SOG Question: seal pup vs. seal pup elite?

[iiLOBOii]

Complete newbie here, so please bear with me. I'm thinking of getting a SOG. I've read many forums and find they're pretty decent knives for the price. The problem is that I'm undecided between the Seal Pup and the Seal Pup Elite. Maybe you more knowledgeable people (with hands on experience) can shed some light on the pros and cons of each. What are the main differences between the two? What's the difference between AUS6 vs. AUS8? Is it worth the extra $$ to go for the Elite? Do the "bells and whistles" on the Elite make it less durable than the regular Pup? Also, half serrated vs. full straight edge? And what the heck is "TiAlN Hardcased"?

I know it's a lot to answer, so thanks in advance.

 

[hso]

Welcome to THR!

TiAlN "hardcase" is titanium aluminum nitride abrasion resistant coating that protects the material underneath. It certainly is a step up from powder coat, but if you're not going to be doing things with it you shouldn't it probably won't matter.

AUS 8 will be more durable and hold an edge longer than 6.

The grips are different so you'll need to handle them. If you have a bigger hand you'll probably find the "elite" more comfortable.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have an Elite (satin finish, straight edge non-coated) that I like a lot. I believe the blade thickness is slightly more on the elite. I had no interest in the Seal Pup due to the serrations, but when I looked at the (referenced) Seal Pup Elite and handled it, I bought it immediately. I think you will like the knife. The coatings all rub off with use. To some they look cool or tactical when they are new, but use them and they start rubbing off. The nice part was that my preferred choice was the least expensive. I carry mine in the woods as a general purpose fixed blade. It is just about the right size.

Added: The kydex sheath is really not bad. I also have the SOG nylon tactical sheath that will fit it. The nylon sheath is just a bit big for my tastes, but I like being able to slide a small whetstone into it. At the moment, I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other on the nylon sheath. Have not carried the knife in it yet either. Just got the sheath about two weeks ago.

 

[iiLOBOii]

Thanks for the input fellas. I guess then I'll go for the Elite, since the steel and the coating are better. No real drawbacks that I can see, compared to the regular seal pup. I also just noticed that on the Elite the cutting edge is a bit longer.

hso - thanks for the explanations (especially on the TiAlN).

22-rimfire - how do you like the full straight edge vs. the partial serration? Did you choose that just for ease of sharpening, or some other reason? And speaking of sharpening, what's your choice on the Elite?

 

[22-rimfire]

I have always believed the partial serrated blades just weren't effective as either a serrated knife or a straight edge knife. The power cutting is done at just about where the serrations are. For me, if I want a serrated knife, I'll buy an blade that is completely serrated. A lot easier to sharpen without the serrations too.

I won't recommend any individual sharpening system but many like the Sypderco Sharpmaker. I currently use a Lansky universal sharpening system. In the past, I have used the lansky or other brand ceramic rods, and various stones. I actually prefer to use stones if I am not worried about scarring up the blade as it never fails that my concentration drops off and I scratch the blade. I have no trouble getting a very sharp edge with whetstones. My favorite is a little Case Moonstone which is cheap. Again I have quite a few sharpening stones to choose from and start with coarse and move to very fine (ie hard) arkansas stone. To touch up a blade edge, I often just use the ceramic rods. I'm no expert and many prefer other approaches.

You'll be happy with the Elite. You will want more SOGs. I just ordered another older one (Tech II) via ebay. The Tech blades are really nice. A 7" blade is about the longest I can use with any dexterity. Current version is Tech Bowie.