SOG Pillar or Benchmade Nimravus

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Sep 19, 2021
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15
I am looking for a good fixed blade in about the size these two knives come it. I am close to pulling the trigger on the SOG, it looks like a great knife to me.

Just wondering if anyone has thoughts on another knife similar to these that is a gem? Would you get the SOG or the Benchmade and why?
 
What tasks do you intend to complete with whichever knife you choose? Are you looking for a fighter or a general hunting/woods/utility knife?

I got a Nimravus years ago as my first tactical knife and pressed it into service as a general hunting/woods knife. It is a cool, well built knife but was the wrong knife for the tasks as it has a thin blade and is really only comfortable to hold in 2 specific grips. Mine is also a tanto which made it even less suited to hunting and the like, the drop point model may function better. BM may have updated the design since then, but in my mind the Nimravus is a purpose built fighting knife and less suited for general use.
 
I am wanting a generalist. I do not face tactical situations often, but I would still like a knife that could serve for self-defense and do okay with that. I want it to be dependable in the woods too while fishing, hunting, and camping. I own a Benchmade Bushcrafter now, which is my hanging out at camp, making fires, cooking, etc., knife.

How you described the Nimravus here makes me think it is not what I am looking for. Thank you.
 
I don't have the full size Nimravus but I have the Nim Cub which I love. On paper SOG has better materials. S35VN steel should be better than 154CM but I have no complaints about 154CM. The blade in the BM is a little thinner but if you're not chopping down trees or splitting logs with it the BM will serve well as an all around knife.

My issues with SOG is strictly with the folders. I have 3 SOG fixed blades that are great all around knives. The Seal Pup is actually in my SHTF pack in my truck because it's that good.
 
I have a pillar. good knife. well thought out and made. dont care for the finger choil..prefer more blade but its nitpicking.

the sheath I do not care for much. when attached to the generic teklok....on the belt its either too high or too low depending on how I use the holes to mount. even using the tab inside to adjust sit position better. i find it uncomfortable for belt carry. prefer a leather sheath.

don't own the other, can't comment on it.
 
Maybe I should have added to my question, that if anyone has similar knives to these and their purpose that are true standouts, which would they be?
 
I've had both, quite a few of the Nimravus actually. The SOG hands down. More comfortable in hand, better materials, looks better, and the sheath system works! With all the Nimravi I've had, the sheaths have always been the weak link. The plastic/kydex ones and the nylon one did not allowed me to carry the knife as comfortably as I like.
 
I agree with the above about the Nimravus sheath. Worst sheath I have ever had. Even reached out to BM once to ask about it and they pretty much just said get a custom one made. I also don’t think I would beat on it the way I have other knives, either.

You didn’t really put a price, but if you can shell out a few more $$ take a look at Carothers Performance Knives. They come up on the exchange frequently and I love the ones I have - EDC and a UF. Looking at getting a DEK in a preorder tomorrow. Also look at Busse. These two brands are my go to work horse knives for everything other than carrying at the office. Various sizes, styles and price points for most everyone. Great support if you need anything. Both are well represented on the site and quick to respond. Hit up their sub-forums and see what’s what.
 
I agree with the above about the Nimravus sheath. Worst sheath I have ever had. Even reached out to BM once to ask about it and they pretty much just said get a custom one made. I also don’t think I would beat on it the way I have other knives, either.

You didn’t really put a price, but if you can shell out a few more $$ take a look at Carothers Performance Knives. They come up on the exchange frequently and I love the ones I have - EDC and a UF. Looking at getting a DEK in a preorder tomorrow. Also look at Busse. These two brands are my go to work horse knives for everything other than carrying at the office. Various sizes, styles and price points for most everyone. Great support if you need anything. Both are well represented on the site and quick to respond. Hit up their sub-forums and see what’s what.
Yup^ CPK is a win.

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I was looking at around $200, but would be able to jump up some for the right knife. $300 and up is becoming more than I want to spend. That CPK field knife looks sweet.
 
For a generalist fixed blade in the under $200 price range, I think these would be good options and also put a good bit of money back in your pocket for other uses:

Ontario RAT 5
Gerber Strongarm
Buck 104 Compadre
Buck 105 Pathfinder (available in HC420 or S30V)
ESEE 4
ESEE Laser Strike
 
I was looking at around $200, but would be able to jump up some for the right knife. $300 and up is becoming more than I want to spend. That CPK field knife looks sweet.
Here's a little review I did on the SOG a while back: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sog-pillar-usa-s35vn.1652346/

The main reason I still don't have the SOG is I couldn't justify it while having the CPK Field Knife. The FK made me sell an RMD as well. CPK handles are that good. I got the SOG at a fantastic price so I didn't take a hit when selling. Sort of wish I still had it but it would see no use.
 
Check out Benchmade's Puukko 200 and Leuku 202. The sheaths suck but the knives are great. 3V steel, Santoprene grips.
 
I ended up placing an order for a CPK DEK1. Thank you all for the suggestions.
My guess is that you'll be really happy with it. I bought their Basic Field knife a few months ago and to say that I'm impressed with it is an understatement.
 
I ended up placing an order for a CPK DEK1. Thank you all for the suggestions.
Wow awesome. UPGRADE!

What steel did you order? I have an order in for a Magnacut DEK bc I’ve never tried it before. Carother’s 3V is one of the best steels I’ve ever used, so I figure they will get Magnacut right too.
 
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