We’ve had the chance to check out a number of products from specialty knife and tool maker SOG, and we’ve liked every knife and tool we’ve tested. The Aegis Mini is an assisted folder coming in at a lean 2 oz for a 3” blade (7” total when open). Our tester was the satin straight blade, a very useful blade style.
Just start to open the blade, and SOG’s assist technology takes over, springing the blade out with a flash. Unlike some other assisted blades, your thumb is never in danger with the SOG assist. The grip fits in your hand nicely, and the DigiGrip texture lets you grip it securely. I also like it that the Aegis Mini has a safety, and the release mechanism is both easy to use and highly innovative.
The mechanical side of this knife is a strong point, where I have used others that make the mechanism feel like the weak link. Popping the blade out with a solid feel and healthy sound is the knife-world equivalent of slamming a solidly built car’s door. The Aegis Mini is the Mercedes of the knife world.
SOG’s cryogenic heat treatment increases the toughness of their blades, and the AUS 8 grade steel means the Aegis Mini is going to last—making it a good investment for the $80 asking price. While $80 is a good-sized investment for a mid-sized folder, the Aegis Mini backs up its asking price with good tech, quality, and safety, making it a good value proposition to us. It’s also nice that this high-quality blade is made in the USA.
If you’re after a bigger knife, SOG also has the full-sized Aegis, and if you need serrations, you can check out their tanto point—SOG has something for everyone.
