SOG Flash 1

ChrisB507

ChrisB507

Gold Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2005
Messages
586
So I picked up a SOG Flash 1, after deciding I wanted a small, light, one-handed opener to go with a variety of EDC SAKs. I heard good and bad things about this knife, but thought I’d take a risk, given the relatively low cost. My take on it so far…

PROs
- Exactly the right size and weight; not thick
- Sharp blade, nice clip

CONs (IMHO)
- The lock lever rattles, when the blade is open or closed…feels a little chintzy, and it’s a little small
- The thumb stud is too close to the pivot; the blade is a little hard to open
- The handle has a nice texture, but the mini-choil is very small; I have small hands and it’s too small for me. I sanded it away.
- The blade lock lever is supposed to show red when the blade is unlocked; the color mine has flaked off or was applied poorly. It’s just cosmetic, though.

So I like it OK, I just am a little underwhelmed, and not wowed, like I have been with similar blades at similar prices (say a Kershaw Scallion). I’ll EDC it a bit and see if I can get over the CONs. Any recommendations on a similar folder--small, light, one-hand deployable (doesn't have to be an assisted opener)?
 
I received a Flash 1 for Christmas and I share most of the same observations with a couple different takes.

Being a $30 knife I didn't expect much by I actually kept it when I traded my Scallion off. It's much lighter, slices like heck and best of all completely disappears in my Sunday go to meeting duds.

I wish it had the upgraded Arc lock and they can do away with the safety for sure. It is what it is and that's a handy little slicer.
 
I have a Flash 1 as well. I like it, but don't EDC it because it's a little small to easily get a good grip on it to deploy. I only carry it if I'm dressed up and need something small and inconspicuous (gotta love SOG's bayonet deep carry clips!).

Check out what Spyderco has...they have a quite a few 2" and sub 2" knives...some with VG-10 steel and FRN handles.
 
if your gonna get an assisted sog get a twitch xl to tell you the truth the flashes tend to wiggle go with trident or twitch xl you can already find more cons than pros
 
I gave the flash to my dad for....just the hell of it. Its a So-so knife my dad knows it not "my quality" but still loves it....I'm going to have to get him a nice Benchmade this Christmas or maybe better, he doesn't like using expensive knives but I assure them Benchmade will bring it back to new no matter what stupid shit he does to it. As the years go by I like knowing hes got a decent knife in his pocket.
 
I picked one up at smkw, I have to say I do like it. For a small knife it handles strapping tape and plastic ties with ease and I had no grip concerns at all. Mine has the graphite scales with blk blade. The lock rattles a little like ChrisB says.
 
Hi ChrisB507 -

I share your annoyances with the rattling lock actuator, and the small choil etc.

My example also has some blade play, irregardless of how I adjust the pivot.

However, I do like the little guy, I love the deep carry clip, and it is light and small enough to carry in Chicago (which has a length law).

The blade also takes a very nice edge, at least I have gotten mine to shaving sharp.

The blade shape is good for everyday also, with a nice point and a little bit of belly for those less frequent times you need that.

Mine was a gift from a good friend from work, so the price was right.

best regards -

mqqn
 
It seems a bit over priced to me. You can get a Leek for around the same and it has great fit and finish and a solid lock that doesn't rattle. Made in USA too.

If I could get one for ~$25 I would own one.
 
I believe I had one a while back. I though it was too small for my hands. As far as a small A/O goes, I prefer the Scallion, but I think the spyderco LadyBug's one of the best (I have a PE Salt that I use).
 
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