The low mounting point means that you’ll regularly find the handle poking you in the ribs. It’s a great little knife, but its 1095 steel and sub-3” blade costs almost half as much as the SOG. Perfect, guys. It cut up hot dogs, steak, and other meat or tubed meat. SOG offers a Lifetime Warranty on their knives. The choice of micarta for the handle material is just wonderful. The SOG Pillar is more about living in the wild, slaying prey with your bare hands, and building a shelter out of their hides. I noticed that you knocked the sheath because you mentioned the possibility of inadvertently pressing the spring button. These surfaces are smooth enough to run your finger over, while still being more than capable of striking a ferro rod. Concealed Carry Permits Skyrocket, Holiday Gift Guide: Ninth Day of Christmas, Watch: How to Stay Out of Jail When Building a Rifle, Booby-Trapped Boxes Deter Package Thieves, Texas Woman Gets Five Years in Prison For Shooting From Car, In Defense of Life or Property vs Wildlife, Review: Hinderer Half-Track Titanuim Framelock Flipper, Holiday Gift Guide: Eight Day of Christmas, Buyback Program Turns Guns Into Gardening Tools. What else could you ask for? They forgot to bring a knife. I know this review probably sounds a little fanboy-ish. But really, I’m not sure what else to say here. The sheath is just all kinds of amazing. Just writing about it makes me want to run into the woods and start chopping down trees. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Forward First, I’d like to thank SOG for sending this knife over for review. Any knife being used regularly will need occasional sharpening. The release of the SOG Pillar two years ago showed the brand was paying attention. That’s some damn fine coverage for a blade that’s already built like a tank. The steel here is CPM-S35VN, one of my personal favorites for edge retention and toughness. This knife, like a handful of other releases, was American-made and ran S35VN steel, a huge improvement from some of the lesser steels SOG has used in the past. Product Description. SOG could back of the hardness a bit and still get all of the advantages of S35VN without the chips. I’m glad I came here because I was trying to figure out the best way to carry my Pillar and hadn’t thought of the Scout option. This move has been painful for knife knuts, as year after year SOG released stuff that made no one really jump up and cheer. It has a blade of around 5 inches and an overall length of 10 inches, this blade sits squarely in the center of the fixed blade size spectrum. Thanks for the reminder! At SHOT, SOG released a few blades including the SOG Pillar. As it turns out, the Pillar looks like a monster because it is a monster. Shop SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Pillar Knife | 10% Off 5 Star Rating on 1 Review for SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Pillar Knife + Free Shipping over $49. But, consider the humble ESEE Izula-2 (for which I did pay). The SOG Pillar is a leans more towards the tactical/combat side over a survival/bushcraft blade. It has a blade of around 5 inches and an overall length of 10 inches, this blade sits squarely in the center of the fixed blade size spectrum. The SOG Pillar is a medium sized fixed blade knife. Great review otherwise. There is only so far you can go down on the CR scale before you scare away the knife enthusiast market. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. I also used it to process recycling. The bronze and brown finish of the LTD edition offers a color scheme unrivaled in any other SOG knife. You can draw left-handed, right-handed, cross-body – pretty much however you want. I want to spend as much time with this one as possible before sending it on to the next reviewer. Learn: About Us Policies Reviews Holiday Shopping How To. 4.5. It’s good business sense, but it doesn’t get the knife knut in me the least bit excited. It’s not a huge deal, but certainly something to keep in mind. I covered the sheath aesthetics above, but let’s take a minute to discuss its performance. So, let’s review – A lifetime warranty, free sharpening service, and paid return shipping. Thanks to its strong ergos and solid blade steel, this knife laughed off everything I threw at it. The SOG Pillar is one of SOG’s premium USA production knives. Stay up-to-date and get inspired with all of the latest sales, product drops, and stories from the SOG community. 5. The blade is made from CPM S35VN-steel. Therefore, SOG offers complimentary sharpening and service on all of our knives and tools. The Pillar looks amazing on paper: a 5 inch blade, a low-profile kydex sheath, and wonderful Micarta handles. Instead, let me take a deep breath and give some dimensions: As you can see by the comparison shots, this is a fairly large knife. On occasion I used the knife in my workshop to score and mark cuts, but it was too big to do this regularly. Change ). Their website admonishes customers to “keep in mind that this warranty does not cover an item that is damaged by misuse, abuse, improper maintenance, alterations, accident, or normal wear and tear as determined at our discretion… Don’t go using your knife as a screwdriver, your multi-tool to split rocks, or [sic] your pack to contain a wild hyena. The full tang extends back into a canvas micarta handle, with torx screws holding the scales in place. Those with extra-large hands probably shouldn’t use this area, however. Whoever is building SOG’s stuff here in the America is doing a killer job. Twitter Review Summary: Great knife, even better sheath. I found scout-style, horizontal carry to be the most comfortable option. They have truly elite grinds, nice handles, and okay prices. Product Description SOG Tech Bowie, Kraton Handle, Black Blade, Kydex Sheath. I've been disappointed in the Taiwan era of SOG knives. It has micarta handles and is built with a full, pass-through tang construction. The SOG Pillar definitely had a more neutral balance, making it nimbler in the hand to use. Its full-tang clip point blade is made from premium CPM-S35VN stainless steel with a two-tone satin/stonewashed finish and wide notched jimping. (+) Compact and lightweight. Though I’d like to own one, I have no desire to smack a Bravo against a log. But the more I thought about it, the easier this decision became. But SOG is and always will be a mainstream knife company. Grooved green canvas Micarta scales offer a secure, full-grip in any weather. Anyone who owns a Japan-era SOG knows exactly what I mean. … All SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Reviews All Customer Product Reviews Related Products to SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Pillar Knife 4 models SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Terminus XR Flipper 2.95in Folding Knife $59.95 (Save $5.00) $54.95 The handle materials, the blade steel, and the sheath package all prove that SOG gets what makes great knives great. But manufacturers take note–this is how it is done. ( Log Out /  ( Log Out /  This USA-made Pillar reminds me of the good old knives SOG started out making. That’s not really a tough decision. This made things a little difficult during the initial writing of this review. To see SOG, a mainstay of the knife industry for more than twenty years, fade into irrelevance with ever cheaper overseas made knives was a bit disappointing. SUBSCRIBE https://bit.ly/2UhlImu. The micarta is excellent, the knife’s two-tone finish is gleaming and eye catching, and the sheath fits like a racing glove. I’ve had the Pillar for a little more than a month, but other reviews and articles kept bumping it to the back of the line. SOG Knives Unveils the Pillar. In other words, use common sense and don’t do stupid things.”. This blade has really high levels of toughness, great edge . (4.7/5) AUS-8. Includes Kydex sheath with Tek-Lok compatible mount. These are fine blades made by some of the best Japanese OEMs out there. It’s just big enough for my medium/large hands, and anyone with bigger mitts will probably make contact with the blade. Sometimes a fixed blade is a lot more useful and handy than even the best custom folding knife. Based around superior CPM S35VN steel, SOG's USA produced knives offer improved toughness, better edge retention, higher resistance to wear and edge chipping while maintaining ease of sharpening. SOG Pillar Knife Review – a 100% Made In the USA Fixed Blade Knife Ammoland Inc. Posted on July 28, 2017 July 26, 2017 by Mike Searson Mike Searson, reviews the … The knife also comes with a kydex-type sheath and a very high end belt attachment point. Here we go. Holiday Gift Guide: Seventh Day of Christmas, Watch: Christmas Carols Shot on Steel and Other Holiday Fun, Watch: How Ammunition Brand Can Affect Accuracy, Holiday Gift Guide: On the Sixth Day of Christmas. The micarta handle fits perfectly in my palm, with a nice cutout near the blade guard. Out of the box, I wasn’t exactly sold on this design. But the true star of implementation here is the sheath. Live Chat Contact Check Order Status. Its design and geometry is a little clumsy, but the drawbacks are easily overlooked by those that will employ its unique function. At their best, they source blades from some of the best OEMs in the world. Weight: 7.3 oz. The SOG Pillar is a USA-made tactical fixed blade featuring a resilient no-nonsense build. Food prep? A powder metallurgical steel grade that retains its sharpness very well. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Their mid priced and budget lines, conversely, have received a heaping helping of praise, sometimes earned, like the case of the Mini Aegis, and sometimes not, like in the case of the SOG Flash I. Though it may look like a style-first knife, I found the Pillar’s ergonomics to be very good. Still, the rest of the handle offers ample room. The Pillar has styling that makes more like SOG’s lesser fixed blades, something almost weapon-y about it, but then it has smart touches that make me think that it is REALLY intended as an outdoor tool—the pass through full tang design, the choil, the micarta handles. You’re generally looking at a bump of $70 or so for a similarly-sized blade. I’m bitten, it’s under my skin, and there may be another SOG in my collection before the next full moon. For a great “Field Knife” or “Get Home Bag”, this knife will do outstanding.Thanks for sharing this. I have been trying as hard as I can to figure out the OEM, but thus far I have struck out. Just perfect. While it may not be the cheapest fixed blade in S35VN, it’s certainly within the realm of value. This looks like it is the start of something new–SOG competing at all parts of the price spectrum. But whenever I see tree branches in the front yard, I need to break out the Pillar. Yeah, that’s not this knife. But Big Box could give a crap about grindlines. The SOG Pillar is a medium sized fixed blade knife. Amazon (Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars over 15 user reviews as of 11/1/17). As soon as this review is posted, I’m grabbing the Pillar and heading for the hills. The SOG Pillar leans more towards the tactical/combat side over a survival/bushcraft blade. The Pillar is a corner turning product for SOG. Look at the swedges along the blade spine. SOG Twitch II. Even the screws are countersunk and tight. . They’re also a pretty a patient lot. SOG has recently formulated a recipe for a well-balanced and durable everyday carry solution with some similar design features found in long-discontinued models. Sheathes are hard. The bang-for-buck factor really hit home once I researched SOG’s warranty. 2.60 oz. The SOG Pillar is a USA-made tactical fixed blade featuring a resilient no-nonsense build. And so SOG and a number of other companies cater to volume. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. It sliced through onions, carrots, and potatoes like they weren’t even there. The Baton Q4 stands out for a truly unique and very utilitarian form factor. Balance & weight are perfect too. There is nothing wrong with that, but there is also nothing wrong with competing in every market segment. I’ve increased the score accordingly. I accidentally drove to the hardware store with the Pillar on one weekend. 6.2 in. The SOG Pillar is ten inches of tooled testosterone. The Pillar shows they know how to spend pennies when they have more to play with than in budget offerings. Like most sheaths of this sort, vertical belt carry can be a bit problematic. The Pillar is one of the most exciting products of the year, one of the coolest surprises, and one hell of a fixed blade. This one changed my mind, and it may just change yours. UPDATE: The spring button can indeed be locked and unlocked by sliding it to the left or right. Support my channel when you shop on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2r2AsYy. But, hey – I’m generally not a fan of tactically-styled blades. Normally, I like to give a somewhat blow-by-blow account of the testing. Go ahead – run that ferro rod over its squared-off shoulders. It absolutely destroys the leather number that came with the Bark River Bravo 1 LT and the nylon junk that comes with a lot of other knives. SOG Knives has recently launched their latest in fixed blade tactical knives with the new PILLAR – Blackout fixed blade knife.. SOG Knives states “Optimized for professionals and made in the USA, SOG is happy to offer our Pillar fixed blade in a new blackout configuration.. Balance & weight are perfect too.I own an original SOG Seal 2000 with 440A steel from 1995, made in Seki-City, Japan. Holiday Gift Guide: Twelfth Day of Christmas, Henry Produces Its One-Millionth Lever Action .22 rifle, Holiday Gift Guide: Eleventh Day of Christmas, Holiday Gift Guide: Tenth Day of Christmas, Watch: 10 Hiding Spots Already in Your Home, Watch: Building a Clothes Dresser With a Secret Gun Compartment, Washington D.C. The SOG Pillar's blade has just enough belly on it to be a damn decent skinning blade for any hunter of any game. The SOG Pillar is a solid knife entirely made in the United States. All of that is a formula to make knife enthusiasts smitten again. The SOG Pillar is a fixed bladed knife that features a clip point and machine ground edge, a heavy duty cutting tool for all situations. The fact that it is made in the USA, also added to the allure of this knife. But once I switched over to a scout-style carry, the elegance of its execution was immediately apparent. When you look at the design, finish and the use of materials you notice that SOG has really taken the Pillar to the next level. Read quick reviews below of the best models from our test, then keep scrolling for buying advice and in-depth reports on these and other great options. . Engineered with precision and built to perform. If you play with that button you’ll notice that if you push it either forward or backward it locks the spring button in place so that it can’t be accidentally engaged. Grooved black canvas Micarta scales offer a secure, full-grip in any weather. Unfortunately, we have not figured out how to make a knife that doesn’t dull. In all, this is pretty easily the best sheath on the market. But with the Pillar, that’s such an easy thing to do. Personally, I’d prefer to fill all four clip holes. Also, because I am lazy, I cleaned it off and used it for food prep outdoors as well. The flats have a bright stonewash and the grinds are grinder satin. If you’re not into aggressive designs, then this one may not be for you. Between its solid materials and excellent construction, the Pillar could truly be your knife for life. In addition to smart design choices and premium materials, the SOG Pillar is expertly finished right here in the USA. We find their execution to be a little rough, but the innovation is welcome. I own an original SOG Seal 2000 with 440A steel from 1995, made in Seki-City, Japan. Based on the classic SOG Bowie that founded SOG, but morphed into a top-notch work knife with the use of technology, modern materials, and a little class thrown in for good measure. The full, pass-through tang construction allows you to beat on the knife with little fear of breaking and lets you use the knife as a chisel. Recently, I was able to add a new fixed blade to my “arsenal.” This blade is an SOG Pillar fixed blade knife.Right from the unboxing, this knife exudes quality. At $190, the Pillar is the most expensive fixed blade I’ve used thus far. I don’t like the two-fastener approach, even though it allows for a multitude of configurations. Here’s their blurb on sharpening: “Knives, multi-tools, gear, and other sharp pointy items should be maintained properly with routine cleaning, oiling, and sharpening… SOG knives are designed and made to be used. For a long time now I have been on this quest for that one perfect knife that just hits all of the marks with me and let me tell you, this Pillar does it BIG TIME. That’s a good set up. It is equipped with a wonderful full tang CPM-S35VN stainless steel blade with a part stonewashed, part machine ground finish. FOLLOW ME http://www.instagram.com/livingsurvivalyoutube Finally, the sheath design and belt attachment are the best I have seen on a production knife. Meet the SOG Flash AT-XR. FREE SHIPPING on … The USA-made Pillar is fully-equipped with a full tang CPM S35VN steel blade with a stone wash and machine ground finish, canvas Micarta handle, and Kydex sheath with … The belt attachment is equally good–sturdy, easy to use, and quick release. They monitor two things–sales and price. Fire making? I like micarta so much more than other materials–it adds grip and gives you plenty of tactile feedback. No problem. There is simply no detail overlooked here. Okay, okay. The canvas micarta handles are very comfortable, and the knife feels natural and balanced in the hand, though it is a tad heavy on the back end. Plus, have you checked the prices on Bark River knives lately? ... SOG Pillar. Would I rather have two Izulas or one Pillar? Subscribe to our newsletter. The blade is a flat ground, clip point made from S35VN. First, I’d like to thank SOG for sending this knife over for review. Durable S35VN steel and a canvas Micarta handle make up the bulk of this rugged knife which is crafted with quality and care in the USA. The Washington-based company named SOG began in 1986, but can trace its inspirational roots to special operations during the Vietnam War. Now, after a couple of day hikes, I’m finally ready to share my thoughts. I love the steel, especially here, but it did chip in one place. This is a straight foward design, one that echoes Bark River much more than it does the other SOG fixed blades. With the release of the Pillar, SOG is making it clear to competitors–they can make high end stuff too. That is, if I can find the discipline necessary to rid myself of this monster. 2.65 in. I found it to be quite comfortable in a variety of grips. Just ask my left index finger, which got a little kiss from the blade during the woodworking portion of the test. But really, guys, I’m just flat-out impressed with this blade. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. At least, that’s what the neighbors probably think. Mike the Mook. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "vs-alloutdoor-widgets-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "86c889156e4071de50902c9d775c7eff"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B01N19FZ4X"; I received this knife in the fall–the perfect time for testing fixed blades. Yes, SOG sent me this for free. This knife is simply amazing with both it’s fit and finish and is very comfortable. I think I’ll just let them explain the rest. The knife was used for my annual firewood processing–delimbing, chopping, batonning, and lots and lots of fire prep. The American-made Pillar LTD starts with a powerful CPM S35VN steel blade that’s tough, has superior edge retention, high resistance to wear and edge chipping yet remains easy to sharpen. The aesthetics, maybe. 3.55 in. It has micarta handles and is built with a full, pass-through tang construction. Its full-tang clip point blade is made from premium CPM-S35VN stainless steel with a bronze Cerakote finish and wide notched jimping. SOG repeatedly makes unique multi-tools. But, oh no! The Pillar cuts like crazy, rides like a champ, and does everything asked of it. A knife that you can really rely on. I get that. The blade is a flat ground, clip point made from S35VN. You know what? The knife also comes with a kydex-type sheath and a very high end belt attachment point. I… I don’t think I have anything to add to that. No problem – You pull out your fixed blade, the potato salad gets made, and no one is freaked out by your trusty tool. Kindling prep and feather-sticking? Retention is excellent, and the screws are easier to adjust than those on my ESEE Izula 2. Preppers: Are You Stockpiling Chemlights? There’s also a medium-sized forward finger choil. I've been disappointed in the Taiwan era of SOG knives. The SOG Pillar is more about living in the wild, slaying prey with your bare hands, and building a shelter out of their hides. We will even cover the return shipping to get your newly refurbished and sharpened knife back to you.”. 0.1 in. That knife had premium steel, S35VN , and a number of clever design features that fit into the market well. And this, in my mind is a good thing. The SOG Pillar is a premium fixed blade with a great steel, fabulous design, and a higher than normal price tag for a SOG. The good news is that, because of its razor sharp factory edge, the cut was painless and quick-healing. Design: 2 . Many know SOG knives to be of good value and often of excellent performance. This is most often true when you’re working in the field and one hand is occupied. Picture this – You’re at a neighborhood barbeque when someone asks you to cut some potatoes. There is generous sized lanyard hole at the end of the blade. Anyone who owns a Japan-era SOG knows exactly what I mean. This is why Chris Reeve purposely leaves his a bit below the max HRc. On the flip side, the longer blade of the KA-BAR D2 provided more momentum for chopping cuts (think survival situations) and a little extra length for deeper penetration than the Pillar to more easily reach vital organs and the like. This was entirely my fault, as I was caught up in the exhilaration of using a well-designed tool. SOG Pillar Clip Point Fixed Blade Knife. SOG UF1001 Pillar, 5" S35VN Blade, Black Canvas Micarta Handle Based around superior CPM S35VN steel, SOG's USA produced knives offer improved toughness, better edge retention, higher resistance to wear and edge chipping while maintaining ease of sharpening. Its clip-point blade features a flat grind over a stonewashed, machine ground edge. Are there negatives here? Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Thought I went back and updated it, but I guess not. SOG Pillar Review. It’s fun, intoxicating, and a little scary. The premium SOG folders are some of the most unsung knives on the market. The blade stock is just under 3/16″ thick. Based around superior CPM S35VN steel, SOG's USA produced knives offer improved toughness, better edge retention, higher resistance to wear and edge chipping while maintaining ease of sharpening. I like how compact it is, even though it is a pancake and not taco style sheath. There’s also a vague harpoon sharp going on here. It even survived a tip test, stabbing and prying into a fallen tree with no ill effects. I discovered the locking mechanism right after I posted the review. I am going to knock it one quarter of a point, because I found the spring button to be susceptible to the occasional inadvertent press. You’re right. The sheath is composed of Kydex, paired with a multi-mount clip system. That’s it – I can’t wait anymore. The SOG Pillar is remarkable in the SOG line up for its plainness–there is no sawtooth spine, aggro persian clip point, no black ops blade coating and no stacked leather handle. ( Log Out /  ( Log Out /  Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for SOG Fixed Blade Knives with Sheath – Pillar USA Made Steel Full Tang Knife, Tactical Knife, Survival Knife w/ Micarta Blade Knife Handle (UF1001-BX) at Amazon.com. It wasn’t a bit deal, but it was noticeable. The SOG Flash series has been around for some time now with two iterations prior to the 2020 release of the AT-XR variant. Gradually over the past decade, SOG has moved away from the Japanese-made blades in its line up towards cheaper stuff. One small ding is that S35VN can bit a bit chippy at higher hardnesses. On to performance. It also spread peanut butter, butter, and tomato sauce for camp pies and camp pizzas made in a camp iron. The flats have a bright stonewa… It holds the knife tight to the body, has not jiggle, and is high enough that you can walk and bend without problems.