The Martialist: The Magazine For Those Who Fight Unfairly

“Stay ‘unreasonable.’  If you
don’t like the solutions [available to you], come up with your
own.” 
Dan Webre

The Martialist does not
constitute legal advice.  It is for ENTERTAINMENT
PURPOSES ONLY.

Copyright © 2003-2004 Phil Elmore, all rights
reserved.

SOG X-Ray Vision

A Product Review by Phil Elmore

What’s small, round, and strong enough to take over 1,000
pounds of force?  According to laboratory tests at
SOG Speciality Knives,
it’s the patented Arc-lock.  As of this writing, my latest folder from
SOG is the Arc-lock-equipped X-Ray Vision, which has proven to be an excellent
tactical folder.

My latest SOG folder, the X-Ray Vision.

The X-Ray Vision is a little under 8 and a half inches
overall with a 3.75″ blade of bead-blasted ATS-34 steel.  The
Americanized-tanto blade is partially serrated.  The edge is ground on
both sides (except for the serrations) and was extremely sharp out of the box.

The excellent SOG X-Ray Vision in profile.

I’m picky about thumb ramp serrations.  Many are too
shallow or too rounded to provide good purchase for the thumb.  The X-Ray
Vision’s thumb ramp has precisely cut triangular grooves that, while a little
small, feel good and grab the pad of the thumb.

Thumb ramp serrations on the X-Ray Vision are pretty
good.

The textured Zytel handle is comfortable and affords decent
traction.  A nicely rounded groove for the index finger serves as a
minimal integral guard.  There’s a lanyard hole in the butt just to the
rear of the pocket clip recess.

The X-Ray Vision is configured for tip-up carry only. 
The skeletonized clip has good tension, works well, and can be reversed for
left-hand use.  Curiously, it is secured with one large and two small
screws. 

The knife is configured for tip-up carry only.

The knife carried in the author’s pocket.

The knife opens smoothly and clicks quietly as it locks in
place.  The Arc-lock disengages easily – and the blade will immediately
fall closed if you’re not careful.  This is not a problem, as your
fingers need not obstruct the path of the blade when releasing the lock. 
It can lead to injury if you’re not aware of it when you close the knife the
first time, however.  The ambidextrous thumb studs are a little small and
almost rudimentary, but they work fine.

Thumb studs are small but functional.

The aggressive tanto shape of the X-Ray Vision’s blade puts
the tip towards the center, making it a good thrusting tool.  It doesn’t
have any curved belly, but the secondary point is good for scoring and tends
to grab and cut as the knife is used for hacking movements.  My X-Ray
Vision bit fairly deeply into my cardboard tester and cut easily through
plastic bottles.  The incredibly sharp edge also made quick work of my
large volumes of mail and packages.

The knife cut several bottles as if they weren’t
there.

The aggressive tanto blade thrusts well.

The X-Ray Vision penetrated well in cardboard.

Overall, the SOG X-Ray Vision is a great daily carry knife. 
It’s a good size (it also has a smaller sibling, the Mini X-Ray Vision), cuts
well, functions competently, and feels great.

Any company that consistently turns out
folders like this deserves your consideration.