What's better than a SOG Pentagon...

S

sixbyseven

Joined
Jul 3, 2002
Messages
10
Hi All

I recently bought a SOG Pentagon Elite II by mail order, and I'm returning it because I was utterly unimpressed. I found the arclock to be rather loose compared to liner locks etc, and I *hated* the way the plastic handle flexes, making the grip feel very vague and not at all positive.

So, I'm in the market for an alternative in a similar price. I've been looking at stuff like the Benchmade AFK-II and the Gerber Applegate, but most of these 'tactical' knives have some kind of plastic handle, I'd rather have aluminium or even wood...

Note that I'm not looking for an EDC, I'll probably never use this for anything but whittling sticks in my back garden, so the aesthetic appeal and build quality of the knife is what counts. Also, I'd happily go a bit smaller than the SOG which is huge.

Anyone care to make a recommendation?

Thanks,

sixbyseven.
 
I have a SOG Pentagon II and I like it alot. What do you mean by loose? Does the lock engage properly? If there's a problem with it, the folks at SOG will make it right. In fact, I would choose the SOG Pentagon II over the Gerber Applegate. If you don't like plastic handles, check out the Benchmade Osborne model 940. It's smaller than the SOG and it has a very attractive contoured aluminium handle.
 
Hi Sixbyseven,

Welcome to BladeForums. You'll find this a wonderful place to exchange information on knife related topics.

I'm sorry that you were less than impressed with our Pentagon Elite II (PE2). As is always a concern of mine in a context such as this (the forums): have you first contacted SOG with your concerns to see if the knife you received might not be representative of the norm? If not, calling the manufacturer should always be your first action to ascertain if a problem exists, and if it does, what can be done about it.

The Arc-Lock is known for being outstandingly smooth with a rock-solid lockup. If your PE2 does not exhibit these characteristics, then the lock is malfunctioning.

The PE2 (as do all Arc-Lock knives) possesses dual stainless steel liners. This gives the lock and handles solid stability. Yes, there is minimal flex at the mid-point in the handle, but this is not in the least a rigidity issue.

If you’re looking for a smaller, but similar knife, there is the Pentagon Elite I.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you.
 
Well, as far as I can tell on looking again, the arc-lock is properly engaged. Up and down, the blade is totally locked.

The problem is that even small amounts of side-to-side pressure on the blade (which is awesome, BTW) will cause the handle to flex and the hinge to open up a little (i.e. the sides of the handle come apart a bit). However, the pivot screws are as tight as they can go.

I guess I'm just surprised, I've never owned a 'tactical' before but I've had really cheap folders which didn't behave like this.
 
I don't own nor have ever even handled a SOG.

I can speak about the Gerber AF and Coverts. If I tighten the pivot enough on my Covert to stop all side to side play, I can't open it at all easily. So I know what you mean.

My full size AF does not pass a spine whack test... AT ALL! It sure could use LAWKS!

I would most certainly see if SOG would take care of it first though, if in fact you otherwise like that knife.

(if I never held a SOG why am I even responding???)

Joe Shmoe
 
Take a look at the Benchmade AFCK Axis lock. If you want something BIG go look at the Camillus MAXX. If you like the Gerber, get the smaller covert model, it has a second lock.
 
I'll pass on recommending some particular model because I believe that my preferences would be a poor reason for you to choose a knife. Your preferences are what matter. But let me say that choosing and "EDC" from among well made knives with outstanding fit and finish is usually a great idea. At least in my opinion, there is pleasure in using a truly excellent tool. I think truly excellent tools should be used. While you aren't looking for an "EDC," when you do, I would suggest that there is no good reason not to look for the style, materials and fit and finish that turn you on. It's the only way to go. Having an excellent knife at home is great. Having one with you to use is even better. Take care.
 
If all you will be doing is whittling sticks in your back yard, why not buy a fixed blade?

Jeff
 
Check out the SOG Pentagon fixed blade. It is concealable and has a grippy handle.

If you are in the market for a big folder check out the Cuda Maxx. It is a framelock and has a metal handle.
 
My EDC is a mini-afck...

my favourite knife... and at only 3 inches of blade, it's legal almost everywhere.:p

that said, i hear the axis lock AFCKs in D2 are better still.

Sandman.
 
Pentagon , anything that SOG makes is NO # 1
it don't get any more USA than that !!;)
 
6x7 - SOG has excellent products, but a lemon can always get through. I think you should give them the chance to take a look at your knife and make it right.
 
However... SOG has some of the best customer service in the industry. Ron is a great guy!

-Dave
 
i'd see if the SOG people could fix it for ya, sounds like ya got a lemon to me..

some other good knives to consider would be the emerson SOCFK/Spec-War/commander/CQC7, the BM AKCK series, axis is the best but the older 800's are fine knives, priced right too, www.newgraham.com has them for $70 or so, the cammilus cuda-maxx is a awesome knife, similar in size to the PE11, and ya wont have lock probs w/1 of them i wouldnt think. i personally think BM(benchmade) though a big company, makes some good stuff, well made, almost custom quality, priced right, not cheap, but not the highest either, i dont think ya can go too far wrong w/a BM imho

but i would talk to the SOG folks first, unless ya just arent happy w/the knife period end

greg
 
Here's an update. I talked to the guys at SOG (well, Ron, actually) and the upshot is I felt I should take another look at my knife. I could have sent it in, but I live in the UK...

I have to say that SOG's customer support is as good as any I've ever come across, for any product, period. The problem was a minor assembly error which was easily remedied, and I want to just say here that if I sounded like I thought SOG quality was substandard, that wasn't my intention, and it certainly isn't.

To cut a long story short, I've resolved the problem and I'm now happy enough with the knife and SOG that not only am I keeping it, but I've ordered the SOG Sculptura for an EDC.

(Which is not to say that I won't buy a Benchmade or something else later on, just for a bit of variety:D ).
 
Yes, SixBySeven did get in contact with us. I'm embarrassed to say that the knife was slightly misassembled and got passed our quality control. Here's his description:
The result was that I noticed that the main swivel screw was not perfectly seated "in" the recess in the handle, but was tightened against the edge of the recess. I loosened it and managed to tighten it in place properly, and it made all the difference. Opening is much slicker and smoother, and there is almost no movement in the blade when open.
Click to expand...
I’m certainly glad there was an easy fix and that this situation has been resolved.
 
Originally posted by sixbyseven
(Which is not to say that I won't buy a Benchmade or something else later on, just for a bit of variety:D ).
Click to expand...
You should see my collection of non-SOG knives! :D
 
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