SOG Knife
The SOG Knife, often referred to as the “SOG Bowie” or simply the “SOG,” is a combat knife that became iconic during the Vietnam War due to its design, effectiveness, and association with elite American special operations forces. The name “SOG” stands for Studies and Observations Group, a covert special operations unit formed by the U.S. military during the Vietnam conflict. Although the knife was not officially issued by the military under the SOG name, it was closely associated with the unit because it was widely used by members of MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group), a highly classified and dangerous special operations task force conducting reconnaissance, sabotage, and other covert missions in North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
The SOG Knife was designed by Bob Taylor and Bob Crooks in the mid-1960s. They founded SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, which initially began as a company supplying knives and tools to the military. The design was inspired by the traditional Bowie knife but adapted specifically for jungle warfare, survival, and combat use in Southeast Asia. The blade typically measured around 6 to 7 inches in length and featured a clip point with a sharp, strong tip ideal for piercing and slashing. The blade was made from high-carbon steel, providing durability and the ability to hold a sharp edge under rigorous use. The handle was usually constructed from stacked leather washers, providing a secure grip even when wet or muddy, an essential feature in the jungle environment.
Manufacturing was initially handled by several companies under contract, but early production knives were often made by smaller specialized manufacturers such as Camillus Cutlery Company, and in some cases, by Randall Made Knives. Camillus became the primary manufacturer in later years, producing thousands of knives for military and civilian markets. These knives were prized for their balance between strength, sharpness, and utility. The knives were not standard issue across all military branches but were primarily used by specialized units, including the Navy SEALs, Green Berets, Marine Force Recon, and MACV-SOG teams. These units valued the SOG Knife for its multi-purpose capabilities, able to be used for fighting, survival tasks, and cutting through dense jungle foliage.
Estimates suggest that between 15,000 and 30,000 SOG knives were produced during the Vietnam War period, though exact numbers are difficult to confirm due to the classified nature of some units and the fact that many knives were purchased privately by soldiers or procured through unofficial channels. The knife’s design and reputation continued to influence military knife production long after the war, leading to various modern iterations and commemorative editions. Today, the SOG Knife remains a symbol of the ingenuity and resilience of Vietnam War special operations forces and is highly regarded among collectors and military historians alike.
