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 fluid 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.

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.

Beginnings

Wherever you go, there you are.  

I started getting interested in photography about a decade ago, and as the years have passed my passion for the medium has increased tremendously. Initially, sharing my enjoyment of fly fishing and the outdoors with family and friends got me into blogging and www.flytowater.com was born.

Later, I needed a landing page to showcase other types of work such as product and portrait photography. My skills as a developer being roughly on par with members of the tree sloth family, I put together a template-based site which predominantly used Adobe Flash but which was easily maintained.

The rise of mobile and tablet computing eventually made Flash about as desirable as crusted Norwegian scabies, but I also found that my readers and customers were beginning to become increasingly segmented.

This site will be an experiment. In theory, I'd like to consolidate various digital assets into one place and decrease the number of platforms I need to maintain. Still, there may be value in making a distinction between audiences and providing content which is less scattered.

Let me know what you think, and thanks for dropping in.

I'd also like to express appreciation for long-time friend and fellow 'tog Jason Morrison, who provided several images of me for use on this site.