Lost my Favorite Pocket Knife

B

BantyRooster97

Joined
Nov 3, 2021
Messages
7
First, thanks for the add, been reading a lot, great forum.

So I've carried the same small pocket knife for years (SOG FLASH 1). It hasn't been made in years & I'm looking for a comparable replacement. Something under $100, preferably under $75. Want it to be small enough I can keep it in my pocket with other stuff and it not be noticeable, needs a clip, prefer it to to have a power assist or auto blade, like the SOG.

Any thoughts? Everything I've seen is well over $100 for that similar size knife.

thx
 
I used and loved a SOG Flash II for over 10 years. Then last year it disappeared. I've been trying ever since to find an adequate replacement. That's how I got interested in knives.

The Flash II had been discontinued, so I got its successor, a Flash AT--terrible. The Flash II opened and closed very smoothly. People who saw it often asked, aren't switchblades illegal? The Flash AT was very stiff. I got a blister on my thumb. I complained and was told it needed breaking in. My original Flash II never needed breaking in. Anyhow, using two hands, I opened the Flash AT almost all the way, and closed it almost all the way, and repeated 1,000 times. No improvement. I sent it back for replacement. The next Flash AT was even worse. And the D2 blade rusted within a week. My original Flash II never rusted.

Eventually I found a Flash II for sale, new. It was almost as bad as the first Flash AT. Found another Flash II. Just the same, and not returnable. At least it did not rust. Half a dozen different lubricants did not help. I've given up on SOGs.

A few dozen knives later, the closest I have come to the original Flash II is a Benchmade Volli with CPM-S30V, which is also assisted and almost as smooth, but a lot more expensive. Benchmade AXIS locks are similar to the ARC locks on older SOGs. I got a second Volli in case the first one ever disappears. But there are several manual knives I like about as well as the Vollis. Benchmade Griptillians and Bugouts can be very nice, and a lot of brick-and-mortar stores carry them. But the new "super premium" Bugouts in the local stores now suck--stiff, dull, and one I saw today was badly centered.

Spydercos are an acquired taste, but once you get used to flicking them open with a thumb or finger in the Spydie hole, they are way cool. I have two Spyderco Para 3s, one with CPM-S45V and one with CPM-S110V, that are great. But cheaper Spydercos (under $145) are not nearly as good. And three out of the last four Spydercos I've bought have been bad--there was a Native Chief that was so stiff it took two hands to open, a Lil Native (over $200) where the blade always bounces off my fingernail when I try to close it, and an ARK neck knife that was ridiculously dull out of the box.

For under $75, there are some assisted Gerbers that open and close pretty well, but they have cheap steel. You might be happy with them if you enjoy sharpening knives.
 
Welcome to the forum, and I feel your loss.

As a knife lover, there is little worse than the feeling that you have lost your longtime pocket companion.

Luckily, most of the time that knife will be found, whether in a winter coat pocket, the favorite chair cushion or even under the seat of your vehicle. I hope you find your Flash soon, but in the interim, I would be looking at the exchange or other sites for a replacement (or two...)

best

mqqn
 
If autos are legal where you are, look at the Kershaw Launch 11. 2.75" blade, CPM154 steel, about $100. I've owned and carried large knives, but found that I didn't really need a 3.5" or 4" blade (for some that's not very large either). Since I got my Launch 11, it's pretty much been my actual EDC (every day, not just some days), replacing the carbon fiber Leek and CF/M390 Bareknuckle I alternated between. Even though it's only 3.5", the Bareknuckle feels like it's way too much knife, while the Launch 11 is all I really need.

If autos aren't legal where you are, I suggest looking at the carbon fiber Leeks, or the Random Leek.
 
Oof.
I lost my SOG Flash ll in late 2015
Searching for a replacement was the initial catalyst that lead to knife dependency. 😆
Be very very careful.

As others have said, within your price range are the upper line USA made Kirshaws. Very good knives and dollar for dollar an improvement on SOG.

Incidentally, after a year of decent into knife decadence, I found my Flash II. I carried it periodically when I needed something light weight that I wasn’t afraid to use indiscriminately. When my father-in-law lost his knife, I let him pick through a couple of my knives for a replacement. Now he’s carrying my old Flash Il..
 
If you're looking for something with a similar profile and assisted opening I would also suggest the Kershaw Blur. I think it's a very good sized knife even though it's a little bit larger than the SOG Flash I.
 
Thank you all for the replies, sorry I'm just getting back in town, it was opening weekend for deer season here this past weekend. I'm in Texas, so there is no issue with an auto or assisted open knife. I really want a small compact knife for an EDC, like the old SOG Flash II. I have a flash I in my posket right now that is about the same size as the Blur mentioned above. Its ok, but still too big for my liking. I'm not a knife expert like many here on the site, but I have a bunch. I'm familiar with / own Kershaw, Gerber, & Spyderco, though they are all normal size knives 4.5" closed + and I'm really looking for something smaller. That is why I loved the Flash II. I know exactly where I lost it (Academy Sporting Goods parking lot) so I know its not coming back unfortunately.

I saw the used ones on ebay, just reluctant to buy a used knife, or possibly someone elses problem. Plus, I'm looking for a replacement, that will hopefully contine to be made in the future. I'm trying to stay under $100 as this was my 3rd lost Flash II EDC in the last 10 or so years. The other 2 , 1 lost at the airport by TSA & the other in the woods while searching for a new place to put a deer stand. If Iost that many $200+ knives I'd be pissed. LOL
 
Another Shepherd said:
I used and loved a SOG Flash II for over 10 years. Then last year it disappeared. I've been trying ever since to find an adequate replacement. That's how I got interested in knives.

The Flash II had been discontinued, so I got its successor, a Flash AT--terrible. The Flash II opened and closed very smoothly. People who saw it often asked, aren't switchblades illegal? The Flash AT was very stiff. I got a blister on my thumb. I complained and was told it needed breaking in. My original Flash II never needed breaking in. Anyhow, using two hands, I opened the Flash AT almost all the way, and closed it almost all the way, and repeated 1,000 times. No improvement. I sent it back for replacement. The next Flash AT was even worse. And the D2 blade rusted within a week. My original Flash II never rusted.

Eventually I found a Flash II for sale, new. It was almost as bad as the first Flash AT. Found another Flash II. Just the same, and not returnable. At least it did not rust. Half a dozen different lubricants did not help. I've given up on SOGs.

A few dozen knives later, the closest I have come to the original Flash II is a Benchmade Volli with CPM-S30V, which is also assisted and almost as smooth, but a lot more expensive. Benchmade AXIS locks are similar to the ARC locks on older SOGs. I got a second Volli in case the first one ever disappears. But there are several manual knives I like about as well as the Vollis. Benchmade Griptillians and Bugouts can be very nice, and a lot of brick-and-mortar stores carry them. But the new "super premium" Bugouts in the local stores now suck--stiff, dull, and one I saw today was badly centered.

Spydercos are an acquired taste, but once you get used to flicking them open with a thumb or finger in the Spydie hole, they are way cool. I have two Spyderco Para 3s, one with CPM-S45V and one with CPM-S110V, that are great. But cheaper Spydercos (under $145) are not nearly as good. And three out of the last four Spydercos I've bought have been bad--there was a Native Chief that was so stiff it took two hands to open, a Lil Native (over $200) where the blade always bounces off my fingernail when I try to close it, and an ARK neck knife that was ridiculously dull out of the box.

For under $75, there are some assisted Gerbers that open and close pretty well, but they have cheap steel. You might be happy with them if you enjoy sharpening knives.
Click to expand...
My SOG didn't hold its edge very well, so I sharpened it all the time anyway, may look into the small Gerbers. I'd like to find something around 3-31/2" when closed. Thats a tall order for under $100. I looked at all the other SOGs and there is nothing really comperable to those old Flash II knives.
 
Planterz said:
If autos are legal where you are, look at the Kershaw Launch 11. 2.75" blade, CPM154 steel, about $100. I've owned and carried large knives, but found that I didn't really need a 3.5" or 4" blade (for some that's not very large either). Since I got my Launch 11, it's pretty much been my actual EDC (every day, not just some days), replacing the carbon fiber Leek and CF/M390 Bareknuckle I alternated between. Even though it's only 3.5", the Bareknuckle feels like it's way too much knife, while the Launch 11 is all I really need.

If autos aren't legal where you are, I suggest looking at the carbon fiber Leeks, or the Random Leek.
Click to expand...
Been looking at the Launch 9, very similar in size. Wondering if anyone has one & can give me an honest opinion.
 
SVTFreak said:
Don’t know what your preferences in materials are, but the kershaw cryo meets what your askin for for a fraction of the cost.
Click to expand...
I'll look for one of those around here that I can hold. Seems to be on the low end of the price range, but it might be a great knife. thanks
 
The Kershaw Blur has 14C28N steel, which is one of my favorites for a damp environment. But it also has a liner lock, which is not nearly as good as the old ARC locks on SOGs, but not as bad as the awful frame locks on many Kershaws and other brands.
 
Welcome to the forum, B BantyRooster97 . Would you consider a good manual action?

I made the jump from traditional pocket knives to assisted action sometime in the late 1990s. I loved it back then. I really enjoyed assisted knives for the next couple of decades, including the Leek and the Blur. Then I noticed that the market had changed. See, assisted used to be the way to go because good manual were rare or expensive. Now, great manual actions with snappy detents are common and affordable. I find them much more satisfying. They are also easier to maintain and have less to go wrong.

Nowadays, if I wanted something other than manual, I'd probably just all the way with a double-action OTF.
 
Check your boots. one deer season, I lost my pocket knife. Found it the next hunting season when I put my boot on. Apparently I stuck it in the boot when packing up to leave camp.
 
Chronovore said:
Welcome to the forum, B BantyRooster97 . Would you consider a good manual action?

I made the jump from traditional pocket knives to assisted action sometime in the late 1990s. I loved it back then. I really enjoyed assisted knives for the next couple of decades, including the Leek and the Blur. Then I noticed that the market had changed. See, assisted used to be the way to go because good manual were rare or expensive. Now, great manual actions with snappy detents are common and affordable. I find them much more satisfying. They are also easier to maintain and have less to go wrong.

Nowadays, if I wanted something other than manual, I'd probably just all the way with a double-action OTF.
Click to expand...
I've got several manual open pocket knives and I just prefer the assisted/auto for ease.
 
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