SOG Trident vs SOG Trident Elite (US made vs China made)

I

InfiniteMind

Joined
Oct 27, 2015
Messages
2
Hello there people !

I went to a shop today to purchase my first knife - a SOG Trident Elite.

In stock there was the ''old'' SOG Trident - made in USA, Blade: AUS-8 - RC. 57-58 / 3.75'' in length

The newer model, Trident Elite, was not in stock. The salesman can bring it for me, but he said that the newer model is made in China, not in US as the older one.

Looking to the specs of the newer one on SOG official site: Blade: AUS-8 - RC. 56-58 / 3.7'' in length

So, which one to buy ? Should i prefer a US made blade, or the Chinese ?

As far as it comes to hardness, is there a much difference between RC. 57-58 and RC. 56-58 ?

Thanks in advance.
 
That salesman has no idea what he is talking about. The new one is made in Taiwan. The older one is assembled in the USA but the parts or at least the steel is made in Taiwan also. Between the two, I like the older ones looks better. Don't know about function.

That said, I would get neither. The SOG SAT line of knives suffer from slight to extreme blade play (I have 4 SAT knives and only one has no play). Lots of people don't like the plastic handles. For the money there are a lot better knives out there. If you do want a SOG folder, look at the ones with the arc-lock. They are made in Japan and are of much higher quality.

Knives you should look at that are a much better value:

Cheap: Ontario Utilitac II, Ontario RAT 1, Kershaw Chinese line (Thurmite, Cryo, and my favorite the tremor: http://kershawguy.com/products-page/featured-items/1950-tremor-closeout/)

Inexpensive USA made: Kershaw link, Piston, or knock Out


Other folks might have more suggestions.
 
Hey
I do have a Trident Elite, will post a review in a few days, it's better than some of the SOG's in the line but none are great. As said above there are many many far better knives. It's really annoying that SOG can't make a good knife at a budget price point. The more expensive ones with the real arc lock are very good: Visionary (2), Vulcan is awesome, I think there are a few more. For a similar price the Kershaw knockout is amazing as are a number of Cold Steel's plus really any of the blades mentioned above are very good and superior in strength quality and fit and finish. The one thing I will say SOG does a great job with the heat treat on the aus 8 blades.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but there are much better options out there.
 
I have owned 2 SOG folders, a Flash and most recently a Trident which got returned. Fresh out of the package it had horrible play in every direction and the lock actually wouldn't engage all the way unless I pushed it up and finished the lockup. IMO every suggestion craytab made would be a recommendation I would echo for a first knife.

Some others I would note: Buck Vantage line, Buck Marksman, Kershaw Scrambler and Dimension (Kershaw has a lot of other offerings under $75; not sure what your max price is).
 
Thanks.

I really appreciate your recommendations, I'd make a more thorough search and decide based on them.
I don't have a max price, but for a first knife and based on my inexperience i wouldn't spend more than lets say $150.
Basically i need it for simple&light outdoor/camping work. Everyday knife, to carry in my pocket.

Also tanto shaped blades serve any true purpose ?
 
Last edited:
Buck 110 might be a good option.
The Ontario RAT 1 is on my want list. I've never been overly impressed with SOG's offerings.
 
InfiniteMind said:
Thanks.

I really appreciate your recommendations, I'd make a more thorough search and decide based on them.
I don't have a max price, but for a first knife and based on my inexperience i wouldn't spend more than lets say $150.
Basically i need it for simple&light outdoor/camping work. Everyday knife, to carry in my pocket.

Also tanto shaped blades serve any true purpose ?
Click to expand...

I don't like Tantos that much but some love them and find a true need for them.

A budget of $150 opens your range of options quite a bit. Do some more research and maybe start another thread asking for recommendations. Post what you will be doing with the knife and what some of your likes and dislikes are.
 
A Kershaw Blur would be a better choice than basically any of SOG's folders in my opinion, and would likely be a good fit for your requirements.
 
Now that you mention the price you can go up to you should check what's listed in the for sale forums. Maybe look for a Cold Steel: Code 4, American Lawman, Recon 1, Ultimate Hunter, are all great, Kershaw: Blur, Knockout, Piston and others, I've never actually tried a piston. Benchmade: Griptilian, Spyderco Paramilitary 2 or Manix 2 regular or xl love them both, This would be just to get started. I will say I have reviews on my channel for most of what I have mentioned here plus a few more if that helps you out at all. Good luck
 
sldk said:
A Kershaw Blur would be a better choice than basically any of SOG's folders in my opinion, and would likely be a good fit for your requirements.
Click to expand...

Not the Seki Japan ones with the arc lock and VG-10.
 
Leftytwogunz said:
These, if you must have a sog. They have taken a nosedive since I used to use them.
Click to expand...

I completely agree with most of their new stuff. All their 2015 stuff looks like it was designed by a mall ninja. That said, they are still producing some classics that is you look around you can get good deals on. And on the bay you can still get their Seki stuff for decent prices as well. I will say that their current reputation (poor) helps a lot in bring the price down on their older or classic designs.
 
My Trident had vertical blade play that no amount of adjustment would fix. I just returned it and got a refund. If I were you, I'd get a Kershaw blur or piston.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top