What a great carry knife.
I almost did not buy this from the negative reviews about it opening in your pocket and closing in use in your hand. I am glad I did anyway. While it may be fair to say the knife is a little more unforgiving than a typical (and larger/heavier) carry knife, if you operate it properly you will not have trouble with it.
One review said something like "gripping the knife releases the blade to close" This is not the case for the way I naturally grip the knife, which is a "saber grip". The modified thumb forward saber grip would further let you brace against the assist post to stop or sense that it is trying to close. If your life is in danger and you do not have the time to lock it, this is the grip for you. Forward and backward grips do put pressure on the release but this is irrelevant if you have moved the lock in place. I could not get the lock to fail to hold the knife open or close. If you are paying attention, you are good to go.
Another review said they where cut when the knife opened in their pocket. This is a little more understandable as it did open a little once in my pocket and the assist is eager to bring the knife into action. But here again, the lock works both ways--to keep the knife close or open. Use it. Further the placing the knife side up against the end of your pocket traps the blade if it tries top open and you won't stick your hand on it. it is definitely not a knife you want bouncing around unlocked in a loose pocket.
I can see how it may have caused problems for anyone not paying attention, but if you are doing that, you should not be handling a knife like this anyway. Don't blame the tool.
The locking mechanism probably could have been done differently but that may of spoiled the design which I have to say is a joy to carry. All too often I end up leaving my carry knife at home because it is too big and bulky. It is fair to say that there is a trade off for the slime form factor, but a knife you actually carry is better than one you won't.
If you need a knife as a day to day tool that you use continually or frequently for minutes or hours at a time, or if you are getting in 2-3 knife fights a day (LOL), you will want to look elsewhere. If you need a low profile knife for incidental use, emergencies, and self defense. This will serve you well.
SOG should consider a non-assisted auto-locking version of this knife which would be more forgiving for careless use.
Blade is sharp as a razor. Absolutely love this knife. This is my first SOG and I will be buying more.
| Recommended Uses For Product | Camping |
|---|---|
| Brand | SOG |
| Model Name | 997119 |
| Special Feature | Folding Knife |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Handle Material | Aluminum |
| Color | Black |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | Compact |
| Blade Length | 2 Inches |
| Power Source | AC/DC |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Item Weight | 0.2 Ounces |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point |
| Blade Edge | Flat |
| Is Cordless? | No |
| Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Item Length | 5.18 Inches |
| Manufacturer | SOG Specialty Knives & Tools |
| Part Number | SJ52-CP |
| Item Weight | 0.2 ounces |
| Item model number | SJ52-CP |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | Yes |
| Size | unknown |
| Material | AUS8 Steel |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 5 |
| Number of Handles | 1 |
| Special Features | Folding Knife |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | lifetime limited warranty |
