SOG has created the Flash II folding knife as part of its “tactical” line of folding knives all theis range of Flash folding knives all come standard with SOG’s patent pending, reversible, bayonet mounted, clip that ensures the lowest, most discreet carry possible. The Flash II comes standard with virtually indestructible glass-reinforced nylon (GRN) handle slabs. The Flash II features an overall length of 8 inches with a length of 4.5 inches when closed and weighs 3.1 oz.
The Flash II features a black, Titanium Nitride coated, 3.5 inch long, partially serrated, drop point blade made from AUS-8A hardened to 57-58 Rockwell (which is fairly hard for a working knife made from this steel).
To help with opening, this knife features SOG’s unique Assisted Technology (S.A.T.) that works via the balance of opposing, high-tension, coil springs. Therefore, as you initiate the opening action, the force propelling your blade open becomes greater than the force keeping it closed. Consequently, the result is a blade that springs open instantly once it is engaged; seemingly on its own. And for safety, SOG incorporated an additional safety lock that provides added security when the blade is closed.
SOG Flash II Folding Knife
Therefore, in my opinion, although this knife was initially designed as a tactical folding knife, it would serve well as both an addition to a fixed blade survival knife or as an everyday working knife due to the 3.5 inch drop point blade design and the use of AUS-8A stainless steel. In addition, their hardening of the steel to 57-58 Rockwell makes this normally very tough steel also fairly hard without making it too brittle for everyday use. The result is a folding knife that is very well designed overall with a good choice of steel for the intended purpose, handle slabs that are impervious to chipping, scratching, immersion in water, or changes in temperature, and a blade shape that is very functional and is just the right length to be useful.
In addition, the belly of the sweep (the transition from edge to tip) is particularly well designed for skinning game both large and small. You can read more about knife blade styles here. In addition, the ergonomic shape of the handle combined with the diamond checkering on the GRN slabs allows the user to retain an excellent grip when hands are cold and/or wet. Last, the incorporation of SOG’s unique, spring assisted, opening technology combined with the post strategically placed near the back of the blade enables the user to easily open the knife with one hand; thus leaving the other hand free to retain its grip on the object to be sliced or cut.
SOG Flash II Folding Knife
About SOG Knives
The story of SOG began in Vietnam, where members of a highly classified US special ops unit carried a unique combat knife into the jungle on covert missions. This special unit was known as MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group) and its existence was once wholeheartedly denied by the US Government. It wasn’t until long after the end of the war that the SOG story could even be told. Years later, in 1986, that special knife inspired a young designer named Spencer Frazer to found SOG Specialty Knives. His mission: to reproduce the original SOG Bowie knife and pay tribute to the special ops unit that created it.
What began as a single commemorative model soon became a full line of innovative tools; field-proven by US Special Forces and even honored as the Navy SEAL knife of choice. Today, SOG knives are carried with confidence into the most demanding situations. So, whether you’re protecting others, leading an epic hunting expedition, tackling one of life’s everyday challenges, or facing your most extreme conditions yet, lead the way with SOG. Today, SOG’s mission is to be the creators of the most distinctive gear; gear made especially for adventurous people who like to “live on the edge”. Also, their vision is to design and create gear of the highest quality, distinction, and value that delivers what consumers need and, in order to do so, always define the leading edge of technology.
Summary
Like all SOG knives, the Flash II with the Titanium Nitride coated and partially serrated blade is a very well designed and strongly built knife that incorporates an excellent choice of materials for the intended purpose. Also, although I am not qualified to comment on its efficacy as a tactical knife since I am not trained in the art of fighting with a knife, I can say with some authority that it would make an excellent choice for outdoor survival or every use.
Written by Bill Bernhardt
Last updated: August 15, 2023 at 9:15 am
What are your thoughts on the Kershaw Blur? I just bought one last week and so far it seems pretty impressive
Bill, nice name by the way 🙂 The Kershaw Blur is an excellent knife. It’s hard to go wrong with Kershaw quality. Did you get the black Blur with the S30V steel blade? I would recommend that one over any of the others, although the 13C26 blades are still really nice.
The SOG Flash II is hands down my favorite EDC. It’s tough as nails and keeps an excellent edge. I’ve owned mine for several years and it has never let me down.