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SOG Strat Ops Auto | A Premium USA Built Automatic

December 4, 2017 by Erik Meisner Leave a Comment

Although SOG Specialty Knives was founded in 1986, it can trace it’s lineage to the Vietnam War. When members of a highly classified special operations unit known as MACV-SOG, carried a unique combat knife into the jungles of Vietnam. This knife inspired a young designer named Spencer Frazer to reproduce the SOG Bowie knife. And pay tribute to the MACV-SOG unit that originally carried it. Since then, SOG has become a titan of industry forging some of the best knives and tools used by military and law enforcement today. The new Strat Ops Auto is no exception.

SOG Strat Ops
4.4″ length folded

The backbone of any edged tool is the blade itself. This is where it all comes to a point. Selection of blade steel not only dictates the cost of manufacturing but the knifes ability to do the job it’s intended for. Sparing no expense on this USA built automatic folder, SOG has selected premium CPM-S35VN steel for its blade. This American made steel, developed by Crucible Industries, is known for improved toughness, better edge retention, higher resistance to wear and edge chipping. All while maintaining corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening. Finally, the 3.5″ straight blade is finished with a sleek black Cerakote finish. To say the least, the Strat ops has a strong backbone.

SOG Strat Ops

How a knife feels in the palm of your hand is of great importance, so handle material is critical. SOG utilizes linen micarta for the Strat Ops. Created from soaking layers of linen cloth in resin, then pressing them together, this material produces a smooth yet durable material. Due to the smooth properties of linen micarta, SOG designers have relief-cut four grooves as well as a SOG logo into the handle scales. Offering the needed grip for a solid purchase on the 4.4″ handle. Additionally, SOG has incorporated a heavy notched texture at the top of the handle and spine of the blade for added grip. On the opposite side of the handle is a skeletonized steel reversible low-carry pocket clip.

SOG Strat Ops
Low-carry clip

I’d be remiss not to mention the automatic opening feature of the Strat Ops. Of course, automatic opening knives are NOT legal in all states and cities. So check your local laws before acquiring a Strat Ops. With the simple push of a button, the 3.5″ blade comes to life with a lightning-quick opening. Positively locking it in place for whatever the task. Whether it’s self-defense, hunting, fishing or whatever, this auto deploys in a hurry. To prevent an accidental pocket discharge, SOG has incorporated a clever locking safety switch on the opposite side of the handle.

SOG Strat Ops Auto Specs courtesy of sogknives.com

CLOSED LENGTH 4.4″ PRODUCT WEIGHT 3.70 OZ
BLADE LENGTH 3.5″ BLADE THICKNESS 0.11″
UPC 729857006514 PRODUCT FAMILY SOG-TAC
PRODUCT TYPE FOLDING KNIFE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN USA
LOCKING MECHANISM AUTOMATIC OPENING MECHANISM AUTOMATIC
BELT CLIP TYPE REVERSIBLE LOW-CARRY PACKAGING PRESENTATION BOX
ENGRAVABLE YES FINISH HARDCASED BLACK
EDGE TYPE STRAIGHT BLADE STEEL TYPE S35VN
BLADE SHAPE STRAIGHT BACK HARDNESS RC. 59-60
HANDLE MATERIAL LINEN MICARTA HANDLE COLOR BLACK

 

SOG Strat OpsWeighing in at only 3.7oz., the Strat Ops is very comfortable as an EDC knife. I’m a big fan of SOG knives and this one is no different. A quick search on the Loadout Room website will further reinforce our love for these high quality knives and tools. This stealthy back beauty has been in my pocket for a little over a month now and I’m continually impressed with the performance and feel. The low-carry clip keeps the end of the knife below the pocket line. Which is a nice feature for those that prefer not to advertise what they’re carrying. If you’re looking for a premium USA-built EDC knife, look no further than the Strat Ops from SOG. As always, all SOG products are covered by their lifetime warranty.

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Filed Under: Knives & Tools Tagged With: Auto Knife, automatic folding knife, EDC auto knife, EDC knife, edged weapons, Erik Meisner, Made in the USA, S35VN, SOG, SOG knives, SOG strat ops

About the Author

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Erik Meisner served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He's a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, shooting, Overland camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

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