SOG TigerShark - A knife I dont need, but think I want.

[Syph007]

So... I normally am very practical, I dont buy fixed blade knives I wont use or have a good value to them...

But... Here is what happened.  I rewatched Lost, ( which I didnt like much the first time but second time through made a whole lot more sense ) and the Locke character carries this big friggin killer looking knife.  So I got to thinking .. hey what is that sucker.  So some googling around turns out its a SOG tiger shark. 

Now its hard to say this if for bushcraft as its really a fighting knife.  but I want it...   The model he used is last gen so its discounted online, about $130 from an MSRP of $225 or so. 

So the logical side of me says thats a silly waste of money... but the impulse side of me says just buy it, its fun.  I can use it for doing my knife throwing for choosing giveaways...

Here's a pic of the ebay auction... Im really wrestling with this one but maybe if I wait a bit the 'want' feeling will go away.  But every collection should have one large knife for some reason right.... 

[English333]

Buy it! But it now! I bought the Seal Pup for almost half off. I carry it on my belt. Everywhere I go. Never regretted it. 

[microbe]

I have the same feelings for the SOG Tech Bowie in black tini. Unfortunately it gets a scary markup in Europe... 
Go for it! It'll be fun!

[Syph007]

I have the same feelings for the SOG Tech Bowie in black tini. Unfortunately it gets a scary markup in Europe... 
Go for it! It'll be fun!

Oh thats a nice looking one too.  Thats actually much more practical than this monster, but I cant shake the feeling I 'need' it.  Now that I read more the even older version was japan made and more expensive.. so now I want that version.  They are much pricier though.

[microbe]

I have the same feelings for the SOG Tech Bowie in black tini. Unfortunately it gets a scary markup in Europe... 
Go for it! It'll be fun!

Oh thats a nice looking one too.  Thats actually much more practical than this monster, but I cant shake the feeling I 'need' it.  Now that I read more the even older version was japan made and more expensive.. so now I want that version.  They are much pricier though.

Why do I find myself on ebay now? 

[Breezy12]

So the logical side of me says thats a silly waste of money... but the impulse side of me says just buy it, its fun.

I had a similar internal debate recently over an ESEE 5... the knife is an absolute beast (it weighs a full 16 ounces without the sheath!), and is far bigger than what I need for my outdoor activities. according to the ESEE website, it was "Designed By Military SERE Instructors As A Hard-Use Downed Pilot’s Survival Knife" -- in other words, designed to be able to cut your way out of a downed plane, and still function as a survival knife afterwards. like I said, far more knife than I need for my activities.

but it looks great in my collection.

I plan on bringing it camping at least once this summer just to give it some actual use... can't wait to see the looks I get from the wife when I'm prepping firewood and/or dinner with it.

[Mr. Whippy]

It's weird.   The couple of SOG knives I handled, I got the inexplicable feeling that the steel wasn't at the level of a Spyderco or Benchmade.  It may not be real, but they seem to be very "lightweight" in my subjective experience.  I feel like I'm going to be forever needing to resharpen it.

[PTRSAK]

Here's a pic of the ebay auction... Im really wrestling with this one but maybe if I wait a bit the 'want' feeling will go away.  But every collection should have one large knife for some reason right.... 

Mate, you posted in the WRONG place if you're really hoping for someone to help talk you down...

[Syph007]

It's weird.   The couple of SOG knives I handled, I got the inexplicable feeling that the steel wasn't at the level of a Spyderco or Benchmade.  It may not be real, but they seem to be very "lightweight" in my subjective experience.  I feel like I'm going to be forever needing to resharpen it.

It depends greatly on the model.  The SOGs I have now are all Japanese made blades and outstanding.  They have cheaper china steel vesions too, and some middle of the ground Taiwan versions. 


Heres the japanese made version of the tiger shark.  Double the price of the made in Taiwan version.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SOG-Tigershark-TS-100MK-discontinue-model-SEKI-JAPAN-never-used-/151305543384?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item233a835ed8

For actual use Im still a Fallkniven fan for survival knives, the big SOG blade is just for fun.  I think really I just want to do another giveaway and use this monster to choose. Looking for any excuse i guess. 

[Syph007]

I have the same feelings for the SOG Tech Bowie in black tini. Unfortunately it gets a scary markup in Europe... 
Go for it! It'll be fun!

Oh thats a nice looking one too.  Thats actually much more practical than this monster, but I cant shake the feeling I 'need' it.  Now that I read more the even older version was japan made and more expensive.. so now I want that version.  They are much pricier though.

Why do I find myself on ebay now? 

For whatever reason amazon canada carries most SOGs and at a not too bad price.  If its close to an ebay price for me I will usually just buy from them as its fast and free shipping.

That tech bowie is making it on my wants list now too. 

http://www.amazon.ca/SOG-Specialty-Knives-Tools-S10B-K/dp/B000IYFFC6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400536084&sr=8-1&keywords=sog+tech+bowie

[Raukodur]

One of the bigger disappointments of Lost, John Locke's story and its ending.

[nate j]

I have one or two Japanese-made SOGs, and while they are fine knives, I thought they were kind of expensive for what they were then.  I've handled some of the Taiwanese-made ones; it feels like they dropped the quality without changing the price, and I have no desire for them.  (This is probably as close as anyone is going to come to trying to talk you out of it, so...)

[zoidberg]

If you have money to burn then go for it. Personally I wouldn't though.

The AUS8 from Cold Steel and SOG that I've used has been mostly bin worthy.

And I certainly wouldn't throw it unless you want to be giving away a broken knife.

[RT1969]

If you want a 'bad' Bowie in a higher quality:
German Bowie Knife - Tactical
I am not sure you can buy it readily west of the Atlantic, though.

If this is not 'killer looking' enough:
German Tactical Knife

There are some reviews, but so far I only found some in german.
Don't say we didn't care for you! 

[ducttapetech]

if that tigershark is made in Japan, it might have a VG10 blade. Very tough blade and holds an edge forever.

live from Nate's mobile

[zoidberg]

if that tigershark is made in Japan, it might have a VG10 blade. Very tough blade and holds an edge forever.

live from Nate's mobile

I read they went from SK5 to AUS6 to AUS8. Never read of a VG10 Tigershark. I get the SOG looks sweet, sure.

However if I was looking for another fixed blade it would be towards something more like the BK5, BK7 or BK9 Becker.

[Syph007]

if that tigershark is made in Japan, it might have a VG10 blade. Very tough blade and holds an edge forever.

live from Nate's mobile

I read they went from SK5 to AUS6 to AUS8. Never read of a VG10 Tigershark. I get the SOG looks sweet, sure.

However if I was looking for another fixed blade it would be towards something more like the BK5, BK7 or BK9 Becker.

Yep those are all good value for money blades.  For actual use I dont like non stainless blades or coated blades.  Which is why I dont buy ESEE, though I do have an izula.  I have a Fallkniven A1 which is my favorite big blade, and I have an F1 on the way just because I like the series.  They are both VG10. 

I dont even like combo blades so buying a tigershark is not for a practical reason.  I just wanted a big thrower.  So really the quality isnt so important I suppose if I think of it that way.  I would never take it into the woods, its purely used for fighting polar bears, smoke monsters and the others. 

Maybe I should just buy the cheapo big knife he used in season 1 (tiger shark was season 2 on).  They are $17! That must be super good....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271280095105?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[zoidberg]

Every Cold Steel and SOG knife made with AUS8 that I have throw has broken the tip off. Way too easily. Just saying.

[RT1969]

Maybe I should just buy the cheapo big knife he used in season 1 (tiger shark was season 2 on).  They are $17! That must be super good....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271280095105?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I did not know they put fish scalers on fixed blades. 

And I don't think a Bowie could withstand throwing, no matter what steel it is.

[Syph007]

Ya you're right, the bowie design leaves a pretty slender tip.  Hmm... Im running out of reasons to buy one then... Which is probably for the best, but I still like the look of that black tech bowie now though.  Its closer to a knife Id actually buy and use since its not a combo edge and same size/style as the SOG bowie the company produced for the military way back when.

[ducttapetech]

if that tigershark is made in Japan, it might have a VG10 blade. Very tough blade and holds an edge forever.

live from Nate's mobile

I read they went from SK5 to AUS6 to AUS8. Never read of a VG10 Tigershark. I get the SOG looks sweet, sure.

However if I was looking for another fixed blade it would be towards something more like the BK5, BK7 or BK9 Becker.

Not sure if they are VG10. A lot of there folders that come out of Japan tend to be VG10 and the F&F is balls on.

live from Nate's mobile

[zoidberg]

Ya you're right, the bowie design leaves a pretty slender tip.  Hmm... Im running out of reasons to buy one then... Which is probably for the best, but I still like the look of that black tech bowie now though.  Its closer to a knife Id actually buy and use since its not a combo edge and same size/style as the SOG bowie the company produced for the military way back when.

I've abused the heck out of the Kabar Large Bowie and Svord Von Tempsky Bowie without issue.

At the end of the day if a knife appeals to you then go for it. And post lots of pics.

If I had polar bears and smoke monsters to slay I would very much like to have a SOG styled bowie handy.

[Swiss Man]

Voice of logic "If you are debating about buying it, you don't really want or need it."



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[derekmac]

http://www.amazon.ca/SOG-Specialty-Knives-FG01-L-Straight/dp/B004NHM85G/ref=sr_1_134?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1400598881&sr=1-134&keywords=sog   

[Syph007]

http://www.amazon.ca/SOG-Specialty-Knives-FG01-L-Straight/dp/B004NHM85G/ref=sr_1_134?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1400598881&sr=1-134&keywords=sog   

Neat one... I think I talked myself out of the tiger shark now, but talked myself into that tech bowie... its pretty with classic lines in updated materials.  I was never a fan of stacked leather handles of the older classic ones, so this one is really wanting a new home with me....



Thanks Microbe! 

[Syph007]

Well after reading another review of the tigershark I'm back to wanting that now.  Well written reviews sell me better than any commercial.  Do marketing poeple know that?

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/638244-A-Tigershark-Elite-In-The-Woods

The thing is so big a SOG powerlock can fit in the sheath pocket!   I think Id slip a smaller tool in there though and a sharpener and firesteel.



I wonder if this is how my wife feels when she cant figure out what shoes to buy? 

[jzmtl]

Pss, amazon.ca has additional 15% off on all SOG knives right now. 

They do have the cool looking part down pat, but the big knives aren't all that practical. I had an aus6 seal 2000 but got rid of it. Then again, how many of us really use these anyway.

[ducttapetech]

Pss, amazon.ca has additional 15% off on all SOG knives right now. 

They do have the cool looking part down pat, but the big knives aren't all that practical. I had an aus6 seal 2000 but got rid of it. Then again, how many of us really use these anyway.

That reminds me!! Some of the Moraknivs on Amazon have a promo when you order one. Like $10 off when you order it. Or atleast they where doing that a few days ago.

live from Nate's mobile

[Syph007]

Pss, amazon.ca has additional 15% off on all SOG knives right now. 

They do have the cool looking part down pat, but the big knives aren't all that practical. I had an aus6 seal 2000 but got rid of it. Then again, how many of us really use these anyway.

Most of my knife and tool collection is practical, so a few just for fun is ok by me.  Its not like its one of those decorative swords from movies things that would break if you used it at least.

I found a cheaper deal on a tiger shark, but then a bill came up for cerakote on liners I had to pay, so Im holding off until I get some more cash.  I dont have any bowie type knives in my collection so that black tech bowie is really speaking to me.. it wants a new home.  It wants to explain to my wife why it needed to come home with me.

[Syph007]

I made the decision that if I just buy a tiger shark it removes this awful should I or shouldnt I dilemma. So I have one coming.   

$110 on ebay was a fine price... now what will I do with it?  Dunno, but at least I dont have to keep wondering if I should buy it... phew...