• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Loadout Room

The Loadout Room

Professional Gear Reviews

Hardcore Gear and Adventure

Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • m243The M24: America’s Headhunter
        • skorpFull-Auto Fun — Shooting the full-Auto vz. 61 Škorpion
        • p320-full-leftSIG Sauer M17/M18/P320 Pistol Just Can’t Seem to Escape Safety Controversies
        • TISAS_10100520_1__98179Tisas 1911A1 U.S. Army Review: Best Budget .45 ACP WW2 1911 Clone?
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • Hunting in TexasThese 5 ATV Dealers Will Get You Ready For Hunting Season in Texas
        • ac65a540-2ef3-4598-8d11-afdf53f46e94.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X: A Thoroughly Bright Review
        • Bluetti 2 handsfree power backpackBluetti Handsfree 2 Review: The Ultimate Power Backpack for Off-Grid Adventurers
        • The Gallagator 10 day pack on the shoreline next to a hiking trail.Day Pack – Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 – The Best Yet?
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • Tom and Blake Sell TeaHow Sasquatch Tea Is Revitalizing a Stagnant Tea Market With Veterans and Outdoorsmen in Mind
        • redcat-blackwidow-articleheaderWar of Words: In the Ultra-Competitive Defense Tech Industry, Storytelling is a Secret Weapon
        • Photoroom_20250525_074933Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your 365
        • craft holstersCraft Holsters Makarov Tuckable IWB Holster Report
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Buying Guides
  • Shop
  • Advertise
Knives & Tools

SOG Kiku folding knife | First Impressions

August 15, 2017 by Garand Thumb Leave a Comment

SOG Kiku folding knife | First Impressions

A good folding blade is an absolute necessity in life. Sure many people get by without one, but not gracefully. There are many folding knives on the market today. For most people a cheap folding knife may suffice. For those of us who require more of their knives, or who want one which will last, the search for a good folding knife is a never-ending pursuit. Enter the SOG Kiku.

I’ve not been overly impressed with SOG in the past. Some of their knives were good, others mediocre in quality. When I received the SOG Kiku to review I was sure I would be getting a mediocre folding knife. How wrong I was. The SOG Kiku came in attractive boxing and was packaged well. Once opened I was surprised at once with the weight, grip and blade itself. The SOG Kiku was designed by both SOG and one of the most famous Japanese blade grinder’s around Kiku Matsuda. The SOG Kiku is a 4.6 inch assisted opening folding blade which features a micarta handle.

SOG Kiku folding knife | First Impressions

One thing that immediately struck me about the SOG Kiku was the blade steel. The heart of the SOG Kiku is VG10 stainless steel. VG10 is an excellent stainless steel that is incredibly hard, which makes it easy to give the blade a razor-thin edge. The knife has a tanto point which depending on what you do either works or doesn’t. I personally don’t mind them for field work. And find that the tip doesn’t break as often compared to some other knife points.

The assisted opening mechanism is welcome, and makes opening the blade in awkward positions simple. The one gripe I have with this knife is the safety. On my particular model the safety is loose and can easily be moved with the slightest nudge. As a result sometimes the safety flicks one way or another during stressful work and can make opening the blade somewhat of a pain. Besides that the safety is in a good location to manipulate. I just wish that it was a bit stiffer to move. The belt clip on the knife is robust and has survived some demanding training without ever giving way or getting lost. The micarta handles are angled and engraved and make gripping the blade simple even in adverse conditions. Plus, in my humble opinion, they look cool as hell.

SOG Kiku folding knife | First Impressions

Overall the knife is superb and is my current go to EDC knife. It’s a bit on the larger side for some but for my particular line of work it fits well. The blade thickness, blade steel, assisted opening, and micarta handles makes for a simple, robust do anything knife for your everyday carry needs. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending this blade from my 2 months of using it so far. As I get more time on the knife I will write an updated review. The knife retails for around 102 bucks.

Share This

About the Author

Garand Thumb Active duty in the military. He spends his time parachuting from anything that flies. On his off time he shoots and spends time with his family.

See All Garand Thumb Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

Primary Sidebar

Most Read

  • Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
    Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
  • Mossberg Shockwave Versus Remington Tac 14
    Mossberg Shockwave Versus Remington Tac 14
  • War of Words: In the Ultra-Competitive Defense Tech Industry, Storytelling is a Secret Weapon
    War of Words: In the Ultra-Competitive Defense Tech Industry, Storytelling is a Secret Weapon
  • SIG Sauer M17/M18/P320 Pistol Just Can't Seem to Escape Safety Controversies
    SIG Sauer M17/M18/P320 Pistol Just Can't Seem to Escape Safety Controversies
  • Breek Arms Sledgehammer: The AR-15 Charging Handle That Gas Can’t Touch
    Breek Arms Sledgehammer: The AR-15 Charging Handle That Gas Can’t Touch

Find Us on Facebook

Recent Comments

  • Winston Smiths on Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
  • Jared Mize on The Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife: A Commando Blade That Changed Special Forces Forever
  • GomeznSA on MAC-10: The Wild History of America’s Most Iconic (and Overrated) Submachine Gun

Latest From SOFREP

News

Evening Brief: NATO Needs More Long-Range Missiles to Counter Expanding Russian Arsenal, Nearly 10 Million Displaced by War in Ukraine

Preparing for Selection

How To Conquer Special Forces Selection

Navy

Hegseth Blocks Admiral’s Promotion Due to Drag Show Past

SOF

US Army Special Forces “Green Berets” The Complete Guide

Military Content Group

© Copyright 2025 Military Content Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers
 

Loading Comments...