I have heard some good things about the SOG Flash II assisted-opening folding knife and wanted to see what the buzz was all about. It seems like a decent tradesman and jobsite knife – it’s inexpensive (less than $50), it has a good blade length (3.5″), and it opens quickly.
Our friends at BladeHQ were able to send over a test sample that I included in my EDC rotation for a couple of months. (Thanks, guys!)
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First Impression
The first thing I noticed is that the Flash II is lightweight. Lightweight, but not light-duty.
The handle is made from textured glass-reinforced-nylon, GRN, which is a hard, somewhat dense, and very dimensionally stable plastic. I have also seen the handle material identified as Zytel, a Dupont brand name, in recent product listings. It feels light and cheap, but it’s tough and durable.
Blade Style and Opening
I was not very appreciative of the rather simple plain-edged blade at first, but its long straight section proved to be great for making exceptionally clean cuts in thinner materials. It was mostly used and tested on small wires, paper, cardboard, plastic sheeting, thicker plastic, packaging materials, and foam.
The blade is 3.5″ long and is made from AUS-8 stainless steel. It can be sharpened easily and keeps an edge reasonably well. There are better steels that hold an edge much longer, but SOG really does a good job taking full advantage of this alloy. Luckily the long straight design of the blade makes the Flash II a relatively easy knife to sharpen and hone.
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Some users prefer spring assisted openers to have safety locks, others don’t need or want them. I like knowing that I can lock the knife closed. It’s better to have a safety lock and not need it than want one that doesn’t exist.
Blade deployment is quick – so quick it took me longer than usual to get comfortable with the knife. The knife really does open in a flash. Push on the thumbstud a little bit to overcome the spring tension, and it flies right open. The spring-loaded lock pops up when the knife is fully deployed, wedging itself between the blade tang and knife handle.
The combination of high spring tension and needing to keep my thumb near the blade as it swings open is probably what caused my initial uneasiness. I didn’t need the same learning period with the Gerber Instant (check out the review here), and all my other assisted-openers can be deployed via rear flippers.
Pulling down on the lock button releases the blade, allowing it to be folded closed. If the safety is not engaged, it reveals a red tab to indicate the knife is ready to be opened.
Handling and Carrying
The handle is textured on both sides and also features molded grooves along the back. The grooves are not deep enough to provide much grip, but they’re better than nothing.
Although simply designed, the pocket clip works quite well and allows for deep carry. If you want to carry it on your tool belt, either clip it inside a pouch or drop it into a holster or sheath.
The pocket clip can be reversed to the opposite side, and to do so you’ll need to partially disassemble the knife with a 5/64″ hex key.
The knife is about 4.5″ long closed, and 8″ long open, but it feels much more compact in person.
Looking for something a little different? Check out our other knife reviews!
Conclusion:
My feeling is that the SOG Flash II is a good everyday knife for tradesmen and other users that want a simple but reliable assisted-opening folder. I don’t really have any problems with the design, aside from needing more time and practice with the knife before I became perfectly comfortable with the blade deployment.
The Flash II is well suited for light and medium-duty tasks, but it does feels a bit light and awkwardly shaped in-hand for heavier-duty tasks. Overall I find the Flash II to be a good performer.
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Product Info(via SOG)
Recommended for: tradesmen, workshop use, outdoors use.
Not recommended for: heavy-duty tasks, urban EDC.
Specifications
| SOG Flash II (FSA-8) | |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Assisted Opening, Thumb Stud |
| Overall Length | 8″ Open 4.5″ Closed |
| Blade Length | 3.5″ |
| Weight | 3.1 oz. |
| Blade Material | AUS 8 |
| Blade Style | Straight |
| Lock Style | Sliding Button |
| Handle Material | GRN (polymer) |
| Pocket Clip? | Yes, Reversible |
| Assembled in | USA |
| Street Price | $40-45 |
If you’re looking for something like this but a little smaller and more easily pocketable, SOG’s Flash I has a similar design but with a 2.5″ blade length.
This knife is said to be assembled in the USA. After what happened last time I didn’t even bother asking SOG for clarification.
Thank you very much to BladeHQ for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for benchmark and comparison purposes.
Fred
I’m curious why you wouldn’t recommend it for urban carry? I have the half serrated version of the Flash II and I carried it for about 8 months before giving it to dad.
Now I carry a Trident which I like the shape better but the feel and blade are basically the same.
Stuart
Well, it can be carried and used anywhere (unless not permitted by law), but I personally feel it’s a little too big and utilitarian for urban/office/casual needs. For urban carry I personally prefer smaller, more discrete knives.
DaveZ
Stuart, I love your reviews (although it makes me want to keep buying stuff). This time, I finally have something that you mention, and I must say that I love this knife! I does open crazy fast, and at first it was startling, but now it’s kind of addictive.
The only thing I didn’t like was the safety because it sticks out a little bit. I ended up removing it completely, but don’t miss it because there is plenty of friction to keep the blade in place.
Thanks for the good work!
PS. your reviews introduced me to fenix flashlights which I LOVE.
Stuart
I’m glad you like my reviews, and also that you’ve had a good experience with this knife!
Fenix flashlights are still among my favorites. I ordered an E05 for everyday keychain carry, and it should be arriving later today. My wife carries an E01 and seems to be quite pleased with it. The LD20 and its successor the LD22 are my typical recommendations for full-size lights.
Wait until you see some of the next knife reviews to come out! I ordered a couple of brands that I didn’t even know about a year ago.
DS Ty
Little late to the thread but here goes.
I have had this knife for over 5 years as my duty knife. I’m a LEO in Canada. This is my pocket carry and I can say I love this knife. Primary task is cutting and opening up effects/evidence bags, laces, strapping, nylon ropes or straps and everything else you might encounter when needed.
I love the safety feature when handling prisoners and new arrests. It’s more peace of mind but knowing that if there is ever a SHTF the safety provides at least me those seconds I know my knife won’t be used against me. The deep pocket clip has never let me down and never fallen out. The side lock release to fold the knife is another personal preference I have over rear spine lock release (buck knife style) or the lock that’s inside the knife and puts your thumb in line with the blade when closing.
The non serrated blade is a charm to sharpen and honest the blade for what I do usually only has been sharpened 3 times . Now I’m a farm boy too and for binder twine on bails sure it works but for farm work in general is a little