Spyderco VS SOG: Comparing the Two Titans

The knife manufacturing industry has a number of big name companies offering a great variety of quality EDC knives. If you are looking for a knife maker that pairs high performance and great value, two options should pop into mind: Spyderco and SOG.

Both companies are reputable and are well known for putting out very high quality specialty knives.  It doesn’t matter if you are after a tactical style blade or just something to carry, both manufacturers can deliver what you need.

While each manufacturer has a number of different knives to choose from specifically, we are going to take a bigger, overall look holistically at each knife manufacturer.

1. More About Spyderco

Spyderco was established in 1981 and over the decades has built up a great reputation thanks to its high quality knives. You can benefit from a wide choice of knives in a range of different categories from this manufacturer. Dealing with customers on a global basis, Spyderco focuses not only on providing great value and quality but also innovative design and robust performance.

You can choose from knives that are suitable for both professional use and personal use from this company, so finding the right one for your needs should be quick and simple.  Spyderco is notorious for manufacturing knives that are sharp right out of the box, making them a manufacturer that you really can’t go wrong with.

2. Knives and Specifications

Spyderco offers knives in a range of different categories to suit a variety of needs. You will find a good choice of products in each of these categories.

These include:

Survival knives: Spyderco offers a great choice of survival knives, with products suitable for a variety of needs and budgets. One of the options is the Jumpmaster 2, which is both versatile and robust. The knife has an H-1 steel blade that measures 4.48 inches and comes with a hollow grind.

The overall length of the knife is 9.36 inches, so be careful with sales images as it might appear smaller than it really is. The Jumpmaster 2 is a very sharp knife and if you know how to sharpen a serrated blade you’ll be good to go for many many years.

Everyday carry knives: If you want a good, versatile everyday carry knife there are plenty to choose from here. The Dice is one of the products in this range, and this has a CTS XHP steel blade measuring 2.52 inches. Overall, the knife is 6.57 inches and is easy to carry around as well as comfortable to use.

Fixed blade knives: You can look forward to a good choice of high quality fixed blade knives from Spyderco. One of these is the Junction, which has a 4.15 inch blade made from PSF27 steel. The knife overall measures 8.45 inches and comes with a full flat grind. This is a stylish and versatile knife that offers easy handling and a comfortable grip.

The Junction is the ideal fixed blade knife when out in the woods if you don’t like to haul around a bulky survival, bushcraft, or hunting knife, but would rather not bet your life on a simple folder either. But don’t be fooled by its looks: although the blade is thin, the steel is tough enough to handle bushcraft tasks too.

Hunting/fishing knives: Robust, high performance and versatility are all qualities that you want from knives in this category. One of these is the Harpy, which is perfect for activities such as these. The blade measures 2.75 inches and is made from VG-10 steel while the overall length of the knife is 6.5 inches.

This is a odd-looking hollow grind knife with a stainless steel handle that comes scary sharp and is built like a true workhorse. Even though the hawkbill design may not be on your liking, you will fall in love with this special knife’s versatility and reliability over time.

Rescue knives: You will benefit from access to a range of high quality rescue knives from Spyderco. One of the options available is the Saver Salt Lightweight, which has an H-1 steel blade that measures 3.09 inches. This is a folding knife that comes with a hollow grind and measures 7.18 inches overall when open.

The Saver Salt is a solidly built medium-sized rescue knife designed not to rust in salt water even if you forget to rinse it off. It is the ideal choice when fishing, kayaking, or repeatedly diving in salt water. And thanks to the rounded point, there’s no risk of accidental puncturing yourself, your boat, or your life jacket.

Folding knives: If you like the portability and style of folding knives, you can also benefit from excellent choice from Spyderco. One of the folder options available is the Assist Salt Lightweight, which has a blade made from VG10 steel. The blade length is 3.68 inches and it has a back lock mechanism.

The beauty of the Assist Salt Lightweight is that it is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant knife specifically designed for professional divers even in saltwater or as Spyderco put it, “Other Knives Can Rust In Peace.”

With such a great choice of products available, Spyderco makes it simple to find the ideal knife. You can also shop with ease by simply browsing through the most relevant category.

3. More About SOG

SOG has developed an excellent reputation in the knife manufacturing industry over the past few decades. The company has a strong focus on innovation, quality and value, which is a combination that most people will be keen to benefit from. You can choose knives that are grouped into various categories.  We’ve actually reviewed a few knives that SOG produces.  You can see a few of those reviews here, and here.

In addition, the SOG website offers access to customer reviews, which makes it easier to make a more informed decision with regards to your choice.

4. Knives and Specifications

 With a good choice of knives in each category, you can find a product that has the perfect specs for your needs. Some of the choices include:

Everyday carry knives: SOG offers a wide range of everyday carry knives to suit different budgets and requirements. One of the models is the Targa, which has a premium Japanese stainless steel blade that measures 3.5 inches. This is a folding knife with a stainless steel handle and a tanto blade shape.

It is a slim, practical folder that goes well into every man’s pocket. However, it might be a bit too small for some people’s hands, or as one unhappy purchasing customer put it, there’s “not enough knife for the money.”

Industrial knives: If you are looking for a solid, insanely compact knife, this is the category to go for. The Cash Card is one of the innovative products in this range. This unusual folding knife is unique in terms of design, as it combines a knife and a money clip. It has a stainless steel blade that measures 2.75 inches.

Hunting knives: A solid, high quality knife is essential for hunting, and that’s exactly what you will get with SOG. One of the knives you can choose is the Quake XL, which is a powerful and versatile knife. Its VG10 Japanese steel blade measures 4.5 inches and the dual tone of the blade gives it a unique finish.

Outdoor knives: If you need a knife for outdoor activities, you can look forward to plenty of choice from SOG. This includes the Sideswipe, an EDC classic with a blade measuring 3.4 inches and made from stainless steel. The handle is made from contoured anodized aluminum and the knife is both robust and versatile.

The SideSwipe is fast deploying, solidly built, sharp and efficient. It can be sharpened easily and holds an edge like a champ. It is one of the best knives for everyday carry within this price range by SOG, but because the action is a bit stiff, it is not recommended for seniors’ hands.

Tactical knives: There are plenty of knife options available in this category, one of which is the Sogzilla. If you opt for the large Sogzilla, you can benefit from a high quality knife with a 3.8 inch blade made from stainless steel. This is a folding knife that measures 9.84 inches when open.

Whatever your needs, you should find the perfect product from amongst the knives available from SOG. You can also benefit from the reassurance that you are purchasing from a reputable and experience manufacturer.

5. Choosing Between the Two

 With both of these manufacturers offering plenty of choice as well as high quality, it can be difficult to choose between the two. The specifications of the knives will vary from one company to the other, so it is advisable to check out the knives in the most appropriate category with both manufacturers.

You should always look at pricing as well, which for you may be the determining factor between which company earns your business.  From a quality perspective, you can’t go wrong with either.