Opinions on SOG Stingray?

[KBR]

I just picked up one of these, with the Kraton handles, in a trade and was wondering what those of you out there think of this smaller version of the Tomcat. I'm assuming that it is every bit as hefty and well constructed as its' bigger brother, but I'd like some feedback.

Thanks.

 

[Ron Andersen]

Hey KBR,

Originally posted by KBR
I'm assuming that it is every bit as hefty and well constructed as its' bigger brother [the Tomcat], but I'd like some feedback.

You are right in associating the Tomcat and the Stingray as siblings. The construction is basically identical; only their scale differs. Similar family members are the Sogwinder II and Sogwinder I, which have identical handles, just different blade shapes (Tomcat/Sogwinder II and Stingray Sogwinder I).

For anyone who enjoys a well constructed knife, any of this family of knives should suffice. These knives went through a lot of meticulous care in their design and construction. For anyone who has not opened a Tomcat and heard the lockbar engage with that significant "CLUNK!" has yet to open a "real" knife. The Tomcat won the very prestigious Blade Magazine’s Overall Knife of the Year in 1988. That should say much for what this knife is.

I can recommend these knives without hesitation!

 

[Warthog]

Ron - Ever since I got my (most awesome) Tomcat Cocobolo last year, there was always some back blade play. What I mean is, any downward pressure on teh blade, ie cutting something...would result in the blade itself being pushed back into the locking mechanism, therebye pushing the 'locking bar' of the lockback backwards slightly (1/16 - 1/8" or so depending on pressure). Hopefully you understand what I'm saying...just imagine pushing back on the blade and it moving a bit.

Is front/rear blade play this normal for this knife? I kinda forgot about it because I got an X-Ray <--- GREAT tactical knife and then went to BCT/AIT and now am @ Airborne School.

I would like to say nothing but good things about the Tomcat - it trully is a very solid knife - hopefully this was a screw up.

Warthog

 

[KBR]

Warthog, from what I understand the minor blade play is normal. The Spyderco Chinook also has minor blade play and from what I've read(sorry, but I can't remember the thread), this helps in the lock being as strong as it is. I'm sure that Ron can explain. Hope this helps.

 

[Bobby B]

My Tomcat has marginal side to side play, but 0 fore/aft play...
I'd ask SOG on that one... Ron will know better.

My Coco Stingray is tight as a drum, a lovely knife! I hardly use it, because it's too pretty...

 

[Warthog]

Ok, thanks...I'll get more into it when I get home in a few days where the knife is.

Warthog

 

[Ron Andersen]

Hey Rob,

Originally posted by Bobby B
My Tomcat has marginal side to side play, but 0 fore/aft play...
I'd ask SOG on that one... Ron will know better.

Oh, through it back onto me!


Hi Warthog,

I’ll leave any “official” determination up to the SOG staff on this and you may wish to contact them (but in this case, they'll likely ask to see it). Unofficially, some very slight fore/aft blade play (as Bobby B put it) can be normal during heavy use. Also, note hand position while heavily using. Often, the fatty part of one’s hand applies pressure to the lockbar, raising it slightly. This will also create a condition for blade play. But keep in mind that if the knife is being used safely and properly, there is no concern of a lock failing, because one is cutting in the opposite direction of blade closure.

Just my “unofficial” $.02 worth.