The Trident's "Groove" features allows the angler to cut line without openning the knife!
Impressions: The team at SOG did right with the Trident TF-1 TiNi. Though it looks like an ordinary knife, this folding knife is quite impressive. SOG includes features that outdoorsmen, especially anglers, will surely find handy such as the TiNi coated blade, SOG Assisted Technology (S.A.T.), and the noticeable and unique Groove. The Trident weighs in very nicely and has a good size handle for both small and large hands. In addition the knife has a locking feature that keeps the blade from accidentally coming open, and another mechanism to keep the sharp blade from closing when flipped open for use.
Groove: This innovative feature is what sets the Trident apart from others. The patent pending Groove system is built into the handle and makes use of the closed blade and a slot in the handle, cutting just about any type of line such parachute cord, rope, and fishing line including braided and super lines.
The Groove was first developed after Navy SEALs thought open blades were too dangerous around fragile equipment and other fellow members. After puncturing a military inflatable boat and damaging other equipment when cutting ropes with an open blade, SOG then designed this effective safe system. Now the Grooveâ„¢ sheath is not only used on the Trident but many other SOG knives as well.
S.A.T: SOG Assisted Technology (S.A.T.) was designed to help one open the knife easily and quickly, no matter if the person uses his/her right or left hand. The patented mechanism works with a constant force that opens the blade and a variable force that wants to close it. That means when someone opens the Trident the force to open is greater than closing which will spring open the knife virtually on its own.
Field Tests: I once read a survey somewhere about what one thing you would like to have with you if you're stranded in the wilderness, and someone answered a durable pocket knife because it's a tool they can rely on to cut, scrap, dig, and many more things that pertains to one's survival. Though I hope I would never end up in a situation like that, I have to agree with that statement. A knife is important, and even more important is a knife that's high performing and extremely reliable. We tested the SOG Trident while fishing and camping at Lassen National Park, on local lakes, and on the Pacific Ocean while targeting salmon, albacore tuna, and rockfish.
The Blade: Aside from useful features the blade is what makes or breaks a knife. Without a quality blade any knife would be a useless tool. The Trident folding knife has an outstanding blade that’s ground out of high-grade AUS8 stainless steel flat stock. We used the Trident on the water, fresh and salt, and while camping carving marshmallow sticks, gutting fish, and cutting other miscellaneous items, the blade never gave in and is sharp cutting without difficulty. The Trident blade remained solid and sound throughout our tests and never failed on us once. The stainless steel blade on the Trident model is all the same but the TF-1 test unit has a black Titanium Nickel coating on it. There is a slight downside to a coating because over time it’s sure to become scratched even though TiNi is a very tough material. Even if the coating can be damaged after prolong use and abuse, this is the model that anglers should use because the TiNi coating not only adds surface hardness but also increases the blade’s resistance to corrosion.
Ergonomics: The Trident folding knife holds nicely in your hands. The glass-reinforced Zytel handle is long enough for both large and small hands, and patterned with non-slip for a sure grip. In addition SOG molded the handle with proper curves and positioned the ridges on the handle and on top of the blade for a better hold, even when your hands are slimed by the fish. Application: To an angler a pocket knife is very important and can serve many purposes. One very obvious application is cutting fishing line. The blade is sharp and will cut fishing line in an instant. We tried cutting both slick lines such as mono and fluorocarbon and also braided line. With the blade flipped in the open position it easily sliced the braided line with either the serrated or fine edge section of the SOG Trident blade. With monofilament fishing line the blade doesn’t grab onto the line like it did with braided, so in order to quickly cut slippery line you must fold the line over the blade or carefully apply a quick slash - this goes for all knives. The Groove™ system does the same thing but allows you to cut with the knife in the closed and locked position. We found the Groove™ very handy and we were able to apply this feature on cutting line in a hurry, and without the fear of stabbing fellow anglers or damaging other nearby equipment. Aside from cutting fishing line with the Groove™, anglers can use the SOG Trident to cut rope. In an emergency you will want a blade with a sharp edge that can quickly get you away from danger such as rope wrapped around the prop and you’re about to be washed ashore or even rope wrapped around a fellow angler. Opened, the SOG Trident cuts rope very well above and underwater as we tried both of these scenarios. The Groove™ system can be applied to cutting only those items that can fit in the slot, so most rope is out of the question and best cut with the Trident in an open position.
Conclusion: Having the right blade can mean life or death for some, especially to an outdoorsman whom relies on a knife that’s used for survival purposes. A quality blade, solid construction, and useful features are key specifications one should consider when buying a pocket knife. The SOG Trident TF-1 has these characteristics and more. It is truly a high performing folding knife that one can trust to have at hand. The Trident has effective features like the Groove™ system allowing anglers to cut fishing line without opening the blade and the SOG Assisted Technology (S.A.T.) that swiftly opens the blade no matter which hand you use. The blade is ground out of a tough stainless steel and the TF-1 model is even more durable with its Titanium Nickel coating. The SOG Trident is a blade that inspires confidence to help you get the job done right.
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