Stupid questions

Z

Zforce

Joined
Apr 2, 2005
Messages
43
Hi guys
Forgive the rampant dumbness but -
I've read that some SOG #1s are marked made in Taiwan whilst others are Japanese. What's the case here?
AND - The SOG #1 is considerably more costly than the SBR80 Recon. Why? Are these made in the same factory?
Finally - SK5 steel used in these blades - seems only SOG and Cold Steel use this alloy. Any reason why no-one else seems so keen on it - which American grade steel is it equivalent to?
I'm thinking of buying both models but am concerned about the quality (not the finish) - I don't want to spend these kinda bucks and end up with stuff no better than CRKT.
thanx
z.
 
All S1 SOG Bowies have always been made in Japan and are accordingly marked (unless something quite odd has happened in the past year or so...but that would shock me).

I'm not sure where the new S10B SOG Tech Bowie is made. But with SOG's transfer to making more of their products in Taiwan, I wouldn't be surprised if it is made there (but I don't know for sure).

Also, with SOG removing from their catalog and website all references to country of origin, there's no way to know without asking "SOG" directly.

Owning knives from both SOG and CRKT, I can say without reservation that based on average, knives purchased from SOG will be of better design and quality.
 
SK-5 steel..... great stuff in my opinion. I have a the S1 Bowie, the SRB80 Recon, and an older Tigershark with SK-5 steel.... all take and hold a fabulous edge. I have no complaints at all with SK-5.

here is a quote from a now-defunct website:
SK-5: "I've been told that the SK-5 we use (most likely a Japanese made steel) is very close to 0-1." per Ron Andersen


Here's some info re. SK-5 that I archived a couple of years ago, I think the source is Joe Talmadge's "Steel FAQ."
SK-5 is Japan's JIS number..... the AISI/SAE number is W-1.
The alloying elements are given as:
carbon 0.8%- 0.9%
silicon 0.35% max
manganese 0.50% max
nickel 0.25% max
chromium 0.30% max
copper 0.25%


Cheers,

Carl
 
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