Well, now that Im not on SOGs payroll, I can give my personal opinions of their products and company philosophy.
SOG is in business to make its owners lots and lots of money. I cant fault that position. The ratio of knives SOG sells in the under $50 range compared to the over $150 range is simply staggering. Knife materials is a key component in determining a knifes cost. If you look at the types of knives SOG has introduced each year over the past ten years (or so), youll see a dramatic rise in value-oriented products. That is completely by design!
Now to the Flash series knives. In my humble opinion, the Zytel handled models feel cheap and flimsy. I personally hate them and wouldnt own or carry one
period.
The aluminum handled Flash models are altogether a different story. For someone who does carry higher-end knives from companies such as Microtech, MOD, Benchmade, and SOG, I really do like the aluminum handled Flash (in either size). I really feel the Flash series should be reviewed independently as either the Zytel line or the aluminum line. Their characteristics are very different. But, Spencer has developed these knives with differing customers in mind. The customers have different sized pocket books and different expectations for their knives. The problem with this course of action, is the bad reputation the whole line gets because of the cheaper knife models in the line.
Putting aside the realistic complaints with the Zytel models, let me address the only complaints about the aluminum models stated either here or in other places:
- Thin Blade: This is simply a blade design concept offering essentially a complete, single flat grind. Other knives are much thicker grind styles. Problems will only occur if the owner chooses to pry with their knife.
- Lock: Ive yet to hear anyone say that the lock is not secure, for being a bolt-action type lock, it is very, secure! The complaints are that the lock release, when the knife is closed, slides freely. This in no way hampers the performance of the knife or lock. Adding tension to that lock release in the closed position would have added unnecessary complexity to its internal workings.
- Slow Action: From Day One in this knifes concept, the goal was to make an assisted opening knife that had nearly no felt recoil. That goal has been succeeded in dramatic fashion. Is it slower than other assisted openers or automatics? Yup! But it will open fully every time and not JUMP in (or out of) your hand.
- Blade Play: Ive seen these knives up close and opened up. Ive even got to play with them. When you have a coil spring wrapping around the pivot, positioned between the blade and handle material, the construction dynamics change quite a bit from a liner lock, Arc-Lock/Axis-Lock, or Lockback where blade play is never accepted. You have more than a Teflon washer between the blade and handle
theres a spring. A little blade play is understandable, unavoidable, and in no way hinders the performance or safety of the knife.
So in personal review.
Zytel Flash: Sucks! Aluminum Flash: Great knife for price!
But, if you get "Zytel" and "knife" together in the same sentence, Im going to say "Sucks!" It's who I am.

I am sold, though, on injection-molded Zytel handles on knives like the SEAL Knife. For durability, the handle will outlast the blade (and Im not kidding
theyre that durable!).