I absolutely love the looks of the seal xr, and the cutting capability vs its size and thickness is impressive. But when you compared it to the recon 1, it seems alot less practical for their intended purpose. It feels like they tried to make a hard-use fidget knife, and in my opinion they should remain separate flavors. But that's just me.
Update ; I've had this knife around 12 months now and it has held up Fantastically, I'm a hard use guy and I don't like bearings but surprisingly I haven't had any problems with these , the detent finally broke in and is now smooth as "budda" and I'm super impressed with Sog's heat treat on this S35VN, they did an excellent job with it , it's one of the Best I've used , this knife is flat out Awesome , and I'm a Huge Cold Steel Fan , I never even liked Sog because of their poor quality, but obviously that has all changed and they have come out with some cool designs and finally upgrade their old ones , which is great. If this knife had Bronze washers I would put it right next to my Cold Steel Recon 1's , AD10 , and 4 Max as one of the Best hard use knives out , but the washers still hold it back in that category, for me , but still a Fantastic blade. Also, this knife is Super Grippy with all the jimping , so if you have soft hands or work in a office , this knife is definitely NOT for you .....🤭🤣😜😹
Still holding good? I'm not a connoisseur, I'm now gathering data to search for some good knives that I'll probably buy this year. I think I'm definitely gonna buy the Seal XR, I'm not really gonna use it that much, but I like the look of it and it seems like one that, hopefully, I could pass on to a son. Since you seem knowledgeable, if you'd be so kind and have any advice or anything to some of my concerns laid below. With the XR, and my limited use of it, I imagine I could keep it for years without needing to try to disassemble it and grease it or anything. Right? Would it be safe to use to open cans and whatnot and not have to really worry for the coating to scratch? Should I just in case try to oil the blade from time to time? They now have a version where they put some titanium inside to reduce weight, and they also have the blade with magnacut. It's insane how much more lighter it is now. Supposedly, from 235 grams to 159 grams. The new version would indeed be better, right? I'm a bit worried cause sometimes modifications are made just for marketing and may even be worse than the original, and I do want my piece to last and last. I'm thinking buying also another folder, haven't decided which, that would be a tad more lightweight, but that would also last a long time. I would imagine a recon 1 or ad-10 would be good, but the XR is already pretty big, I'm a short fellow, I have a hard time for now finding a good knive that is a tad smaller. The mini or lite versions seem to be a tad too small or with a blade quality that I would imagine is not good enough if you hope to last for years and years, 8CR or AUS8. I need something like elmax, S35 or sleipner, right? About the finish, I see some saying that stonewash is better than to have coating, cause in time it will look better. Is that so, or if it's a good brand, cerakote or some other finishes are good enough that you won't worry much for scratches? If you have any thoughts about those aspects. Thanks.
This is NOT a USA made knife. Only the blade is made in America. The remainder of the knife is made and assembled in SOG’s asian facility; not sure if that is Taiwan or China? Just wanted to point that out in case it matters to a potential purchaser. For me, I’d need to see the price drop to about $139.00 MSRP before I’d consider it. Beautiful knife regardless.
I like my Benahmade Griptillian, but the XR seems like it is more of a genuine work knife that can stand up to heavy use around the house, at work, and on the trail. I like the idea of a heavy use folder because it is easier to conceal and wearing a fixed blade on your belt gets a lot of negative attention. Thanks for this excellent review.
Awesome looking knife. Definitely one of those big scary looking knives that I tend to gravitate toward because I live in California, land of the sheeple and I'm the jerk who loves to draw WTF looks from them. Have you batoned it or struck a ferro rod with it? I'm really curious as to its full capability as a folding survival knife
Hi @gideonstactical first I want to thank you for your content for me you are the best knives reviewers out there. I am a big fan from Algeria. I bought the Seal XR, when there is no review yet on the net and I love It the s35vn is awesome no issue with the gimping and really I think the XR lock is even better then the axis lock also the GRN or GFN that sog is using is incredible no comparison with plastic material of other companies. Nice knife 8n overall.
This SOG SEAL XR definitely 110% gets my admiration! I wish I had the extra cash to go pick one of these up actually... thanks for the great review & compassion buddy!🔪🤙🏻🤘🏻💪🏻🇺🇸
I’ve handled this knife at Sportsmans warehouse in Kentucky and it definitely is a hoss of a knife. To me, unless I get a pouch to carry this in, it’s a no-go. Takes up the entire pocket. It’s worth the money to someone that’s a police officer, emt, S&R, or military. To them, I’d say GET IT!!!
Ive been looking at this 🔪 for a while is it still one that would good knife or is there something newer you would recommend? Thank you for your awesome videos my wife and i love them!
Carry mine every day, used as often as possible and it performs fantastically. The coating on the blade has worn off but the edge holds extremely well.
You give the most clear and concise reviews on knives of anyone on RU-vid. I think I might have to pick one of these up, it's fairly simple and extremely durable looking knife
What's your opinion of the hole on the blade to assist it in opening? I feel that's the 1 weak point in this knife. Battoning through wood i feel it could break that section of steel.
Live in Maryland, this makes better sense than a fixed blade for edc. We can have( outside of a couple metro areas) any size folder, but no length fixed can be concealed. Must be open carry.
Waiting for it to become available on Amazon at a reasonable price. Was not in the market for yet another knife, but this one is designed for ‘unique’ applications. SOG finally outdid themselves this time.
Extraordinary test, thank you very much, it has helped me to decide, it is a really good knife. My question is whether to buy it with a smooth or smooth / serrated edge, which one do you recommend?
I love mine, it’s awesome. Fantastic knife. Much better action than my terminus xr in S35VN. Too bad they didn’t use this jimping on the terminus instead of the really sharp jimping you see. The Kiku is next to try. Great review Aaron. 🍻
SOG has always built some heftier folders along with their typical middle to lightweight offerings. They don't get much exposure because people tend to think of SOG as a lower cost builder. It's a shame because they do build some great blades. Writing them off is akin to ignoring the Chevy Corvette because the same company also built the Chevette. 😂 Thanks for the review!
This knife looks awesome. I really like the newer SOG knives you have reviewed. I'd like to get this and the Flash. That Pillar is awesome too. SOG hasn't really hit my radar much till now. I thought they were mostly all low end Chinese made stuff which they still have lots of but this higher end and mid range stuff looks great. Thanks for showing them all to us.
Ok... so I never imagined I would lay out this kind of dough for a knife, but I just did. My first multi-tool was a used SOG, and I have liked SOG products ever since. Too bad that original SOG multi-tool got swiped. I used to be a minimalist/lightest weight item kind of guy until I realized that a puny tool is just that - a puny tool that may not do the job when needed. My EDC carry is now all fully capable or I won’t carry the weight at all. I know this is a heavy knife - thanks for the comparison to the weight of a Leatherman Wave; that gave me the reference point I needed. Nice report. Thanks. Subbed.
Finally got one of these! I love it. Super sturdy and overbuilt. Probably going to replace my benchmade adamas....which was my favorite monster folder. Thanks Aaron!
I don't get the point of carrying a brute of a pocket knife. I usually stick to a $100 pocket knife, and for hard use, I stick with a well built fixed blade. Just my opinion.
Nice review. Hey, I bought a Microtech Socom Elite in July and carry it most days. It's large 9-3/16" OAL, 5-3/16" handle, and 9/16" thick, but only weighs 4.7 oz. and has 204P steel. A very heavy duty knife that's barely affordable 4" blade. It's kinda the ideal HD knife before you need a fixed blade. In 2009 I picked up a SOG Vulcan because my job didn't allow fixed blade knives and sometimes I had to dig into dying trees. I needed a heavy knife. It was OK at the time but nothing like a Microtech.
Great video bro. I like the knife but i don't think I'd care for the release/unlocking switch on the handle where I might put my thumb. I feel I'd accidentally hit it and cut myself haa.
Like the looks of this blade. I have several fixed blades, some good ones too. My folders end up getting waaay more use so I can see a heavy duty folder hitting a sweet spot beyond an EDC folder. This or the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter Folder 3.5 in Plain G-10??? Will wait for better pricing as it’s a little pricey right now
I really want to check out that super thin sog ultra XR I think it’s called it’s not on the market for a month or three but it uses the Benchmade lock or the hogue Abel lock fly’s open and closed one of the thinnest knives I’ve seen that can be used as a money clip if u want. It comes with really cool real carbon fiber handles and weighs under 1oz also have to say I don’t own a sog I’ve never liked their designs and logo but I have to admit they have made some knives I’d actually buy being shown at shot show 2020. PS I have a few knives for trade I’d send 1st a mint Almar sere in camo g10 handles vg10 steel made in Japan and a super thick liner lock opens and closes one handed with ease a beast just not a camo fan and it goes online for $250 my other knife is another mint condition hogue EX-05 that goes by blind for around $200 dollars sand colored aluminum handles with a crazy strong grip its a flipper that fly’s open and is easy to close one handed also and it uses cpm154 which is probably my top two favorite stainless steels along with AEB-L stainless and an older 0350kw ZT also in mint condition goes online for $125 to $150 flips great and is assisted which is why I want to trade it very thick liner a total beast great grip sporting an s30v steel blade anyone interested that seriously wants to make a fair trade hit me up if u want one of these knives I promise you will be happy some don’t come with original box but will come with a knife box from another knife with a cleaning microfiber towel and a knife pouch from hogue Benchmade HK or whatever I have laying around.
Very interesting knife. My local dealer just got one of these again. Looking pretty strong and a part of me just loves black blades. Im just not the biggest fan of cerakoting since my cerakoted knives tend to get a lot of scratches while my dlc coated knife is holding up better. Over 8 ounzes is also a lot for a under 4 inch blade. Maybe titanium liners would have been the way to go.
The weight and the price don't add up to me, especially because the Cold Steel Recon 1 is lighter, and cheaper. The action they've got with the bearings and their take on the axis lock is beautiful, and definitely smoother than Cold Steel's Triad, but even that doesn't cancel out the extra 3 ounces and $75. Or the ridiculously overdone jimping. Nevertheless, I really love the blade profile - I think the wide blade is even better than the Seal Pup, to be honest. If SOG were to make a fixed blade with a similarly wide clip point, I would go for it.
I see you have the first Gen, like I had . The second Gen is out with a cerakoted blade and rust resistant improved liners. They’ve also gotten away from the SOG logo. The second Gen has “Studies and Observations Group” on the presentation side instead of SOG. Great review.
Aaron I waited and waited for it to drop . I finally was able to order it on black Friday and holy crap was I shocked when I got it. Every complaint I've ever had about a SOG folder doesn't exist on this knife. It's a 100% home run.
Great review! It's going on my to buy list. I've never been one to measure ounces. If it serves a good purpose and fills a niche then I carry it. Maybe I will be moving a little slower in the field due to weight, but when I'm in camp I will have all the right tools! Lol
Fix blade or folder would be determined by legality and useage. Fixed blade carry is not nearly as concealable as a folder. I want my EDC knife concealable since #1) I do not want an attacker aware of my knife. #2) Laws are often not friendly for open carry as they are for concealed carry. In the woods, hunting, or hiking I would choose a fixed blade since the usage would favor the stronger, fixed blade. The 2 fixed blades shown are excellent. Good info on the lock. I was not familiar with it. Blade: S35VN is a great steel for edge retention and corrosion resistance. Right length (>3.5"). Thick spine and excellent coating. Handle: Front and rear quillons, finger grooves in between, plenty of jimping = excellent grip. Butt pommel. I like a full sized. good grip, longer blade. You do a good job on reviews, covering specs, internal operation (locks, liners, etc), and testing. I have the Recon 1, and it is one of my favorite EDC folders. After viewing the video, I will purchase this knife. Love the handle design especially, overall blade design, and size.
Thanks for going into great detail with these knives. I appreciate it big time. It really helps me when making a decision on my next knife. Those guys from blade hq can learn something. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
putting bearings on this knife really seems to me like a dumb move for SOG. I wish they would have used phosphor bronze washers, then I would have felt like maybe it could take some abuse.
hi. can you please tell me if it can be sharpened with Worksharp Precision Adjust ? i own just a Spiderco- very easy to sharpen. the blade on my Surge is impossible to sharpen with Worksharp because of the recurve. i also own a Swisstool but that blade is very easy to sharpen by hand. so i never sharpened a blade with a belly like this SOG. i really love how it looks...
I like the idea of an overly built folder, it would definitely be a plus for people who work outdoors for a living. And in an urban setting if/when a “Situation “ was to ever happen. Thanks Aaron have a great weekend
Wow it’s maybe the only Folder I’d take over my Adamas lol and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper. It seems like a Beast and Made in the wonderful USA.!! Great review my Friend Semper Fidelis
I love it! I think I have waited a year for this to come out. Idk why no one else has reviewed it yet. This is the sog I have been wanting and waiting for. Thank you for the review you are always doing a great job on the vids.
I’m a need to try to batten with it to test that locking mechanism. More info on that damn lock, and why it won’t close in the grabbing, twisting knife fight I’m hoping to win.
I handled this knife. With gloves it was fine. WITHOUT gloves, it was a hot mess. It assured me that my Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point Desert Warrior was the best purchase for me. Thanks for the video my Bladed Brother 👍⚔️✝️
