SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives Review

Let’s Talk About SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives

In the world of everyday carry (EDC) and tactical tools, the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives aims to be a versatile and accessible option. Marketed for its assisted opening, slim profile, and reversible pocket clip, it’s a knife designed to be readily available for various tasks. SOG, a well-known name in the industry, promises reliability and functionality at an attractive price point with the Flare.

I found myself looking for a lightweight, easy-to-carry knife that could handle daily tasks without being bulky or intimidating. I was particularly drawn to the SOG Assisted Technology (SAT) opening system, hoping for quick and reliable deployment. My search was for a knife that seamlessly integrated into my everyday life, ready for anything from opening packages to tackling more demanding outdoor tasks.

Upon unboxing, the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives felt surprisingly light. The Glass-Reinforced Nylon (GRN) handle contributed to this, but also raised a few questions about long-term durability. The satin polished clip point blade looked sleek and functional, promising a good balance of piercing and slicing capabilities.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian and Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the SOG Flare is noticeably lighter and slimmer. I chose it for its specific purpose of being an unobtrusive EDC option, sacrificing some of the heavier-duty feel of my other knives for enhanced portability. The assisted opening was also a key factor, offering a potentially faster deployment than my manual folders.

My first impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The slim profile and assisted opening were appealing, but the lightweight GRN handle left me wondering about its resilience under stress. Time and testing would be needed to determine if the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives could live up to its promise of reliable everyday performance.

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Real-World Testing: Putting SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives to the test during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The knife served primarily for food preparation, cutting cordage, and general camp chores. Conditions were moderately challenging, with some rain and fluctuating temperatures.

The SOG Flare performed admirably in dry conditions, easily slicing through food packaging and rope. However, the GRN handle became noticeably slick when wet, making it harder to maintain a secure grip. I found the assisted opening to be reliable and quick, even with slightly damp hands.

The assisted opening mechanism took a little getting used to; the initial resistance felt stronger than anticipated. Once mastered, deployment became effortless. There were no immediate issues or failures after the first few uses.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent EDC use, the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives has held up reasonably well, but some wear is apparent. The blade’s satin finish shows scratches from regular use. The GRN handle, while still intact, exhibits minor scuff marks and a slight flex under pressure.

The blade has maintained a decent edge, requiring only occasional stropping to keep it sharp. Cleaning is simple, as the knife disassembles easily. Compared to my Benchmade, the SOG Flare doesn’t feel as robust, but it has proven to be a reliable light-duty EDC option.

Breaking Down the Features of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives

Specifications

• The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives features a 3.5-inch blade length, providing a practical size for everyday tasks. This makes it maneuverable for detail work while still offering enough length for more substantial cutting jobs.
• Its overall length is 8.1 inches, offering a good balance of reach and portability. The closed length of 4.5 inches makes it easy to carry in a pocket.
• The clip point blade shape provides a versatile profile suitable for both piercing and slicing. This design is known for its controlled point and ample belly for cutting.
• The blade material is 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, offering a good balance of hardness and corrosion resistance. The hardness is rated at 54-58 HRC, suggesting decent edge retention and ease of sharpening.
• The handle material is GRN (Glass-Reinforced Nylon), chosen for its lightweight and durability. While lightweight, GRN might not offer the same robust feel as G10 or Micarta.
• The knife weighs in at a mere 0.19 lbs, making it exceptionally easy to carry. This low weight contributes significantly to its suitability as an everyday carry knife.
• The blade thickness is 0.12 inches, striking a balance between cutting ability and strength. This thickness ensures the blade isn’t too flimsy for tougher tasks.
• The SOG Flare features a satin polished blade finish, which provides some corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance. However, satin finishes tend to show scratches more easily than coated blades.

Performance & Functionality

The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives performs adequately for light to medium-duty tasks. Its assisted opening mechanism is quick and reliable, making it easy to deploy the blade with one hand. The blade shape is versatile, allowing for effective slicing and piercing.

Its primary weakness lies in the GRN handle, which lacks the rigidity and grip of more premium materials, especially when wet. It meets expectations as a budget-friendly, lightweight EDC option, but doesn’t exceed them in terms of overall performance or durability.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for the price point, with no major manufacturing flaws. The knife feels comfortable in hand, thanks to its slim profile and contoured handle.

There is a slight learning curve with the assisted opening mechanism, requiring a deliberate push to overcome the initial resistance. Once mastered, the deployment is smooth and fast.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the materials used, the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives is expected to last several years with proper care and maintenance. The 8Cr13MoV blade is relatively easy to sharpen.

Disassembly and cleaning are straightforward, allowing for easy maintenance of the blade and mechanism. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives comes standard with a reversible low-carry pocket clip, allowing for ambidextrous carry. There are limited customization options available directly from SOG.

The standard reversible clip allows for tip-up carry, which is a welcome feature. Due to its design, it is unlikely that many aftermarket clips will fit without modification.

Pros and Cons of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives

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Who Should Buy SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives?

The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives is perfect for individuals looking for an affordable, lightweight EDC knife for everyday tasks. It’s well-suited for students, office workers, and anyone who needs a convenient and easy-to-carry cutting tool. Casual campers and hikers who prioritize weight savings will also find it appealing.

This knife might not be the best choice for those who require a heavy-duty, highly durable knife for demanding outdoor or tactical applications. Professionals who rely on their knives for critical tasks should consider investing in a more robust option.

A must-have accessory would be a quality sharpening stone or strop to maintain the blade’s edge. Lubricating oil is also recommended to keep the assisted opening mechanism working smoothly.

Conclusion on SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives

The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives delivers on its promise of being a lightweight, affordable, and accessible EDC knife. Its assisted opening and slim profile make it a convenient option for everyday cutting tasks. While the GRN handle and 8Cr13MoV blade steel aren’t top-of-the-line, they provide adequate performance for the price point.

At around $24, the price is definitely justified. It offers a good value proposition for those seeking a budget-friendly EDC option with assisted opening.

I would recommend the SOG Flare to anyone looking for a reliable and inexpensive everyday carry knife for light to medium-duty tasks. It’s a great entry-level option or a backup knife for those who don’t want to risk damaging a more expensive tool. Check out the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Flare Fixed Blade Knives and experience the convenience of assisted opening for yourself!