I have the entire high end XR series, and just today got the New Flash AT Blackout. It is a spectacular knife. I love this new direction for SOG. Thanks for the excellent review.
The things that draw me to this knife are that it's got a high saber grind, tall blade (better for slicing) color options, upgraded steel and fairly thin blade stock! Other positives are= Not cluttered up with a bunch of crazy gimmicky crap hanging off of it the way S.O.G have done in the past! Fairly simple and clean
I’ve come to appreciate the SOG XR models after owning a couple of their entry level non assisted plus a couple of similar sized Benchmades (Grip, Freek) and Hogues. The SOG are a incredible deal in that select group. SOG’s decision to offer coated D2 is a clever move - D2 seems to stain more than rust, but having a coating in the pivot area is good thinking - and adding Cryogenic treatment to a steel that always worked well before Cryo is a nice upgrade. Mostly, that lock - strong. My only complaint is that the SOG XR is a little heavier than competing knives, like the Cold Steel Mini Recon. In the assisted market, the AT is right there in terms of Kershaw assisted etc weights. Thanks for the in depth review!
D2, -$100 knives is my wheelhouse! I had two ZT 0308s that I used on a daily basis. Lost both. Needless to say, I was bummed for weeks. $600 GONE! Now, I strictly look for D2 $100 knives. So this SOG is definitely one I’ll be ordering! Thanks.
In Europe the price is 115 €. I really envy you American knife-nuts. On the other hand it's probably a good thing everything is so expensive. I hardly have any space left for storing my knife collection 🤣
I’ve had my sog aegis for about 11 years now and it’s been through hell and back and the only thing wrong with it is the screw for the clip broke so the clip wiggles but still on, but that’s it, it’s still functioning like it did the day I got it
I had the Trident AT for a bit and it had the typical SOG blade play and the line cutter was worthless for anything thicker than 36 bank line which is a shame because it was a sweet blade shape and it was a great slicer but the useless line cutter combined with the blade play was enough to make me sell it. Still planning to get my hands on the Flash AT and Aegis AT though
gideonstactical maybe it’s hit or miss on the lockup. Mine didn’t like the Titan cord I cut with it. I had to rotate the cord and pull really hard on it. Still a good blade though. Didn’t develop any extra blade play when I made a frog spear with it. By the way, will you be testing the SRK Compact?
The lock is why I got away from my Trident. I had alot of issues with it. I could smack the spine of the blade with very little force and unlock it every single time.
The old lock. I emailed them about it. They said to clean the lock because it probably had lent in it. I cleaned it, didn't help. I hope the AT lock holds up better.
Got one for a few weeks now. Same colour. Its my first SOG and my first assisted knife. Man, I am so thrilled. This thing is a beast, a tank. I bought it for outdoors use, work on our terrains and so. So not to abuse my precious Para 3 and such knives. I guess I can build a logcabin with this thing.
I'm trying to figure out how to remove the assisted opening spring from mine but otherwise I LOVE this knife. Its great for EDC and its a great whittling/carving knife too. Just wish it was a manual action. The blade shape is phenomenal.
I got one today, and to be completely honest, I might take it apart to take out the spring-assisted portion. I would love this to be a manual folder with an axis-like lock and safety. Edit: I took out the spring in the pivot and after about 2 hours of disassembly and reassembly, I can actually open and close this knife 1 handed. You can choose to take out the safety too, but I wanted to keep it in.
What did you actually need to remove? Mine is impossible to open one handed like he's flipping it open in the video. The friction on the action is crazy.
@@stragi Unfortunately I basically took the knife completely apart and had to reconstruct it. I would not recommend doing it but taking out the pivot spring made the knife way better.
Same here. Got one impossible to open one handed. I was able to do it maybe twice and I have strong hands. Even pinching it is too hard to pull the blade out.
I must’ve gotten a good one because I got this knife pretty quick after this video and have had zero problems with it rock solid lockup and fast hard deployment. Edge has held up very well with heavy use and the color is pretty dang sweet in person.
Awesome Sir. I ordered one! I always loved the larger flash (flash 2?) but it was never a knife that I reached for when I wanted something solid or rugged.
If this guy received his knife in proper working order (the assisted opening mechanic worked with the appropriate thumb pressure) that’s great. However, I have seen (many) other reviews saying the pressure required to deploy the blade was larger than normally achievable. This was the case with the knife I received. So before you order, know that it might require immediate modification. What I did was use a drill with a bur bit to grind down the notch on the inside and at the base of the blade until the actuation was light enough and to my own standard (my thought was that most of the force required was to overcome the initial rise over the little rod that notch sits on when stowed). This modification made the knife an absolutely badass tool. I’m a big fan of packing tech into simple things. Drop testing resulted in no accidental deployment, and I lock it before putting it in my pocket just to be sure I don’t sever an artery because this thing is good and sharp: physically and aesthetically.
If it weren’t for that lock it’s a sale, but I hate pulling my knife out and it’s locked itself in my pocket and I hav to fiddle with it ugh why did I they do that?
Hi! I live in Europe. I bought this knife. I experienced the mistake that it is not always possible to open with one hand (one finger). could this be a unique mistake? have you encountered such a mistake? Your videos are very good, I like them
I picked up the aegis first pretty much because I ran across somebody selling one I see what you were saying about it I think the flash is a better EDC carry
Well this is semi-comforting. Seeing all of their updates on knives worries me. Especially the trident. My favorite edc is the trident, and I feel like they ruined it with the new AT update. A deep carry clip, but with a protruding glass breaker has never made sense to me.
I like what Sog is doing , I just wish these knives weren't assisted because it takes away from the XR (Axis) lock. Benchmade really saved their ass because their pocket knives were in the toilet for a while . I have the Terminus XR and the Seal XR , both are manual opening and they are great knives , especially the Seal XR , it's truly a hard use Heavy Weight . Hopefully the prices will drop after a little time ....👍🔪👊
It's really easy to remove, I love the knife without it. I understand why guys would dodge it but the value is undeniable, and a tiny investment of a few minutes to remove it is really worth it
I like it a lot except for the price, plastic handles, useless safety, and assisted. Hope there's a version 2.0 that fixes that stuff. Has potential. Most of those features feel like it's there to stand out at an aisle at Wal mart rather than being actually useful.
I’ve had mine for two days now and my thumbs are getting the work 😂 has yours gotten any easier? I hope it gets better. Everything else about it is awesome.
@@christianshinn7040 yeah, i just loosened the pivot screws a little and it got better. Seems like they were over torqued.and yeah my.thumbs were getting beat up also lol
@@Saulbadass I ended sending back to SOG. Kind of bummed to do it but learned that if not happy with a product get your money back. What are some other knives you really like. Got to get a good camping knife.
Great question, I am being way more conscientious of the products I am testing in reviewing now than ever before. Sog is a US owned and operated company and Taiwan is a staunch ally of America I have no issues supporting and using and buying products made in Taiwan.
@@gideonstactical I am fully aware SOG is located here but the point is they outsource work to other countries due to cheap labor which is eliminating US jobs so you totally missed the point.
The minute you said assisted I tuned out. Just not interested. Still have a Kershaw Blur in s30v that deploys from the slightest breeze. In my pants, lightly dropping it on the carpet, lightly wiggling the handle, out it comes. When the R2D2 can be had at ~$40, I don't see double the knife here.
If your worried about accidental opening the Flash AT has that lame safety on the spine to keep it closed. I also have the Blur S30V and have carried it hundreds of hours, dropped it many times including on concrete from about 10 feet high and it never opened accidentally. I have at least 6 assisted knives and none of them have ever opened accidentally, including some cheap CRKT knives.
Wrote on Instagram on BladeHQ that I thought the Flash was overpriced for the materials. SoG shot back at me and dared me to find a better knife for the price. Kershaw anyone
If companies are going to make assisted opening knives they should make none assisted as well. I can't stand assisted knives. Don't like autos either. Too bad. Looks decent otherwise.
What did you say when you went to buy it?..." uh...yeah can u get me a knife.. oh it doesn't matter which model as long as it's the absolute most gay color you can locate!"
You can get all the gay color knives you want over at blade HQ. I know you were trying to make fun of dude, but, I know you're on fire for anything gay in nature. You just didn't know how to ask where you could get something you think would go along with your gayness. I don't think any color alone is gay. Maybe a rainbow flag 🌈 "HEY!" but apparently you think blue is gay and the right choice for you.. so go for it my guy (or girl, I don't know how you identify) lol
I have the entire high end XR series, and just today got the New Flash AT Blackout. It is a spectacular knife. I love this new direction for SOG. Thanks for the excellent review.
The things that draw me to this knife are that it's got a high saber grind, tall blade (better for slicing) color options, upgraded steel and fairly thin blade stock!
Other positives are= Not cluttered up with a bunch of crazy gimmicky crap hanging off of it the way S.O.G have done in the past!
Fairly simple and clean
Really appreciate and struggle to open flash with one hand. Advice is truly welcome.
I’ve come to appreciate the SOG XR models after owning a couple of their entry level non assisted plus a couple of similar sized Benchmades (Grip, Freek) and Hogues. The SOG are a incredible deal in that select group. SOG’s decision to offer coated D2 is a clever move - D2 seems to stain more than rust, but having a coating in the pivot area is good thinking - and adding Cryogenic treatment to a steel that always worked well before Cryo is a nice upgrade. Mostly, that lock - strong. My only complaint is that the SOG XR is a little heavier than competing knives, like the Cold Steel Mini Recon. In the assisted market, the AT is right there in terms of Kershaw assisted etc weights. Thanks for the in depth review!
D2, -$100 knives is my wheelhouse! I had two ZT 0308s that I used on a daily basis. Lost both. Needless to say, I was bummed for weeks. $600 GONE! Now, I strictly look for D2 $100 knives. So this SOG is definitely one I’ll be ordering! Thanks.
Like that tourquois color alot. Rare color indeed for knives.
I know I'm a year late but I just picked up a Spyderco para 3 lightweight with M4 Steel and mint green handle scales
Totally took the spring and lock out and it's so much better..
In Europe the price is 115 €.
I really envy you American knife-nuts.
On the other hand it's probably a good thing everything is so expensive. I hardly have any space left for storing my knife collection 🤣
I’ve had my sog aegis for about 11 years now and it’s been through hell and back and the only thing wrong with it is the screw for the clip broke so the clip wiggles but still on, but that’s it, it’s still functioning like it did the day I got it
I had the Trident AT for a bit and it had the typical SOG blade play and the line cutter was worthless for anything thicker than 36 bank line which is a shame because it was a sweet blade shape and it was a great slicer but the useless line cutter combined with the blade play was enough to make me sell it. Still planning to get my hands on the Flash AT and Aegis AT though
That is odd I had very solid lock up and continue to on my trident, And the cord cutter did a great job on 550 para cord.
gideonstactical maybe it’s hit or miss on the lockup. Mine didn’t like the Titan cord I cut with it. I had to rotate the cord and pull really hard on it. Still a good blade though. Didn’t develop any extra blade play when I made a frog spear with it. By the way, will you be testing the SRK Compact?
Bought and urban gray version. I love it. I'm normally more into tactical knives but my Flash is among my favorites in my collection.
As a long time Flash II owner, I’m having a really hard time opening my new Flash AT Blackout.
I just paid $41.99 for it in Urban Grey. 👍🏻 Great review, I think I'll be happy with it.
39 seconds until the first “connect” phrase
Bought 3 of these now. Love them. Such a solid knife and great blade.
The lock is why I got away from my Trident. I had alot of issues with it. I could smack the spine of the blade with very little force and unlock it every single time.
The old lock or the new AT lock
The old lock. I emailed them about it. They said to clean the lock because it probably had lent in it. I cleaned it, didn't help. I hope the AT lock holds up better.
Got one for a few weeks now. Same colour. Its my first SOG and my first assisted knife. Man, I am so thrilled. This thing is a beast, a tank. I bought it for outdoors use, work on our terrains and so. So not to abuse my precious Para 3 and such knives.
I guess I can build a logcabin with this thing.
Just picked up a pair for $39 each. Gotta love a great deal on a great blade
I'm trying to figure out how to remove the assisted opening spring from mine but otherwise I LOVE this knife. Its great for EDC and its a great whittling/carving knife too. Just wish it was a manual action. The blade shape is phenomenal.
I got one today, and to be completely honest, I might take it apart to take out the spring-assisted portion.
I would love this to be a manual folder with an axis-like lock and safety.
Edit: I took out the spring in the pivot and after about 2 hours of disassembly and reassembly, I can actually open and close this knife 1 handed. You can choose to take out the safety too, but I wanted to keep it in.
What did you actually need to remove? Mine is impossible to open one handed like he's flipping it open in the video. The friction on the action is crazy.
@@stragi Unfortunately I basically took the knife completely apart and had to reconstruct it. I would not recommend doing it but taking out the pivot spring made the knife way better.
Ya tempted to take the spring out too. Mine takes too much pressure to snap open and is tearing up my thumb.
Same here. Got one impossible to open one handed. I was able to do it maybe twice and I have strong hands. Even pinching it is too hard to pull the blade out.
Love the blade shape would of went with a different color though I know your a blue guy and I would of preferred no assisted opening.
I must’ve gotten a good one because I got this knife pretty quick after this video and have had zero problems with it rock solid lockup and fast hard deployment. Edge has held up very well with heavy use and the color is pretty dang sweet in person.
Awesome Sir. I ordered one! I always loved the larger flash (flash 2?) but it was never a knife that I reached for when I wanted something solid or rugged.
The cold steel code 4 goes for 68 to 75 and it is s35vn
If this guy received his knife in proper working order (the assisted opening mechanic worked with the appropriate thumb pressure) that’s great. However, I have seen (many) other reviews saying the pressure required to deploy the blade was larger than normally achievable. This was the case with the knife I received. So before you order, know that it might require immediate modification. What I did was use a drill with a bur bit to grind down the notch on the inside and at the base of the blade until the actuation was light enough and to my own standard (my thought was that most of the force required was to overcome the initial rise over the little rod that notch sits on when stowed). This modification made the knife an absolutely badass tool. I’m a big fan of packing tech into simple things. Drop testing resulted in no accidental deployment, and I lock it before putting it in my pocket just to be sure I don’t sever an artery because this thing is good and sharp: physically and aesthetically.
Just got mine and can confirm the force requires to deploy is too high. My thumb is now torn up. Probably will return for this reason.
Excited to get mine.
Just received mine today and I can't open it with one hand. I have since last week the Sog Tellus and is really smooth.
Sorry to hear that, is the safety screwed up?
@@gideonstactical I think, the blade is too tight, because if it's not totally closed, it opens with one hand.
If it weren’t for that lock it’s a sale, but I hate pulling my knife out and it’s locked itself in my pocket and I hav to fiddle with it ugh why did I they do that?
You can remove it.
How dose it compare to the
Kershaw launch 1
It looks like it
Great review brother👍
Hi! I live in Europe. I bought this knife. I experienced the mistake that it is not always possible to open with one hand (one finger). could this be a unique mistake? have you encountered such a mistake? Your videos are very good, I like them
I picked up the aegis first pretty much because I ran across somebody selling one I see what you were saying about it I think the flash is a better EDC carry
I have order that one today but in urban gray and an combo edge. What an nice knife, perfect design.
Like the subtle branding!
Recently grabbed a Tops Cat on your recommendation. Now I have the option of carrying a fixed blade for edc. Thanks
Great choice! I recently did the same. Love the Tops C.A.T.
As a Taiwanese, Appreciate for shout out our country
For sure, stay strong and stay safe.
Ty for the video. I ordered mine earlier.
Awesome!!
I still have one of the
First run flash 2's used it
For years but i can't get away with the baby toy
Handles
can you reverse the belt clip?
Yes 👍
I love it, gonna get me one now🤘
Well this is semi-comforting. Seeing all of their updates on knives worries me. Especially the trident. My favorite edc is the trident, and I feel like they ruined it with the new AT update. A deep carry clip, but with a protruding glass breaker has never made sense to me.
This is my truck knife. Sharp, handy, big enough for self defense, and not going to break the bank if it gets lost.
It reminds me a lot of the Gerber Haul. Only 2×s the price. Im not sure if the steel is equal, but the dimensions are about the same
I love that blade shape! 😃. Looks like a super slicer too! 👍. I’d be all about that knife if it was de-assisted and had no safety.
They've needed to update their lineup for a long time now, and they look great! Getting benchmade vibes
both springs broke in my terminus XR. no more springs for me
Kizer AZO Squidward so cool but where can I get it?
Just got the Garnet Red on the SOG site for nearly half off
Ontario Rat is great!
Where can I get Ontario? I’ll look through your site.
I would prefer it without the assist because if the laws in Canada
Where do you live that you cant have assisted? I'm in ontario and have bought/carried assisted in the passed with no issues
I like what Sog is doing , I just wish these knives weren't assisted because it takes away from the XR (Axis) lock. Benchmade really saved their ass because their pocket knives were in the toilet for a while . I have the Terminus XR and the Seal XR , both are manual opening and they are great knives , especially the Seal XR , it's truly a hard use Heavy Weight . Hopefully the prices will drop after a little time ....👍🔪👊
A non assisted flash would be nice
It has bearings
Very Cool SOG Knife !!!!!!!!!!!
Bro, do you think you could remove the assist spring, and still work normal?
I don’t think there will be a detent if you do that. That is how most assisted knives work. But you could check the SOG forums??
New flash is best sog ever made love assessed thumb stud opening great no flipper love it love love it
Great content on your channel. Thank you for such a detailed and comprehensive review. Just bought one through your affiliate link. 👍
When I first saw this knife, I got excited, till I saw the safety on it.
That's a no go for me.
Thanks for the video my Bladed Brother 👍⚔️✝️🇺🇲
Same
It's really easy to remove, I love the knife without it. I understand why guys would dodge it but the value is undeniable, and a tiny investment of a few minutes to remove it is really worth it
What’s wrong with having a safety? Just curious
Yea, the safety is a dodgy gimmick for soy boys and bed wetter's. I'm going to buy a Flash AT anyway and just remove it.
these are $25 a MidwayUSA right now, I bought two...
I usually buy knives on the higher end sude but this seems like I may try it
I like it a lot except for the price, plastic handles, useless safety, and assisted. Hope there's a version 2.0 that fixes that stuff. Has potential. Most of those features feel like it's there to stand out at an aisle at Wal mart rather than being actually useful.
So should I get one? Looks sweet.
Got me one at Bass Pro 🐟 on Thurs for $75.....love this knife 🔪
You should review the kershaw Emerson in D2. Its a pretty good comparison.
Removing the safety only takes a few minutes
And SOG shouldn't have to exclude a safety.
I hated the old SOG logos made me think it was a NASCAR knife this is slick though
i prefer the seal xr or terminus xr in s35vn.
Just received my blade and the thumb assist it extremely stiff. I have to essentially prep it before i use the thumb stud.
I’ve had mine for two days now and my thumbs are getting the work 😂 has yours gotten any easier? I hope it gets better. Everything else about it is awesome.
@@christianshinn7040 yeah, i just loosened the pivot screws a little and it got better. Seems like they were over torqued.and yeah my.thumbs were getting beat up also lol
Does it run on washers or bearings?....... I can´t find any info on it on the SOG website.
bearings
Up there sog knive game.its a 🏆 i would buy that knive.☺and i do have a few sogs trident model.
Have you tried the new sog terminus xr in d2?
Super tough to get this open with single hand. Idea on what I can do?
I have the same issues- great knife but too hard to open with just the thumb
@@Saulbadass I ended sending back to SOG. Kind of bummed to do it but learned that if not happy with a product get your money back. What are some other knives you really like. Got to get a good camping knife.
Is this Sog a competition to the bugout ?
Noooooo.....
Comparing a kiddies trike with a Harley
Kershaw has always been cheap-feeling to me. I'm back on SOG now with the Flash AT.
Why not buy an American made product and limit the support of overseas products.
Great question, I am being way more conscientious of the products I am testing in reviewing now than ever before. Sog is a US owned and operated company and Taiwan is a staunch ally of America I have no issues supporting and using and buying products made in Taiwan.
@@gideonstactical I am fully aware SOG is located here but the point is they outsource work to other countries due to cheap labor which is eliminating US jobs so you totally missed the point.
@@gideonstactical So glad, Aaron to hear you say this. You rock, brother. :-)
Uh oh. SOG is making better Benchmades than Benchmade.
Cool knife! I like the t shirt, where could I get one of those?
How would you compare this to the Honey Badger D2??
It’s better than Honey Badger by far. SOG’s cryo treatment is awesome
Amazon link doesn't work.
Ted Eng the bladehq, smkw, and gpknives included should all have them in stock
Damn, no window basher
The minute you said assisted I tuned out. Just not interested. Still have a Kershaw Blur in s30v that deploys from the slightest breeze.
In my pants, lightly dropping it on the carpet, lightly wiggling the handle, out it comes.
When the R2D2 can be had at ~$40, I don't see double the knife here.
If your worried about accidental opening the Flash AT has that lame safety on the spine to keep it closed. I also have the Blur S30V and have carried it hundreds of hours, dropped it many times including on concrete from about 10 feet high and it never opened accidentally. I have at least 6 assisted knives and none of them have ever opened accidentally, including some cheap CRKT knives.
Got a R2D2, like it. But this is a whole other ballgame. Bigger, stronger, tougher, and that Cryo D2 is really good.
I’d buy it today if it didn’t have a safety...
Same
That's cool and I noticed some others said the same but I don't understand... couldn't you just leave it off? Or is it because it sticks out?
Just remove it.
At a casual glance, it looks like a Bugout. Too bad they stayed with the assist. For me, that's a deal breaker. Thanks for taking the time.
I need one
Hmm... pastel blue. Really glad that isnt the only color its available in!
kind of jealous you dropped "uncomfortability" in your video...and no one noticed..you should trademark it lol.
I like AUS 8 better it's still very strong look at the old cold steel SRK in AUS 8 it's practically industructible and you don't deal with rust
Wrote on Instagram on BladeHQ that I thought the Flash was overpriced for the materials. SoG shot back at me and dared me to find a better knife for the price. Kershaw anyone
Super mention. Cold Steel Code 4 . S35VN triad lock.
If companies are going to make assisted opening knives they should make none assisted as well. I can't stand assisted knives. Don't like autos either. Too bad. Looks decent otherwise.
Buy from AG Russell
I'll wait until it goes on sale, but really only for the color.... hahahah
IM BUYING IT
You've got no rock you say? Did you check your head?
I got one and it was $119.99
Now they are talking ..... ....
Very good knife for a stupid lock , i don't no .... ????????
My rat model is assisted Id prefer it wasn’t though
I don't like this as a bushcraft knife
But it is man. It is.
@@bert2530 i am still allowed to not like it.
@@jefffriedberg you certainly are!
Never trust a ginger
China and Taiwan are like legitimately the same place.
What did you say when you went to buy it?..." uh...yeah can u get me a knife.. oh it doesn't matter which model as long as it's the absolute most gay color you can locate!"
You can get all the gay color knives you want over at blade HQ.
I know you were trying to make fun of dude, but, I know you're on fire for anything gay in nature.
You just didn't know how to ask where you could get something you think would go along with your gayness.
I don't think any color alone is gay. Maybe a rainbow flag 🌈 "HEY!"
but apparently you think blue is gay and the right choice for you.. so go for it my guy (or girl, I don't know how you identify) lol
Foreign made, priced as usa made. No thanks.