Customer Reviews

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools VL-04 Vulcan Mini Tanto Knife, Satin

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great EDC pocket knife. It comes razor sharp and stays that way for quite some time. When the edge does need to be touched up, it is quick and easy to get it razor sharp again.

I think this is the perfect size for a pocket knife. The knife just feels solid with no free play at all and opens very smoothly. The arc lock locks up rock solid and when the blade is in the handle, it wants to stay folded up until you open the knife past a certain point. The bayonet style clip is the best in the business and allows the knife to be completely hidden when in your pocket. It is also reversible to either side.

You couldn't ask for a better pocket knife.

I now have both the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools VL-03 Vulcan Tanto Knife, Satin and this knife. I still like the larger version of the Vulcan Tanto but really it is too big for an every day carry. The blade at .16" also too thick for good lunch cutting work, ie it splits my apple before it cuts it. The blade on the smaller Vulcan knife is only slightly shorter, maybe a 1/2 inch of cutting surface. But it's also thinner which makes it more useful as an every day carry. Some reviewers have complained about the weight of the larger knife, I really don't notice the difference in my pocket. I also like my SOG Specialty Knives & Tools TWI-20 Twitch XL, Graphite Handle as an EDC, but that knife has an assisted open which gives people the wrong impression. It is faster to open than this knife, but for an EDC, quick opening to open a letter or cut the tape on a box isn't a high priority.

On the Twitch vs the Vulcan, the drop point of the Twitch is very handy for tip cutting work. The re-curve of the tanto blade of the Vulan hooks things like rope better. The Twitch is thinner, by about 1/2 the thickness but heavier. Both blades are the same thickness, .125" and the same effective cutting length. Both blades are tight in the hinge, no wiggling about.

Either knife is a fine every day carry.

Very pleased with this knife! Shipped sharp out of the box, perfect size, great blade. After 12 hours of research into the best of many worlds into one knife, this has it (no serrated blade but have that on others). The blade to me is both a tanto and drop point mix. Has a slight curve on the straight part of the blade to help hold and cut rope and wire as well.

Thanks!

I got this knife a month ago and I just love it! This knife is a great ADC choice. Very light and concealable. People complain about the long pocket clip but I don't mind it. If you are considering this knife stop considering and buy it.
It also comes very sharp out of the box.

I have had this knife for about a week now and really like it.

Pros:

- very concealable with matte grey clip that fits deep in my pocket
- thin and light enough that I don't notice it too much.
- nice edge profile with tip that is good for piercing
- smooth action that is quick to open
- solid and tight construction
- at 3 inches, blade appears to be legal in most jurisdictions.

Cons:

- I can't think of much.
- The knife does look "serious", which could be good or bad depending on the situation.
- It is a VG-10 laminate, not all VG-10 like the regular mini vulcan. Not sure if this better or worse.

... as I expect this one will out last me. Construction is solid and blade quality is excellent though it may be a challenge putting an edge on the contoured blade. Operation is easy with either left or right hand. The size is correct for EDC.

I was pleased to find that the manufacturer refrained from imbellishing the quality of their product as so many fail to do. The knife is exactly like SOG described it on their website. The blade is quite sharp. The tanto design makes it rather effective for sticking objects. I have not tested the blade's hardness and durability. I do know it is made from quality steel and it is, in my opinion, the appropriate thickness for a folding knife. It has not been exposed to the elements as this is not an all purpose knife but rather a tactical knife. I am most intrigued by the kick deployment on the back of the blade, which enables it to be opened with the greatest of ease, smoothness and speed. It has thumb releases as well, which are located on both sides of the blade since it is an ambidextrous knife. They are easy, smooth and almost as fast with a flick of the wrist. The pocket clip is durable and the right width to allow for a comfortable and secure fit over both jeans and slacks. In my opinion, it is also the correct length to ensure it sits deep enough in your pocket. It can be moved to either side of the knife. However, I have found it difficult to loosen the hex screw that secures it. The arc lock appears to be very secure. This is an excellent feature as you will find that the knife closes nearly as easy as it opens. The grip contours on both sides to accommodate your index finger and the back of the blade is ribbed to support your thumb. I highly recommend this knife if you're looking for a good tactical knife.

Beautifully smooth opening action, there is barely any wiggle on the blade. I love this knife, and would definitely get one for a friend as a present. It arrived sharp enough to shave with, and is a joy to hold in your hand. It's very light, and feels extremely sturdy. When I first got it, i spent about half an hour just trying out the different ways of opening it, it's a breeze to open and close one-handed. A+ knife.