Edges Part V - SOG Super Bowie

Reader Question: "Will there be a part 5 to the Edges saga?"

FlytoWater Answer: "No, we are using Roman numerals in this highly technical situation and therefore there will be no part 5. There will, however, be a part vee."

Let's face it, there are times when you need a BAK, or big-ass knife. Since about 1830, people with this type of need have, as often as not, reached for some iteration of the Bowie.

It's an effective formula. Get a big blade, give it a clip point and swedge for ease of puncturing, include a robust handle and guard so you can bring a lot of force to bear, and top things off with a long, sharp edge.

The downside of all this tends to be a large, heavy implement that you always know is there regardless of how you choose to carry it. Still, when only a Bowie will do I like the SOG Super Bowie for it's modern take on a classic design. It's a wicked 7.5" blade cloaked in durable, black TiNi coating with a large, weighty hilt and traditional stacked leather handle.

Upon picking up the Super Bowie, you immediately notice that it's heavy yet well-balanced. The leather handle gives you a machete-like grip and coupled with the heft it's obvious that the SOG is up for whatever serious business you have in mind. One of the things I like about leather as a material choice is that it has a certain shock absorbing quality that makes a task like chopping significantly more pleasant than most alternatives.

This knife's point is scary sharp and so is the blade. AUS-8 steel, which SOG uses extensively, has a reputation for taking an edge extremely well. It's not the best steel for holding an edge long-term, but for a work knife that's typical. You'll use it for tough jobs and sharpen it regularly. In fact, the sheath for the Super Bowie even includes a sharpening stone - a nice touch.

Click HERE for a large photo of the knife and sheath.

SOG's Super Bowie has some obvious similarities with the KA-BAR Marine Core Fighting Knife, which has always been a strong value proposition for around $50. Comparatively, the SOG feels superior in every way and exudes a semi-custom level of craftsmanship that draws attention. If you want something to chuck in your toolbox or the bed of your pickup, the KA-BAR has always been a good kick-around option that you wouldn't mind using as a tent stake in a pinch. The Super Bowie makes my list of favorites because it's really what the KA-BAR wants to be when it grows up - still tremendously capable but a lot more refined.

Edges Part IV - White River Knife & Tool GTI 4.5

Whenever a series is named using Roman numerals, I always ask myself whether it will have the staying power to push forward into the uncomfortable area of 3+ installments. It is at this stage where the simple notion of using hash marks (I, II, III) for numbering takes a nasty turn and seldom-used letters such as V and X haphazardly appear and demand to be either added to or subtracted from regardless of the fact they are LETTERS, not numbers. It's disconcerting, and reminds me of my own damaging introduction to algebra where letters egregiously overstep their bounds and begin inserting themselves into mathematical equations as "variables."

Challenges notwithstanding, there is no way to have only 3 knives. There are times when you want a design that makes few compromises when it comes to strength, but also doesn't have the mass and physical dimensions of a full-size Bowie or combat knife.

In this big-but-not-too-big space, the White River Knife and Tool GTI 4.5 stands out. The blade length, as the name suggests, is 4.5" and putting a tape along the entire knife shows 9.75". Using a heavy choil and index finger carve-out in the sculpted micarta handle, you get a non-slip grip on the GTI regardless of conditions.

The GTI's handle is a thing of beauty. G10 is also offered but there is not a handle on any knife that I like more than White River's micarta.

Among the first things you notice about the GTI 4.5 is the thickness of the blade, which is a full 3/16" along its entire length. Steel is S35VN stainless (59 HRC), which is cryogenically tempered for increased durability. I don't know of a thicker S35VN blade on the market. This is a Justin Gingrich design (former U.S. Army Ranger with a decade of active duty military service) and the intent was to create an ideal tactical knife for patrolling, demolitions, and close quarters combat. It's full-size utility in a medium-size form factor.

Included is a leather sheath that simple and effective, being easily worn on a belt or strap as well as being MALICE clip compatible. The sheath does not achieve the greatness of the Winkler Belt Knife's, and I think White River could do a little better in the leatherwork department - but it's functional. Ultimately the bulk of the purchase price clearly goes toward the knife's materials and workmanship.

See the sheath and knife HERE.

White River Knife and Tool is a company to watch. I really like their little Scout, which was intended to be a caping knife but has been getting a lot of press as an all-around camp blade that is scalpel-sharp. They've become hard to find after winning some recent awards and getting featured by Field and Stream.

The GTI 4.5 is another excellent option for those who want a tough working knife but also appreciate quality craftsmanship.

Apocalyptic Fishing II

Alert!  303 days remain until the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21st.  Yes, some experts do believe it's actually December 23rd, in which case we still have a very comfortable 305 days left.

It is now time for the second installment of Apocalypse Gear - the feature that helps you, the angler, prepare for zombies.  Today's episode is a double feature, and starts out with rod selection.

You'll want to travel light with the undead roaming freely around your favorite waters, so it may make sense to select just one fly rod that can do it all.  My pick is the aptly named Sage One, in a 796-4.  This stick will handle everything - trout, steelhead, muskie, bass, salmon - and it won't shun light saltwater duty either.  As an added bonus, the rod tube is solid enough to use as a bludgeon and will never give your position away with unwanted reflections due to the matte black coating.

It's a good idea, even pre-doomsday, to have access to a few handy pieces of cutlery when in the outdoors.  As survival knives go, I haven't found anything better than the Extrema Ratio Golem for taking into the back country.  The blade is 58 HRC stainless cobalt steel, an alloy that is often used for cutting other steel.  It stands up very well to chopping and prying, where knives that focus strictly on sharp edges often fall short.  The Golem has a tanto point, and the blade is partially serrated making tasks like rope cutting a snap.  It also offers a robust dorsal saw that, while definitely requiring some effort, cuts very well.  Even the lanyard loop is a solid piece of hardware than can be used for striking, glass breaking, etc.

Parry...Parry...Thrust...Cast  - Good!