SOG Specialty Knives began in 1986 when Spencer Frazer founded the company to reproduce the combat knife used by Military Assistance Command Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group during covert operations. The original SOG knife, designed by Benjamin Baker with SKS-3 carbon steel, had a 6-inch Bowie blade and stacked leather handle, and was made in Japan for special operations units in Southeast Asia. Frazer's reproductions started with a single commemorative S1 Bowie model advertised in Soldier of Fortune magazine, establishing the brand's military heritage that continues with modern designs like the Tech Bowie and SEAL 2000 fixed blade developed for Navy SEAL knife trials in 1992.
XR Lock Crossbar Mechanism Rated to 1500 Pounds
SOG's XR Lock uses a sliding transverse crossbar design that withstands 1500 pounds of force before failure, providing secure blade lockup across folders like the Ultra XR, Terminus XR, Pentagon XR LTE, and Seal XR. The mechanism has stepped polymer grip pads for controlled single-handed operation and allows three deployment methods: thumb hole actuation, flipper engagement, or holding back the lock while flicking the blade open. The crossbar design is ambidextrous, with reversible pocket clips for left or right-hand carry. XR Lock folders use cryogenically treated blade steels, including CPM S35VN in the Ultra XR and Terminus XR, CTS-XHP in the Pentagon XR LTE, and 154CM in the Altair XR series.
SOG Assisted Technology Piston Lock System
The Flash series uses SOG Assisted Technology (SAT) with a piston lock mechanism that requires partial manual blade opening before spring assistance completes deployment. The system has two safety features: a side-mounted safety switch that prevents accidental activation and displays red when ready, and a piston lock that secures the blade in both open and closed positions. Flash models use AUS-8 stainless steel hardened to RC 57-58 with glass-reinforced nylon handles, available in 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch, and tanto blade configurations. The piston lock disengages with a sliding button on the handle for controlled single-handed closing, while bayonet-mounted reversible clips allow low-carry pocket positioning for discreet everyday carry.
Flash MT, Aegis FX, and Pentagon Folder Collections
SOG's folding knife lineup spans compact EDC designs through large-format tactical folders accommodating diverse carry requirements. The Flash MT series updates the original Flash II platform with modernized ergonomics while maintaining SAT assisted opening and piston lock mechanisms. Aegis models offer framelock and liner lock configurations in multiple colorways including rescue red, forest green, and indigo finishes with glass-reinforced nylon handles. The Pentagon series represents SOG's tactical folder category with models like the Pentagon OTF and Pentagon XR LTE featuring CTS-XHP steel and carbon fiber liners for professional use applications. The Twitch series provides compact gentleman's folder designs with 154CM steel, aluminum handles, and hardware in contrasting colors including rose gold and blue anodized finishes.
Free Shipping
Made In USA