SOG Updates Popular Folders in Major 2020 Refresh

Note: SOG provided travel to and accommodations for a preview event regarding the products below.

SOG has been promising a big change for while now, and with the start of the new year it has finally arrived. The Lynnwood, WA-based outfit is releasing six knives in the fall, all major renovations to existing popular models.

These knives represent the company’s drive to take a more nuanced, user-driven approach going forward. To that end SOG has divided their products into three major categories, representing three different user profiles: Professional, Outdoor, and Daily. The incoming models showcase the possibilities for range and differentiation even within these overarching definitions.

All the new knives sport a variation of SOG’s XR Lock. Some (designated XR) have the same manual mechanism we’ve seen on a handful of releases up to this point. Others (designated AT) have a new AT-XR lock, which is an assisted variation of the mechanism. All the AT models have a spine-mounted safety toggle in lieu of the switch-style setup on SOG’s older, non-XR assisted models.

Aegis AT

The lone new entry in the Outdoor designation, the reimagined Aegis [see feature image above] brings the original‘s broad drop point blade shape forward, albeit in a larger size (3.7 inches) and with a steel upgrade from AUS-8 to D2. The GRN handle has been redesigned, with a less flared-out guard and a lanyard hole on the channel side. SOG is providing multiple color options for the GRN scales, which have a stippled texturing that provides grip without being obtrusive. The Aegis AT has a deep carry pocket clip and weigh 5.15 oz. The MSRP is set at $93.95.

Ultra XR

The Ultra XR is a statement piece for the Daily use group. An update to the Ultra C-Ti/Cash Card line, it arrives with significant ergonomic streamlining: instead of individual finger grooves, SOG went as simple as could be in terms of handle shape. The Ultra XR’s handle consists of two thin carbon fiber scales and overall the knife weighs a mere 1.2 oz. It comes with a wide wire deep carry pocket clip that retains the money clip functionality of its predecessors. The S35VN blade opens with a thumb cutout and can be had with either a black or gold TiNi coating. The Ultra XR has an MSRP of 138.95.

Flash AT

The Flash is another iconic SOG knife receiving a big 2020 overhaul. Classified as a Daily knife, its specs and style speak to an EDC role. The D2 drop point blade is 3.13 inches long, and has been widened compared to the previous Flash model. The handle has also been fleshed out, with GRN scales that have been partially textured and chamfered for comfort. A deep carry clip makes another appearance here, and the Flash weighs 4.49 oz. The MSRP is set at $82.95.

Pentagon XR

SOG turned the venerable Pentagon model into a modern flipper knife, outfitted with their XR Lock. A representative of the Professional category, it keeps the dagger-style blade seen on the original, albeit with a wider profile and somewhat shorter length at 3.6 inches. SOG also cut a fuller its center, and upgraded the blade steel to coated S35VN. It has G-10 scales and a wire, loop over (but not deep carry) pocket clip and weighs 6.1 oz. The MSRP is set at $193.95.

SOG-Tac XR

Another Professional model, the renovated SOG-Tac hits a sub-$100 price point. It has G-10 scales laid over an arcing handle equipped with full stainless steel liners and an XR Lock. Its 3.4-inch drop point blade is made from D2 steel and sports a long swedge along the spine. The SOG-Tac can be opened with either a flipper or thumb stud, and comes with the same wire loop-over clip as the Pentagon XR. It weighs 4.8 oz. and has an MSRP of $88.95.

Trident AT

The third new for 2020 reveal in the Professional line is the redesigned Trident. This new version retains all the signature elements of its predecessor: its swept clip point blade, pivot side glass breaker, and line cutter cutout in the handle. Here, the loop over clip is positioned such that it works for deep carry. The 5.15 oz. Trident comes with D2 steel and either a clip (in plain edge and partially serrated flavors) or tanto blade shape. All configurations carry an MSRP of $105.95.

Knife in Featured Image: SOG Aegis AT