Why is SOG charging so much for there ScubaDemo with AUS8 steel

[jeepin]

Does anyone know why?, you would think for that price they would have used A2, or S30-V, its a dam good looking knife, but I wont spend that kind of money for a knife with that steel. Let me hear your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[D R E]

Because they can Seriously though its all about manufacturing costs, marketing, salaries etc. All the Japan made knives are going at more of a premium than knives made in Taiwan and even here in the good ole US of A.

In my opinion, the CISO/MACV or better known as SOG style knives are sold for the wall hanger crowd. They could certainly be used in the field but are better served in a collection in someone's den. If you want a SOG user, go for the SEAL series or the other field designs. Don't get me wrong, SOG makes great knives but look at Randall Knives. Would you want to dig in the sand with a brand new Model 14? Probably not. Thats what beat up kabars are for. Buy the "good ones" to stay in pristine condition and get the users for the dirty stuff. By all means, enjoy them all but realize they all serve different purposes - working and playing

 

[Robbie Roberson]

Jeepin, I have been using SOGs AUS-8 steel for about two years in my Revolvers and my Flash IIs and found out that this is one good steel. I think it has a lot to do with SOGs heat treat, but it is really a good steel for every day use.
The pricing of the Scuba I think is because of exactly as DRE said, plus, it is one fine made knife, with quality written all over it. I held one last year and realized it was much more than your average knife. It felt like a monster in my hand, and I really think it would handle almost anything you could put on it. I guess this is not a very good answer, but it's the best I have.

http://www.sogknives.com/scuba2.htm

Robbie Roberson

 

[Ron Andersen]

I see quite a stigma against AUS 8 steel and I have a theory...let me explain. If appropriately heat treated, it will perform outstandingly. I think AUS 8 has got its bad reputation by discount companies wanting a solid medium quality steel and they cut expenses on their heat treating process, making it rather a crappy steel in the end. At SOG, especially in their knives made in Japan, have some of the best heat-treaters around making these knives. I've yet to hear any users of knives made with SOG AUS 8 complain...usually quite the difference! Those voicing concern are usually those looking at the knives.

I hope this has helped.

 

[Ron Andersen]

I forgot to add that the S/D has manufacturing detail which "amps" up the cost...rather than being "cheap" to manufacture. No simple injection Zytel handle slapped on this puppy for durability and cost reduction.

 

[I.V]

i've owned a sog flash II for a couple of years now & i have a complaint
the blade holds an edge reasonably well but for some reason it's very very difficult to sharpen.. i have no problem sharpening the goverment agent & few crkt & spyderco knives (some with steels that even have a reputation for being hard to sharpen).
it may just be something wrong with my knife but who knows..

 

[Ten Ring]

Ron, you make a great case for using AUS-8 on more SOG SS models. I'd have several more SOGs if you guys used AUS-8 as your minimum grade stainless steel.

TR