I like folding knives and have a few, but sometimes what I really want is a fixed-blade knife. A folding knife is nice to have for finer work, but if I'm camping, hiking, or doing chores I often need something more heavy duty.
I was on a jobsite a few years ago and one contractor had a knife similar to this one on the back of his belt. He used it for a bunch of stuff-- cutting up boxes, opening packages, all sorts of little odd jobs. It occurred to me that a small knife like this is perfect as a sort of heavy-duty utility knife. I don't know what brand his was but I browsed around and found this.
I like the fact that this is a full tang knife. It feels really solid, and while I wouldn't want to try to split a log with it, I have easily used it to split smaller pieces of wood into kindling. It's also a good choice for cutting away stray creepers or brambles, or for shaving twigs into fire sticks. I keep it very sharp and it will slice through rope and cordage quickly and cleanly. I haven't used it for food prep in the field but I bet it would do that as well, though it's a little small to be doing much dicing.
The clip holds the sheath very securely on my belt and it's repositionable so I can orient it for either side of my body. The sheath holds the knife securely as well. There are no rattles even when hiking and it takes a reasonable- but not excessive- amount of effort to pull the knife out. It is easy to grip even with wet hands, and the finger reliefs prevent it from slipping.
This is a perfect knife for a hiking pack, or an excellent backup for a larger camp knife. It's smaller and more convenient than a large fixed-blade knife but stronger than most folders. That means that you're more likely to have it with you even when you're tempted to leave your heavy kit at the campsite, in the car, or back home.
As an aside, this knife is 100% legal to carry in my area, though I'm well aware that it may look a bit too "tactical" for people to feel at ease with it. Ironically, my Swiss Army knife has a blade that is about the same length as this one but nobody bats an eye when I carry it. Ditto my vintage 2-blade jackknife, which looks like something a grandfather would use to whittle branches but is extremely sharp with a keen point. Out of those three, this knife will be the only one that will draw a second glance. For this reason, I'll mention that the small size gives you another advantage-- discretion. I can tuck this knife in a small pocket on one of my hiking packs and forget about it until I need it, and I won't raise any eyebrows.
| Recommended Uses For Product | Hunting |
|---|---|
| Brand | SOG |
| Model Name | SOGNB1012CP |
| Special Feature | Adjustable |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Included Components | Instinct Satin Black G-10 |
| Handle Material | Fiberglass |
| Color | BLACK |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | Instinct - 5.9 Inches |
| Blade Length | 2 Inches |
| Power Source | AC/DC |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Item Weight | 2.24 ounces |
| Blade Shape | Clip Point |
| Blade Edge | Straight |
| Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Item Length | 10 Inches |
| Manufacturer | SOG Specialty Knives & Tools |
| Part Number | NB1012-CP |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | NB1012-CP |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 4in. x 1in. x 8.5in. |
| Material | Synthetic |
| Pattern | Knife |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 5 |
| Special Features | Adjustable |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Manufacturer Warranty |
