SOG Pentagon XR Folding Knife - Overview and Review

[@yiannissakelaris8253]

SOG was my very first brand of knife and it really opened me up to the knife world and its potential. I will forever have a place in my heart for them and i love this model as well.

[@sturmgewehr70]

Thanks for the review. I ordered one last night from SMKW, as they’re having a sight wide Valentine’s sale, for $142.00 shipped.

[@scottyh.6992]

I think SOG is starting to understand their knives look better without branding all over the them.

[@ZoneCrasher]

If "STUDIES AND OBSERVATIONS GROUP PENTAGON XR | CRYO CTS XHP" on just one side of the blade is not verbose enough, I don't know what it is.

[@treetheory8465]

Hey MC, neat knife for sure, thanks for the review. Studies and Observations Group is the full name for SOG I think. Also, as someone who is trying to step up from the realm of Civivis and Kershaws, would you recommend the para 3 or the lightweight version? Thanks.

[@wupwop]

The lightweight was my first upgrade from Civivis, then a maxamet para 3. I wish I had gotten a regular stainless para 3 first instead.

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

You will appreciate the G10 more than the FRN is what I imagine. Your choice but G10 is a huge step up for not much more imho. In a few years you will have a wall full of customs like we do lol. Welcome to the knife hobby and have fun.

[@metal_complex]

G10 all the way 👍👍

[@ramonade_knives]

I have the basic G10 and I then bought the Maxamet grey G10 one, that should be enough said. And i don't buy shirogorovs or CRKs, I was at your "level" of knives then

[@ramonade_knives]

Just bought the PM2, it's really something tho, especially if you have quite large hands

[@Prizrak-hv6qk]

I just scored this knife for $65 shipped. It was a "blem" deal from MidwayUSA. I can't find any blemish, so it looks like they just really wanted to get rid of a bunch of them fast without getting SOG too pissed off about the low price. Mine also came with blade play but tightening the pivot quickly took care of that. There's a little bit of detent lash, though less than on MC's knife. Slight rattle but doesn't come close to popping the tip out when you shake it. So, it's not a safety issue. On the bright side, my blade came perfectly centered. I totally agree about the flipper being meh and pointless on this knife. However, the cross-bar and thumb stud action are both excellent and very fidgety. I actually like the sharpened false upper edge tip but live in a free state. I also like that the handle sticks out of the pocket. It does make it easier to grab. I like my EDC knives to be a bit bigger and "tactical", so this knife is a good match for me. Overall, while I wouldn't pay $150 for it, I do like it a lot. Well, for $65 I paid for it, I absolutely love it. That was a steal of a price! This is also my first SOG knife in a long time and they seemingly have come a long way.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

I don't know if it has something to do with their heat treat, but I've found that XHP from SOG and Cold Steel to be far easier to sharpen/maintain than D2. I especially noticed the difference in strop work, which is partially due to the powder metallurgy.

[@samuelrichardsonmcgravyber4559]

Cold Steel’s XHP is normally around 60-63 HRC. SOG’s heat treats are almost always below average, so I would guess SOG’s XHP is no different.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

@@samuelrichardsonmcgravyber4559 now you have me curious about the s35vn terminus I recently picked up. When I received it I immediately went about running it on my fine ceramic rods and fine (or possibly extra fine, I can't remember the grit count) diamond stones followed by some passes on strop with 3 micron conpound. The total working time and the tactile feedback are pretty much what I have come to expect with s30v and s35vn. One of the guys I played rugby with is a mechanical engineer with access to some pretty amazing test equipment. I may have to send him my new SOG for a hardness test.

[@samuelrichardsonmcgravyber4559]

@@JustIn-op6oy I would definitely be interested in seeing the results of your S35VN Terminus, as I see them for like $80-$90 occasionally, which is a great price if the steel is done fairly well, but I just can’t trust SOG’s heat treating and QC. You could also send it to either Outpost 76 who does a lot of testing, or LuvThemKnives who does batches of HRC testing as well. If you do end up getting it tested, I’d love a message back with the results! I love the design of the Terminus XR, being as it’s the only knife with a AXIS-style lock with a flipper tab! Thanks for the reply!

[@JustIn-op6oy]

@@samuelrichardsonmcgravyber4559 you are quite welcome. I picked mine up for under 60 bucks, which is pretty hard to argue with even if the HT is just average. The last time I sent knives off for hardness testing (just a mix of what I had on hand including a delica in VG-10, a griptilian in 154cm, a flash 2 in Aus-8, a Mini-Buck 425 in 420 HC, a code 4 in xhp, a couple random Kershaw folders, and I think a CRKT or two in there somewhere). The only real surprise in the results was the mini-buck which was 2 or 3 points harder than was advertised. Everything else fell within advertised specs as far as I can remember.

[@pauldayton5285]

MC , I wish I could have you handle my S.O.G. Seal XR after a year of EDC use. I've worn in the jimping to the point to where he GRN feels smooth with rounded edges. I'll go as far as saying the knife is now comfortable in hand without having any hot spots or burrs. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised.

[@sinepari9160]

I went ahead and sharpened the backside of the point for the first 1'' or so. Now I have a dual-cutting blade, whether holding it in reverse or with saber grips in a folder. If you sharpen the backside more than I did at about an inch, you have sharpened steel past the scales, so you can't really sharpen the entire backside. I also picked up the LTE version, which is 3.3oz and durable enough for any sane tasks. I own about 50 knives from cheapos to ones that cost $600+, and this one is now my favorite to carry, mainly because of the strength to weight and dual edge advantages you discounted.

[@tarinindell8217]

Im torn between four knives and i need help deciding. A- manix 2 B- manix 2 xl C- hogue sig k320 nitron D- hogue ritter rsk I tend to not use my knives a ton. However, i do want a knife that i have on hand in case i need one. Im planning for mosty an edc knife, however i also like being prepared for emergencies. I know there is close to a zero percent chance of ever needing it to be used for self defense or an unlikely survival situation, but i need it to be a solid choice. (And no, i dont mind eventually upgrading the cage, etc) A lot of people also recommended the pm2 but looking around, people worry about the tip being too fragile. I do wear xl gloves and would like to get a full hand on the knife, but i dont mind choking up to the choil if thats an option. Thoughts? Or is there another, similar knife that isnt an auto that will fit my needs? No liner locks, and preferably no lock backs/triad locks. I might branch out to triad locks at some other time, but i want a true 1 hand operating knife for now.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

You won't be disappointed with the ergos on either of the manix models. I wear an XXL glove and find the manix comfy and the manix xl a little roomy (in a good way). The Ritter is also great in the hand (some complain about the pocket clip on the mini rsk) but lacks the forward choil of the manix models. You can get the manix in a variety of steels to better suit your budget but even the base bd1n steel is a quality steel that should be more than adequate for your expected uses. The ritter is a great price for a 20cv folder. The spyderco ball bearing lock is more reliable than the hogue axis-style locks on paper. In reality the broken omega springs issue is overblown. In any case, hogue uses wolff springs so they should offer added durability. I don't have any experience with the hogue sig. I really can't see you being disappointed with either manix models or the ritter. All three are stellar folders. It might come down to what you like the aesthetics most and what sort of deal you can get on the knife.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

For some great written reviews I would check out everyday commentary. I believe they've covered the ritter and the manix, but it's a great resource in general.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

I should also mention that depending on the model, some tri-ad locks are easier than others. The code 4 is one of the best value heavy use folders I can think of (they run a out 80 bucks depending on where you shop). The code 4 is smooth enough to open and close one handed with only a slight change in grip to disengage the lock. All tri ad models are going to be a bit stiff fresh out of the box but they do break in quite nicely. If my memory is correct, cold steel runs phosphor bronze washers in most everything (except for budget options like the tuff lite) so some time and a little bit of pivot adjustment will pay off.

[@tutzdesYT]

Hogue SIG. Hogues are awesome and this is one of their more interesting models (a lot of usual Hogue design issues are fixed here) if not the best Hogue. The handle offers ample space (with some extra) for medium sized hand even without choil. So, with choil it will work probably for any hand. Also it is very robust and has a rather fool-proof blade steel (which also holds the edge). So, it is possible to find better specialized knifes, but if you need very durable (but not overbuilt) knife, which can work as EDC and still a good cutter, it is probably the best choice.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

@@tutzdesYT your reply got me curious, so I went and looked up the nitron. I have to agree it's a really nice design and that choil looks well done. For some reason I was thinking the nitron was one of their button lock flippers and not an ABLE lock folder. I gotta say, from everything I have seen (both my own experience and the feedback from knife reviewers and friends) it seems that Hogue is making the best cross bar axis-style lock available.

[@pattodd7576]

I just got one that doesn't have studies and observations group on it. Is it counterfeit?

[@Lawyerboyleslie72]

I'm actually carrying this one right now...and have another in the case I like it so much

[@HopsAndLead]

Friend of mine has one just like this. Got to handle it and it has a great detent flipping action for the AXIS styled lock. Just not a fan of not dropping shut unless you assist in with an added flick. Well worth that $ though IMO. Great video!

[@scottmurdock1393]

Most things that interact with the human hand are tools. As we have discussed before tools are designed for different purposes, it’s up to the end user how it used. The blade geometry looks ridiculous for slicing, more of a puncture profile. You’re definitely right about that tip grind, that’s dicey for a lot of people. Was just looking at my XM-18 and looks like that clip carries at a similar depth. Very good review…

[@3231bsln]

Terminus XR in CF and s35vn was the first SOG I thought worth buying. I don't carry it much anymore, but was perfect at the time and everything I could have wanted at $63 lol

[@Erikhw187]

Interesting knife, weird way to sharpen that tip. I definitely need to get some more axis lock style knives in my collection. Awesome video!

[@stevendunnuck]

This is a good one

[@abramsatwo2515]

WHAT EVER YOU DO DO NOT LEAVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK......VERY SENSITIVE CHANNEL

[@Hungrybird474]

Really ?

[@j.savage1228]

I love my Kiku XR and I wanted to love the Pentagon. It just doesn't feel like a nearly $200 knife. SOG needs to innovate more.

[@RW2Knaf]

I agree! My Kiku XR is DOPee

[@sinepari9160]

Who doesn't love a spear point folder? I'm gonna buy one lol.

[@bearislandjosh5279]

I have a SOG Pent Arc that I really like

[@Antmanwald0423]

I just want to let you know I love you’re channel!

[@Son_of_Russ]

If you flip the knife that extra bit of edge is great for making shallow cuts for opening packages.

[@Brandon-ob8ul]

Reminds me of the Ganzo G7453P I used to have and sold moved on to Spyderco and Benchmade.

[@MimeswithRhymes]

I might have one if they ditch the thumb stud and put a regular Kephart blade on it.

[@williamhartsell6390]

I do believe their cryo makes a difference. Just my opinion. My sog knives in aus 8 get sharper and hold an edge longer.

[@johnwest4492]

Hi MC, quick question? When you changed your PM 2 scales, how did you remove the landyard tube?

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

In my opinion only difference between a knife made in Taiwan and a knife made an America is the price! I welcomed knives made in Taiwan because I know they have a good quality and the price is not overwhelming! I do prefer SOG knives made in Japan though! Visionary ll is a dream to me I have one I used to have two of them had to sell my knife collection but thank God for DLT they had one left and I bought it!

[@ScoobyJoobyJew]

SOG stands for Studies and Observations Group and they have a lot of history. They're one of the most hardcore special forces groups around. That's where Delta Force originated.

[@MayhemMechanic]

SOG = Studies and observations group. It's how they want to "identify" now lol

[@nunyabusiness8538]

they’re just trying to make you forget the days when they had “sog” printed absolutely everywhere

[@JustIn-op6oy]

They've always been studies and observation group for as long as I can remember, taking their name from MACV-SOG. They started off doing reproductions of the "sterile" Bowie knives used during Vietnam.

[@MayhemMechanic]

@@JustIn-op6oy Ya they just want their full name on everything and for ppl to stop calling them SOG. I for one don't like seeing studies and observing group on a knife blade but I dont own any SOG's so 🤷

[@LarsRibe]

Marvelous. Now make a stonewash/brown G10 full flat folding Kephart on that frame ❤

[@Zaque-TV]

Hey I like seeing studies and observations lol

[@damagedgoods2295]

Is Marc Maron doing knife reviews now?

[@nathannettik685]

My inner mall ninja is SCREAMING right now!

[@p40warhawk91]

Your voice/audio sounds different. I like it! Sounds very good.

[@MayhemMechanic]

T6 pivot?? Ya I'm out. That absolutely blows bc I really really like this knife. But always I'll finish watching 👀

[@CKshouta]

look up cryo treatment for alloy tool steel/stainless steels on knife steel nerds. TLDR it reduces retained austenite and makes the steel harder and easier to deburr. Basically what completes a good heat treat for high alloy steels.

[@RHACOREBERS]

SOG is an acronym lol studies and observation group was the Vietnam wars top secret military guys.

[@pattodd7576]

They say the liners are carbon fiber.

[@owenp475]

Is bladehq down for anyone else?

[@metal_complex]

I just tried and it works for me

[@nicholaschristodoulou5766]

Nice knife but I prefer the older versions

[@Dont_Poke_The_Bear]

When I saw this, the first thing I thought was "This I'd an attempt to make a "poor man's" dauntless... but it was designed from a tacticool Timmy mindset.

[@Lawyerboyleslie72]

I bought it because I want SOG to succeed. I'm tired of hearing about Civivi and CRJB and Bestech etc..

[@cheapshotfishing9239]

I got it cuz I heard it resharpens easy and the tip splits a fish's butthole like an absolute dream

[@r.d.1056]

I own this knife. Over all pretty awesome! Improvements can be made but great knife, quality is on par with typical knives in this price range. The sound it makes is cool! Fidget factor is actually why I bought it.... All axis flippers have the seemingly light detent issue. I have a few.

[@RW2Knaf]

I have the SOG Kiku Xr and it has the same issues or build quirks as that one. The blade has the same play in the closed position and the flipper tab takes a considerable amount of force to not fail. I think both issues or build designs stem from the XR lock, there’s no detente to tune.

[@timothy7172]

My Kiku XR has zero blade play of any kind and the flipper needs zero wrist to properly deploy. You may need to correct it at the pivot or send it in.

[@RW2Knaf]

@@timothy7172 it has zero play in the open position, I’ve adjusted the pivot. The play in the closed position is from the lack of detente. It’s just got the xr lock to keep it in the shut position. I’m not necessarily saying it has issues that need to be fixed, just the way its designed. Also I need no wrist to deploy with the flipper tab, but it takes more force than a knife with better flipper/tang ratio. It’s parallel with the tang, there’s just not that much leverage. Also, no detente there to tune. In my opinion, it’s just the way they needed to design a knife with a flipper tab AND an XR(axis style) lock. I personally love it, it’s still an amazing and overbuilt beast of a knife. My two cents, for what it’s worth.

[@timothy7172]

@@RW2Knaf To me the Kiku XR is the best current offering SOG has by far. I have bought and sold many of the new XR types and it is the only one I have kept.

[@RW2Knaf]

@@timothy7172 I Agree 100%

[@Moose71275]

Studies and Observations Group = S.O.G. Also you pronounce it as 3 letters not one word. Also missed the workings of the XR Lock, it is mechanically different that the axis lock and other "bar" locks. You're expecting this knife to be something it's not, maybe need some research, missed the mark on this one.

[@stevendunnuck]

I owned one of these for a while and honestly very fidgety and the blade does put up with some abuse and holds edge nice 👍

[@r.d.1056]

Actually Dagger laws have nothing to do with both sides being sharpened. In most cases the definition is extremely broad and could be applied to almost any knife. Example: California law prohibits the unlawful possession of a dangerous stabbing weapon known as a “dirk” or “dagger” pursuant to Penal Code Section 21310. A “dirk” or “dagger” is defined under Penal Code Section 16470 as the following: A knife or other instrument;With or without a hand guard;Capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon; andWhich may inflict great bodily injury or death. A folding knife (such as a pocket knife) is considered a stabbing weapon capable of inflicting great bodily injury or death only if: The blade of the knife is exposed, andThe blade is locked into position. While certain stabbing weapons are legal to possess, such as a folding pocket knife or utility knife, a switchblade (with a blade length of two or more inches) is illegal to possess in public (Penal Code Section 21510). You may carry a folding pocket knife or utility knife concealed upon your person if it is closed or if the blade can’t be locked. Also, Penal Code Section 20200 permits you to openly carry straight knives and folding knives that are opened and locked provided that they are: Carried in a sheath; and The sheath is worn openly suspended from your waist

[@ScottieG59]

Interesting look, and, if very deeply discounted, it is a maybe. Though I live in Kansas, I work for the federal government and I fall under a regulation based on the old Kansas law, which was very restrictive. It also includes the catch-all of prohibited weapons, which means, I can carry a wrench, but if I considered it as protection device, becomes an illegal weapon. Fortunately, a small pepper spray device is permitted. Another complication is living close to another state, it is easy to not know what jurisdiction I am in.

[@briandourn2900]

Thumbs up for tactical mickey mouse voice

[@benbenavides9792]

170?? Where are you shopping bro? They’re like 140 -150 on the low end… 170-175 is allot

[@CHUCKIT]

There are so many things that "aren't deal breakers" I'd say this is not worth buying. Imo. So many good choices at that price point already.

[@louiskoestner4337]

In a serious scenario I prefer a firearm.

[@matthewdettorre3361]

Studies and Observations Group. S.O.G. they are or were trying to rebrand themselves and phase out being know as SOG

[@allrededc]

Not even vaguely considering this knife at $175. Just too many little issues for a knife in that price range.

[@deadpoollee9497]

Dumb keep the same one but want it said differently. I'll always call it sog

[@matsherwood6277]

Yeah.... this needs to be $60. Maybe $100. Think of it this way, if you had a benchmade that cost this money with that bad of blade centering you'd be going off about it.

[@TheColorofQuantum]

Thank you for saving my money-this thing is astonishingly janky

[@wupwop]

Heck yeah

[@Zaque-TV]

I'd rather get a shaman tbh

[@generalesdeath8180]

If you call SOG they will send anyone with a new XR knife a deep carry clip free of charge

[@ItzSlushie]

Personally for the price they could’ve used a better blade steel

[@DouglasRosser]

Really like this knife, but it's too much $$$

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

T6 pivot and blade off center. SOG continues to not impress.

[@ramonade_knives]

T6 pivot 😂😂😂

[@destro6971]

If they want to be called S.O.G instead of SOG, perhaps start using proper punctuation. Grammar matters, puny humans.

[@MrMikeyj2004]

Wobbly blade, off-center out of the box and at that price point!!?? Unacceptable 👎🏻...SOG seems to never get it right. They look cool aesthetically and I have bought several SOG knives over the years because they look cool, but the build quality is horrible.

[@kingfish4488]

SOG= overpriced, under engineered, but great for the mall ninja. You will constantly have blade play issues.

[@knottheory79220]

As a mall ninja I am insulted. There is not one fidget spinner or dragon scale on this knife, and it doesn't even mention zombies in any of the text on the knife!

[@NoNamer123456789]

Owner of a Terminus XR, and there isn't that much blade play. I mean I can bend the whole knife if I want, but otherwise it's actually rather solid, even if the centering is poor. The action could be smoother / better tuned, but it works. For an axis-style lock, D2 and being tacticool it's not at a high price point.

[@cheapshotfishing9239]

No play on mine

[@terrell48]

Again a knife priced over the average persons budget for an EDC

[@tseidelful]

Studies Observations Group S. O. G. Duh

[@Madmanshooter]

First time I ever heard a gay knife review

[@minigmac1]

Please close the knife slowly and respectfully. Ask me how I know this.......

[@samuelrichardsonmcgravyber4559]

SOG sucks. I’m sorry but they are outclassed by a majority of other brands. SOG’s fit and finish isn’t great, their knives are usually overpriced, their heat treats are inconsistent and aren’t great. You could save money and get a better product by shopping with Spyderco, Benchmade, WE/Civivi, Hogue, Cold Steel, Protech, and many many others. For example, their new Pentagon OTF that is $350+.... The blade rubs up against the handle and damages and dulls the blade... You could go buy a Guardian Tactical, or a Microtech and get better materials, a better price, and a much better fit and finish. I would like to like SOG but they act like we are all stupid, and time after time put out these underwhelming, poorly designed/made knives and charge an arm and a leg for what you’re getting. I really like the design of their Terminus XR, however, the heat treat on the D2 as well as the S35VN is poor from the testing I’ve seen. SOG get your stuff together!!!... Rant over.

[@borafett3005]

"Taiwan is not China" good luck convincing the Chinese of that fact.

[@jonathanwatson268]

Or the Republic of China, I mean, Taiwan.