History of the SOG brand

Spencer Fraser is known today to all lovers and connoisseurs of the art of creating special tactical knives. And it all started quite simply - with Fraser's fascination with equipment, soldiers' equipment, and weapons from the Vietnam War. He became interested in axes and knives earlier when he was a Boy Scout. However, the childhood hobby only remained a hobby at first. Fraser graduated from the University of Los Angeles with a degree in mathematics, and then became interested in professional audio devices, opening his own office to produce audio systems and loudspeakers. Then he got into the research department of the aerospace corporation Northrop-Grumman, where he participated in the development of the famous stealth bomber "Stealth". And then he became interested in design, having studied with famous masters.

The first knife that started the Spencer Fraser collection and the whole company was once designed for MACV-SOG special forces, which performed special missions in hot spots.

The history of this knife is very interesting. The Military Assistance Command Vietnam - Studies and Observation Group units, also known as MACV-SOG, were formed by the United States in 1964 during the Vietnam crisis. The task of the units was to carry out covert operations in South China, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The means to achieve the goals of the special forces units were limited. If any unit failed, the US Department of Defense would deny any connection with it. Therefore, all MACV-SOG equipment was not manufactured by American equipment manufacturers. It was Swedish, Belgian, and even Soviet firearms. The experience and opinions of SOG fighters were always considered. If it was not possible to find suitable equipment to perform the tasks, it was designed, and its necessary elements were ordered from Japanese enterprises. This is how special types of machetes, knives, backpacks, and capes appeared.

SOG knives went through many tests before finding their final form, which we see now. So, in the process of "operation" the wooden handles were replaced with folding leather ones, as the wood rubbed calluses on the palms of the fighters, and notches were made on the handle for the fingers so that the knife was easy to hold in the hand. The handle of the knife acquired such a shape that the blade could be easily pulled out if it got stuck in the target after a hit. Initially, two modifications of the knife were created with different blade lengths (7 and 6 inches). The production of the knife was ordered from the Japanese company Yogi Shokai Trading Co.

It must be said that very few original knives have survived to this day - most of them have either become unusable (extremely unfavorable operating conditions) or have been lost. These knives are highly valued by collectors. Today, the cost of "surviving" copies varies from two and a half to five thousand US dollars.

Fraser, who collected weapons, equipment and uniforms from the Vietnam War, was fascinated by a copy of the knife that came into his possession. And then the idea was born to recreate the legendary blade.

First, Spencer turned to Randall Knives, which was engaged in the production of the same type of knives, to which the SOG knife belonged. The company's specialists named the period of three years necessary to launch a new model into production. It was too long. Then he went to Japan, the homeland of his knife. And it was then that the history of the SOG company, created to produce a single model of knife, was laid.

SOG knives began to be sold, but sales were extremely low due to the high price - up to $ 189 per piece. It was necessary to do something to maintain the development of the company, and Fraser decided to develop new models of knives that would be in great demand not only among the military. Spencer Fraser believes that the basis of the success of the company and his knives is their design. He considers each knife as a living being, and the main task of the designer is to find a harmonious shape of the blade, which is often a more difficult task than developing the technical embodiment of the artist's idea.

But another component of success is also very important - materials and technologies. The knife must perfectly fulfill its direct duties, and for this the most modern solutions and equipment are needed. An example of a successful combination of design and practicality is the developed camouflage "tiger" coating of blades based on titanium nitride. It not only looks impressive, but is also one of the most durable and durable coatings.

SOG knives are a whole range of different models for different purposes, both "historically" reproducing the legendary special forces knives, and modern, tourist and for everyday wear, for hunters and travelers, folding knives and sets of necessary tools. The company's specialists have developed several original technical innovations, such as the patented S.A.T. (SOG Assisted Technology) knife quick-opening system or Arc-Lock and Arc-Actuator locks. In addition, the company's product range includes original hatchets, saws, shovels, machetes, and tomahawks.