Overview
The SOG Knife was specifically designed for covert Studies and Observations Group personnel during the Vietnam War. It was unmarked and meant to be untraceable to the country of origin or manufacture. This was done to maintain plausible deniability of covert operators in case of their capture or death.
The SOG Knife was designed by Benjamin Baker, the Deputy Chief of the U.S. Counterinsurgency Support Office (CISO). A chrome-moly steel known as SKS-3 was chosen for the blade and hardened to a Rockwell hardness of 55-57. The blade pattern featured a convex false edge on the clip point of a Bowie knife. The stacked leather handle was inspired by a Marbles Gladstone Skinning Knife made in the 1920s owned by Baker, into which finger grooves were molded. The blade was typically parkerized or blackened to reduce glare. This was done so by applying a dark gun-blue finish (similar to those used on guns) on this SK-3 carbon steel knife. The knife was carried in a leather sheath which contained a sharpening steel or whetstone.
The knife is in fantastic condition with an equally attractive black leather sheath. The sheath does have more wear present than the actual knife, but this was most likely due to post war carrying and storage. The retaining strap is still present and in solid condition, as is the whetstone pouch which still contains the original stone.
A great example ready for further research and display.
Measurements:
Blade Length: 6 ⅛”
Hilt Length: 4”
Blade Type: Bowie
Sheath Length: 11” with belt loop
