SOG or Cold Steel

[el gigantor]

if you've been into bushcraft for many decades, you already know this, but standard answer for what you want to use it for? Get a Mora. Seriously, they are still for some reason, seriously underrated knives. They may not be as cool looking, but you will get every penny's worth (and then some) of value out of them. They are tough, sharpen up to a razor edge super easy, and cost about as much as a fast food meal. But out of the two you listed, I would go Cold Steel over SOG any day.

I agree with everything you said here 100%!

 

[SALTY]

Though not on point to the two knives the thread was limited to - I can offer the following based only on my experiences.

Becker Knives hold up very well and perform. The handles (for me at least) are very comfortable for longer use session as they use ergonomics for grip instead of friction or stiction which can get uncomfortable after a few minutes absent gloves. Becker Knives are my go-to for the field.

ESSE, also good knives - but I have more appreciation for Ethan Becker, his knives and his handles.

Cold Steel; putting aside the goofy ads and Mall Ninja marketing, CS knives have performed well for me and have provided value. While I carry and use CS knives and am satisfied - if I had to choose only one, I'd go with Becker ... even more so after the GSM takeover as Ka-Bar is a great company with stellar customer service.

SOG - I've had very limited experience with SOG products and, what little I have had, I am not a fan.

There are plenty of good quality field knives out there that I have not owned or used.

Oh, I echo comments on Mora Knives. For their price point, weight and useful sheaths they do provide utility and value - if you understand their limitations.

 

[Riz!]

I agree with a lot of what has been said, except the long post talking about cold steel folders. The question here is about two specific fixed plades.

If you lean towards the SOG bowie aesthetics, you should go that direction. Both knives are going to be of similar quality as they are contractually made in Taiwan, most likely actually manufactured before the conglomerate take over of either company (IE, they have sat on shelves). The Kraton handle on the CS seems like a downgrade. Also, the stuff going on with the spine of the outdoorsman looks like you would need to avoid choking up with your thumb. Other than the spine, the outdoorsman is a really good looking knife as well. It is kind of a toss up really. I have had the less expensive version of the SOG (Tech Bowie) for about 10 years and I've been very happy with it. In fact, I've owned many Seki SOG fixed blades, including some of the rarest, and the Tech bowie is one of the last SOG knives I still have. It doesn't see much use anymore (it did do a couple camping trips), it just looks bad ass.

I don't know, I'd trust SOG, CS, and GSM over BR and Mike Stewart anytime. That 3v might actually be 1095

Well… you called it!