SOG not very popular here.

For me its the design. I dont like knifes that have a tactical or tacticool feel. And SOG for me just scream that. So i stay away from them

I think this isnt a popular opinion but i have the same feeling about Spyderco.
 
I've still got a side opening SOG Spec Elite II Auto that I like:

nozh-sog-spec-elite-i-10955.png
 
Fixedwing said:
I owned and used "hard" a SOG TAC Auto for several years. One day the internal spring broke and would no longer deploy the blade. Once I established contact with GSM, they told me that it could not be repaired. Instead, they graciously offered me any knife on their website up to $180.00. (way more than I paid) I would've preferred it repaired because it had become an extension of my hand over the years used, but since GSM acquired SOG, they don't offer repairs. It did take around 5 weeks, but I think that is good customer service. YMMV
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That's interesting, I've seen other posts here about GSM-era SOG/Cold Steel telling people broken springs were considered normal wear and wouldn't be compensated in any way. Contrast that with my Benchmade experience many years ago. They actually re-machined a knife I sent in: Counterboring the handle for threaded inserts and heavier machine screws without replacing the knife itself.

Also, this predates the jenkem stew that is GSM, but I've had a little more appreciation for CS since they kept so many of their legacy knives in production despite factory changes. SOG just dropped most of their earlier models.
 
19-3ben said:
Spyderco has a very diverse product line. I'd argue that while some of their stuff is aimed more at the "tactical" market, they offer an enormous catalogue of decidedly non-tactical knives.
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Have just been on their site. In my opinion even their gentlemans knife selection is to much for me. But thats just i my eyes.
And thats so cool that we dont all like the same.
 
FredeG said:
Have just been on their site. In my opinion even their gentlemans knife selection is to much for me. But thats just i my eyes.
And thats so cool that we dont all like the same.
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If traditionals relied on me liking them, they wouldn't exist. (except of course for my papaws old folder)
 
Wolverine666 said:
The Kiku XR is what caught my attention. It’s not at all my type of knife and I don’t like flippers. But this one (for whatever reason) keeps calling to me.
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I picked up one when SOG was clearing out some b-stock for $75. Pretty soon I will have spent more on replacement omega springs than I spent on the knife. I don't think the flipper setup is a good pairing with the omega springs.
 
raz-0 said:
I picked up one when SOG was clearing out some b-stock for $75. Pretty soon I will have spent more on replacement omega springs than I spent on the knife. I don't think the flipper setup is a good pairing with the omega springs.
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Good to know. I’ve read some good reviews but I’m still hesitant.
 
I bough a SOG Flash II back in 2010. Along with two other knives, I carried and used it until 2018, when I lost it out in a sheep pasture. It was one of my all time favorite knives. Excellent action, and the lock was smoother than Benchmade's Axis locks. After I lost it, I bough three more Flash IIs. Hard to open, action was mediocre. Bought a new Flash AT. The new AT lock was much worse. Very difficult to open. Returned it for a replacement, which was very difficult to open. Tried a couple different models. All crap. SOG told me they just needed breaking in. Opened a couple of them 1,000 times. No improvement. Got a blister on my thumb trying to break them in. Switched to Spyderco because of the blister. Have over 20 Spydercos now. Accidentally got a SOG Terminus XR a few years ago. It is usable, but its action is not up to inexpensive knives from Civivi, Sencut, Kizer, Vosteed, etc. I have given up on SOG.

In 2023, I found the Flash II I had lost in 2018. There was a lot of sheep stuff in it. After I got it cleaned and lightly lubed, the action was as good as ever. There are some light rust spots on the AUS-8 blade, which I have left as sort of badges of honor. It is now a safe queen along side my Sebenza 31 UG.
 
I can honestly say that I liked the SOG Kiku that I used to own. I only passed it on because I prefer smaller knives and I realized that I wouldn’t use it.

The comment above about the omega springs might be a substantial deterrent for those considering an XR lock.

The title of this thread might also be a good reason to reconsider. You might have a hard time selling it if you decide to do so. At least on this forum anyway.
 
This thread has been very insightful. I’m no longer interested in the Kiku. This GSM thing has turned me off. I’ll find something else to scratch my itch (I mean that figuratively).
 
I bought a SOG Ultra XR for grins and giggles, and while it is fun to carry sometimes (usually in my sock or clipped to my hat or somewhere else that a knife shouldn't be able to go), it is not a good knife and feels a lot lower quality than the Civivis that make up my usual budget carry. The blade is permanently off-center and scrapes against the scale, the carbon fiber is cheap. The action has become reasonably smooth after break in, but there is still bladeplay and lock-rock. And to top it off the "S35VN" feels very soft. Other than that, fun knife.

Honestly, for a crossbar lock "tacticool" folder in the same range, the Kunwu Django has my vote by a mile.
 
I think SOG is one of those companies that appeals to non-knife nuts. You see them everywhere so they must sell a decent amount. I even saw them in a buccees
 
When SOG first hit the market, they were a good, solid brand - sharp, innovative and great customer service. Fast forward to the late 90's they started emblazoning everything with huge SOG and the quality started to slip. While I don't mind some advertising on a knife or tool I believe the performance should say more. Unfortunately it didn't. Production flaws started showing up and never seemed to have been fully corrected. Then the buyout by GSM. Maybe they should have just slipped quietly into the pages of history 😢
 
Back in the day the SOG Power lock multitool was made in the USA and the compound gear system made the pliers double your grip force. They were fantastic and I kept one in every vehicle and toolbox. I dont know about them now though.

My dad bought a Seal XR that you just couldnt open with the flipper. It felt locked shut. Sometimes it wouldnt even open at all. He returned it and the second one was the same.
 
I think there are a few gems in the Sog line if you look hard enough. The Pillar is one example. The couple I have (Pillar Blackouts) are impressive in build quality and materials. Got them on sale and for the money, they might be the best knives for the cost I own. Have a Seal XR and a couple Seal FXs (fixed blade version of the XR) along with the Kiku XR. All are excellent and the workmanship is very high for production knives. Am I a Sog fan boy? Not really. Nothing else from them appeals to me and won’t be buying anymore Sogs but these few models are right on the money
 
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