SOG VN Dive Knife!

...A NEW SOG dive knife??? Have you been holding-out on us, Ron???.:D.:D.
 
Hi K. Williams,

Alright...Now I know what knife you're talking about. We replicated a knife that Ben Baker designed for diving...the Scuba/Demo (history on this and the other two Ben Baker "SOG" knives can be found here). We, though, do not recommend this knife for diving, due to the leather handle construction and accompanying leather sheath.

It is a great all-around field knife. It will serve the user quite well. On top of this, it is a very attractive knife! :D It is certainly awesome and high on the "have to get" list!

Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
 
Originally posted by K Williams
That new SOG dive knife is awesome! I have to get one.
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As Ron said, the Scuba/Demo knife isn't really ment to be used in the water, but you MIGHT want to take a look at the Seal 2000 or the smaller Seal Pup or the larger Tigershark for "water use".
 
Thanks for the replies. I just ordered one...can't wait for it to arrive.

How durable are the leather handles? Are there any preservatives that should be applied to the handle to keep it in good condition?
 
Hi K. Williams,

Congratulations on a stunning purchase! This knife still "does it for me" every time I fondle it!
Originally posted by K Williams
How durable are the leather handles? Are there any preservatives that should be applied to the handle to keep it in good condition?
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The leather handle is pretty amazing. SOG does not recommend this knife for diving because moisture can get trapped under the leather and cause corrosion and the leather handle can possibly deteriorate over time (these are in theory, because I've never seen either actually happen to this type of SOG knife). SOG only replicated the knife, making it as close to the original as possible. There are certainly better materials and designs for diving, but this is a “wicked” knife...regardless of how you look at it!

I’d view or own the Scuba/Demo in one of two ways. First, as a collector’s knife (I have limited edition #148), while keeping the Scuba/Demo in pristine condition, there are no concerns regarding materials (just typical storage maintenance). Second, as a hard-use knife (including diving), the user would understand the life expectancy and pristine appearance of the knife would become greatly diminished. Accordingly, any deterioration of the leather handles over time would only be commensurate with the rest of a knife that has been used very hard.

Specifically regarding the leather handles and hard us, I’ve not seen a Scuba/Demo used hard and returned to me for any service during my tenure at SOG. I have, though, seen quite a number of leather handled SOG Bowies come back that have been used hard in harsh environments! My “feelings” ahead of time were to always worry about the durability of this type of handle. But time after time I would receive a SOG Bowie back for service that looks as though it’s seen a “hard life,” living in harsh surroundings, and my worries for the handle was 100% foundationless! They stand up “perfectly” (if I can use that word). I've never seen one with "chunks" taken out or noticeable surface wear. The worse has been staining (like with blood) and a "slight" rough texture that easily was remedied by sanding/buffing.

I'd periodically treat the leather, if I were you. A good leather preserver should be fine. Or use the product I personally do: Renaissance Wax.

I hope this information is helpful and that you enjoy your new knife.
 
RON!!! :D :D :D
Good to see ya' Buddy!!!
Glad to see you've still "got my back" with your vast knowledge:D
I love my Scuba / Demo, but will probably have to talk you out of the limited one...;) :p :cool:
 
Originally posted by Bobby B
RON!!! :D :D :D
Good to see ya' Buddy!!!
Glad to see you've still "got my back" with your vast knowledge:D
I love my Scuba / Demo, but will probably have to talk you out of the limited one...;) :p :cool:
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Do I know you? ;)
 
The knife arrived yesterday. I can't believe how perfect the grind lines are. This is a really nice knife. I'm thinking of lightly sanding the handle to give it more grip(same thing you do with a new pair of leather soled shoes...). THe only flaw was a slightly chipped sharpening stone. No big deal, because I plan on replacing it with a Norton Fine India or diamond stone. All I have to do is find one that's 2 15/16" X 7/8" X 3/8". :D
 
Randall Made Knives sells the Norton fine india sharpening stones. They cost $3.50(including shipping).
 
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