Buying Guide

KNIFE ANATOMY

A : EDGE The sharpened part of the knife blade, from point to bolster). The edge can be straight, serrated, or a combination of the two.

B : SPINE The side opposite the sharpened edge. May feature jimping to serve as a thumb-grip.

C : HANDLE The handle envelops the tang (H) and is usually fastened by rivets or encased in plastic or metal. SOG handles use a variety of materials like GRN, wood, carbon fiber, and more.

D : TIP The third of a blade's tapered end, opposite the handle.

E : POINT The very tip of the knife, the point should be sharp and relatively thin. Used for making incisions, cutting, and carving.

F : BOLSTER/GUARD A piece towards the front of the handle. Typically found on fixed blade knives, the bolster/guard serves several purposes, adding weight, providing balance, and creating a comfortable resting place in the hand.

G : BUTT OR POMMEL The end of a knife is located at the end of the handle, opposite the tip.

H : TANG (NOT PICTURED) The part of the blade that runs from the bolster back into the handle on a fixed blade knife (a full tang runs the entire length of the handle, while a half-tang only runs a part way).

BLADE STEEL

In designing our knives, we make considered and deliberate decisions on which steels to use in accordance with use-case scenarios. We want to ensure we pick the right steel for the right job, and as such we use a small but selective group of steels. In addition most of our knives are cryogenically treated, making them tougher and more wear-resistant.

STANDARD

Typically found on entry-level knives, and focused on providing rust-resistance and good value. Standard quality steels tend to be softer and require regular sharpening to maintain the best performance, but they are capable of holding an edge under most use-case scenarios.

Stainless Steel

3Cr13

5Cr13MoV

5Cr15MoV

SELECT

Select quality steels contain higher chromium content, maintain their edge better, and require less maintenance overall. A great combination of value and performance, select quality steels are perfect for everyday use.

AUS-8

D2

7Cr17MoV

8Cr13MoV

9Cr18MoV

PREMIUM

The best stainless steels come with a cost premium, due to their high chromium content. Additional elements, such as vanadium, are often added to provide superior edge sharpness and retention, as well as enhanced rust resistance. These steels are ideal for more demanding use-cases.

CPM S35VN

CTS XHP

VG-10

HANDLE MATERIALS

While blade steel often gets all the glory, the handle material for a folding knife, fixed blade knife, or automatic knife is just as important, as it’s how users directly interact with our products. You can be assured that the same amount of care goes into handle material selection as goes into steel choice. Below are some of our featured handle materials.

GLASS REINFORCED NYLON

Glass Reinforced Nylon (GRN) is a high-strength, light- weight, abrasion, and impact resistant thermoplastic polyamide formulation of the family more commonly known as nylon. Often with varying degrees of glass fibers — from13% to 60%, added for extra stiffness. GRN also offers chemical resistance to common chemicals, such as motor oil, transmission fluid, and methanol. GRN allows little thermal expansion.

G10

G10 is a very durable reinforced material that is made up of fiberglass soaked in resin, then highly compressed and baked. This process makes it impervious to liquid and is physically stable under extreme temperature fluctuations. G10 is most commonly black but is available in various colors and typically includes a non-slip finish.

ALUMINUM

Aluminum comes in many grades. It has good mechanical properties and is one of the most common alloys for general-purpose use, primarily based on its light weight. Aluminum is typically anodized for extra protection and color, with hard anodized coatings offering superior scratch resistance.

CARBON FIBER

Carbon Fiber is a modern composite made from thin layers of carbon strands that are tightly woven and cured under high pressure in resin. This makes for a very strong, smooth. lightweight material.

NATURAL MATERIALS

Natural materials often include wood, leather, and offer a more traditional look. These are typically applied directly onto the liners or tang of the knife.

LINEN MICARTA

Linen Micarta is created from soaking layers of linen cloth in resin, then pressing them together. When machined, the edge exposes the strands of linen, providing a knife handle with a softer feel in the hand than G-10. Linen Micarta is somewhat absorbent, developing an elegant patina from use over time.

FINISHES AND COATINGS

A knife's blade is more than just the steel used. Coating can also make a huge difference in the longevity of the blade, as well providing an appealing appearance. Below are three major finishes that we use on our knives.

TINI

TiNi is short for Titanium Nitride. By far the best coating that can be applied to steel, it is commonly used to increase durability. The TiNi finish is known to be both extremely scratch and peel resistant, and is applied to steel through a unique process of plasma deposition performed in a complete air-sealed vacuum. SOG uses several different colors of TiNi coating: black, carbon, gold, and graphite.

SATIN FINISH

Satin is one of the most popular finishes on production knife blades, showing fine buffing lines with two directional finishes that better display the bevels of a blad

CERAKOTE

Cerakote finishes are one of the best coatings you can have on a knife. Originally created for use on firearms, Cerakote is a ceramic finish that provides heavy protection against wear, impact, and corrosion.