Over the last many years, SOG has made a reputable name for themselves by creating knives capable of serving in demanding combat environments. The most unforgiving of testing grounds, time spent down range has proven that SOG understands the nuance of knife design and manufacturing. The SOG Seal Strike is a prime example of their military influenced approach to knife making.
With a 4.9-inch blade made of AUS-8 stainless steel and coated with SOG’s black Tini coating, the Seal Strike is designed to offer the user uncompromising durability and edge holding. The cryogenic treatment used to temper the steel reduces the steel temperature to -300ºF, then slowly back to ambient room temperature. This increases toughness and reduces the risk of micro-francturing and edge chipping.
The highly sculpted blade is partially serrated with aggressive jimping at the thumb placement for optimal control. The handle is made of glass reinforced nylon with stainless steel inserts. With a pronounced finger guard and a heavy texture to the handle material, the Seal Strike affords a confident grip, even when wet.
Like many SOG knifes, the sheath is as well conceived as the knife itself. Featuring a retractable cord cutter and micro-sharpener, the sheath has a reversible clip and holds the knife in place with tenacity. There is even a small fire striker at the tip of the sheath.
Everything about the Seal Strike is designed for utility in unforeseen circumstances. Over the course of several months of testing, the Seal Strike demonstrated it could be used for delicate chores just as affectively as it could for tasks requiring more force and power. The balance and defined shape of the handle inspire confidence and deliver excellent blade control. The edge holding capabilities appear to be optimal due largely in part to the RC.56-58 hardness and the Tini coating has held up well with no unsightly marks or scratches.
At $127, the value is appropriate given the quality of the sheath alone. For those looking for maximum utility in a military inspired knife, look no further than the Seal Strike.
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