Tomcat 3 and vg-10 steel

AR fan

AR fan

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What is your opinions of the Sog Tomcat 3 and The steel they are using for the blade, VG-10?
 
VG10 is very good stainless steel, considered premium, made in Japan. It is used extensively by Spyderco and Mcusta (and Kershaw)

Don't forget the weight of Tomcat, use of Kraton on handles and absence of pocket clip. Arc-lock is very tempting, though.

If you mention what properties of Tomcat you especially like we might be able to suggest other knives for consideration.


Welcome to BF :thumbup:
 
I bought the original Tomcat years ago and I like the Blade style/shape. I like the tough construction of the knife but I would like to step up to a higher level of performance. Something with some sort of assisted opening, but also with a very tough/strong design. It doesn't have to be a featherweight of a knife, but has to be of high quality and doesn't have to be reshapened every time I use it, like my original Tomcat.
I've seen the Kershaw speed bump on Ebay and that looks interesting, I like that design of blade, and I see it was built using different types of steel, VG-10, s30v, which steel is better? (It sucks being a novice).
Also, when I bought it years ago the Tomcat was supposed to be one of the best, yet it doesn't seem to want to hold an edge very well. What kind of steel was used on the originals?
As you can tell I don't know much about knives, and I can't afford to buy to many, I'm a totally disabled Vet and don't have a lot left over after I pay the bills, so I'd like to get it right the first time. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
Welcome to Bladeforums! :)

Take a look at this discussion (Suggestion: A Knife WIKI) for basic knife information. (Lots of leisure time reading.)

The original Tomcat was AUS-6. Not up to current standards of stainless steel. AUS-8 isn't bad, but still needs sharpening after heavy use. VG-10 is among the best.
 
I think the Tomcat III looks great! But, I would have to mod it, (put different scales on it, and a pocket clip) So it's not economic for me.
 
S30V is particle metalurgy product, so it is probably better than VG10 which is not. There have been many arguments which is better with no objective result.

But you won't be disappointed with any of them.

As for knife: maybe take a look at Kershaw Bump (only "Bump", there are Spec Bump, Speed Bump, Spec/Speed Bump varying in steels and materials used). It is assisted opener, titanium framelock and S30V blade.

BTW - It almost looks like we are discouraging you from Tomcat - we are not, it is very interesting knife with great lock, very good steel and nice design (I mentioned what would be my biggest concerns about this knife in my first post).
Mostly you still have to decide by your own judgement and your own feel of any particular knife so if Tomcat is what fits you most, get it.
 
I've got an Al mar Nomad knife with VG-10 and can report that the steel is good, most probably the sharpest handiest folder i have.
 
I have the tomcat 3.0 laminated carbon single beveled edge blade and am at a loss how to sharpen it! I have searched the net and YouTube and cannot find any ideas except for sending it to sog to sharpen. Any ideas?
 
Mmmm...brains...

Necro post; zombie thread.

Welcome to Bladeforums by the way! I'd recommend picking up a Spyderco Sharpmaker. When you say single beveled edge, are you saying that it is a chisel ground blade?
 
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