SOG Revolver... I'm scared.

Fletcher Knives

Fletcher Knives

STEEL BREATHING BLADE MAESTRO
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I need Capt. Rob or Chris to make me feel better. I've been eyeing the revolver for a couple of years now. I got a wild hair earlier today and thought, "I think I'll pull the trigger on one and try it out." I went a shop site and... Whaaaaat? The Revolver is now part of the Fusion line and the price is way cut? This scares the crap out of me. All I have heard about the Fusion line are horror stories. It's one thing to be told by the warranty dept. that your new SOG Fixation bowie is a toy and not meant to be abused, but it's totally different to risk serious injury because your Revolver failed and the blade that was inside the handle is now having forced intercourse with your hand. I was sketched out by the Revolver to begin with, but got to play with one at Blade (when they were still top dollar) and talked to the guys in the booth and they made me feel pretty comfortable with it. I realize that the price is greatly reduced now, but that doesn't help things for me. Does anyone have one or several of the new Revolvers from the Fusion line? If so, what do you think of them? -compared to the originals? I still like the design and still want one, but now I don't know. Give me your honest opinions, not just from a "will you or will you not cut your hand off", but also would you trust this knife to last? Just so you know, I use knives HARD. I do not screw around when it comes to edged tools. They get used. I've only got a few safe queens and the only reason they're in the safe is because their twin is on point. When the twin breaks, they get drafted into service.
 
One other thing. I'm disappointed to see that it now comes with a nylon sheath.:barf:

Can you still get a leather sheath for it?
 
So both responses I've gotten (one in a PM) are steering me towards the older model. Not a good sign so far.

Robbie Roberson, what do you think of the Fusion version of the Revolver?
 
If you're scared and still want your fingers get the older japan made version. SOG will tell you that the fusion one holds up to usage well. Of course. But if you are hesitant about it just get the older version. You won't go wrong with it and Robbie can tell you all about it!
 
I would totally trust the new version. It is the same handle and blade shape, we just moved production and changed the steel. Will the blade stay as sharp or be durable as the older version. Most likely not but it is also 1/2 the cost. Will it do everything it is designed to do. A definitive yes.

Have I really used one yet? Not yet but I would not hesitate to use it. Actually I was camping a couple weeks ago and was thinking I really need to get one for myself.

The only thing I would not do with the Revolver, either version, is batoning. I have seen a couple, and I mean like a total of 4, get returned that looked like they broke while batoning. If you want a knife to do that with I woudl suggest something like the SEAL Knife.

I hope this helps out some.

Chris
 
Dylside, I don't really know how to answer this question.

I really can not answer it until I use one of the new Revolvers like I have the older models.

I don't have one of the new models yet......believe it or not.

Like Chris said, I heard the older models had about 4 blade breaks in about 7 years of production.

I also heard all the breaks were at the saw blade near the main blade transition from thick to thin saw blade.........and I also heard several were in very cold conditions while batoning and one user said he thought he hit a knot when it broke.

None of the older model Revolvers failed at the locking pin or the pivot areas that I am aware of.

I think that is an amazing record for a multi-functional hybrid knife that some thought would not last 1 year and a few thought it was a gimmicky knife despite almost 100% positive reviews for 7 years.

Now that I have that off my shoulders...........back to the question of the new Revolvers.

I have looked at them and they seem almost identical to the older version except for the handles seem more grippy and the sheath is not as good as the original.

I heard the steel is 440 stainless. It should do as good as the original Revolver in every way except it may not stay sharp as long..........but I think for 30 to 40 bucks it will be well worth what it is capable of doing.

When I get one I will post a review of how it seems to perform.

If I were looking for a good survival knife to put in my car, truck, or anything else I would not hesitate to try the Revolver.

It has proven it can do the job in the first version, give the second version a chance.........I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Those who have an older model, try a new model and I bet you can't tell much difference except for the sheath.

One last comment, I have for many years tried to explain to potential buyers and users (most I can easily) that the Revolver was designed to be safe. When the user is pushing down cutting, and if the lock pin fell out, the blade still can not rotate down into the users hand because there is a safety stop located within the handle that will not allow the blade to rotate down.........and if the lock pin broke.........and the safety pin failed........then you would get a tickle from the bottom of the BLUNT edge of the saw blade.........that's right, the edges on both blades that would come in contact with the users hand are so dull they will not cut butter very well......of course this means the user is exerting downward pressure. The tops of the blades are razor sharp..........but this knife was designed where the blades were always reversed for rotation which makes it so safe.

I found this Revolver animation online many years ago and it has helped many users understand just how the Revolver works, notice blunt edges and when exerting force down to cut or saw which edge would be coming down.

http://scottkaplan.com/paulupload/files/Revolver.swf



Robbie Roberson.
 
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Ok. When I get a few extra bucks, I'm going to get one and give it a shot. Thanks guys.
 
Sorry for the late reply. I bought one of the new ones from Sportsman's Guide because they had them spec'd as the older AUS-8 version w/zytel scales. They sent me the new version, which I think was 440C w/plastic handle. I knew the $40 price tag was too good to be true. I promptly sent it back explaining that they were not shipping what they advertised. The were great on the return - paid for return shipping and refunded me. I hunt a lot and thought that was the going to be the "last" knife I'd need, but was really disappointed in the new fusion version. It's a $30-40 knife at best. The blade was loose, handle was cheap plastic, and I did not feel it was something that I could rely on in an emergency in the backcountry. So I bought a new Team Leader in 20CV instead.:) Just my .02.
 
Planetcat, "Buy it, but have a backup" ? How do you know you would need a back up ? I wished you had given the new knife a chance.

From the SOG web site: "A glass-reinforced Nylon handle hides the stainless steel liners which ensure strength and quality".

SOG is saying the handles are not plastic.

You said Sportsman's Guide "had them spec'd" as the older models and sent you a newer model does not mean it was too good to be true........it means they could have made a mistake in the ad or did not realize it was the new model.

("AUS-8 version" ? I read 440 stainless on their web site) (they could have changed it since though)

This knife is not the 100 dollar model, but it is a good 30 to 40 dollar model with a good saw.

I spent the last 2 days going over these knives and can not find anything by "looking" that tells me that I could not rely on in an emergency in the backcountry.

You say they are a 30 to 40 dollar at best.......that is what they are selling for.

The blade was loose because it needed a simple turn on a pivot screw with a 5/64th allen head........something we have done on 100s of these knives for 7 years.........and advertised as a simple tune up as many folders and other knives occasionally need.

In my opinion it will make an excellent 40 dollar outdoor survival knife with saw.

BTW, this is probably the first negative post about the SOG Revolver I have ever replied to in 7 or 8 years..........the worse part is I am responding to a post like this without the knife ever being tried. :confused:

I am sorry for your trouble.

Sincerely,

Robbie Roberson.

P.S. I always carry a backup Revolver in case I lose my Revolver.........
 
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Robbie, I think what Planetcat meant was that he ordered the Original "Seal Revolver" but got the 'Fusion Revolver' instead. I personally feel that the Revolver design is an excellent and an ingenious design. I hope the OP didn't mean that your design is lousy.

Putting aside the excellent design, I fear for the safety of the user (should he use it for hard chores) given SOG's usage of cheaper materials for the Fusion Revolver. We all have read the horror stories about Fusion products and their labeling as "fun knives", so I won't go into that.

Granted that the Fusion Revolver uses cheaper materials for the blade and handle, I have no doubt that the Fusion Revolver would perform as a good camp knife for general slicing, sawing, chopping and such. But I would agree that I wouldn't use it as the "one and only" fixed blade to use in survival. This is partially due to how SOG markets the Fusion line and the feedback it has gotten.

No harm getting a nice cheap Fusion knife to use but just don't abuse it like a Busse or a higher quality knife. I would agree with Chris that the Revolver shouldn't be used for batoning because it has rotating parts and though the revolver's lock can stand up to abuse, repeated pounding would weaken it.
 
I understood that he ordered the older model and got the new model instead.

But why post a negative comment about the Revolver until you have given it a chance.........that is all I had hoped for.

The red thumb down is what hurts me............he did not even try it but gave it a red thumb down.........

What if it is a good knife ? What if it works almost as good as the original ? Almost.........for the money I would gladly get 2 or 3 to use.

I have to buy mine too........so a good deal is good. :)

I can not even comment yet about the Fusion Revolver because I have not tried one yet.

If I try one and it is not as good as the original then I will tell everyone it's limits and capabilities.

I would be a little upset too if I had ordered what I thought to be a certain model and got a different model.........but I don't make negative comments about things until I have tried them.

Nutz about knives, thanks for your positive comments about the Revolver.........I really appreciate it.

Robbie Roberson.
 
I've got the older revolver and it's a very nice, light package. I'm guessing the lower cost of the new ones is the lesser steel and sheath. Still probably a very capable tool and maybe even a better deal than the old version.
 
Gents, I'm on SOG's website right now and according to it the Fusion Revolver - SEAL is made with 440A steel for the blade and Glass-Reinforced Nylon with stainless liners for the handle. Differences are Japan VS China and AUS-8 VS 440A. 440A when heat treated correctly makes a good knife. I've seen plenty of bad AUS-8 knives. Plus it has the same handle it always has, just a different blade.

To the best of my knowledge I was the first person on bladeforums to buy and post a review on the Seal Revolver back in 2003. Got it Factory direct from SOG as a Second. Has been a great tool over the last 6+ years.

If the Blade gets loose, just tighten it up like Robbie said earlier. Don't discount the Revolver or Fusion revolver do to the "plastic" handle and a loose blade. As soon as I have the spare money and time I'll order a Fusion revolver - Seal and give it a work out. Am betting it's going to work as well as it's older sibling except maybe in overall edge retention. And most average users won't be able to tell the difference in that. When I review the Fusion, I'll eventually put the same edge on it that my old one has and do a side by side. What will that show? Only time till tell.

Give it a chance, the Revolver is a great knife and I agree with hoopster, the Fusion Revolvers will probably be a better deal then the old revolver. BTW If the 3 local shops I know of with Quality cutlery had a Fusion revolver instock I would already have one for testing and use. But since they don't have them yet, I ain't tested them. Thinking I'll have to go online to get mine instead.

Heber
 
Heber, thanks for the positive remarks. The check to you may be a little late next week because my wife wants a new Fusion Revolver.........:o

Hoopster, thank you much for the kind words about the Revolver knife, I appreciate it.

I noticed there was a good review on cabelas on the new Revolver.

They are new, there should be some good reviews coming in soon I hope.



Robbie Roberson.
 
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Robbie Roberson said:
I understood that he ordered the older model and got the new model instead.

But why post a negative comment about the Revolver until you have given it a chance.........that is all I had hoped for.

The red thumb down is what hurts me............he did not even try it but gave it a red thumb down.........

What if it is a good knife ? What if it works almost as good as the original ? Almost.........for the money I would gladly get 2 or 3 to use.

I have to buy mine too........so a good deal is good. :)

I can not even comment yet about the Fusion Revolver because I have not tried one yet.

If I try one and it is not as good as the original then I will tell everyone it's limits and capabilities.

I would be a little upset too if I had ordered what I thought to be a certain model and got a different model.........but I don't make negative comments about things until I have tried them.

Nutz about knives, thanks for your positive comments about the Revolver.........I really appreciate it.

Robbie Roberson.
Click to expand...

It is certainl not right to say that a knife isn't good unless he/she has tried it out or has definitive proof on it. It is unfair to both the designer and the manufacturer. But I guess maybe it didn't feel to him like a "quality" knife. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Fusion Revolver has a thinner blade and does not have zytel handles.

Sometimes when I "feel" a knife you can tell the quality of manufacturing that has gone into it. Rough edges, unfinished places, uneven spots, etc.. But I only rule out certain knives when I read negative reviews with pictures of the failing knife. Seeing is believing.

If it uses your design it should hold up to good use. SOG must have at least done some testing to make sure that the fusion knives are, though cheap, are not just another piece of metal. It may not be as high quality as the main line but I guess they can suit the majority of users.

I am ashamed that I don't have a SOG Revolver yet. :o Maybe I've been too busy chasing the other models. I WILL get one soon. Before they run out!

I'll be hoping for someone to post a nice review soon! I saw one at knifeforums so far... http://knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/845421/
 
Robbie, you are right. I shouldn't have bashed the knife without trying it. I was just posting my observations of the one that was sent to me. I am on a lot of forums and I get really ticked off when people bash products I like w/out even trying them out. I was more angry at being misled by SG (which they corrected after I pointed out the mistake), as my expectations of what I was receiveing was higher than what I received. I really like the concept of the Revolver and would be open to giving one a try. My observations were probably more negative than needed to be. Question: I think Outdoor Edge makes a similar knife called the Swingblade. Is there any relation between the SOG version and that one (i.e. patents and such)? This is not a question asking which is better, just more of a business question.
 
Outdoor Edge SwingBlade
Ragwood Forge used to carry a similar EKA knife (not there now :()

Unfortunately some vendors like Sportsmans Guide and Smoky Mountain do not always achieve accuracy in advertising. You can understand that SG is not knife people. They sell what they can get and simply don't want to be experts in brands and steels.
 
Just to clarify differences in the specifications between the original and Fusion Revolver.

Original Steel - AUS-8
New Steel - 440A

Blade Designs - Same on Both versions

Handle Material - Same glass-reinforced Zytel for both versions

Liners - Stainless steel for both versions

Original Sheath - Leather/Kydex
New Sheath - Nylon

The new version is less expensive because we changed production, sheath and steel. Otherwise the same materials are used. The handle was retooled when we moved production so it is different from the original but most of the changes are styling and making some improvements in the design and shape.
 
Chris, thank you very much for the clarifications.

I actually like the new Revolver handles more because they seem slightly more grippy than the originals.

I'll tell you this.........we had an amazing turn out for the new Fusion Revolver this past weekend at the yearly Smoky Mountain knife works Rep. show.

These things sold like crazy and most people that bought them already had 1 or 2 of the originals.

They all said they liked the Fusion models looks and especially like the price........:D


Robbie Roberson.
 
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