Recommended Uses For Product | Military,Outdoor,Camping |
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Brand | SOG |
Model Name | 4004918 |
Special Feature | Non-slip |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Handle Material | Glass Reinforced Nylon |
Color | Black |
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Style | SEAL Pup Elite - 4.85 Inch Black TiNi Blade |
Blade Length | 4.85 Inches |
Power Source | AC/DC |
Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
Item Weight | 12.2 Ounces |
Blade Shape | Drop Point |
Blade Edge | Hollow |
Package Type | Standard Packaging |
Item Length | 8 Inches |
Manufacturer | SOG Specialty Knives & Tools |
Part Number | E37SN-CP |
Item Weight | 12.2 ounces |
Item model number | E37SN-CP |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Material | Blend |
Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Number Of Pieces | 5 |
Special Features | Non-slip |
Batteries Included? | No |
Batteries Required? | No |
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SOG Fixed Blade Knives with Sheath - SEAL Pup Elite Survival Knife, Hunting Knife w/ 4.85 Inch AUS-8 Bowie Knife Blade for a Tactical Knife (E37SN-CP)
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
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Purchase options and add-ons
Recommended Uses For Product | Military,Outdoor,Camping |
Brand | SOG |
Model Name | 4004918 |
Special Feature | Non-slip |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Handle Material | Glass Reinforced Nylon |
Color | Black |
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Style | SEAL Pup Elite - 4.85 Inch Black TiNi Blade |
Blade Length | 4.85 Inches |
About this item
- 4.85 INCH BLACK TINI AUS-8 SHARP KNIFE BLADE: The SEAL Pup Elite outdoor knife is a perfectly balanced camping knife, hiking knife & belt knife w/ sheath; measures 9 inches overall length
- 5.4 OUNCE WT. W/ GRN HANDLE: This stainless fixed blade military knife includes a nearly indestructible field knife handle; glass-reinforced nylon offers great grip w/ zero maintenance
- MOLLE-COMPATIBLE SHEATH ATTACHMENT: Easily carry this versatile rescue knife, back pack knife, bushcraft knife and Bowie knife with the nylon MOLLE knife sheath
- FULL TANG & TITANIUM NITRIDE-COATED: SOG’s cryogenic heat treatment hardens steel at the atomic level for stronger steel than most fixed blade knives
- A SOG KNIFE FOR LIFE: Take care of your tactical knife and we’ll take care of you; SOG fixed blade hunting knives are built to last, and we consider all repair and replacement requests
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From the manufacturer
SPINE RASP: Notch and file easily with the Pup’s tip-to-jimp spine rasp. Spine Rasp: Notch and file easily with the Pup’s tip-to-jimp spine rasp.
Field Notes:
"I wouldn’t give it up without a fight."
Power features:
- Feels good in the hand
- Full-tang construction
- Tight, compact design
Other Knife Makers Can Pound Sand
A SOG Knife Can Save Your Life
Trust the SOG Seal Pup Elite tactical fixed blade knife to get you through the suck. SOG, based in Seattle, WA, created this knife to serve spec ops, ex-gunny grandpops and any warrior in between.
- 4.85” AUS-8 STAINLESS STEEL BLADE: At 9.5” in overall length, the SOG Seal Pup Elite is a perfectly balanced survival knife
- 5.4 OZ. WT. W/ GRN HANDLE: High-impact nylon offers great grip with zero maintenance; a nearly indestructible and super-lightweight material
- HARDCASED BLACK TITANIUM NITRIDE: The SOG blade is a stainless steel chilled to -300°F then heated for max hardening
- MOLLE-COMPATIBLE SHEATH: Wear it on your belt or attach to packs and gear
- SOG COMMITMENT: Take care of your knives and we’ll take care of you; SOG tools are built to last, and we’re committed to making sure they do
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BORN + BASED IN THE USASOG STRONG. SOG, short for MACV-SOG, is a U.S. tool and knife company founded in 1986 and named in honor of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group, a spec ops outfit that valued quick, quiet solutions. SOG SUPPORT. Our knives and tools are built to last, and we always stand ready to assist you when needed. |
U.S. DESIGN + QUALITY CONTROLSOG STEEL. Your SOG Seal Pup Elite fixed blade is crafted in hardcased black titanium nitride-coated AUS-8 stainless steel and hardened using our cryogenic heat treatment; the steel is lowered to -300°F then brought to room temp to relieve blade stress at the atomic level, thereby increasing edge retention and hardness. SOG STRAIGHT EDGE. The Seal Pup Elite features a longer blade for quick, clean edge cuts and a clip-point design for better piercing-style cuts that would make Jim Bowie proud. On top, the Pup carries a rasp along its spine for additional notching and filing utility. |
CONTENTS
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Seal Pup Elite (E37SN-CP) | SEAL Pup (M37N-CP) | SEAL Pup (M37K) | Seal Pup Elite (E37T-K) | SEAL Pup Elite (E37N-CP) | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars
1,346
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4.7 out of 5 stars
1,563
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
440
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
1,346
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4.7 out of 5 stars
1,346
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Overall Length | 9.5" | 9" | 9" | 9.5" | 9.5" |
Blade Length | 4.85" | 4.75" | 4.75" | 4.85" | 4.85" |
Weight | 5.4 oz. | 5.4 oz. | 5.4 oz. | 5.4 oz. | 5.4 oz. |
Steel Type | AUS-8 | AUS-8 | AUS-8 | AUS-8 | AUS-8 |
Handle Type | Glass-Reinforced Nylon | Glass-Reinforced Nylon | Glass-Reinforced Nylon | Glass-Reinforced Nylon | Glass-Reinforced Nylon |
Blade Shape | Clip Point | Clip Point | Clip Point | Clip Point | Clip Point |
Finish | Hardcased Black TiNi | Powder Coated | Powder Coated | Hardcased Black TiNi | Satin Polished |
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B001C2LGPI |
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Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #81,463 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors) #84 in Camping Fixed-Blade Knives #424 in Hunting & Tactical Knives & Tools |
Date First Available | December 12, 2008 |
Warranty & Support
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Honest review SOG seal pup fixed blade knife
Eddie Hanson
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Product Description
Much like SEALs themselves, the SOG SEAL Pup Elite fixed blade knife is designed to perform with precision in any situation, in any environment. The partially serrated full-tang 4.85” Bowie-style blade is crafted in cryogenically hardened AUS-8 stainless steel and sunk to the heel in a glass-reinforced nylon grip designed not to slip. SOG includes a MOLLE-compatible sheath for versatile portability.
Important information
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, ease of sharpening, fit, value, and weight of the hunting knife. For example, they mention that it's well made, the blade is trés sharp, and easy to sharpen. That said, some appreciate the weight and say it'll fit in their hand well.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the knife. They say it is reliable, sturdy, and well-made. Customers also say the quality is not cheap, it is very widely used in quality knives, and is robust enough to do multiple jobs with ease. The blade is decent and the steel is a great AUS-8. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and durability of the product.
"...Made from a very firm poly like substance that affords great grip and it is not at all soft or rubbery but rather very firm, hard even...." Read more
"...knife that requires little maintenance, is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, and has among the best sheaths out there, this is the knife for..." Read more
"...SHARP & DURABLE - Mine came sharp enough to shave with right out of the box (honestly, I did it - I'll post a pic), as well as easily slice through..." Read more
"...The knurling in the handle and it's materials holds up well and I didn't encounter any problems with the skin-slime from my chicken test; which is..." Read more
Customers find the blade of the knife easy to sharpen. They say it's thinner and retains its sharpness. The blade has a nice, smooth surface finish and re-sharpens easily. Customers also mention that the edge has s mirror finish and is paper slicing sharp.
"...just the right size for an average male hand with a nice amount of contouring for fingers...." Read more
"...the box (honestly, I did it - I'll post a pic), as well as easily slice through paper without tearing it. That classifies as razor sharp in my book!..." Read more
"...The edge is straight and consistently sharp along it from tip to heel. I don't intend to shave with this knife. :)..." Read more
"...It arrives razor sharp from the factory and is made of AUS 8 steel, which is a good Japanese-made high-carbon steel...." Read more
Customers like the fit of the knife. They mention that the blade is very sharp and sized perfectly. The knife is convenient and just the right size for an average male hand. The material is strong and it fits their hand well. The fit & finish are excellent. The size allows it a unique versatility, allowing to be used from everything from blunt-force. Overall, it is a solid knife with right size.
"...Handle: Good ergonomics, just the right size for an average male hand with a nice amount of contouring for fingers...." Read more
"...and belt loop removed, this sheath is crazy stealth - lighter and more compact than pretty much any other survival knife OEM sheath out there and..." Read more
"...(protective blade coating), the ergonomics are excellent, fit & finish are excellent. The metal sheath is excellent & primo for safety & security...." Read more
"...This is one of those knives that will do a lot! It's small and light enough to easily add to a rig yet robust enough to do multiple jobs with ease...." Read more
Customers like the weight of the hunting knife. They say it is a hefty knife without being heavy. They also say the weight is balanced and comfortable. Customers also say that the size and weight are good for survival, hunting, and carving. They mention that it is the ideal knife for backpacking, hiking, hunting and survival.
"...Good heft but lightweight enough for EDC or hiking/ hunting in areas where your overall weight is a concern...." Read more
"...---PROS:---LIGHTWEIGHT - After months of searching for a lightweight, solid, fixed-blade for backpacking, I finally decided on the SOG..." Read more
"...The balance of the knife is incredible. The weight is perfect for me...." Read more
"...I like the fact that this knife is full tang, yet still lightweight, and the sheath has many mounting options...." Read more
Customers like the value of the sporting goods. They mention it's a great product, has good steel for the price, and is worth it.
"...Overall tremendous value, I say buy one. ( I paid about $55 but would consider it a good value up to about twice that )" Read more
"...Also, the SOG sheath alone is worth the difference in price...." Read more
"...widely used in quality knives and gets you a great knife at a reasonable price point...." Read more
"...camping knife, something that was easy to carry, and had good steel for the the price, could process wood and is easy to maintain...." Read more
Customers like the grip of the knife. They mention it has an impressive grippiness to it considering how slick it is. The grip texture is solid and comfortable, and it holds the knife tightly. The handle is easy to grip with wet or sweaty hands, and doesn't require big hands. The nylon sheath holds it in pretty securely, and the velcro/snap strap holds the blade securely. The knife rides nicely on the belt and has a slimmer profile, reducing the chances of getting snatched.
"...Made from a very firm poly like substance that affords great grip and it is not at all soft or rubbery but rather very firm, hard even...." Read more
"...I could do describing it, but overall just know that it has an impressive grippiness to it considering how slick untextured Zytel is...." Read more
"...The handle is very grippy and has comfortable finger grooves. I was surprised at how thin the handle is...." Read more
"...Just be careful when the sheath is new. The velcro/snap strap holds the knife securely.I wouldn't hesitate to buy another." Read more
Customers like the comfort of the product. They mention that it feels really good in the hand, the ergonomics are excellent, and it would be very comfortable for multi-day carry. They also appreciate its manageable size, feel and function. The handle is not soft or rubbery, and is very positive to the touch.
"...firm poly like substance that affords great grip and it is not at all soft or rubbery but rather very firm, hard even...." Read more
"...want an all-around great knife that requires little maintenance, is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, and has among the best sheaths out there..." Read more
"...The knife's handle is comfortable for my hands. The balance of the knife is incredible. The weight is perfect for me...." Read more
"...I like the nylon because it is quieter on the draw, hangs more comfortably (for me) off the belt, and has a pocket for a sharpening stone or other..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the balance of the knife. They mention that it has an excellent grip, and feels balanced. Some say that the knife is well-balanced with the mid point just behind the hilt. Overall, most are happy with the quality and performance of this sharp and sturdy hunting knife.
"...The knife's handle is comfortable for my hands. The balance of the knife is incredible. The weight is perfect for me...." Read more
"...Damn what a piece of steel this is!The balance is right, the blade is waaaaay sharp, and has a nice extra for me...." Read more
"...It's beauty, balance, comfort and cutting power all combine to make it one of my favorite camping/survival blades available...." Read more
"The knife is sharp, strong, and feels balanced." Read more
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Blade: Very sharp and while I've not tortured mine seems very strong. Certainly thicker than you would expect which gives you some confidence in its structural integrity. Satin blade model has a gorgeous sheen to the blade with no visible flaws in the edge or finish at all.
Handle: Good ergonomics, just the right size for an average male hand with a nice amount of contouring for fingers. Made from a very firm poly like substance that affords great grip and it is not at all soft or rubbery but rather very firm, hard even. Nice deep checkering to add to the grip. If used for field dressing or as a weapon a firm grip should be possible even in excessive amounts of blood. (hardwood or bone handles are extremely difficult to keep gripped when your hand is blood soaked).
Sheath: Ballistic Nylon with a molded plastic insert make for a very nice packable or wearbale sheath. Rigged to be worn in vertical, horizontal, or inverted carry you get a lot of options. Holds the knife in securely enough that I would say it is jump grade. Accessory pouch is large enough to hold a full size handgun magazine no problem. ( can fit a loaded Glock 17 mag). Should easily have room for a leatherman or other small pocket tool as well.
Overall tremendous value, I say buy one. ( I paid about $55 but would consider it a good value up to about twice that )
If you are looking for the best survival knife for the money and are looking to stay below $40, then the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Carbon Steel Blade, Military Green, 4.1-Inch , with Carbon Steel, is impossible to beat. There is no better knife for the money.
The SOG Seal Pup Elite outclasses that knife, but for double the price. The Seal Pup Elite is full tang (the Mora is not), and is a bit more heavy duty. Also, the SOG sheath alone is worth the difference in price. The sheath that comes with the Seal Pup Elite (as well as SOG's other knives in this line, such as the Seal Team Elite) is heavy duty ballistic nylon with a pouch you can use for various items. I put the DMT FWFC Double Sided Diafold Sharpener Fine / Coarse in mine, hands down the best field sharpener. I wouldn't trust that Smith's pocket pal, I don't understand why it is rated so highly on Amazon. I bought it and it only sharpens from "Dull" to "Barely Functional", not up to the standards set by other field sharpeners.
If you are looking for something you can beat the tar out of while staying under $100, then there is only one knife to consider: Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife . Unless you are willing to spend over $200, then there is no reason to look anywhere else. Even then, you will be hard-pressed to find a stronger knife. However, it is HEAVY. The Seal Pup is 5.4oz. The Becker BK2 is 16oz! You can certainly baton wood with the Seal Pup Elite and it'll hold up, but it won't handle it with the authority that the Becker will. The becker is a full pound hunk of 1095 steel, with a blade about an inch longer and is .25" thick.
The Seal Pup Elite uses AUS-8 Steel. I love this steel. Perhaps 1095 carbon is a bit stronger (the Becker BK2 and the Esee 6 have 1095 carbon), but the AUS-8 requires much less maintenance in the field and can handle almost any survival task you ask it to. It also takes a new edge VERY easily. 10 minutes on the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker and this thing will be shaving hair off your arms like new.
If you are looking in the $40-$80 range and want an all-around great knife that requires little maintenance, is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, and has among the best sheaths out there, this is the knife for you. If you don't mind tripling the weight and carrying a small bottle of mineral oil with you, and plan on chopping down a small tree and breaking it into little pieces, then look at the Becker BK2. If you decide to forego budgets and want to get something that gets the best of both worlds, check out the ESEE 6P-B Fixed Blade Knife . It is 2 inches longer and a beast in the field, and a beast on your wallet.
12 & 1/4" sheathed (with belt loop and retainer plate)
10" sheathed (without belt loop and retainer plate)
9 & 3/8" knife Overall
4 & 13/16" exposed blade
4 & 1/4" sharpened blade
3/16" blade thickness
5.7oz knife
1.3oz Kydex sheath (without belt loop and retainer plate)
---PROS:---
LIGHTWEIGHT - After months of searching for a lightweight, solid, fixed-blade for backpacking, I finally decided on the SOG Seal Pup Elite with Kydex Sheath, mainly for it's compact 9 & 3/8" overall length and an incredibly lightweight 5.7oz. Since I plan on lashing the knife to my pack (and because it fits so securely in the sheath) I've removed the belt-loop and retainer plate from the sheath, leaving me with a total mounted weight of 7.0oz! Backpackers rejoice!
SHARP & DURABLE - Mine came sharp enough to shave with right out of the box (honestly, I did it - I'll post a pic), as well as easily slice through paper without tearing it. That classifies as razor sharp in my book! Not to mention the serrations, which cut me right out of the box after little more than a light brush alongside them. To the reviewer who said "looks awsome [sic] but is dull..." I ask, "Have you even handled this knife?" It is DEFINITELY NOT dull out of the box. But even if it were, so what?! All knives need to be sharpened from time to time, and yes, sometimes out of the box; you wouldn't throw a $160 knife away just because it dulled would you? You're not paying for a sharp sharp blade, you're paying for a well designed, high quality blade YOU keep sharp. With the Seal Pup Elite and it's AUS-8 steel specially cryogenic treated by SOG, you're getting proven steel with excellent edge holding capability.
The edge itself features SOG's original Bowie design with plenty of belly, distributing the workload along the long, sweeping edge. The blade's starts at 3/16" thick, making it nearly indestructible; I've jammed this knife tip-first into hardwood over and over again and so far the tip is just fine. I've used it to chip down 2" diameter branches and baton 4" thick firewood for kindling and the edge is still sharp. I've left it out in the dew all night and, partly thanks to the Titanium Nitride coating, I have yet to see a spot of rust. durable? Check.
GREAT HANDLE - Solid feel in your hand, lightweight, grippy, durable. Compared to the original, non-Elite version, the Elite's handle is slightly longer with more curve around the pinky. The balance point is right at the index finger so it feels very maneuverable. Pictures will do a better job of showing the texture molded into the Zytel than I could do describing it, but overall just know that it has an impressive grippiness to it considering how slick untextured Zytel is. If you've never felt Zytel before, you'll be at how light and yet how durable it is; its incredibly hard, harder than any plastic I've ever dealt with, and yet still not brittle. They say it's basically a mix of nylon an fiberglass. Whatever it is, it's unbreakable. Lanyard hole is a plus, but I don't use it.
SHEATH - The sheath is basically made of three easily separable parts: the Kydex sheath itself, the retainer strap plate, and the Velcro belt loop. With the retainer plate and belt loop removed, this sheath is crazy stealth - lighter and more compact than pretty much any other survival knife OEM sheath out there and perfect for backpacking. It's poked full of mounting options, can be mounted in pretty much any direction, and the knife locks in tightly with no rattle. Basically, the sheath is molded around the shape of the knife and hilt, and the hilt tapers slightly away from the blade. When you pull the knife out, the sheath hast to expand a little bit to let the larger end of the hilt pass through, providing retention even when mounted tip-up with the retention strap removed. There's no need to press a release mechanism, but under certain circumstances (without the retainer) it might shake loose. I chose to go the extra mile and glue the expanding part of the case together, tightening up the sheath's hold on the hilt. It's secure enough to run with confidently while mounted upside down. Oh, and there's also a quick-access cord cutting slot notched into the sheath, but it's lame, so I'm saving that for the "Cons" section of this review.
GO ELITE! - I had the opportunity to handle the standard (non Elite) version of the Seal Pup before making my final decision, and BELIEVE ME, it's worth spending the extra few dollars for the Elite. Better sheath, better handle, better steel (AUS-8 over AUS-6), longer blade/shorter choil, and the spine rasp [which I don't particularly find any need for whatsoever, but it's nice to know that, should I ever need "notch" wood, they're there... Mainly though, they just look cool ;) ]
VALUE - As I'm writing this review, Amazon is selling this knife with the Kydex sheath for $73 (down from $130 MSRP). For what you're getting here this is an outstanding deal!
---CONS / LIMITATIONS:---
LIMITED HACKING/BATONING ABILITY - a 5.7oz knife with a 5" blade is a great compromise where larger knifes are just too heavy and bulky to bring along, but with the saving in weight and length you also lose sheering and hacking ability. With the Seal Pup Elite, you probably won't find it *practical* to hack through branches thicker than 2 inches diameter or baton through logs thicker than 5" diameter (extra 3/4" gained by not going straight through the diameter). While that's still enough to get you by in a survival or backpacking situation, hardcore survivalists might want something with a bit more momentum and length, and that's not what this is for.
LIMITED HAMMERING ABILITY - Although indestructible, the Zytel handle is all but useless for hammering, especially tent-stakes. SOG decided to round off the base of the knife, probably for comfort. Had they left it *just* a bit flatter it would have been up to the task, but as it stands, the rounded pommel either glances off your stake or doesn't strike hard enough. Another con of a lightweight knife, but nothing that can't be fixed with a nearby rock ;)
POOR JIMPING - There *is* a thumb-ramp formed into the Zytel handle to prevent slippage when thrusting the blade, and it does have very slight grooves, but not deep enough to write home about. Also, the first ~3/4" of the spine isn't rasped, which just doesn't make sense to me as it would be perfect jimping if you were to ride your thumb high. Fortunately, there's enough texture and finger grooving in the Zytel handle overall that, combined with the thumb ramp under actual use, this isn't really a problem.
SHEATH - Yeah, I know the sheath is in the Pros section, but it's not without its flaws. Kydex is supposedly a top of the line, lightweight, durable sheath material. But something about this sheath, while still better than the nylon version, just seams cheap to me. It's basically a sheet of plastic that's been heated and folded in half around a mold, then riveted together. After spending a weekend of removing and reinserting the knife, it's developed a little catching point inside where, if you don't insert the knife straight in, it'll get stuck on the way in. Also, the retainer loop/plate and Velcro belt loop screw points are different widths, meaning you cannot attach the belt loop to the sheath without the retainer plate in the middle. Again, not a big deal as I don't plan on using either of them, but you might want to know. Oh, and the quick-access rope cutter is a joke. Sure, it works (you have to pull pretty hard since you don't get the slicing you would otherwise get if you just used the knife) but think about it: when is it going to be quicker to un-lash the sheath from your gear, just to cut a cord, then lash it back down the way you like it? Never, and though I haven't actually gotten it caught on anything, I'm still afraid it's just a liability.
So that's it. I truly recommend this to those looking for a lightweight backpacking knife.
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2010
12 & 1/4" sheathed (with belt loop and retainer plate)
10" sheathed (without belt loop and retainer plate)
9 & 3/8" knife Overall
4 & 13/16" exposed blade
4 & 1/4" sharpened blade
3/16" blade thickness
5.7oz knife
1.3oz Kydex sheath (without belt loop and retainer plate)
---PROS:---
LIGHTWEIGHT - After months of searching for a lightweight, solid, fixed-blade for backpacking, I finally decided on the SOG Seal Pup Elite with Kydex Sheath, mainly for it's compact 9 & 3/8" overall length and an incredibly lightweight 5.7oz. Since I plan on lashing the knife to my pack (and because it fits so securely in the sheath) I've removed the belt-loop and retainer plate from the sheath, leaving me with a total mounted weight of 7.0oz! Backpackers rejoice!
SHARP & DURABLE - Mine came sharp enough to shave with right out of the box (honestly, I did it - I'll post a pic), as well as easily slice through paper without tearing it. That classifies as razor sharp in my book! Not to mention the serrations, which cut me right out of the box after little more than a light brush alongside them. To the reviewer who said "looks awsome [sic] but is dull..." I ask, "Have you even handled this knife?" It is DEFINITELY NOT dull out of the box. But even if it were, so what?! All knives need to be sharpened from time to time, and yes, sometimes out of the box; you wouldn't throw a $160 knife away just because it dulled would you? You're not paying for a sharp sharp blade, you're paying for a well designed, high quality blade YOU keep sharp. With the Seal Pup Elite and it's AUS-8 steel specially cryogenic treated by SOG, you're getting proven steel with excellent edge holding capability.
The edge itself features SOG's original Bowie design with plenty of belly, distributing the workload along the long, sweeping edge. The blade's starts at 3/16" thick, making it nearly indestructible; I've jammed this knife tip-first into hardwood over and over again and so far the tip is just fine. I've used it to chip down 2" diameter branches and baton 4" thick firewood for kindling and the edge is still sharp. I've left it out in the dew all night and, partly thanks to the Titanium Nitride coating, I have yet to see a spot of rust. durable? Check.
GREAT HANDLE - Solid feel in your hand, lightweight, grippy, durable. Compared to the original, non-Elite version, the Elite's handle is slightly longer with more curve around the pinky. The balance point is right at the index finger so it feels very maneuverable. Pictures will do a better job of showing the texture molded into the Zytel than I could do describing it, but overall just know that it has an impressive grippiness to it considering how slick untextured Zytel is. If you've never felt Zytel before, you'll be at how light and yet how durable it is; its incredibly hard, harder than any plastic I've ever dealt with, and yet still not brittle. They say it's basically a mix of nylon an fiberglass. Whatever it is, it's unbreakable. Lanyard hole is a plus, but I don't use it.
SHEATH - The sheath is basically made of three easily separable parts: the Kydex sheath itself, the retainer strap plate, and the Velcro belt loop. With the retainer plate and belt loop removed, this sheath is crazy stealth - lighter and more compact than pretty much any other survival knife OEM sheath out there and perfect for backpacking. It's poked full of mounting options, can be mounted in pretty much any direction, and the knife locks in tightly with no rattle. Basically, the sheath is molded around the shape of the knife and hilt, and the hilt tapers slightly away from the blade. When you pull the knife out, the sheath hast to expand a little bit to let the larger end of the hilt pass through, providing retention even when mounted tip-up with the retention strap removed. There's no need to press a release mechanism, but under certain circumstances (without the retainer) it might shake loose. I chose to go the extra mile and glue the expanding part of the case together, tightening up the sheath's hold on the hilt. It's secure enough to run with confidently while mounted upside down. Oh, and there's also a quick-access cord cutting slot notched into the sheath, but it's lame, so I'm saving that for the "Cons" section of this review.
GO ELITE! - I had the opportunity to handle the standard (non Elite) version of the Seal Pup before making my final decision, and BELIEVE ME, it's worth spending the extra few dollars for the Elite. Better sheath, better handle, better steel (AUS-8 over AUS-6), longer blade/shorter choil, and the spine rasp [which I don't particularly find any need for whatsoever, but it's nice to know that, should I ever need "notch" wood, they're there... Mainly though, they just look cool ;) ]
VALUE - As I'm writing this review, Amazon is selling this knife with the Kydex sheath for $73 (down from $130 MSRP). For what you're getting here this is an outstanding deal!
---CONS / LIMITATIONS:---
LIMITED HACKING/BATONING ABILITY - a 5.7oz knife with a 5" blade is a great compromise where larger knifes are just too heavy and bulky to bring along, but with the saving in weight and length you also lose sheering and hacking ability. With the Seal Pup Elite, you probably won't find it *practical* to hack through branches thicker than 2 inches diameter or baton through logs thicker than 5" diameter (extra 3/4" gained by not going straight through the diameter). While that's still enough to get you by in a survival or backpacking situation, hardcore survivalists might want something with a bit more momentum and length, and that's not what this is for.
LIMITED HAMMERING ABILITY - Although indestructible, the Zytel handle is all but useless for hammering, especially tent-stakes. SOG decided to round off the base of the knife, probably for comfort. Had they left it *just* a bit flatter it would have been up to the task, but as it stands, the rounded pommel either glances off your stake or doesn't strike hard enough. Another con of a lightweight knife, but nothing that can't be fixed with a nearby rock ;)
POOR JIMPING - There *is* a thumb-ramp formed into the Zytel handle to prevent slippage when thrusting the blade, and it does have very slight grooves, but not deep enough to write home about. Also, the first ~3/4" of the spine isn't rasped, which just doesn't make sense to me as it would be perfect jimping if you were to ride your thumb high. Fortunately, there's enough texture and finger grooving in the Zytel handle overall that, combined with the thumb ramp under actual use, this isn't really a problem.
SHEATH - Yeah, I know the sheath is in the Pros section, but it's not without its flaws. Kydex is supposedly a top of the line, lightweight, durable sheath material. But something about this sheath, while still better than the nylon version, just seams cheap to me. It's basically a sheet of plastic that's been heated and folded in half around a mold, then riveted together. After spending a weekend of removing and reinserting the knife, it's developed a little catching point inside where, if you don't insert the knife straight in, it'll get stuck on the way in. Also, the retainer loop/plate and Velcro belt loop screw points are different widths, meaning you cannot attach the belt loop to the sheath without the retainer plate in the middle. Again, not a big deal as I don't plan on using either of them, but you might want to know. Oh, and the quick-access rope cutter is a joke. Sure, it works (you have to pull pretty hard since you don't get the slicing you would otherwise get if you just used the knife) but think about it: when is it going to be quicker to un-lash the sheath from your gear, just to cut a cord, then lash it back down the way you like it? Never, and though I haven't actually gotten it caught on anything, I'm still afraid it's just a liability.
So that's it. I truly recommend this to those looking for a lightweight backpacking knife.
Top reviews from other countries
As for 'knock-off' allegations by another reviewer... the SOGs Amazon.ca sells are genuine. SOG advised me that they supply the Amazon.ca fulfilment center directly, and that they dropped their logo with the bullet splitting on a knife blade over a year ago. The knife I received was verified by SOG as a recent production and says 'SOG SEAL Pup Elite' close to the hilt/handle. The nylon sheath just says 'SOG.' Both came in an official SOG box with barcode sticker at one end. The SOG website was finally updated this week with knife photos that reflect the new logo! Call SOG if you have questions. They were real helpful determining the authenticity of my knife.
P.S. Amazon.ca rocks! Great price and delivered just 2 days after ordering!
Feels good in hand (not too heavy or light, as well as the texture), razor sharp out of the box.
Satin finish is very beautiful in itself and for the price you can't go wrong.
The sheathe that comes with it is very well made as well (the nylon one), it has double stitching and riveted holes in major points to keep it from falling apart for just about ever. Inside the sheathe where the knife is inserted is a plastic insert to keep the nylon protected, and also keeps the knife from falling out if you dont want to use the strap, the knife can be put into the sheathe right or left handed depended on how you like it. The back of the sheathe has many different mounting options, different ways to be put onto a belt or backpack (i've also heard its MOLLE compatible if you're into that sort of thing).
Overall the Seal Pup Elite Straight Edge with the Satin finish is a very well made, awesome and beautiful knife that comes with an awesome sheathe for a reasonable price.
I was looking for a new tactical blade in the 4-5 inch range and went with this blade for a couple of reasons but primarily due to the use of AUS8. I live on the West Coast of BC with the ocean in my back yard and have had issues with 1095 and rust. I don't care what anyone tells you about 1095. As strong as it is, even if you baby that stuff like it's your first newborn, it's still going to rust. Especially if you live in a wet and salty area like BC. If you are looking for a blade and live in a wet area like BC then I strongly recommend you look at stainless steel.
The Seal Pup Elite is one of he finest knives at this price point I have ever seen or owned. Heck, it might just be the finest. The reason I went with the Pup Elite over he Non-Elite is because of the slightly longer blade and handle. I have man hands and definitely notice and appreciate the added handle room. I also love the satin finish. I won't go into much detain about the knife as there are a number of video reviews out there that go into deep detail. Just know that once you actually own the knife and have it in your hands you'll begin to see that it's truly an amazing and quality knife.
The nylon sheath that comes with this knife. I actually like it quite a bit. I've read some reviews that say it's a down side to this package but I don't see how it can be considered a negative. I definitely own worse designed and constructed sheaths that's for sure. This nylon sheath has a pocket on top that is perfect for a mini flashlight or multi-tool though given the fact that I'm using this knife for tactical reason in the event the SHtF I have a small pepper spray resting in my pocket. It's actually a pretty cool little letup. The sheath is extremely well made with strong stitching and used material. Deciding between a kydex or nylon sheath really comes down to personal preference. I went with the nylon because I find it more durable than kydex (I've had kydex loops snap off of the sheath) plus I also liked the idea of the top pocket for use with a flashlight or pepper spray.
Don't allow knife snobs to turn you away from this knife package simply because of where it's made. SOG have been in the knife bizz longer then most and know what they're doing. They also stand behind their knives 100%. The quality of the Pup Elite and it's nylon sheath is amazing. Well worth the price and I can't recommend it enough if you're looking for this type of knife and live in an area where 1095 wouldn't be ideal.
Reviewed in Canada on February 20, 2013
I was looking for a new tactical blade in the 4-5 inch range and went with this blade for a couple of reasons but primarily due to the use of AUS8. I live on the West Coast of BC with the ocean in my back yard and have had issues with 1095 and rust. I don't care what anyone tells you about 1095. As strong as it is, even if you baby that stuff like it's your first newborn, it's still going to rust. Especially if you live in a wet and salty area like BC. If you are looking for a blade and live in a wet area like BC then I strongly recommend you look at stainless steel.
The Seal Pup Elite is one of he finest knives at this price point I have ever seen or owned. Heck, it might just be the finest. The reason I went with the Pup Elite over he Non-Elite is because of the slightly longer blade and handle. I have man hands and definitely notice and appreciate the added handle room. I also love the satin finish. I won't go into much detain about the knife as there are a number of video reviews out there that go into deep detail. Just know that once you actually own the knife and have it in your hands you'll begin to see that it's truly an amazing and quality knife.
The nylon sheath that comes with this knife. I actually like it quite a bit. I've read some reviews that say it's a down side to this package but I don't see how it can be considered a negative. I definitely own worse designed and constructed sheaths that's for sure. This nylon sheath has a pocket on top that is perfect for a mini flashlight or multi-tool though given the fact that I'm using this knife for tactical reason in the event the SHtF I have a small pepper spray resting in my pocket. It's actually a pretty cool little letup. The sheath is extremely well made with strong stitching and used material. Deciding between a kydex or nylon sheath really comes down to personal preference. I went with the nylon because I find it more durable than kydex (I've had kydex loops snap off of the sheath) plus I also liked the idea of the top pocket for use with a flashlight or pepper spray.
Don't allow knife snobs to turn you away from this knife package simply because of where it's made. SOG have been in the knife bizz longer then most and know what they're doing. They also stand behind their knives 100%. The quality of the Pup Elite and it's nylon sheath is amazing. Well worth the price and I can't recommend it enough if you're looking for this type of knife and live in an area where 1095 wouldn't be ideal.