For a little bit of background, I've been a blade connoisseur since my grandfather started teaching me how to make my own 15 years ago. I've had Smith and Wesson blades, Cold Steel, Winchester, Buck, Ka-Bar, Gerber, CKRT and SOG. My first SOG blade was instantly my favorite blade, and I'm happy to say they have continued to impress.
I broke my last pocket knife (a Gerber that I loved) being stupid and trying to pry something I had no business prying on with a knife. Since it busted my daily blade I went on search of a new one. SOG has a lot of interesting knives, and whittling down which one to buy was a challenge. Over all my decision came down to about the worse possible attribute when shopping for a blade: How it looked.
Looks in a knife are purely personal, and most of the time highly irrelevant. The look of the FF-11 is one of the irrelevant cases. It's handle doesn't look like it provides any extra "live without" features, though there is a rescission between the handle and thumb assist that allows a very comfortable and easy access to flip out your blade.
The FF-11 is COMPLETELY ambidextrous. The clip belt/pocket clip is easy to move from one side of the handle to the other. The thumb assist is located in a narrow open space on the blade, and allows for the assist to be relocated higher or lower on the blade for personal preference. The assist can be reached from ether side of the blade, and the recession mentioned above is also found on each side. The blade is located in a perfectly centered position, reducing and deterioration of the blade or handle from constant rubbing, and when closed the blade does not press into the "back wall" of the handle.
The blade has a beautiful "walk and talk". Meaning it is beautifully easy to open, a small nudge and flick of the wrist brings about a resounding and very final "clack". The noise is reassuring, and for a knife lover like myself beautiful. It opens and closes smoothly, not a hitch to be seen, heard, felt, nothing. It's one solid motion.
When fully extended the blade is a beautiful black, with a shiny, razor sharp edge. Five minuets with this blade and my brother is already nursing a nasty cut. (He was playing with her, missed his nail while presumably attempting to trim it, and it SUNK easily through his skin.) So be warned, if your one of those that "just need a knife" and your use to something from Wal-Mart please treat this with extra caution, other wise you'll end up like him.
The spine of the FF-11 holds the "lock back". The location will not allow (at least to my knowledge, and I HAVE tried) for an accidental closure, but it's action when in use is smooth, and completely fluent.
The Belt/Pocket clip IS VERY STIFF. I know it was said in earlier reviews, I personally fixed this by wrapping a dime in a kitchen plastic wrap (one layer only, enough to keep the dime from roughing up my handle anymore then completely necessarily) and placing it between the clip and handle. It took about two days (leaving it from the time I got home till I left the next morning) to gap enough to easily, yet securely, clip on my pocket.
I ordered this new, and the package it came in was open, busted up, and falling apart. The knife looks perfect. I'm fairly certain the boxing was open due to it being a "show case" item. Even if you kept this blade for just a show case you wouldn't be disappointed. When they come back in stock I'll be ordering (from the same supplier I hope. They were fairly amazing.) at least two more, just to keep around in case I do something stupid with this one.
It cost me almost 50 dollars for the FF-11 I have here. I would GLADLY shell out 110-120 for her. 50 dollars with faster then normal shipping was a steal, I really do think it's been completely under priced.
Side note: You won't find many reviews from me I think I've written three now.) So let that be a statement to just how much I'm in love with this blade.
| Recommended Uses For Product | Camping |
|---|---|
| Brand | SOG |
| Model Name | SOGFF11CP |
| Special Feature | Reversible, Foldable, Adjustable |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Included Components | Salute Lockback Black |
| Handle Material | Fiberglass |
| Color | Black |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | Modern |
| Blade Length | 3.63 Inches |
| Power Source | AC/DC |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Item Weight | 4.2 Ounces |
| Blade Shape | Tanto Point |
| Blade Edge | Plain |
| Is Cordless? | No |
| Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Item Length | 4.63 Inches |
| Manufacturer | SOG Specialty Knives & Tools |
| Part Number | FF11-CP |
| Item Weight | 4.2 ounces |
| Item model number | FF11-CP |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | One size |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 5 |
| Number of Handles | 1 |
| Special Features | Reversible, Foldable, Adjustable |
| Usage | personal |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Manufacturer Warranty |
