SOG TFSA98-CP Flash II 8 in Black EDC Pocket Knife

This is the best every day carry knife I've personally ever owned. As someone else said, the steel is not the best in the world, and that is my only issue with it; it is still very above-average quality steel though, and shows 0 signs of rust or corrosion, the metal is just softer than I think is optimal... D2 or something would make this knife a dream. I just have very high standards for the steel that my tools and guns are made of, and for the price, you won't find better in my opinion. Even for a brutal task, I believe it would hold up fine, though it would certainly need a sharpening; I still haven't had to sharpen mine in over a year.I think once or twice, EVER, the safety has engaged in my pocket unintentionally, probably from reaching to grab keys or something. It's not really as big of an issue as it's made out to be, I actually think it's quite a good design. In addition, there is no "stop bar" in the knife to stop the blade when closing, so you never get a dull spot on the blade. Also, the unlock-thumb-lever thing is an awesome addition; no more putting your thumb directly in the way of the blade to push that awkward and uncomfortable locking mechanism!When I first got it, I was REALLY sketched out by the plastic housing/handle, but just like my other SOG knives, it is extremely durable! Literally, not a single scratch after all the time I've owned it, which is amazing. Also, the black tini coating on the blade isn't only for looks; it is very durable, rather similar to the chemical coating on a Glock barrel, and does a very good job at preventing any glare or flash in the sun, if that concerns you.This knife in particular, in my opinion, is the perfect size for carrying always. It is very lightweight, has a very ergonomic design, and doesn't look flashy or cheesy. The blade is big enough for anything you might need it for, but small enough to be a realistic to stuff in a pocket. Honestly, it's so unnoticeable that I clip it in the pocket of my sweatpants if I'm lazy that day.I really love SOG knives, and for real work, camping, defense, etc., I also have 2 seal pup elites, partially serrated, in black tini which have also held up quite well. Loyal customer here, mostly due to the very good quality to cost ratio, from the research I have done. I like to own things that will last as long as I take care of them, and these knives do. Don't forget, they have lifetime warranties against manufacturer's defects; don't take that for granted!

I carry this knife with me everywhere.Here are some great things I love about it:-Fits in your pocket with the clip system perfectly. I love how the clip is put on the end of the handle away from the blade so that when you pull it out you don't have to flip it around again to open it. So many other knives do this and it feels so counter-intuitive and irritating to carry a knife like that.-Spring assisted opening is fast and works great.-Locking mechanism is great if you want to put it in a bag or inside your pocket and don't want it to open up in there. (If you wear it the way I do where it is attached to the top of your pocket so the clip sticks out a little bit, it shouldn't open in your pocket. It never has for me and I don't keep the locking mechanism engaged).-Awesome quality blade. Serrations are razor sharp and have stayed so throughout months and months of use.-The handle's design is very nice and grippy and I love the ergonomic indent design for your two fingers- it feels awesome in your hand.-Inconspicuous clip design. When it's sticking out of your pocket it looks like a pen. It's also a great design because the clip is really far at the end of the handle so almost all of the knife is resting in your pocket. Mine has never fallen out of my pocket.-Speaking of the clip, it's reversible for lefties.

I'm certainly not a knife expert and the only other knife I carried extensively was a very affordable CRKT M16 (got it for 15 bucks on clearance) that I thought was pretty good. This is my second Flash II, I carried the TiNi version for over 3 years and here are my observations:1- I don't even notice it's there in my pocket because it is very light, it rides low and discreet and yet it has a 3-1/2 inch blade. I like the security of having this knife on me all the time.2- I use it quite often with the serrated edge even though knife enthusiasts prefer a straight edge. I've simply used the serrations where it was more efficient to cut, and I don't want to carry two different knives. I also have meat cutter experience so I don't have any issues sharpening it when needed.3- Using the excellent pocket clip, the Flash II has never accidentally dropped out of my pocket as I was often losing my CRKT.4- The handle has been criticized but I like it, it feels very secure in my hand with an aggressive finger guard, and I never felt my forefinger would accidentally slip onto the blade using it with force.5- The blade lock has also been criticized but I really prefer it over the liner lock of my CRKT, the Flash II feels so much more secure and has been easier for me to use. This knife is also simple and quick to open single-handed using the thumb studs.6- Over 3 years I've only needed to tighten the pocket clip once, everything else has been very solid, I was constantly putting super glue on the CRKT to keep screws from coming loose.7- Sure I would like to own a Benchmade Griptillian ($100) with an AXIS lock, but I purchased this on Amazon for only $31 when SOG had a promotion.The only criticism that I have is closing this knife single-handed quickly and safely, which takes little practice, effort, and caution because of the design and resistance of the assisted opening.On my first Flash II I took it apart out of curiosity and the assisted opening spring popped out. I put it back together without the spring because I couldn't figure out how to place it back in. I thought I would miss the assisted opening, although between the two SOGs I prefer it without the spring since it is nearly as easy and quick to open yet much easier to close single-handed.