SOG's New for 2012 knives

D

dl351

Gold Member
Joined
May 5, 2006
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So it seems that SOG has posted their new knives for 2012. I am a SOG fan, and despite not liking some of their current lineup, there are still several SOG knives that I like. That being said, I am quite unimpressed with the new models for this year. I could very well be wrong, but it seems that all but one of the new knives is from China. I don't have any gripes with companies doing some manufacturing in China. Heck, I even have a Salute and SOGzilla. After owning those two knives though, I have decided that I very much prefer SOG folders from Seki. Unfortunately, it seems there is nothing new from Seki this year. I guess with all of the frustration of loyal SOG fans here on the forum, I was expecting more out of their new models. I hope SOG is listening. There are still knives I would like to buy (Tomcat 3, Vulcan Tanto, Force, Forge, etc.), but if the new models for 2012 are a preview of where SOG is headed, I will most likely spend my money elsewhere.

So what do you other SOG fans think of the new 2012 knives?
 
I'm a bit underwhelmed as well. I will reserve judgement until I handle some of the new pieces but I really wanted to see some fixed blades. A non-serrated Force would have been nice :)

To be fair, I was just given a new black Flash II that I did not expect to like but I love it as a tactical folder. It's too thick as an EDC but I really dig it.:cool:
 
(LED knife? come on.......)

(Yeah! Can it get worse than that?)

Yep, Mantis knife with a laser, WTF
 
I have to agree with most of what is said above.

I did like that they added a flipper/"blade kick" to the Vulcan though.
 
I agree the "bladelights" are gimmicky. I do like the concept of the powerduo multitool though. I prefer the compound leverage pliers but wanted a real external locking blade, the other tools are a bonus and it looks different from anything out there. A good alternative to my Leathermen Freestyle or my beloved PPP. Seems bigger than the PPP though.
 
SOG booth at SHOT by Nutnfancy with our leader Chris:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwcpUNwRt4A&feature=g-u-u&context=G23bdff0FUAAAAAAABAA

SlimJim looks interesting, especially the XL for $80 MSRP...hmmm. Very thin, very light.

PowerDuo at $80 could be a contender. As a mutitool junkie I many not be able to resist that one.

Definitely would like to check out both of those.

Not sure about the Blade Light. Seems like a solution in search of a problem, but it wouldn't be unusual for me be totally missing the point.:D
Does take common AAA batteries.


SOG DOG #2
 
I agree; I almost laughed when I saw their new LED designs. I originally bought a SOG FLash 2 for its cool looks. It was my first "real" knife. (Something made by a reputable country that wasn't $14.99 at a local sporting goods store.) I still think the arc lock is a bit loose. I have yet to try any of their fixed blades, but everyone says they are better than the folding knives. I recently got a Twitch II, thinking the lockback would be sturdy. That was a mistake. I called SOG and they said loose blades were under warranty, but I am hesitant to even pay the shipping and send it in, because I am almost positive I will not be satisfied with the returned knife.
 
I have a number of SOG knives (Folders and Fixed blades). I also have many other quality knives.

My favorite EDC knife (by far) when wearing casual close is the SOG Vulcan - large. They also make a smal version, but the lt larger knife is relatively light and the pocket clip is so light it rides read deep in your pocket (can't see anything but the clip). It is an awesome knive and can handle much more than opening your mail or cutting an occasional box. I challenge you to use this knife as an EDC for a week and see if you don't fall in love with it.
 
Lemonte said:
I have a number of SOG knives (Folders and Fixed blades). I also have many other quality knives.

My favorite EDC knife (by far) when wearing casual close is the SOG Vulcan - large. They also make a smal version, but the lt larger knife is relatively light and the pocket clip is so light it rides read deep in your pocket (can't see anything but the clip). It is an awesome knive and can handle much more than opening your mail or cutting an occasional box. I challenge you to use this knife as an EDC for a week and see if you don't fall in love with it.
Click to expand...

I do, in fact, have a large Vulcan and love it. I even just received a Pendulum to day, and based on initial impressions, will most likely love that one, too. My problem arises when I look at the "new for 2012" SOG knives. IMO, none of them look like they compare to my Vulcan, Pendulum, Facet, Night Vision, Tomcat (original), Seal 2000 (original), or Tech II. To me, the new 2012 models seem very gimmicky and cheap. Oh, and I've given the Chinese SOG knives a chance by buying the Salute and SOGzilla. For what I paid (about $18 a piece + shipping), they're ok. However, I most likely won't be buying any more Chinese SOGs based on those two that I own. Just my opinion!
 
SOG lost my support when they made their Spyderco imitator knives. I mean, talk about total lack of creativity and integrity. I can barely tolerate that they have to slap SOG SOG SOG SOG SOG SOG all over their knives. As if we didn't know the manufacturer of the knife we bought? I own the Spec-Elite II folding knife. It bothers me, because all it really needs to be a legendary knife is thicker steel liners or at least g-10 handles like CS does on their Recon 1 nowadays. It just really angers me because its such a no-brainer to have a a strong non-flexing material for a tactical folder handle yet, SOG cheaped out and slapped some cheap, thin Zytel on them.
SOG!!! AGHHHH! GET YOUR !#%@ TOGETHER! Or else you're going to lose your customer base.
 
It would be good if they did a cheaper production version of the limited-edition "Gunny" signature line knives.

Keep the VG-10 blade steel and go with FRN instead of wood for the handles.
 
i really like the look of the new slimjim model coming out. I was hoping some company would do an updated version of the German mercator knife. I love the thin profile, but I wish they made it in japan with VG-10 steel like their access card knife.
 
I like the new sheaths they're offering for the Tactical and Fast hawks. I really wish that Sog offered kydex sheaths for all of their fixed blades even if they were only offered as aftermarket purchases.
There seems to be no rhyme or reason for which knife model is offered with a kydex, cordura or leather sheath. Personally I think that any knife thats sold as 'tactical' reguires a kydex sheath.
 
I have 2 SOG knives. A mini Vulcan VG-10 and a Visionary II. I had a problem with the pivot screw on the mini Vulcan, SOG customer support said they just put loctite on it ( sort of made me mad, loctite is just a temporary fix ). After I put loctite on my mini Vulcan it turned out to be my favorite knife, so far. I also have a huge problem with my Visionary II. The pivot screw and both top T6 torx screws have to be loose for the blade to open smoothly. Sure you can tighten them down but that eliminates the Arc-Lock. I just emailed SOG, hope their fix isn't loctite again. If so, that is the last SOG knive I buy. Other than that, I love both of the SOG knives I own.
 
I have had several SOG knives over the years.

* Flash (blade had too much play in it, returned)
* Trident (same as flash)
* Mini-Xray Vision (fine quality knife -- prob wouldn't buy today as I don't like the serrations, but the blade, quality, etc. are great)
* Sog SEAL Pup (original, not the elite. Just ok as a field knife, wouldn't buy it again as they are overpriced for what you get)
* Pentagon Elite 1 folder (Aus8 version. Pretty good knife, don't like the serrations but that was my decision when I bought it. Wonderful lock and opening mechanism, reliable, and finally figured out how to get the blade scary sharp).

Basically only two of the five SOG blades I have owned have really been what I'd consider "good knives" (meaning good steel and materials quality, good value, good cutting performance, good design). There are few SOG blades today that really hold my interest, possibly the Spec Elite 1 but I mostly look to Benchmade and Spyderco for production folders. I actually agree with what somebody said above: it was really annoying to me to see (1) SOG offloading so much production to cheap Chinese junk, and (2) Imitating Spyderco. Both of those trends stink IMO, and make it less likely I'll buy SOG in the future.
 
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