SOG Specialty Knives

SOG Specialty Knives, Inc. (commonly known as SOG) is a U.S. knife and tool manufacturing company famous for their reproduction SOG Knife from the Vietnam era.

SOG currently manufactures a variety of knives other than the original military inspired designs, many designed for everyday carry (EDC). The company produces a line of multi-tools

History
The company was founded in 1986 by Spencer and Gloria Frazer and was inspired in its choice of name by the Joint Services Special Operations unit known as the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) who developed their own knife during the War in Vietnam.

SOG Bowie
Making changes to the original design of the MACV SOG Fighter, like resin-impregnating the leather handle, utilizing thicker stock and new grind lines, Spencer and Gloria launched their product and company with a one-page, black and white ad in Soldier of Fortune Magazine of the S1 Bowie, a replica of the SOG Knife used by the SOG groups operating in South-East Asia. They also produced the SCUBA/Demo knife, which is a replica of one of the rarest military knives to date (only 1 of the original 39 knives produced has survived till this day). Knives such as these and many of the SOG models produced prior to the shift of production from Seki, Japan to Taiwan are considered to be the best knives SOG had ever made.

A second "maritime" version of the Bowie was made utilizing a black micarta handle and stainless steel blade known as the Trident. It was decorated with the US Navy SEAL emblem as opposed to the Special Forces Crest found on the Bowie.

SEAL 2000
SOG manufactures a knife used by the United States Navy SEALs dubbed the SEAL 2000. The SOG SEAL 2000 is a 7" bladed fixed blade knife with a rubber handle that was designed for the US Navy SEAL Knife trials in 1992. Two SOG "Seal 2000" knives were used in the 2001 Dartmouth College murders. Scabbards left at the scene were crucial in tracing the killers.

Use Today
SOG Specialty Knives manufactures an array of tools available for military personnel and casual outdoor users. SOG also makes several other military style knives including a tactical switchblade which is only available to military/law enforcement personnel. SOG has developed fixed blade knives for survival and outdoors such as the Tech Bowie as well as folding knives, many of which feature assisted opening technology such as the Aegis, Twitch and Trident. SOG also manufactures multi-tools including the Paratool, PowerLock, and PowerAssist.

Many of SOG's folding knives and multi-tools are made or assembled in the USA, with the higher priced folders and fixed blades being made in Seki, Japan. Some of SOG's lesser priced tools, such as the Fusion line are manufactured in Taiwan or China.