A good knife can perform many tasks, a different kind of knife can perform additional tasks, and a decent collection can perform a myriad of tasks. Lest you forget, knives are also the gold pocket watches in the culture of savage gentlemen. Understand that there is no one perfect knife (Google any compilation of best knives and they will all be different), but rather every knife has a perfect type of owner in mind.
Today we will explore the SOG Flash II, which I have been using as my EDC this past week. Some highlights off of SOG’s official product page are listed below.
SOG Flash II Specifications
- List Price: $73.00
- Product Weight: 3.10oz
- Overall Length: 8”
- Closed Length: 4.5”
- Blade Length: 3.5”
- Blade Thickness: 0.13”
- Blade Steel: AUS-8
- Blade Hardness: RC. 57-58
- Handle Material: Glass-reinforced nylon
- Opening Mechanism: Assisted
Subtleties: The Good and Bad
AUS-8 Steel
There are a wide range of opinions regarding different knife steels, sometimes too much of an opinion. There are plenty of steels available to choose from in the knife industry, some of higher quality over others, sure. While AUS-8 wouldn’t be considered a “premium” steel, it is a well-rounded performer, which is why it is used across many manufacturers and models. When you consider the price of this knife, AUS-8 is an excellent choice. It is tough, corrosion-resistant, easy to sharpen, and more than good enough to warrant a spot in your EDC rotation.
Weight
This is where the SOG Flash II shines. The SOG Flash II weighs less than the ever favorite Benchmade Griptilian, and only weighs a mere 0.1 ounce more than 2017’s best-selling knife, the Spyderco Para 3 (while offering a half-inch longer blade). A knife weighs what it weighs, but some knives have a funny tendency to “feel” heavier or lighter than what they actually are. For its size and appearance, the SOG Flash II definitely feels lighter than its listed weight without feeling cheap.
Safety Lock
The safety lock harbors mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s a precautionary feature for the assisted opening mechanism in order to avoid an accidental opening. This is can be a great feature for a young or unfamiliar knife owner as it ensures the assisted opening will only be employed when intended. However, it does add an additional time-consuming step when employing the knife, which is undesirable in a self-defense situation; it also defeats the purpose of having an assisted opening mechanism for faster employment in the first place. The user and its intended use are the determining factors for whether this feature is good or bad. While its mere presence might be bothersome, if you’re not a fan, just don’t use it. Despite one user’s complaint, I have yet to experience the safety lock moving on and off on its own.
Locking Mechanism
This is feature is my one and only criticism of the SOG Flash II. The locking mechanism is extremely stiff due to its non-ambidextrous, making it difficult for one-handed closure.
SOG Warranty and Customer Service
SOG stands by their products. They have a lifetime warranty so long as the knife is used as intended. Like most other reputable knife manufacturers, SOG offers complimentary knife sharpening and will also cover the return shipping rate.
The Verdict
At the time of writing, the lowest price available on Amazon is around $42. For that price, this knife is an excellent product by SOG.
Do you have any experience with the SOG Flash II or other SOG knives? Let us know what you think!
Author – Matt Shin is a former U.S. Army infantryman having served as a radio telephone operator, automatic rifleman, and fire team leader. Matt now resides in California where he is back in school studying sociology. In his newfound spare time he enjoys exploring the outdoors, camping, backpacking, shooting, and sports.
