SOG Specialty Knives
Encyclopedia
SOG Specialty Knives, Inc. (commonly known as SOG) is a U.S.
knife and tool manufacturing company famous for their production of the knife with the same name, SOG
.
SOG currently manufactures a variety of knives other than the original military inspired designs, many designed for everyday carry
(EDC).
unit known as the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observations Group
(MACV-SOG) who developed their own knife during the War in Vietnam.
used by the SOG groups operating in South-East Asia. They also produced the SCUBA/Demo knife, which is a replica of one of the rarest military knives to date (only 1 of the original 39 knives produced has survived till this day). Knives such as these and many of the SOG models produced prior to the shift of production from Seki, Japan to Taiwan are considered to be the best knives SOG had ever made.
A second "maritime" version of the Bowie was made utilizing a black micarta
handle and stainless steel blade known as the Trident. It was decorated with the US Navy SEAL emblem as opposed to the Special Forces Crest found on the Bowie.
SOG Specialty Knives manufactures an array of tools available for military personnel and casual outdoor users. SOG manufactures a knife used by the United States Navy SEALs
dubbed the Seal 2000. SOG also makes several other military style knives including a tactical switchblade
which is only available to military/law enforcement personnel. SOG has developed fixed blade knives for survival and outdoors such as the Tech Bowie as well as folding knives, many of which feature assisted opening technology such as the Aegis, Twitch and Trident. SOG also manufactures multi-tool
s including the Paratool and PowerAssist.
Many of SOG's folding knives and multi-tools are made or assembled in the USA, with the higher priced folders and fixed blades being made in Seki, Japan
. Some of SOG's lesser priced tools, such as the Fusion line are manufactured in Taiwan
or China
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
knife and tool manufacturing company famous for their production of the knife with the same name, SOG
SOG Knife
The SOG knife was designed for, and issued to, covert Studies and Observation Group personnel during the Vietnam War. It was unmarked and supposedly untraceable to country of origin or manufacture in order to maintain plausible deniability of covert operators in the event of their death or...
.
SOG currently manufactures a variety of knives other than the original military inspired designs, many designed for everyday carry
Everyday carry
Everyday carry or Every Day Carry refers to a small collection of tools, equipment and supplies that are carried on a daily basis to assist in tackling situations ranging from the mundane to the disastrous. The term EDC also refers to the philosophy or spirit of 'preparedness' that goes along with...
(EDC).
History
The company was founded in 1986 by Spencer and Gloria Frazer and was inspired in its choice of name by the Joint Services Special OperationsUnited States Special Operations Command
The United States Special Operations Command is the Unified Combatant Command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States Armed Forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense...
unit known as the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observations Group
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observations Group
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group was a highly classified, multi-service United States special operations unit which conducted covert unconventional warfare operations prior to and during the Vietnam War....
(MACV-SOG) who developed their own knife during the War in Vietnam.
SOG Bowie
Making changes to the original design of the MACV SOG Fighter, like resin-impregnating the leather handle, utilizing thicker stock and new grind lines, Spencer and Gloria launched their product and company with a one-page, black and white ad in Soldier of Fortune Magazine of the S1 Bowie, a replica of the SOG KnifeSOG Knife
The SOG knife was designed for, and issued to, covert Studies and Observation Group personnel during the Vietnam War. It was unmarked and supposedly untraceable to country of origin or manufacture in order to maintain plausible deniability of covert operators in the event of their death or...
used by the SOG groups operating in South-East Asia. They also produced the SCUBA/Demo knife, which is a replica of one of the rarest military knives to date (only 1 of the original 39 knives produced has survived till this day). Knives such as these and many of the SOG models produced prior to the shift of production from Seki, Japan to Taiwan are considered to be the best knives SOG had ever made.
A second "maritime" version of the Bowie was made utilizing a black micarta
Micarta
Micarta is a trademark of Norplex-Micarta industrial high pressure laminates and refers to a composite of linen, canvas, paper, fiberglass, carbon fiber or other fabric in a thermosetting plastic, originally used in electrical and decorative Koekjes applications. Micarta was developed by George...
handle and stainless steel blade known as the Trident. It was decorated with the US Navy SEAL emblem as opposed to the Special Forces Crest found on the Bowie.
Use Today
United States Navy SEALs
The United States Navy's Sea, Air and Land Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command.The acronym is derived from their...
dubbed the Seal 2000. SOG also makes several other military style knives including a tactical switchblade
Switchblade
A switchblade is a type of knife with a folding or sliding blade contained in the handle which is opened automatically by a spring when a button, lever, or switch on the handle or bolster is activated A switchblade (also known as an automatic knife, pushbutton knife, switch, Sprenger, Springer,...
which is only available to military/law enforcement personnel. SOG has developed fixed blade knives for survival and outdoors such as the Tech Bowie as well as folding knives, many of which feature assisted opening technology such as the Aegis, Twitch and Trident. SOG also manufactures multi-tool
Multi-tool
A multi-tool is any one of a range of portable, versatile hand tools that combines several individual functions in a single unit...
s including the Paratool and PowerAssist.
Many of SOG's folding knives and multi-tools are made or assembled in the USA, with the higher priced folders and fixed blades being made in Seki, Japan
Seki, Gifu
is a city located in Gifu, Japan.The city was founded on October 15, 1950.On February 7, 2005, the municipalities of Horado, Itadori, Kaminoho, Mugegawa and Mugi, all part of Mugi District, were merged into the present-day city...
. Some of SOG's lesser priced tools, such as the Fusion line are manufactured in Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
or China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
.
External links
- SOG Specialty Knives & Tools official website
- SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Official Facebook page
- Information on rare and discontinued SOG knives, A website for the serious SOG knife collector or casual user. With prices, information and rarity ratings.