SOG Specialty Knives & Tools FSA5-CP Flash II Knife with Partially Serrated Folding 3.5-Inch Steel Drop Point Blade and GRN Handle, Tigerstripe Finish

If I hate it then why 5 stars? Well it takes some explaining:I'm a huge fan of assisted openers and when SOG announced this knife I had to have it. When I first bought the original version of this knife (circa 2003-2004, I think), I didn't like it immediately on arrival. I can't remember exactly if it was the zytel handles or the general feel of the knife, but it felt cheap to me and the balance seemed off in my hands. I meant to return it but I got busy, forgot about it, and left it in my garage for a few months. I then rediscovered the knife and because of my general dislike of the knife and the fact that it was too late to return, I decided to put it to heavy mundane use around my house. After many years of consistent use/abuse I have to say my first negative impression couldn't have been more wrong.Over the last 7 years this knife has taken abuse of all kinds, survived and has become one of my most-trusted folding knives. I have cut boxes and drywall, pryed cans, cut weeds and shrubs, dug, and even chopped wood with it and after all that then worst thing that has happened is the thumb stud fell off (I replaced it with a machine screw/nut along with some loc-tite). Of course, I resharpened it many times over the years (spyderco sharpmaker) and I have to say the AUS steel is tough and holds a decent edge. For less than 100 I can think of very few knives that can compete (spyderco, kershaw and benchmade make some good ones).I have both the FSA-5 (camo 1/2 serrated blade) version of this knife and the original version of this knife. (black 1/2 serrated) FSA has an improved locking/release mechanism over the original and the handle seems more solid.Pros- tough AUS8 blade- reversible low riding "tip-up" carry clip, completely conceals the knife in your pocket- lifetime warranty (never had to use it)- blade coating is surprisingly durable and looks good- assisted opening is great and the tension is adjustable- safety features - nice axis lock and safety lock- I like the serrations... great for cutting cardboard, small branches, cables and cord- price... unlike my chris reeve, crawford, strider, dwaine carrillo, hinderer and kirby lambert knives I won't complain it I break it... if that ever happensCons- not sure about the origins of the knife (conspicuously absent on knife and packaging)... I'm assuming it was made in china or taiwan, assembled in US? This is typically a big deal for me but I'll let this one slide because this knife is so damn good- terrible lanyard hole

This is one of three assisted openers I've tried and is my favorite for daily use. It opens easily with the thumb studs and the lock release is convenient for one-handed closure. The mechanism is a bit of a long-term question for me as it is piston based and I think friction may take it's toll over time. That same friction also limits the speed of the deployment but it's still adequate. The clip is oriented for tip down carry (my preference) and is right or left changeable. The striping on the blade is a little hokey and I'll probably order one without but it's a minor thing. There is a safety lock for extra security but I have yet to use it as there is little chance of accidental deployment in most normal circumstances.Overall this is a great knife and I recomend it.

Well I was so thrilled about getting this knife...but when it arrived; I was completely disappointed by the blades not so sharp blade and the over-all cheap feel of the knife. I mean c'mon I own a $20 Kershaw knife thats made better than this knife and my little Kershaws blade is way sharper! Hell I have a $26 Gerber knife thats sharper than this SOG. I just feel like I got played for my money with this purchase. Don't get me wrong i still like SOG knives and I own atleast 8 or 9 but this Flash II is a let down IMHO. It looks cool but that's about it!

The Flash II is a decent knife. The handle feels like cheap plastic, but it has held up to the abuse I've thrown at the knife. The handle feels "blocky" though. I had an old Gerber that was half the price that felt better in the hand. The tiger striped blade looks awesome and stays pretty sharp. The blade locks back well and the safety holds the blade shut. The assisted opening works alright. The blade can't easily be flicked open like some other assisted opening knives.My biggest complaint is the play that the blade has. It is easy to wiggle it side to side when the blade is open. This hasn't caused any problems, but it is definitely something to watch out for. There shouldn't be any play in a well made knife, and I expected better from SOG.

I really like this knife. The assisted opening makes the blade open really fast. The painted blade looks pretty cool, too. The blade seemed a tiny bit loose, and wiggled from side to side too much for my taste, so I tightened the screw. That fixed the looseness issue, but then the blade would not open as quickly. After applying a drop of gun oil and working blade back and forth for a while, the blade opens just as fast as before. I resent having to do all that just to get the right fit, as I feel that should have been seen to at the factory. Other than that, the knife is great - sharp, cool looking, and durable so far.

Came excellently sharpened right out of the package, fits hand great as I expected and folds and unfolds beautifully. My favorite SOG model still to this date.I already had one, so I guess I knew what to expect but wanted a different blade color (mine was a special edition and didnt want to risk losing it) Ive been wanting this particular one for a while now and I dont regret my purchase. I highly recommend it as an EDC knife if you are looking for one. Its tough, sharp and reliable.

Super light, acceptible blade length for everyday tasks and emergency tactical situations. Great ergonomics. Arc lock like design is superb. Tight lock up. Super deep carry. 2nd type of cool. The blade is shave sharp out of the box. Aus8 steel is adiquate for the tasks i do. Serrations i dont necessarily want but i have used them on occassion for parachord and cutting thick ply rubber belting. Zytel initialy feels weak but isnt in the least bit especially once you work with the knife a bit. Quick assisted opening. Great value2 cons. No jimping on the blade. And its got a blade lock which is more or less useless and unneeded.