SOG Terminus Slipjoint Satin review: a tough steel knife for any outdoor use

First impressions

The SOG Terminus Slipjoint Satin is a rarity in the SOG product range: a non-locking slipjoint folding knife. With a reputation for producing hunting, survival and military-tactical knives, as well as highly-regarded multitools, SOG is a brand that you might not turn to when looking for a discreet folder for camping, everyday carry and general outdoor use. The SOG Terminus Slipjoint Satin may change that. It retains the military-inspired looks that have become characteristic of the brand though, signalling that this is a serious knife, which will appeal to a certain breed of outdoor user.

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You can’t miss who it’s made by either – the SOG branding appears no less than four times on the knife (stamped on the blade, debossed into the scales on both sides of the knife and die cut into the pocket clip). It is, however, well-made and generally well-designed, utilising a Carpenter CTS-BD1 steel blade for reasonable edge holding and fairly easy sharpening, as well as possessing the other qualities you expect from a mid-grade stainless steel.

A nail nick on both sides of the blade and a reversible, pocket clip makes it suitable for left- or right-handers. The G10 laminate fibreglass scales feel tough and durable in the hand, forming a solid, chunky handle that will work even for those with large hands. The knife is well-built, with steel liners, flush-fitting screws and a backspacer that still leaves enough of the frame open to allow for easy cleaning.

In the field

In its folded position, the knife is fairly neat and compact, though not the lightest. The back square of the blade also protrudes from the handle, which doesn’t make for the cleanest silhouette. Nor are the nail nicks placed in the easiest or most convenient position to access, making opening the blade a little trickier than it might be. They’ve been positioned further forward than we’d otherwise like to allow for the spine jimping, so we can see the rationale, but we still felt the need to improve this knife by adding a thumb stud. Once we’d done so, the knife was instantly transformed, becoming a great little pocket companion that could now be opened one-handed.

It looks fairly mean once unfolded, with obvious military influences. Still, the blade is relatively short compared to the length of the handle, so we wouldn’t describe the SOG Terminus as appearing to be particularly well balanced. However, it feels good in the hand. The grid texturing and grooved patterning on the scales provides secure grip and inspires confidence, as does the pronounced jimping for the thumb on the spine of the blade.

The blade has a tapered drop point, plenty of belly up front and a straight edge behind. The hollow grind makes for a versatile blade with an easy cutting action. Blade centring is good, with little play. The backspring grabs the blade effectively when open, and though there is no half stop, the blade has a large, rounded kick just past the heel, protecting your fingers.

Overall, this is a knife that lends itself well to many different camp tasks and sits happily in a pocket or the lid of a rucksack. It feels reassuringly solid and well-built too.