Is SOG a good knife brand?

[RocketFoot]

Just wondering what's up with SOG? I like many of their tactical designs in fixed blade and folders but often I hesitate to buy them because some SOG knives seem to be too CHEAP! Other examples can seen to be over priced? So what is up with SOG? Are they generally decent across the board or is there some to watch out for? I have a few SOG's in different price ranges and I feel like even their cheap line is well built. One of my favorites is SOG Twitch Tanto folder that I have had forever! I can't even find an example of it on the internet (only Twitch II and other variations) but it is a sharp, well built knife! I would love to find an original Pentagon fixed blade but I might have to settle for the new Pentagon, maybe even in a folder design! Just looking for a little insight into SOG! This pic isn't mine but it is close to my Twitch!

https://imgur.com/y55YIOG

 

[Lawilli2]

The new Prohen XR is very nicely made, and built like a tank. Original design and good pricing. The XR bar lock is smooth and secure.

 

[vjb.knife]

Back in the 1980's and 90's when the competition was very different and SOG was made in a different place, they were pretty good. Today they are spotty, some SOG's were decent and others are crap.

 

[ABTOMAT-47]

My impression of modern SOG is them being Cold Steel's neglected brother in GSM's welfare family. Used to be a smaller and less goofy competitor. I don't have any modern SOG knives but if the Taiwanese ones are made in the same factory as CS they're bound to be decent quality at least.

 

[not2sharp]

The older Japan made knives were very good, the current China made stuff is fit for flea markets and gas stations.

N2s

 

[Briser]

I only look at and own Seki made Sog knives. All the rest just are not the same.

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

I have a friend who swears by his SOG multitool. It's a vintage one though.

 

[R.Schäfer]

I only look at and own Seki made Sog knives. All the rest just are not the same.

I picked up a Seki sog at a pawn shop for around $15. Someone scratched the blade all up and did a horrible number on the bevel. Had someone hand polish the blade and turned out beautiful. I recently sharpened it and put a nice bevel back on it and can shave with it. That little SEKI on the blade is the only reason I bought it. Well made.

 

[Drop bear]

I have an old seal pup elite that either I could just never get sharp or the sheath was blunting rally quick.

I just couldn't get in to them.

 

[BoDiddly01]

The XR line is decent. It just has a ton of competition at their price ranges.

 

[organiccannibal]

How decent is the XR line in comparison to my big 3? Cold Steel, Spyderco, Benchmade? SOG seems to tout the locking mechanism as being able to withstand 1500 lb. Its not like im planning on pushing a folder into anywhere near those limits. I just have an itch for a new edc.

 

[mauser9]

Bought the Trident AT-XR couple years back. Seems real solid to me and comes with D-2 steel. No issues with knife so far. Like the folder so much I bought the fixed FX model recently.