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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.