Who likes SOG's but not AUS-6

LizardKing

LizardKing

Joined
May 7, 2001
Messages
1,138
i am sure that there are more of you out there. I really like the SOG fixed blade designs and i would love to own them, but i am not going to pay that kind of money for AUS-6, i would consider them in AUS-8 (like the Demo) and would own all of them in VG-10.

Sure the AUS-6 makes sense for some knives, especialy the SEAL since it wont rust, but with the edge geometry on these knives i want something that will take and hold a very fine edge.

Come on, you know you guys want to make a VG-10, or BG-42 trident!
 
Hi Walter,

Thanks for your comments. SOG offers a wide variety of steels in its knives to meet a wide variety of tastes and needs. We use quality stainless steels in AUS6, AUS8, ATS-34, and BG-42 and the highly respected SK-5 (high carbon tooling steel) in our knives. Each steel represent different varied use characteristics SOG is seeking as well as fulfilling a price point that will make it a sure seller.

AUS6 has received a very, very poor reputation based on other manufacturers who have heat treated it poorly, making it perform well under its potential. The other thing is that recently, there have been some “super steels” that have come onto the market that makes any average steel pale in comparison. SOG takes painstaking labor to provide this steel in the best of quality.

You are free to make these assessments on your own. There are many very satisfied SOG owners out there who believe that SOG’s AUS6 is a “cut above the rest.” Here's a great article on steel types by Joe Talmadge. He is among others who don't discount this steel. Scan a little over half way down the article to Joe’s comments on 440A (SOG’s AUS6 and 440A are nearly identical) where he references SOG.

If you have further comments, please let me know.
 
I own several SOG's and their 440-A, AUS-6 is better than all other brands that use the same steel. I have used them all mostly on wood while camping and SOG holds an edge fine. I would rather give up a little on edge holding and still have a tough blade than have a blade made of 440V or 420V that chips out so easy. AUS-6 is a much better steel than 440V-420V if toughness is a concern.

SOG really does get their heat treat right on!
 
I have a few SOGs in AUS6, and their AUS6 works well. Still, I think it would be a nice upgrade to go to AUS8. It shouldn't cost too much more, I guess.
 
There is a great article on AUS-6 in the May 2002 issue of Tactical Knives magazine by Butch Winter. Check it out!!
 
LizardKing,

If you are passing-up SOG knives JUST because they are made with AUS-6, you are really cutting yourself short, and missing-out on some GREAT knives! I have 3 SOG knives that use AUS-6 steel, and I couldn't be happier with them, even had they been made with one of the new "super steels".:).
 
Originally posted by LizardKing
i am sure that there are more of you out there. I really like the SOG fixed blade designs and i would love to own them, but i am not going to pay that kind of money for AUS-6, i would consider them in AUS-8 (like the Demo) and would own all of them in VG-10.

Sure the AUS-6 makes sense for some knives, especialy the SEAL since it wont rust, but with the edge geometry on these knives i want something that will take and hold a very fine edge.

Come on, you know you guys want to make a VG-10, or BG-42 trident!
Click to expand...

The SOG aus 6 is not bad at all and it works quite well. I also really want the Tomcat but i'm not willing to pay so much for the aus 6 blade
 
SOG's heat treat of AUS-6 DOES make a difference. I've done quick n' dirty side by side comparison cutting (no where near scientific) btw my SOG's and other knives with similar characteristics (e.g. edge geometry, grind, etc...) using 440A and various AUS-6's. My SOG's have always held an edge better than other 440A/AUS-6x knives I have had in the past. Sure it doesn't compare to say CPM S90V, but remember, most folks out there are satisfied using knives made out of 440A or even the 420 series. Most kitchen and utility knives that the general public buys are 440A/AUS6/420x.

Yah sure I'd like to see SOG use higher-end steels like VG-10 or D2 more often. But again, chances are 95-99% of the public isn't going to spend the extra cash for S60V/S90V if the normally available "cheap steel" knives have done their job satisfactorily for most folks.

Hang around bladeforums long enough, and folks will get infected with high-end steel cravings and see cheap, but decent steels with distaste. A little longer and full-blown steel snobbery results (I myself am guilty of this at times).

Bottom line, SOG knives are great (in my opinion), regardless of whether the steel is AUS-6 or BG-42. My SOG sealpup has been my "water-knife" for years and I don't see anything replacing it anytime soon. Talonite is nice, but it's an expensive risk considering knives get lost in rivers REAL easily.
 
I'm not afraid to say it...
I like AUS-6.
I like SOG's AUS-6, Spyderco's AUS-6, and I like CRKT's AUS-6.

Why, you ask?
Because it has some very good traits:

It's very corrosion and stain resistant,
You can obtain an extremely sharp edge with AUS-6,
And you can sharpen it with a simple Arkansas stone.

All steels will eventually dull, so I prefer one that is easy to resharpen.
Who wants a super-steel, that holds an edge for a long time, but drives you to tears when it's time to resharpen?

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Hello All,
I have to agree with the first post. AUS6 I have found, is a little too soft, again its horses for courses but using my EDC (Wave...dont shout! ) compared with the AUS8 Spiderco I used to carry is a welcome change.

I have been drooling all over the PC looking at that Recon Bowie from one of the other posts #0014 Hot damn! Thats a kick A$$ looking peice of kit!

Have a Q: for the SOG guys.

Is it possible to have some sligth mods made to the production models?
Like saw teeth on the backs fo blades or different grinds?

Thanks

Unlce Bob

"After a certain point, all dangers are equal"
 
Hi Bob,

SOG does not take custom knife orders. If you choose to have a SOG knife altered, that is, of course, your choice (and certainly may void your factory warranty). There are a number of custom knife makers that should be able to incorporate saw teeth on a knife.
 
Just thought I would put my two cents in. I own a SOG Tsunami made from AUS 6, and I love it. The blade is razor sharpe, and is very well made. I payed $60 for new on the net, and I would say it was well spent. Its the first SOG knife I have owned, and I'm pleased. AUS 8 is nicer, but AUS 6 works good to. Look for a deal on a SOG, and try it out for yourself. I have had crappy AUS 6 knives from other companys, so I know were your coming from.
 
I have to admit. I don't own any SOG knives yet because of the use of AUS6A steel. It has such a bad reputation, but SOGs argument on the heat treatment is a valid one so I'm willing to give one a try. Granted, I would like to see AUS8A, ATS-34 or even D2 steels. And the argument about people wouldn't pay the difference is flawed. Look at all the post on this board about steels people want, the cost the average user here spends on a single knife purchase and the most popular knives bought around here. They all have those super steels and they sell easy. I would pay double cost if I could get a SOG knife in D2. Hell, do a poll and find out, if SOG wants some pseudo-scientific answers to this debate. Granted the polling pool is hard core knife users, but wouldn't you rather have their opinion that someone that uses a Tomcat for a screwdriver?
 
Hey Ben,
Originally posted by Mississippi Rifleman
And the argument about people wouldn't pay the difference is flawed. Look at all the post on this board about steels people want, the cost the average user here spends on a single knife purchase and the most popular knives bought around here....
Click to expand...
I've thought about how to address this comment since you posted it (and whether I should) and have chose to do so. You are very right that the "average" BladeForumite would vote for and pay for a better steel. But the average SOG customer will not. BladeForums.com is only a very small nitch of our target consumer. For the knife knut, we offer knives in ATS-34, BG-42, AUS8, and SK-5 (high carbon tooling steel). For those who do only buy one knife because they're on a budget, and really need to rely on the knife, SOG offers an assortment of high quality knives in very well heat treated AUS6 steel and they wind up getting a great knife at a great price. In the least number of words, "we're trying to offer an assortment of knives to a broad base of customers...a little something for everyone."

You'll be hardpressed to find any disappointed Tomcat or Stingray owners.

I hope you can understand.
 
You hit the nail on the head with your last statement RON well said!. I own many SOG products and ive never had a problem with the steels used. Its never been a focal point to me as to its useability.Mine have always taken an edge well.Never had a blade snap or any problems Guess im just one of the lucky owners!.i agree with GLOCKMAN 99.:D
 
Ron,

I'm not in marketing or have a business degree, but I think what you are trying to say is that the average user wants a good, cheap knife that they will mostly just carry until it wears out. Not like us that buy up and switch carry knives almost weekly if not daily. Well, I don't see how. I have never seen a SOG knife where the average users would buy a knife. (ie Walmart, Kmart, Academy Sport, etc). I've seen Buck, Gerber, Schrade, Uncle Henry, Old Timer, etc. there, but no SOG. The only place I've seen SOG is knife stores or online....where we knife knuts are. All I can say, and have said before, is that I don't see how SOG can justify $103 for the Tomcat with the materials used. With that said, I do really like the new knives coming out of SOG, especially the Recon Bowie and Scuba Demo. I wish one of the next knives coming out in that series would have something like 440C for people like me that live in a salty area. I would carry it every day.
 
Hey Ben,

I'm not a marketing guy either, but I can assure you that we are selling "tons" of knives to the "average" knife user I've described. But again, to pitch knives to an assortment of users, we do make knives with a great medium grade steel (like AUS6) and higher grade steels (like BG-42). With regards to rust inhibition, AUS6 and AUS8 both have nearly identical corrosion prevention characteristics.
 
I can vouch for Ron in that I've seen lots of SOG knives in Non-knife stores. Among the larger store include the Sportchalet chain, Fogdog, Altrec, OSH, and at one time I believe REI carried them. I've also seen them at various hardware stores and even garden nurseries. Considering that large name outdoor/sport stores, hardware stores, nurseries and other stores carry SOG knives, I would think a huge chunk, if not the majority of SOG knives are sold in those places to "non-knife" folks. Most people think the ONLY qualification for a good knife steel is "440 surgical stainless steel". If its good enough for surgeons, its good enough for me type of thought. And since I haven't heard a public outcry in the news papers moaning that all the knives they buy suck, I'm assuming the steel and quality used in the 'lower-end' knives satisfies most folks. People here on the forums have to remember that we are a small minority of the knife buying public.
 
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