SOG is beloved by those who enjoy cutting tools meant to thrive in adverse conditions and well designed tactical knives. It stands to reason, since the company itself has roots in the military. During the Vietnam war, a special ops team known as MACV-SOG executed several covert missions, during which they carried a unique combat knife into the jungle. That same knife inspired knife maker Spencer Frazer who, in 1986 created a commemorative knife to honor their blade, known as the SOG Bowie knife. That blade launched a whole line of products, many of which are still used by special forces soldiers, including the Navy SEALS.
The tough, practical, no frills design that made SOG a household name has also earned them a reputation for making affordable blades from high quality materials that can stand up to the worst circumstances. Rarely will you see a SOG as a showpiece, since they prize function far above form. A company for the true workman or the hard-core survivalist who needs to know their gear is always going to work, we wanted to honor the unpretentious SOG tradition with the 7 best SOG knives for EDC.
SOG Twitch II
Pro: Full flat grind
Con: Spring pivot causes some multi-directional blade play
OId Standby: Getting a Twitch II is an investment in the future. We’ve found that once you have it, it will sneak its way into your EDC rotation more than you might think. The reason for this boils down to simplicity. The drop point shape is versatile for most ordinary situations, the SOG assisted opening allows it to spring into action at a moment’s notice, and the tiny 2.65-inch blade can disappear anywhere. Metal liner plates in the anodized aluminum handle give it a little more heft than comparably sized knives, but add a sense of sturdiness that fits right in with the unrustable, unbreakable feel of the body.
SOG Aegis Mini
Pro: Sturdy despite its thinness
Con: Handle is not reinforced
Small and Safe: Everything about the Aegis is built with security in mind. The Piston lock keeps it tight so you’ll never sacrifice skin or fingers to an accidental closing. The Digi-Grip enhanced nylon handle with glass reinforcement is heavy duty and makes the knife stick in your fist like maple syrup. With a 3-inch blade made of AUS-8 steel with a clip point tip, it’s functional and understated, but works well without adding flash where none needs to be. It stows so nicely in the recesses of your pocket that you’ll easily forget it’s there until you reach for it. Weighing only a couple of ounces, it’s as portable as they come.
SOG Flash II
Pro: Opens very rapidly
Con: Limited texture for gripping
Fast Acting: Aptly named, the Flash II is a quick action knife that’s light as gossamer and has a slightly assisted opening that allows it to come out quickly with just a little wrist action to handle your cutting needs. The handle is Glass Reinforced Nylon (GNR) that’s comfortable, low weight, and slender so that it can disappear into your pocket when tucked away with the deep carry clip. The blade is AUS-8 steel that’s built to last and you can get it in any combination of blade styles, with a TiNi (Titanium Nitride) coating or a satin finish, plain or combination blades, and numerous handle designs to fit your personal style. The best part is the double safety lock to ensure it doesn’t accidentally jump out.
SOG Trident
Pro: Extremely easy to conceal with very deep pocket clip
Con: Cutting groove tends to catch on clothing
Purpose Driven: Made as a rescue knife, this is more than the blade you carry just in case, it’s the knife that is chosen by innumerable uniformed professionals for both its quick deployment and versatile construction. A groove in the handle turns the closed blade into a seatbelt cutter or cord slicer. When it’s opened, the clip point blade is all business, with a seriously menacing look that allows it to be used for field dressing a kill thanks to the jimping on the handle. The blade is AUS-8 steel with either TiNi or satin finishing, inside a GNR handle that gives you plenty to hold onto during serious work or moments of intense adrenaline.
SOG Tomcat 3.0
Pro: Smooth opening action
Con: No built-in pocket clip
Anywhere Carry: Between the lanyard hole on the pommel, the included nylon sheath, and the slender body that begs to vanish into your pocket, you won’t be trying to decide if you carry the Tomcat, just where to put it. Crafted out of VG10 steel with a supremely comfortable kraton handle that is finished in black, the knife looks great, but it also fits into the nook of your hand like a dream, giving you leverage for hard use and ergonomics for repeated cutting. No hot spots or wear, this will honestly feel like an extension of your hand after just a few slices.
SOG SV68 Vision
Pro: Not a millimeter of blade play
Con: Pocket clip doesn’t allow for deep carry
Fight Response: For as gorgeous as this knife is, it’s even more deadly. The sterling titanium handle and reflective VG10 stainless steel blade will immediately catch the light whenever you pull it out, but the bayonet clip intended for reversible carry deep in your pocket and the wicked tanto blade prove that this isn’t a show knife. Inside the titanium are stainless steel liners to reinforce the blade and add a little extra heft, which may or may not suit you. Overall, the weightier handle puts the bulk where you want it for heavier work or serious action.
SOG Architech
Pro: Full titanium liners
Con: Limited production and high cost
Cut or Collect: There’s no way around it, the Architech is a gorgeous knife. Out of the box, it looks and feels more like a showpiece than an everyday carry, but if you can afford it and are one of those lucky few who never loses their daily cutter, you’ll fall in love the second you flip this open. Using Arc-Lock technology, you never have to worry about this kicking open when it isn’t needed, but there’s no fumbling when it is time to get this out and go to work. Made for laboring in the great outdoors, the blade is San Mai VG10 while the handle has a titanium bolster just below the ricasso. There’s a few handle options, but we recommend the jigged bone for picking up extra style points.
