Two of the currently most popular knife brands are SOG and Benchmade who both have been making and selling their own unique knives for a few decades.
These knives have been skyrocketing in popularity over recent years and for good reason...
They make some of the most high-quality knives on the market which can suit a multitude of needs.
From military reproduction to everyday tools, their knives are very unique and admired by many knife enthusiasts.
Over the years however both Benchmade and SOG have made their knives distinct in their own ways with a few key differences between them.
So, keep reading to learn about what these differences are and the benefits of each to choose the one that suits you the best...
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- Mechanism: AXIS lock
- Blade Style: Drop-Point
- Handle: Storm Gray Grivory
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Benchmade Knives
First crafted in 1988 by the Benchmade Knife Company, Benchmade knives have gone on to become some of the most respectable and reputational knives in the industry.
Their reputation comes from their high quality, durability and overall craftsmanship.
The company was founded by Jim Shockey, a former US Marine Corps Officer who wanted to create a knife that could withstand rigorous military usage.
He began his work by designing a knife that he felt had the best balance between strength and weight.
This led him to develop the first "full-tang" folding knife, which became known as the "Buck'' which would go on to grow within the industry and gain popular recognition, with many variations of the knife soon following.
Benchmade knives are known for both their incredibly sturdy blades, and their ergonomic handles, which are made out of either carbon fiber or titanium.
The handle itself is often covered in leather or rubberized material to give it a comfortable grip and often feature a liner lock mechanism which allows the blade to be opened and closed easily.
This particular design has been copied by other companies, including Spyderco and Kershaw, although none of them have been able to match the popularity and top-notch quality of the original.
Benchmade are therefore known for their premium state-of-the-art technology that they achieve through high level investment, with the brand classing their blades through three categories:
OUR TOP PICK
Mostly sought out by wealthy collectors, while Benchmade gold class knives are made of state of the art materials including a pristine alloy steel blade and 24 karat gold coating, they are extremely expensive as a result.
While the durability of these knives is extremely high and very usable for the outdoors with their cutting ability being unmatched, they are often seen as antiques more than field equipment.
EDITORS CHOICE
Benchmade blue classes such as the Bugout variant are middle of the road in terms of rarity.
They are perfect for day to day activities thanks to their larger size, foldable design and premium stainless steel blades able to cut through the toughest of materials and with many having aluminum handles, they are great for handling in the outdoors too for when you need a reliable knife and don’t care as much about the limited edition finish.
BEST VALUE
Benchmade black class knives are a bit different to the previous two as while they too are of high quality material and come in various sizes, they are more suited to uniformed professionals (Military, police, public service etc.)
Black class knives like the Mini Griptilian are definitely effective though being equipped with a stainless steel blade and recognizable drop point design for excellent cutting and grivory textured handles for an incredible grip, however they are usually found to have a few more features and complexities than regular users actually need so while they can be bought by civilians and used outdoors or around the house, the blue class is more suited to this use.Pros of Benchmade Knives
- Blades lock up solidly, there is no motion side to side
- Made of material that’s tough, powerful, and corrosion-resistant
- Easy to open and lock
Cons of Benchmade Knives
- Some are made of textured handles that tend to grate your hands
SOG Knives
SOG Knives were originally created in 1975 by Robert W. Smith Sr. and Robert W. Smith Jr. Both men were avid outdoorsmen and hunters who enjoyed camping and hunting.
After spending countless hours perfecting their designs, they decided to start manufacturing their own line of knives.
They named this new brand of knives "SOG", which stands for Smith & Wesson Original.
In popular culture, SOG knives are known for their heavy usage in the Vietnam War, popular as both a survival weapon and a utility tool for any situation.
These knives quickly gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts due to their lightweight construction, ease of use, and ruggedness for a few years.
Today, SOG continues to produce its famous knives, but now offers several different models of knives ranging from pocketknives to machetes.
SOG knives are primarily for those looking for military sturdy knives that are of the highest quality and are incredibly durable.
They work great for casual outdoor use, but are also good tools for cutting and opening around the house, here are a few of the most popular SOG variants available today:
TOP PICK
Originally starting off as a slipjoint folding knife, the Terminus XR is the first knife in the SOG catalog to receive the XR lock.
Giving the blade incredible precision and a locking system that neatly tucks the blade away when not in use.
It is also equipped with a good finger scallop and flat spine with a blade sharp enough to pierce and slice nothing too demanding.
A knife that fits perfectly in the palm and feels great to slice with, the Terminus XR is one of SOG’s best products to date.
RUNNER UP
In contrast this knife is a huge fixed blade which may be a little pricier.
However it makes up for it with it’s incredibly durable and sharp blade that blew knife enthusiasts away when it was first displayed at the 2017 SHOT show.
With a 5 inch long blade fitted into a compact design.
This further shows the variation of SOG with all their products being made of refined steel which can be sure to cut through most things outdoors or to open any tricky cans or boxes.
Additionally, the handles and pillar are extremely durable and feel strong to use since they are made of full tang construction, along with a stylish kydex sheath with an adjustable low profile locking mount.
RUNNER UP
One thing SOG is known for is being multipurpose with many of their products and the Powerpoint is the perfect example of this.
Being 5 inches long and still being able to pack a whopping 18 tools into its interior including a set of pliers, scissors, serrated blades, bottle openers and even screwdrivers.
This doesn’t take anything away from the blades themselves, being made of stainless steel and being long enough to pierce and cut through weaker materials with ease.
The product even comes with a magnetic hex bit holder which you can use to customize the multitool loadout so you have exactly what you need at the ready.
With a weight of just 0.32 pounds and with its very short length of 5 inches, this is a perfect example of a top quality SOG knife that comes with all the variation and customisation you could hope for.
Pros of SOG Knives
- A high-grip textured and durable handle
- Purposeful design
- Powerful locking mechanism
Cons of SOG Knives
- With increased use, the screws can come off easily
What Are The Key Differences?
One of the major key differences between Benchmade and SOG knives is their materials.
While SOG knives tend to use AUS8 stainless steel which is still fairly sturdy.
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Benchmade knives are almost all exclusively made with high-end steel such as G10, aluminum and carbon fiber meaning they pack far more of a punch when used.
- Mechanism: AXIS lock
- Blade Style: Drop-Point
- Handle: Storm Gray Grivory
Another major difference between these two types of knives is their size.
Benchmade knives are generally smaller than SOG knives and range anywhere from 3 inches up to 10 inches long.
On the other hand...
SOG knives can vary greatly in length, some being as large as 18 inches.
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In addition, while SOG knives are usually made with a black finish.
Benchmade knives come in many different colors and finishes, which gives far greater options for customization if you want to personalize your knife.
Finally, another important difference between the two brands is their price.
Benchmade have often been the more expensive and premium brand.
- Mechanism: AXIS lock
- Blade Style: Drop-Point
- Handle: Storm Gray Grivory
However a creeping trend in recent years has seen SOG knives prices rising almost higher.
Because of the sheer variety of SOG knives however, you will always be able to find ones that are more reasonably priced than others so you will always be able to find an option that matches your preferred price point.
Benchmade on the other hand can often be a bit more expensive depending on what class category knife you choose with gold being the most premium and expensive and blue being the cheapest.
However this is still very worth it given the state-of-the-art materials making the blades extremely long-lasting.
Which Knife Should I Use?
While both brands are excellent choices for what they offer, deciding which particular knife to get really depends on your situation and what you want to use it for.
If you're planning on using it for everyday tasks, then a SOG would probably be best because they are easier to carry around and less likely to break or damage easily when using on troublesome locks or cans.
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However, if you plan on taking it into the wilderness where it's going to be exposed to extreme conditions, then a Benchmade might be a better choice.
If you enjoy camping, hunting and general outdoor activities regularly then the Benchmade is the more suitable knife to take given how light and easy to handle it is while also being ready for any problems or dangers you encounter in the wild.
It also has an extremely sharp edge, making it perfect for cutting through things like rope and vines, and the ideal utensil for outdoorsmen who enjoy hiking and backpacking.
SOG knives on the other hand are still excellent tools for the outdoors and are very durable.
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Although they aren't as well-designed for heavy-duty activities such as splitting wood.
They are also slightly bulkier and heavier than the Benchmade which can make them more troublesome to carry around.
SOG knives are often advertised as 'assisted opening' knives because they are primarily used for helping open some tricky boxes or cutting off some firm tape.
And so would be more suited to people looking for a personal utility knife to help them out around the house and occasionally outdoors casually, rather than an incredibly sturdy blade that will help their general survival skills outside.
Quality
They may differ in practicality, however both branded knives are still manufactured at top quality standards.
The Benchmade is produced by Benchmade Knives Inc., a company based in Utah, USA, while SOG knives have been produced by the same company since the early 1900s.
Both companies have been producing high-quality knives for at least a few decades now, so you can rest assured your knives are being made by industries that know very well what makes a good blade.
In terms of the quality of the steel, Benchmade knives often have a sturdier steel than SOG knives because of their premium quality.
- Mechanism: AXIS lock
- Blade Style: Drop-Point
- Handle: Storm Gray Grivory
This means that the blades are stronger but are also more brittle.
so they will not be as flexible as SOG knives which can fit into small cracks and be wiggled around easier.
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The grip also favors the Benchmade brand.
Their handles are usually thicker and wider, giving you more control and comfort when holding the knife, and are generally more ergonomic and comfortable to hold.
Some can contain textured handles which can grate the hands, however these are being rarer to find through time and gradually being replaced with more comforting grips.
The high quality of Benchmade knives also grants them a solid lock up system which shrinks the blade without even moving it side to side as most other flick knives would require you to do.
- Mechanism: AXIS lock
- Blade Style: Drop-Point
- Handle: Storm Gray Grivory
This is not to say SOG knives are much poorer quality than this, after all they are still one of the most reputable and premium brands alongside Benchmark and this is for good reason.
Many of them also have high grip textured handles that are durable along with excellent working lock mechanisms.
However most of these simply pale in comparison to the quality of their Benchmade counterpart.
Because of their more limited and less intense usage, SOG knives are also not expected to be as long-lasting as Benchmade knives and can sometimes come apart quite easily after continuous usage for a prolonged period.
Upgrade Potential
Luckily, if you buy either of these knives and after a few months or years want to upgrade them to something better, you can easily do so.
Benchmade has released many different models and designs over the years, including new versions of the classic folders like the Combat Commander (which is a great general-purpose folder), the BKLF (a folding tactical knife) and the BKD (an extremely versatile fixed blade).
These newer models can be purchased separately from the original model, or as part of a bundle with other accessories.
You can also get extra features added onto your knife like a lanyard hole, pocket clip and many more.
SOG's products are also constantly evolving and improving, so there are many options available such as the SOG M3 and the SOG Tanto which are both excellent choices.
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If you're looking for a more rugged and heavy-duty option though, then the SOG G2 series is probably the best on the market right now.
Fitted with a full tang design and a larger handle, making it perhaps the most optimal SOG knife for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Upgrading a knife can be important to make sure that your trusty tool does not become blunt and inefficient with consistent usage.
And while it can sometimes be expensive, it can be worth it to get your hands on premium knives that will help you out of any tricky situation.
So Which Is Better Benchmade Knives or SOG Knives?
All of the major knife companies and brands you can purchase from offer their own unique benefits...
SOG knives are great, reasonably priced tools that can assist in your everyday chores and last a long time doing it.
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They can also be great for some casual outdoor activities like camping, in case you feel you might need a tool to help you with setting up and some partial safety.
If it is more of an outdoor reliable knife you are looking for however that can handle some heavy duty, and you don't mind spending some money for the highest-grade materials out there...
...then it is definitely worth investing in a Benchmade knife that will keep you safe and happy wherever you may be in the wild.
- Mechanism: AXIS lock
- Blade Style: Drop-Point
- Handle: Storm Gray Grivory
I am an independent safety and survival expert and consultant. I have over 15+ years of experience working with corporations and individuals to help identify, remediate and prepare for threats and and disasters. I help clients understand risks and blog about my thoughts and techniques at DisasterShelters.net
Last update on 2024-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
