Heck Ya! s35vn USA Made SOG Pillar Field Knife

[@WinStunSmith]

I bought this knife in part due to your review. BIG THANKS! This knife is not getting the press and attention it deserves. It has the best qualities of a good carbon and stainless knife, all in one. It has quickly become my favorite knife. If anyone is looking for a slim, durable knife that can slice as well as it can baton and do camp chores, then BUY THIS KNIFE! I loved it so much, I recently bought a second one for my bug out bag. I don’t have much disposable income, so, for me, that in and of itself, is a glowing endorsement. I initially had my reservations, but I took the plunge, and couldn’t be happier.

[@tokr72]

@@ronin-shinto8371 Based off Gideon's use and the blade geometry... Looks like a very good knife with a very strong point.

[@butch1254]

I’ve had the Pillar for over a year...your review is spot on! it does it all. I have beat the crap out of it! I treat actually like I don’t care about it...even though I do. Feels great in hand, and works hard and keeps an edge. It’s slim compared to many bushcraft knives, but the hand feel is so snug and comfortable, and i don’t feel that fatigue after repetitive feathering or baton work. Great knife! I love it!

[@donrichter3523]

MidwayUSA has versions of this for $99.99 free shipping. That’s an absolute steal at that price. It’s an amazing soldier knife!

[@lastresort8010]

Grabbed one myself, now seems like they are Unavailable due to a limited run at Midway.

[@jdhenson51]

Just purchased the cerakote black version on Midway USA for $99.99, seems like an incredible deal at that price.

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

SOG please move some production back from overseas and use these steels more!!!

[@WinStunSmith]

Your review is the only actual “review” of this knife I have found on KZbin. Other so called reviews are just some guy holding up the knife and talking about how great it is, without ever even using the damn thing! Ridiculous. So thanks for an honest review showing actual use of the knife. I do have a couple of questions. I have heard some bad things about S35VN steel. The consensus seems to be that if not properly heat treated, the steel is prone to chipping and rolling. If you have used this knife extensively (after what was shown) have you found this to be the case with the Pillar? Also, how is the tip strength? A lot of knives have a big problem with the tip breaking off under even moderate pressure? How does the Pillar’s tip hold up to stress? Anyway, really enjoy your channel and subscribed. Keep up the great work.

[@waylonpatterson2808]

lol, saw your comment on other channels, probably because we both went around trying to find a legit review on the knife

[@thunderphoenix8349]

Once upon a long time long ago I was supplied with a SOG Seal 2000 made by Seki. The SOG performed as expected from this knife. One infamous day my revered SOG Seal got stolen. No Seki replacement available anymore. Gradually over the time used ColdSteel SRK's, Kizlyars and several TOPS cutlery. Finally got stuck with my battle proven TOPS Steel Eagle. Took it everywhere with me. The steppes of Siberia, jungles of Surinam, Sahara Desert, scrub-lands of Australia and even in the Mountain ranges of Nepal. But it is a big and heavy SOB. In many areas nowadays mandatory to be packed and tugged away in my EDC bag. Looked at the specs of the SOG Pillar Gideontactical. Very good edge retention and corrosion retention. Good enough ease of sharpening and toughness. So its back to SOG again after 18 years. This time as a permanent knife next to my indestructible Steel Eagle. Just ordered the Pillar from SOG.

[@New2Kendo]

I love the Pillar, and SOG is a local company for me, some of their stuff is a little hokey tacticool, form over function, but some of their designs really stand out

[@limsan9977]

The latest batch of SOG Pillar (satin) I got in Jan 2021 is all stone washed finish on the blade. I told SOG I personally like either both this new version or older version finish. I told them all stone washed finished will bend in better with scratches and they also replied that is also their main reason for this change.

[@RideAlongside]

Great looking USA made field knife that apparently performs pretty well. Good job SOG! For nearly $200 though, I can think of many other USA knives that compete with it that I may rather have for different reasons.

[@gideonstactical]

Ride Alongside they did do a great job, but I am not aware of any US made knives in this price range with Kydex and this quality of steel. Which ones are you thinking of? I'd be curious for possible future reviews.

[@RideAlongside]

gideonstactical Maybe not with Kydex and that steel. I was just thinking of some od the other USA made knives with different steels/sheaths for slightly different applications like the Kabar/Becker collaboration, Benchmades in 154cm or S30v, LT Wright Bushcrafter or Maverick Scout, some Esee blades, Hogue blades in 154cm, Southern Grind Grand Daddy, TM Hunt Magua, Tops BOB, or the White River Sendero in S30V. Granted many of these are in tool or high carbon steels, but that could be more desired depending on the foreseen application. Also, many of the above do not ship with kydex sheaths, but a good number have custom leather sheaths which I prefer in many cases. Thanks for all the fantastic content over the years Aaron!

[@floorguys0150]

gideonstactical for a couple more $ , u could get a Hinderer Field Tac .. which it kinda looks like its trying to be

[@gideonstactical]

FloorGuys01 I did a review on the field tac, was not impressed the sog is a better knife and sheath combo for sure

[@semdijkstra9784]

gideonstactical ehhm the benchmade protagonist comes pretty close, and benchmade's heattreat of 154cm is spot on. the s35vn of SOG is a little soft tough

[@andrewthibert7695]

Well I am sold!!! I had the money saved for this about a month ago but I saw you would be doing a review so I waited! That's for the final say putting in the order right now!

[@gideonstactical]

Andrew Thibert awesome!!

[@TheLokiito94]

I didn't know SOG still made knives in the US. I thought they completely outsourced to china and taiwan. Awesome! Thanks GideonsTactical

[@gideonstactical]

Andre Polisciuk They did outsource for a long time, but they're starting to bring a few designs back to the US.

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

I plan on picking this blade up on the 12th of September. Such an excellent looking blade and with a sharpened spine, pommel ect along with the choice of CPM S35VN steel, it would make an excellent EDC. And the fact that its made in the USA makes it even sweeter.

[@new2survival]

I wish they would remake the Sog force in this steel with that type of sheath.

[@silvarredonda1]

was looking 4 a S35VN fixed blade...OUTSTANDING!

[@91classicrock]

I love the blade design on this knife .. was thinking about getting one of these but after seeing your review I'm definitely getting one

[@k4lfj173]

I Just pick up the SOG Pillar and you are spot on On your review thanks for such a great review. It is a great field knife, fit great in the hand, I love the locking sheath and the overall construction and made in the USA and thanks again for a great review Jose

[@JuraFab]

Je viens de le recevoir, il est absolument magnifique et d'une très grande qualité.... Je suis sous le charme et ne regrette absolument pas mon achat..... Une merveille ce couteau..... Merci pour la vidéo.... Bonjour de France

[@gideonstactical]

Glad I could help!

[@GaryHorn]

Mine came today. I love this knife!

[@michaelstevenson9648]

I'm really tempted to purchase this knife, I'm on the brink of pulling the trigger on it!

[@synrme5812]

Spartan blades harsey difensa

[@driftingfir8515]

This is the first sog that i'm interested in.

[@bigpoppapump4060]

Have u seen the seal XR folder that thing is a kickass knife a tank of a knife 🗡 check it out I have one its a beauty

[@derekvillorente4334]

SOG has really upped their game and now I own 2 of their knifes.

[@kennywheelus6857]

Glad to see they upgraded to a better steel with this knife.

[@jeremyirwin6336]

Excellent overview, I have been waiting for your thoughts on this knife, as soon as I saw this knife I knew I'd have to buy it..now having a positive review of it, just makes that decision easier.

[@hk93shooter]

they just released this in an orange handle ,orange kydex sheath version! im getting it for my free dive, spearfishing trips. hell yeah. love that cpm s35v. steel!

[@kkirk1381]

Blacked out version of this knife is on sale right now at MidwayUSA for $119.00 😳😳😳

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome!!

[@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL]

Thanks for the comment brotha! I just ordered the stainless finish for $154 total on AmaZ...saw this comment and looked up your suggestion and it's NOW $99 for the blacked out so I ordered that one too! Thanks!! 😂🤷🙄🥳

[@generaldisarray3830]

I'm in Australia and looking at 400 dollars, hard purchase

[@sawdust6968]

first SOG in a long while i will consider.thanks Aaron;-)

[@jonnyt16]

Its good to see SOG produce nice knives again and in the USA!! And I agree, this blade with their trademark grey and black tigerstripe camo would look spectacular!

[@djink9774]

I got one of these last week , loved the knife. However when I first put it in the sheath and pulled it back out. The sheath had scratched the blade pretty bad. I returned the knife and got another one. Once again when I put the knife in the sheath and pulled it out. There was very faint scratches on the blade. Not as bad as before. But still visible. Is there anyway I can reshape the sheath? Or do u have a y suggestions to fix this problem?

[@junmcl]

@UCZdFcd7Cq_LWSsfEBPOUURA stop being a bitch and the sheath problem should resolve itself.

[@kiwi_comanche]

I don't know if you remember but I'd commented on a post of yours on Instagram a while back voicing my interest in the Pillar. You've just sold me on it. Great review Aaron. Thanks for the quality rundown. I'll be adding a new blade to the stable soon!!

[@danpurdum4594]

AWESOME blade!! I'm a huge fan of S35VN. Great to see it is US made! Great review!

[@gideonstactical]

Dan Purdum totally agree

[@uriahbraun8743]

Absolutely love this knife. Great video!

[@kenmarapese9085]

Beautiful knife and nice sheath, really liked the blade profile. Excellent vid!

[@fcacace0211]

Got for it $99 dollars shipped from MidwayUSA and not from counterfeit central Amazon or EBay.

[@johnmutton799]

Bought one, and that rise near the tip, i ground it of. It is wicked!, i took the first hump of my old tech bowie, and that looks smart!

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

WHAT? A SOG not made of low-grade AUS-8?

[@pamelahall7277]

I just received my knife today and its everything you said it was. Handle is really comfortable and the blade is very sharp and beautiful. I just need to figure out how to scout carry it and configure the sheath with the lock.

[@gideonstactical]

Very awesome and glad to hear it

[@roadwary]

Wow a USA made Sog....a dying breed.

[@drygulch1000]

Picked one up for $146 on sale. I stupidly didn't knock off a sharpening burr left by the company and rolled the edge processing wood. I suck at sharpening but got it back to a working edge with a cheap stone. I think it's a good value given the safe lok and kidex sheath that it comes with. Clicks in nice, but can shake the knife out if you're doing gymnastics. Love to carry horizontal on my lower back. Nice handle. All around pretty good.

[@brr8888]

Looks like a nice knife even though I'm not a SOG fan, good review!

[@mfleming3911]

MANY THANKS for the great review. I was on the fence as to whether to go for the Pillar or opt for one of the newer styles of fixed blades like the Benchmade Bushcrafter. Managed to get my hands on one of the latter and while it was nice, there was something that just didn't inspire me about it. Also, at the current $300 price tag ($270 if you can catch it on sale) as opposed to $155 for a new Pillar, In part, based upon your review, I opted for the SOG and am very glad I did. Nothing against Benchmade- I actually own several of their folders, but this SOG Pillar reeks of quality and it just 'fits' my purpose!

[@tubes5150]

I’ve been waiting ever so patiently to finally get my hands on this beauty . My prayers have been answered ! It shall be delivered this Week ( 10/14/20 ). I have quite a few SOG knives and they have yet to disappoint. Great Vid 🤠

[@mt_baldwin]

Don't know if they are in the same class of knife but for my next field knife I'm getting the ka-bar turok or the bk16 with after market micarta grips. I wonder who showed me these...

[@docsol22]

Terrific video! Sog Pillar vs. Fallkniven A1 for the field?

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

Well I picked up this knife Aaron, and I used your link as well. This blade is awesome!

[@jamesstagner5368]

Have your heard any future updates of SOG putting out a blacked blade version since you did your review?

[@ふくぞうもぐろ-j7g]

Are the pillars Saber grinded or hollow grinded?

[@gideonstactical]

Saber

[@djink9774]

Just got this knife last week , love the knife. However the first time I put the knife in the sheath and pulled it out I noticed the blade had been scratched pretty badly from the sheath. Not sure if this is a common problem. I returned the knife and got a replacement. The replacement knife and sheath did the same thing. The scratches were not as bad tho. Is there anyway to modify the sheath so it wont do this. ?

[@istandwithIsrael]

GREAT review! As always! I am going to buy this amazing knife! Alla the things I need and want in one beautiful knife!

[@generaldisarray3830]

Is the pillar still holding up? I'm in Australia and the mark up is hectic, still in love with her though 😂

[@gideonstactical]

Still have mine in rotation

[@priscellarivera83]

Just got mine today!! Such an awesome blade

[@gldrifter3161]

Great looking blade, pretty decent steel as well. Thanks for the review Aaron 👍👍

[@Chato4570]

How about a comparison video between the Pillar and Benchmade Protagonist or Nimravus

[@johnmutton799]

If you draw a straight line from the beginning of the swedge to the tip, now that would look awesome! A flat spine all the way to the tip! This will be my next knife!

[@MrNebeel]

How does the Pillar compare to the Benchmade Protagonist?

[@ronbrooks6518]

Did you mention what grind it has?

[@gideonstactical]

Saber 👍

[@MasterK9Trainer]

What I find interesting is you're comparing a knife with a superior steel to other knives of good steel, but while I also like the Pillar, I think your video shows the value of the other blades, particularly the SEAL Pup. What do I mean? The Pup is cheaper, has a good overall design and for some people, the exposed tang means more cleaning and the butt or pommel is not really necessary or used often, if at all. We all desire the "best", but reality is often a bummer. I'd like to see another version of the Pillar, identical except maybe for either carbon steel or AUS-8, which they know how to use well. This would allow for a budget version of a well designed knife, just like the SEAL Pup which allows buyers to own a popular SOG product without stressing their finances. Great review as always.

[@choirboyzcutleryoutdoors]

Love the knife. Great job on the review

[@chriswolf1277]

I thought I’d been put on hold when the music started playing.

[@luiseduardonegretenavarret2537]

If you have to choose between the Gerber strongarm and the SOG Pillar, which would you choose? ... the SOG higher price really worth it?

[@gideonstactical]

The edge retention and geometry is better on the sog, the gerber has a slightly more ergonomic handle and better sheath mounting options.

[@IodoDwarvenRanger]

Hi, I have a SOG pillar but it has the stone-wash finish on the spine instead of the ground section yours has, so mine won't strike sparks on a ferro-rod because the spine isn't sharp, I was wondering if yours does? if it does I can sharpen the spine on mine and it will work, but I don't want to do that unless I'm sure it will work, I know it's a big ask but can you try it for me??

[@michaellaird9262]

looks like a good blade. wish they would've thickened up the handle though. keep up the great work.

[@Deaddreamsofgaming]

ohhh yeah ...you got this knife...nice knife and nice video....I was waiting for your review of this knife...

[@albertjonas5675]

I like your videos, because I can use them as reference. They have a certain uniformity and after I watched enough of them I can get more familiar with a certain blade, because there is reliable and relatable personal preference and experience communicated. Not a lot of reviewer can do that. One thing I would mention though is the "S1 would be a little bit of the better woods craft knife, than the Pillar, but in overall package I think that Pillar offers more in every way..." kind of parts. See, woods craft capability is included in the overall package and in the every way too. I know what you mean, but sometimes you can be misleading. Take that as you may. Like your channel.

[@spartacus4141]

Can u mount molle locks on that sheath? 3 or 5 inch?

[@Shooter11B]

Brother, that is a seriously nice blade. Looks like SOG nailed it AND USA made? Home run!

[@8FunGuy8]

I would love to see a comparison between the SOG pillar, and the FirstEdge 5050/5150. What would be your pick and why?

[@vonzarooz]

How good is it for self defense, an example?

[@natusMCMII]

I don't know which firesteel you are using but the spine on my Pillar is nowhere near sharp enough to throw sparks

[@eduardoascencio2047]

Can you rotate the sheath ?

[@gideonstactical]

Yes it is ambi

[@xtom68x]

Is it flat or hollow ground?

[@prometheusred6919]

Seriously thinking about getting this. Looks fantastic. Couple questions:. How difficult would it be to add a belt loop, fero rod attachment and small pouch for a stone or other supplies on the sheath? Keeping in mind I've never done this before.

[@jamesmurphy8014]

Great review! SOG Pillar looks to be a great knife. Nice video

[@andywinn4214]

if you could only have one which knife would you pick Sog Pillar or Benchmade Protagonist

[@timmyconstantine1970]

you are a great person to learn from....and i am not new in the knife business.

[@gideonstactical]

Timmy Constantine thanks so much!

[@johnmutton799]

First SOG i actually like. Impressed! Good review as usual. Got to find price in UK.

[@gus3386]

Nice review. Just purchased the Kiku 4 Inch Fixed LTD - Blackout, S35VN. Hope it’s as good as it looks

[@5angels332]

Great review Aaron. Looks like an awesome knife. Will have to check it out. Keep 'em coming my friend.

[@Saratogasledge]

Would you recommend this or the tops bob in 154cm as a good utility all rounder knife?

[@mangoldart511]

Wow this is better than paying $300+ for a knife from spartan blades... Thanks for the video!!!!

[@gideonstactical]

Mangold Art totally agree

[@mangoldart511]

if I'm going to spend over 300 it is going to be a custom knife....

[@ryanduckworth8429]

What is better the sog pillar or the okc Cerberus

[@crazycarl8160]

The SOG by far. Better steel, better sheath, and a better handle.

[@mariobernardo776]

Can you put next to Steel well Arcangel?

[@synrme5812]

I got mine today,its the best thinggg

[@JinougaTARON]

Can someone please tell me if theres a Molle compatible version of the sheath? Need it for my plate carrier Setup. Is it possible to do proper slashes with this knife?

[@michaelwerblin6875]

Great video! It seems like the knife leans more toward tactical use. How does it work for survival use? Can you baton with it?

[@bigpoppapump4060]

Awesome review good job 👍

[@tacticalcenter8658]

S35VN with 59-61 HRC is not bad, especially for that price. does anyone know if they Cryo treat the S35vn for this knife? i asked because they 61 hrc and the only s35vn ive seen at that level use cryogenics. else its 58-59. SOG overall makes really bad knives (mostly their folding knives), glad they are making some quality like this one (and the slipjoint you showed earlier, tho im taking Gideons word for it, as im not interested in another slipjoint). Gideon, will you be making a long term follow up on this one?

[@eric3835]

Nice review thank you, what do you carry to sharpen in the field?

[@RoyFernbach]

Reminds me of a smaller version of the TOPS Legion 6.0... you did a review on both now, I guess the Pillar being $200 and the Legion is about $140 most places.... which do you prefer. The Legion is 1095 which I like better than s35vn.

[@sebastianmuica9841]

I just bought the knife. The spine is not 90 degrees, or at least on my model it isn't. Basically i can't use a firesteel with it.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, say what you want about the sheath on the Fallknivens, I really like them. Infact I carry my A-1 with my H-1 side by side because how the sheaths fit together on that carry. The Fallknivens are prolly one of my Fav. wet condition set I have. Nothing elaborate but just unudolturate great quality. I suggest L@@King at the destruction video on the A-1 that same steel is used in the other style too. But the S. O. G. Pillar will add nicely to my wet and snowy conditions use. I go out in all kind of weather. I also really like my newer addition knives for those conditions. Yup, my Fox Knives. I recently used my Fox Parang Bushcraft jungle Knife which I teamed with my O. D. Green Mora Kansbol because the two color matched. So I also got the Fox Jungle Parang and teamed it with my 3V Cold Steel Master Hunter because they color match. I actually like the N690Co. Austrian Bohler Stainless so I also got the Fox Pro Hunter, to team with the Fox Trapper and my Fox Trekker Utility Camp and Sniper Knife to team with my Fox Hitam Golok. The S. O. G. Pillar will be a nice addition to my wet and snowy condition stable. And don't forget, I also got the Steel Will Druid 240 and the Druid 230 because of you. And I also got my Benchmade Armensis 119 because of watching your channel. I teamed my Armensis 119 with my Bokor Voye Ridgeback another one of your reviews, Yeah, for that I Thanx You.,,. p

[@bigbill74scots]

Excellent review and the first SOG I've wanted in a while. Message to SOG: move some of your manufacturing back to a free country and use this steel. Watch your sales revenue rise. We are all sick of both funding economies we may be at war with in ten years and knives made in Asian steel.

[@waltero3035]

Great review! Was that a Springfield you were carrying? Cheers!

[@rarws]

Hi! I recently purchased this knife after much contemplation, and this review really pushed the card forward to purchase this knife. I've seen on so many of your videos the way you paracord wrap and wrap it around your arm. I was wondering if you could shoot me some advice to how long I should have the paracord to and what is the best way to wrap the paracord on hand when in use. Thank you I absolutely love your videos!

[@williammowery8911]

hey aaron, could you potentially do a review of the becker bk3, the "tac-tool" would love to see you test one out.

[@Booniedawg1]

What about the Pillar in comparison to the Ontario Cerberus?

[@danielruthven2739]

Booniedawg1 Yes id like to see that comparison too.

[@ketodad]

Aaron ,what kind of fasteners hold the scales on? Are they hex screws or non-removeable rivets ? Thanks.

[@noctis120]

hiwa I actually wondered it myself, looks like you can't remove it. I might by it pretty soon so I'll let you know!

[@noctis120]

hiwa i just looked at close ups and it seems to be steel hex screws that match the blade, no idea why it looks like it doesn't have any

[@ketodad]

Thanks Buck. I looked hard at the close shots , but hard to see if there's a hex in there. If you get it , it'll be cool to see how you like it as well.

[@tubes5150]

Crazy question and I feel like I should know this .... but do you consider SOG Knives ( Pillar , Seal Pup , the 2.0 ) , Bowie knives ???? They seem like in a class by itself . You can always recognize a SOG 🤠

[@junmcl]

If it has a clip point then it is a “Bowie”. So everything you just mentioned is a Bowie knife...

[@kodrenegbert4797]

can you do a video on the crkt rakkasan please? keep up the good work.

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Sweet piece...

[@stevemack389sm]

I figured that u would throw it to see if it's a complete tactical full-tang KNIFE!!!!... because of that is part of the tactical part!!! so it needs to be balanced and able to wherever u get my point!!...

[@danofiremano]

Looks way better than the Banner that you reviewed, but I'll stay with my BM Bushcraft or my Spyderco Bushcraft-UK.