I had been thinking seriously about buying the Terminus XR - S35VN but the price was a little too heavy even knowing that it was probably an excellent purchase. Around Black Friday I thought I would look again at this knife on the SOG site and saw it had been noticeably discounted. If ever I were to purchase it, now was the time. Yes, I would have to face the dreaded backlash from my wife but sometimes you have to go through some unpleasantries in order to get what you want. No pain, no gain right?
When my wife found out she was not happy. She pointed out about 5 other pocket knives I had in my possession. She didn't realize that these were acquired over the course of many years. Each time I bought a pocket knife I learned what did and didn't work. Let's face it, every guy from boyhood has dreams of owning the perfect pocket knife. As you grow into a man, you learn some were good knives, others not so great. Eventually I wanted a knife that could become an heirloom to my son when I pass on. The spat with my wife was over in a day or so and life goes on but getting back to the review on this knife.
The Terminus XR - S35VN is the knife I would have wanted ever since I was a boy only I can take care of this one responsibly as I know it can take care of me. Let me say that the design and craftsmanship are superb! I am not disappointed in any way. Who cares if it was made overseas? It is easy to recognize the quality of this tool. The sleek profile fits easily into my pants pocket with the attached clip and I don't need to fish around at the bottom of my pocket trying to find it when needed. It is also unobtrusive.
I like the scale material being made of carbon fiber. It has a great looking natural appearance with a pattern that has depth to it and the tastefully cut groves for gripping in the scales are very functional.
There are 3 ways to open the knife but I find only 2 that work well for me: the lock release tabs on both sides of the knife (which must be used simultaneously with the thumb and index finger on opposite sides of the knife and a quick flick of the wrist outward) and the raised flipper stud (I don't know what it's called) on the spine of the knife near its pivot point (which I work by pulling back on the stud sharply with the tip of my index finger). The thumb studs can be used but require a lot more effort. To close the blade just pull back on the locking release tabs on both sides simultaneously being careful to keep hand parts out of the way of the arc of the blade and flick your wrist downward and inward. It is very cool!
I can easily sense the quality of steel that was used to make the blade. The lettering on the blade is nicely done and can't really be seen except by close inspection. It is very impressive and the edge is very sharp!
The construction quality is immaculate! I love the symmetry of the blade as it sits in its folded position, equal spacing between both sides the liner and the blade. The movement of the blade is satin smooth and works so easily once you release the locking tabs that you can easily flick the blade too quickly and have it bounce back from its fully open position. Once opened, the blade is rock solid with no slop whatsoever.
The knife for me, when it is opened, is just the right size. I don't need a knife with eye catching colors or embellishments. I don't need a large blade and I want a blade with a great functional design. I want a knife that is just business. I love it! By the way, if you're wondering whether I was paid to make this review let me say I was not. I just appreciate a great product and want the news to get out there.
This is the pocket knife that I have been searching for all these years (I'm in my 60's so that's saying something). I have never regretted buying it once. It is my every day carry and if I never lose it, it will be my son's heirloom someday.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sogknives.com
The hinge on this knife came out of the box a little tight, and the lock was a little hard to pull. I tried to take it apart to adjust it and oil the hinge, but all of the screws on the frame were permanently threadlocked in place, including the hinge screw. Additionally, they were all small Torx bits (T5 and T4, I think), and they stripped my bits every time I tried to remove them. In the end, I couldn't get them out and I just decided to ignore it, as much as it annoyed me.
This is one of only a few knives that I could find with both an Axis/XR style lock and a flipper tab, and I overall love it. The blade is razer sharp, the blade locks nicely, and it is super nice to use. The handle does feel a bit cheap, but I guess you get what you pay for.
TL;DR - SOG has a great knife here, and I love the opening and locking mechanisms. However, repairability is a big thing for me, and I wish they could get rid of the permanent threadlocker in favor of semi-permanent or (ideally) none. I shouldn't be stripping 2 bits trying to get one screw out.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sogknives.com