SOG Specialty Knives & Tools FSA-8 Flash II
by SOG Specialty Knives & Tools
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List Price: Our Price: $36.79 You Save: $35.21 (49%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $28.00 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
Product Details
Manufacturer: SOG Specialty Knives & ToolsModel: FSA-8
Product features:
- Fast one-hand opening SOG Assisted Technology (SAT) with built in blade safety lock
- 3.5-inch satin finished straight edge AUS8 stainless steel blade
- Rugged and lightweight black Zytel handle
- Low carry reversible bayonet pocket clip
- Overall length: 8-inches, Weight: 3.1-ounces
- SOG Specialty Knives & Tools GFSA-98 Flash II, 1/2 Serrated Knife Blade, Green Zytel Handle
- SOG Specialty Knives & Tools YFSA-98 Flash II, 1/2 Serrated Knife Blade, Yellow Zytel Handle
- SOG Specialty Knives & Tools BFSA-98 Flash II, 1/2 Serrated Knife Blade, Blue Zytel Handle
- Field & Stream (1-year)
- DMT W250FCNB 10-Inch DuoSharp Bench Stone Fine / Coarse - No Base
Tools and Hardware Reviews of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools FSA-8 Flash II
Customer Review: Light, Easy Opening, and Fun Knife, But Problem Clip Design
Summary: 4 Stars
I have been using the SOG Flash II for a month. I found out about the Flash II through the reviews on Amazon.com, starting with reviews of the Kershaw Skyline that referred to the SOG Flash I and then the reviews of the Flash I that made comparisons with the Flash II. Some reviews said that the Flash I was a little small, had a finger groove that did not quite fit, and a rattling lock, so, since the Flash II was less than $50 ($42.24 with free Super Saver shipping when I ordered it), had a bigger handle, had a new Arc Actuator lock, was only about 3.1 ounces in weight, and had a handle design that left enough space between the handle and the thumbstuds (similar to my Kershaw Storm II) that I thought I could actually use the thumbstuds to successfully open the blade (I usually have an easier time opening the blade with the flipper style opening designs), I decided to try the Flash II. I like the comfort of the handle, the weight of the knife, the sharpness and shape of the blade, and the ease of opening. With some knives, I have to grip the knife handle tightly and position my thumb carefully and push quite a bit to start getting the blade open. Not so with the Flash II. As one reviewer said on 10/8/2009, it "opens fast and hard feels like it could fly right out of your hand when opening it." When I held it loosely and pushed on the thumbstuds, my Flash II DID fly out of my hand -- fortunately, I was sitting down at the time (so the knife did not fall very far) and the knife landed flat on its side and did not hit my feet (and no one was watching me at the time).
In recent years, I have downsized my lockblade knives for everyday carry from the Buck Folding Hunter-Spyderco Endura-Kershaw Storm II size to 3-inch lockblade folders that are about 2.3 to 2.6 ounces in weight, so I did not buy the Flash II for everyday carry around the office. However, even though it is bigger than what I need around the office, I have been carrying it around the office and opening and closing it just to "practice" with it and become familiar with the different feel of the Flash II. I agree with the reviewer on 2/9/2009 who called it "a fun knife." It actually is light enough for everyday carry. I also carry a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife (usually, a Victorinox Executive to the office), so if I have to cut something in front of mixed and uncertain company in the office, I can pull out a little red-handled Swiss Army Knife instead of the Flash II.
The only problem I have had is with the low-carry bayonet pocket clip. I certainly wanted to try it, because most of the reviews that mentioned the low-carry clip reported very favorably about the low-carry clip design. One reviewer did say on 4/14/2009 that it was "hard to get off." Interestingly, the only SOG knife that I already owned was the SOG AutoClip -- the old version with a slot in the 3.5-inch lockblade but no thumbstuds -- that I bought because I liked the idea of having a pocket clip that could have its tension adjusted for pocket material of different thickness, but the metal clip of the Flash II is not adjustable. I am used to knives having a part sticking up above the pocket clip that can be grasped to pull the knife out of the pocket. With the low-carry pocket clip on my Flash II, I was grasping the knife with my thumb on the side of the handle inside my pocket and with my index finger ON the clip outside my pocket. Squeezing the thumb and the index finger resulted in additional pressure being placed on the clip against the pocket material and the knife handle -- the pocket material bunched up and withdrawal of the knife got hung up. Not a smooth draw from the pocket. I figured that I must be doing it wrong, so I sent a message to SOG asking what was the proper technique to use to pull the knife with the low-carry pocket clip smoothly out of the pocket. The SOG Warranty Administrator kindly replied as follows, "I grab the bottom of the clip with my forefinger and my thumb resting on the top of the knife that is sticking out, and when I pull up on it, I am slightly bending the clip out and pulling up at the same time." I tried that and found that lifting the clip (which is really stiff) minimized the bunching up of the pocket material and did make it easier to pull the knife out of the pocket. However, the edge of the clip dug into my index finger when my index finger alone was lifting the knife out of the pocket by the edge of the clip and it did not take long before my finger was sore -- wincing in pain is not what I wanted every time that I pulled my Flash II out of my pocket (I noticed that the low-carry clip on the SOG Aegis is designed differently, with the tip of the clip bent up and away from the knife handle, which would seem to be a better design for the technique of lifting the end of the clip without having the tip dig into the finger, so I might try the Aegis if one of its versions drops in price to below $50 -- Nutnfancy in his YouTube video review of an Aegis commented that he thought that the Flash II was "kinda goofy looking" but that the Aegis was a "beautiful knife" and "freaking awesome"). Furthermore, placing my thumb at the top of the knife did not provide much of a grip once the pocket clip cleared the pocket, and the knife slipped (fortunately, when it did slip, it fell INTO my pocket and not on the floor). So now when I grab my Flash II, I place my thumb on the top or back of the handle, my index finger at the end of the clip to lift it a little, and my middle finger on the bottom of the handle (the side where the blade is) and pull primarily with my thumb and middle finger pinching the top and bottom of the knife handle at its back end. There is less pressure on my index finger, so it hurts less, and the knife has not slipped out of my hand when I have used this three-finger (or thumb and two-finger, if you don't consider the thumb to be a finger) grip.
But in view of the difficulty I have had in pulling my Flash II out of my pocket when the pocket clip is engaged, I am not quite convinced about the value of the low-carry pocket clip design (at least the design of the clip on the Flash II, now that I noticed the difference in the design of the clip on the Aegis, which I have not tried, yet) -- if I was so concerned about someone noticing that I might have a knife clipped to my pocket, I would just put the entire knife inside my pocket.
UPDATE June 24, 2010: I received the SOG Aegis and have been carrying it. I prefer the clip on the Aegis. The Aegis' clip is bent upwards at the end and the clip seems to be more flexible (possibly because the point of contact with the handle for this clip is at the end, whereas the Flash II's clip has the point of contact closer to the middle of the clip), making it easier to withdraw the Aegis knife from various pants pockets that have material of varying thickness.
UPDATE July 10, 2010: I noticed a crack at the tip of the handle on my original SOG Aegis, so it was returned for a replacement. The clip on the replacement Aegis does not seem to be as flexible as I thought it was when I first received the Aegis. In addition, the Aegis has friction strips on the handle with raised letters "SOGSOGSOGSOG" that add more resistance against sliding the knife out of the pocket easily. Furthermore, the end of the handle is not as flared out as the handle on the Flash II, so it is difficult to use the three-fingered grip on the Aegis -- I have difficulty getting a grip that way. So now I just reach into my pocket, grab the knife, and yank it out of the pocket and do not bother trying to use the tip of the clip of either the Flash II or the Aegis. Time will tell what happens to my pockets. So whatever advantage the design of the clip on the Aegis might have had over the design of the clip on the Flash II appears to have been countered by other changes in the handle of the Aegis.
Description of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools FSA-8 Flash II
SOG Flash II Straight Edge Folding Knife. Perhaps one of the coolest knives you've ever seen. Forget its wicked-quick blade access, that it handles like a race car on rails, or that it locks up like Alcatraz. It just looks and feels extraordinary. The Flash family of knives feature SOG Assisted Technology (S.A.T.), which employs a powerful piston lock that is easily released with a sliding button. The Flash II comes standard with glass-reinforced Zytel handle and straight edge, satin finish blade. All Flash knives come standard with SOG's patent pending, reversible bayonet mounted clip that ensures the lowest, most discreet carry possible. They also had the foresight to incorporate an additional safety lock that gives added security when the blade is closed. More on S.A.T.: SOG Assisted Technology works through the balance of opposing high-tension coil springs. As one opens the blade the force to propel the knife open becomes greater than the closing force and the blade will open on its own. The end result propels the blade out once the operator has initiated the one-handed opening action. S.A.T. works so well that right-handers can use their left hand equally well to open a folding knife (of course this works oppositely for lefties). Blade length: 3.5" x .125"; Overall length: 8"; Weight: 3.1 oz.; Edge: Straight; Steel: AUS 8; HRC: 57-58; Handle: Zytel; Finish: Satin; Assembled in the USA. Order yours today! WARNING: You must be 18 or older to purchase Cutlery. Cutlery cannot be shipped to CA; CT; DE; HI; IL; KS; LA; ME; MI; MO; NJ; NV; PA; D.C.; MA; Miami-Dade & Sarasota counties, FL; Canada or Puerto Rico. Please check your State, County and City laws for restrictions before ordering Cutlery. SOG Flash II Straight Edge Folding KnifeSleek, elegant, and easy to operate, the FSA-8 Straight Blade Knife from the Flash II Series showcases SOG Specialty Knives' commitment to creating style through craftsmanship. Featuring advanced opening and locking technology combined with a well-balanced body and a strong, dependable blade, this versatile folding knife makes quick work of whatever task is at hand.
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 S.A.T. blade-opening technology makes SOG Flash II knives incredibly easy to handle. View Video Demo. | |||
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 The 3.5-inch, heat-treated blade provides you with a versatile, dependable cutting edge. View larger. |
 An ergonomic handle provides increased comfort, and a safety keeps the knife from opening in your pocket. View larger. |
 A reversible clip lets the knife sit securely and discreetly in your pocket. View larger. |
Fast, safe, one-handed opening makes SOG Flash Series knives incredibly easy to handle in a wide variety of situations. Once you start opening the knife, SOG's Patented SOG Assisted Technology, or S.A.T., takes over. Through the balance of opposing high-tension coil springs in the knife, the force to propel the knife open becomes greater than the closing force, and the blade will open on its own. This unique feature means that if you are using your dominant hand on another task, you can just as easily open the FSA-8 with your other hand.
For security and peace of mind, S.A.T. was developed in conjunction with a superior locking system. The unique design of S.A.T. knives allows them to use locking mechanisms that are stronger, more reliable, and easier to access ambidextrously than conventional liner locks.
For Flash Series knives, this means the blade is held in place with a reliable piston lock that can be released quickly with a sliding button. An additional safety lock offers extra security when the blade is closed. For easy reference, the lock switch shows red when the knife is ready to open.
Cryogenic Heat Treatment for Sharp, Dependable Blades
Of course the workhorse of any knife is the cutting surface, and the FSA-8 offers a full, 3.5-inch, straight blade with an elegant satin finish.
SOG's proprietary Cryogenic Heat Treatment process ensures that this blade will stay sharp over the long haul. This intensive process takes more than 48 hours and involves slowly bringing the blade's temperature down to less than -300 degrees Fahrenheit, then bringing it slowly back to room temperature. The stress created through this process relieves the material on an atomic level and increases overall strength and edge retention.
Elegant, Ergonomic Design for Ease of Use
Even if your blade is sharp, it's hard to make the cuts you want if a knife doesn't sit comfortably in your hand. That's why the handle on this knife features a unique, ergonomic contour. Crafted from tough, glass-reinforced Zytel, the handle helps ensure that your knife is both durable and well-balanced. And it is lightly textured to prevent slippage.
At just 3.1 ounces, this folding knife is lightweight and easy to carry. A reversible, bayonet-mounted clip extends from the back of the handle, allowing the knife to sit low in your pocket for the most discreet carry possible.
This knife is backed by a lifetime warranty that protects against defects in workmanship and materials.
About SOG: Strong, Innovative, Specialty Tools
SOG originally stood for Studies and Observation Group, an elite joint services military group designed to handle covert operations during the Vietnam War. SOG Specialty Knives was founded in the spirit of this elite group and became the first knife manufacturer to offer an expanded line that included fixed blades, folding knives, and multipurpose tools.
Each SOG product is created by company Founder and Chief Engineer, Spencer Frazer. Known for their uncompromising style and performance, these knives and tools showcase innovation, dependability, and a unique, futuristic style that has garnered awards and recognition worldwide. SOG products have also won favor among law enforcement, military, and industrial customers that rely on their tools to perform flawlessly in the toughest, most adverse conditions.
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 TFSA-98 |  FSA-98 |  STGFSA-98 |  SGFSA-98 |  CTFSA-98 |  CFSA-8 |  CFSA-98 |  FSA-8 |  FSA-5 | ||
Black TiNi Coated 1/2 Serrated | Satin Finish 1/2 Serrated | Black TiNi Coated 1/2 Serrated | Satin Finish 1/2 Serrated | Black TiNi Coated 1/2 Serrated | Satin Finish Straight Edge | Satin Finish 1/2 Serrated | Satin Finish Straight Edge | Tiger-Stripe TiNi 1/2 Serrated | ||
Black Glass-reinforced Zytel? | Black Glass-reinforced Zytel? | Hard-Anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum | Hard-Anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum | Camouflage Glass-reinforced Zytel? | Camouflage Glass-reinforced Zytel? | Camouflage Glass-reinforced Zytel? | Black Glass-reinforced Zytel? | Black Glass-reinforced Zytel? | ||
What's in the Box
FSA-8 Flash II Straight Blade Knife with a Satin Finish
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