech, but there is almost nothing out there. I am also going to be ordering a Tomcat, Stingray and a few more in the next few weeks so it will help even more to be able to compare them all. When I have something to report I will let you know.
Jon
 
Thanks for answering,,, Ive posted threads in three different knife forums. Your the only one that has answered me...I think these forums must be filled with snobby, cliquee assholes! most of these knife experts wouldn't know a butter knife from a case classic.
 
That's not a very nice way to talk this close to Christmas......you may be on the naughty list. :rolleyes:

Also, I could not find "cliquee" in my dictionary.

And who told you we were experts ? :D

I always use my case classic or my fightn rooster to spread my toppings. :D

And last but not least, if someone does not answer a question it sometimes means they just don't have an answer.

Robbie Roberson.
 
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Robbie's right. :)

It's an expensive knife, it won't have a wide clientele available to discuss it. I remember someone recently got a FatCat and he was very pleased with it. I think there was some talk of the Arcitech in that thread.
 
I am still awaiting the Arcitech arrival :(

I had purchase thed SOG Vulcan mini Tanto as my EDC, but found it to be just a touch to small. I was then going to buy the full version Vulcan (still will at some point :) ), but I got to looking at the higher end stuff just to see what was there.

I was really focused on the Tomcat 3, when I saw mention of the Arcitech here on the forum I went to SOG's site to learn more. I tried in vain to search forums, youtube and most everywhere else to find more info.

Some of the things that really made me take the leap were:
-the full Ti bolsters
-The san mai blade
- Blade and overall length
- Weight is just above the Vulcan mini, which to me is VERY light.
- Arc-lock system * THIS is a HUGE deal to me.

I was literally blown away with the arc lock. With the capacity to support a thousand pounds you know the lock is there when you need it. Holding the arc-lock in you can easily flip the blade out with a slight flick of the wrist.

Only down side for me on the Vulcan was:
-a little small for the hand, hence going to be getting the regular sized version
- Gave it to the pops for Christmas from me and the son :)
- when closed the blade was not perfectly lined up down the middle, but ALL other cosmetic features were wonderful, and it was SHARP!
- REALLY wish it was made in USA, but will take Japan over Thai and China any day.

The Vulcan is really overlooked in my mind.

Before selecting the Arcitech I looked at Kershaw ZT300, and a couple of emerson knives. I heard a LOT of horror stories about Emerson not having the best quality control, and the Kershaw blade was just a little to thick for my likes (although I fight this knives temptations daily).

Once I get it I promise to upload some photos and try my best to give it an honest and fun review. I have no intention of keeping this thing locked away, so I want to make sure it feels right for an EDC.

If anyone out there has views on the quality of Emerson, TOPS, and Kershaw knives please let me know. Please no die hard fan boys just an honest value as an everday EDC. BTW I got the knife for $200 shipped so it was right in the same park as the others.
 
sorry robbie if I offended anyone. but my snide remarks got just the response I was hoping for, which was any response, good or bad,,I wanted to see if people were alive out there,,,now Ill try the same tactic at my other knife site forums...especally the case classics club....thanks and have a nice christmas,,,Im having that eggnog right now,thanks again and have a drink on me....lol
 
I bought the Arcitech A01 at the SMKW Representative weekend. I love it and it's in my top five favorite knives. I don't think I'll ever EDC it though.
 
ideal25, please have a merry Christmas.

I was not offended at all......I saw your post early on and hoped someone would answer but they did not.

This time of year it is sometimes slow on here.

I hope you get your answers soon.

Robbie Roberson. :D
 
OK Tom got the knife today and here are my impressions so far.

Good:
-VERY light. I actually put it on the scales and it comes in at 4oz instead of the 4.5oz listed on the site.
-Overall very well built.
-Handle and blade are a great size for my larger hand and my pinky isn't coming of the end of the handle.
- Thumb rest nicely when held in the hand.
- VERY smooth operation. A little push of the thumb and a little wrist flick and this thing snaps to attention.

Bad:
- DULL as hell. Expensive blade to not have a razor edge when it arrives. When I mean dull I mean can't cut down a simple cardboard strip. :(

Really it is a nice knife, but I find I really don't like the feel in my hand with the flat sides. After having the Vulcan I sorta like the rounded hand guards. I have a feeling I will be placing mine on eBay within the week. I bought about 8 knives I really liked after a lot of research so I will most likely keep half and sell the others. This seems it will go in the sell group.

One question for people who have this knife I have seen some come with a COA (certificate of authenticity) but this one did not is that normal? It came with a blue velvet pouch and inside a smaller box in the normal SOG box. Just curious how others received theirs.
 
UPDATE:
We'll after a long night and spending more time flipping and holding the knife I think it is definitely a keeper. The blade is weird in that I was easil able to shave some hair off the arm with it, but it just doesn't have the edge that the Vulcan had out of the box. I think I will send it o SOG for a touch up and then it will more than likely take the place of my EDC. I just can't get over how light the thing is. It also locks up like Fort Knox with absolutely no blade play, yet it swings like it's on a sheet of ice. I also like the double thumb grip on top of the blade. The second dip towards the front of the knife makes it MUCH easier for up close work. I just feel bad that I will get it dirty when it looks so nice, but I bought it to use. I still have 5 more types of knives coming, but so far this may very well be the one to beat. If I can figure it out I may try to post a review on Youtube, as i know seeing it can help make a decision.

I would highly recommend the knife if your wanting a really light and overall well designed knife.

Kudos SOG, minus the questionable blade sharpness.
 
Congrats on the knife!
Why bother to send it back for a sharpening?
Just buy a Spyderco sharpmaker and sharpen it yourself.
 
Don't have time to mess with it right now. I am not even sure what to buy and prices range from $5 - $100+ and I have no idea what to get or how to PROPERLY due it. And I really don't want to experiment on a $200+ blade.

I also have like 4 SOG's I will have done at once so trying to kill multiple birds with one stone.

If you can suggest a place to get good info on the proper techniques and some reasonably priced sharpening tools I am all ears. :D

I am new to REAL knives. Until now have just been using the cheap store crap that needed replaced every year or two. I have been wanting a nice knife for about 5 years but just haven't had the time to stop and shop for them, until this year. Now I have SOG's, Kershaw, ZT, and soon an Emerson and TOPS. My plan was to keep a few favorites and give away as gifts or sale the ones I didn't really enjoy and then learn how to care for the ones I keep. I am doing it all in baby steps.
 
Don't have time to mess with it right now. I am not even sure what to buy and prices range from $5 - $100+ and I have no idea what to get or how to PROPERLY due it. And I really don't want to experiment on a $200+ blade.

I also have like 4 SOG's I will have done at once so trying to kill multiple birds with one stone.

If you can suggest a place to get good info on the proper techniques and some reasonably priced sharpening tools I am all ears. :D

I am new to REAL knives. Until now have just been using the cheap store crap that needed replaced every year or two. I have been wanting a nice knife for about 5 years but just haven't had the time to stop and shop for them, until this year. Now I have SOG's, Kershaw, ZT, and soon an Emerson and TOPS. My plan was to keep a few favorites and give away as gifts or sale the ones I didn't really enjoy and then learn how to care for the ones I keep. I am doing it all in baby steps.

Spyderco sharpmaker
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=77
Comes with instructional DVD.
This sharpening kit is available at pretty much any online knife retailer (for cheaper than the above listed msrp).
Also available at a lot of brick-and-mortar knife stores.
Street price $40-$70 range.
Also there are many videos on youtube on how to use this sharpener.
I suggest you slow down on the purchases for a bit and take the time to learn how to sharpen. Its not hard and won't take much time at all really.
If you are worried about practicing sharpening buy a Victorinox Hunstman or farmer or soldier and practice your sharpening skills on that. They are inexpensive (under $40) even cheaper if you buy them used. Also they will show you that there are good well made inexpensive knives out there. I like higher end knives as well (i have a ZT 0200 on the way) but really beyond the fun of collecting you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to get a decent knife.
Good Luck!
:)
 
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