SOG KNIVES - The beginning

 SOG Specialty Knives and Tools, Inc. was named in honor of the Vietnam War's only covert special warfare unit-The Studies and Observation Group. SOG originally stood for Studies and Observation Group, an elite joint services military group designed for covert operations in the Vietnam War. Its existence was once denied by the US Government and it wasn't until long after the war that the SOG Story could even be told.

Separate from "conventional," unconventional operations of the 5th Special Forces Group were the clandestine operations of Military Assistance Command Vietnam/Studies and Observations Group (MACV/SOG). The Studies and Observation Group (SOG) was a cover name to disguise SOG's real function, and the name "Special Operations Group," as it was sometimes called, described its real mission more accurately. Sanctioned to develop and purchase their own equipment, SOG created a knife for use in one of the harshest environments in the world. It is in the spirit of this elite group that SOG Knives was founded.

SOG Specialty Knives and Tools, Inc. has been producing SOG knives since 1986. SOG knives was founded by Spencer Frazer, who is also the Chief Engineer. The idea that became SOG Knives started to develop when Spencer saw his first Vietnam SOG Bowie. “The knife was magical in how it felt and looked.” As a company SOG knives started with a single knife product line and that knife retailed at $200. Today the line of SOG knives includes fixed and folding blade knives, clip knives, assisted opening knives and multipurpose tools. Today, SOG knives are distributed around the world and renowned for their uncompromising style and performance.

All SOG knife products are guaranteed against defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the original purchaser. All Fusion by SOG knives products are guaranteed against defects in workmanship and materials for one year from date of purchase. This guarantee is voided (as determined by SOG knives) by misuse, abuse, improper maintenance, or alterations of the product and does not cover any normal wear and tear that may occur.  See full SOG Knife Warranty. 

The SOG Knives Philosophy is “Some manufacturers simply produce knives. At SOG, we create style through craftsmanship. Our purpose is to combine advanced technology, imaginative designs and high-quality construction to create products of the highest caliber-products that enhance your life.”

General basic care is all that is required for your SOG knives. Keep the blades of your SOG Knives dry and wipe fingerprints and moisture off, after use, with a soft all cotton cloth or chamois. This is particularly important with blades of high carbon steel. Tarnishing or oxidation is a normal property of carbon steel and cannot be avoided. This normal oxidation or tarnish actually helps protect your SOG knife from rust and will have blue gray tones, rather than rust red tones. Applying a couple drops of any quality oil or silicon treatment to the blade with a soft all cotton cloth will provide excellent protection. A good wax is also excellent protection for your SOG knives.

Store your SOG knives and leather sheaths separately when not in use. Leather absorbs moisture and can rust your blade. Tanning salts and acids in the leather can rust or tarnish steel. Keep leather sheaths limber with leather preservative or mink oil.

A sharp knife is safer to use. A sharp knife requires minimal effort to cut and therefore has less a chance of slipping. The secret of proper sharpening is to sharpen your SOG knife on a regular basis.

Almost all SOG tactical fixed blade knives come standard with an all-weather Kydex sheath. To pull your knife out easily, use your thumb to slightly press against and lift the lip on the sheath while pulling the knife out. If you feel the need to adjust the Kydex sheath for your SOG knife, you should send it to the factory. You can adjust the SOG knife Kydex sheath by yourself but may void the warranty.

SOG Knife Kydex Sheaths

This line of patent pending scabbards has been carefully thought out and designed to exceed previous standards. They will be jump rated, quiet with minimal rattle, contain rub strips to minimize wear of the knife and its coating, have rigid belt loops for easier one-handed extraction, be ambidextrous, be easier to use, and be military belt certified with a device that fits over the belt and snaps. They also contain weep holes for water drainage.

Adjusting SOG knives Kydex Sheaths

If you have any further questions, please call SOG Knives Consumer Services Department at (425) 771-6230, extension 240.