SOG’s Terminus

The Terminus carries well and cuts well — just like you’d expect from any folding knife offered by SOG. But it doesn’t have any assisted opening feature nor does the blade lock when open. But “simple” can be better. While assisted-opening, locking knives garner most of the attention these days, the Terminus shows how the lack of these features can actually foster an improved “pocketknife experience.” Moreover, in some places, assisted-opening and locking features are illegal.

Capable and robust, the SOG Terminus measures 4″ in length when closed and tips the digital scale at 2.9 oz. The straight-edge blade measures 3″ in length and is 0.11″ thick — near perfect for a basic folder facing myriad light-duty cutting tasks. But the Terminus is up to harsher use too. I’d have no concerns about splitting small pieces of wood by striking the back of the blade with a hammer or rock in order to facilitate a strong, leveraged cut. This knife can take a lot of abuse.

Textured and SOG-branded G10 handles cover both sides of the knife and are, at the same time, smooth and rough, light and strong. They’re available in tan or black. A reversible pocket clip allows for tip-up carry. The clip sits high on the end of the handle, allowing for deep pocket carry and is strong enough to loop a key ring under it, allowing the knife to serve as a giant key fob. Or you can simply remove the pocket clip altogether and let the Terminus drop into your pocket.

Opening the blade normally requires two hands and, with one hand on the handle, you’ll either pinch the top of the closed blade with your other hand’s thumb and index finger or use the nail nick. The blade opens slowly and only with deliberate effort. The entire process feels robustly retro. When fully opened, the only thing keeping it that way is a slip joint. It’s strong enough to allow for a variety of blade uses, but you’ll want to be careful. If the blade should start to close, however, a small guard will help protect your fingers from being cut. You can close the Terminus with one hand, but I recommend using two as defeating the slip joint is not an easy process. You have to mean it!

In hand, the Terminus offers significant purchase regardless of whether your hands are dry, wet, or sweaty, thanks in part to the G10 handles and also the jimping on the blade — a great place to rest your thumb for cutting leverage. The BD1 blade (RC 58-60) cuts just about everything with ease, holds an edge well and the clip point again proves itself to be the most useful blade shape ever.

It’s not often you set out find a folding knife with fewer features than most of the knives on the market today, but this Terminus, retailing for $67, provides people who live in restrictive areas with a great option for a folding knife. And even if you don’t live in a restrictive area, the Terminus proves less can be more.

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