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Field Ethos
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By Brandon Moss
My introduction to SOG knives came while walking down a gravel road, over a decade ago. There on the side of the road was an all-black folding pocket knife with a name I hadn’t heard before, SOG. I’m not sure what model it was, but we will refer to it as Roadside SOG.
I decided it was going to be my do-all knife, and I really didn’t care what happened to it. After all, I’d just found it on the side of the road, so if it broke, I was out nothing. I used and abused that knife far beyond what any folder should endure, and the damn thing held up to it all. I couldn’t find a single fault in it.
Over the years, Roadside SOG became my garage knife, sat on the reloading bench, left to use in my trailer, and eventually became my truck knife. Sadly, Roadside SOG disappeared without my knowledge. Its absence revealed itself to me around about the same time that I moved and my truck and trailer were broken into. Not sure which one it succumbed to, but it will forever be missed.
I’ve always had a certain “type” when it comes to pocket knives. Typically I lean towards one that is thin, unnoticeable when not in use, and easily accessible. Most of the bigger, fatter knives I used for EDC didn’t feel right in the pocket. They were also cumbersome to try and access and never really settled well with me.
Kiku XR – Fatcarbon
In comes the Kiku XR – Fatcarbon, and true to its name, at first glance it looks thick. However, after spending some time using the knife, it didn’t have that bulky feel that a lot of knives its size have. It felt familiar in the hand and tucked away nicely in the pocket. It wasn’t bothersome in the least bit and functioned well. The Kiku is easily operated with one hand, and has an extremely smooth action right out of the box.
In hand, the Kiku XR is muscular and beefy and confident without being overly bulky for pocket carry. The Fatcarbon provides a secure, confident grip even when using it with wet or slippery hands. Deployment of the blade is exceptionally fast and satisfying thanks to the bearings and dual openers. The XR lock snaps into place with authority and disengages cleanly. It’s designed to be used ambidextrously, giving left- and right-handed users the same quick access with a foolproof XR lock.
The blade profile is a distinctive modification and has a shape of its own. Overall length is a little over 7.3 inches with a blade length slightly north of 3 inches in length. It features a modified tanto CTS XHP steel blade with a strong tip and subtle recurve, delivering solid performance in a compact package.
The Kiku carries a bold, almost custom-like personality that immediately sets it apart from other tactical folders I’ve used. It’s the kind of blade that makes you want to put it to work, not just admire it. However, the knife overall is not hard to look at. I found myself repeatedly studying the Kiku, opening and closing it again and again, trying to find a flaw. Still working on that.
It rings in at just under $400, which is not the cheapest folding knife, but you pay for the combination of premium steel, innovative lock, distinctive design, and that eye-catching material including premium handles. The Kiku XR is an everyday carry that you can use for most needs and look good while doing so.
Price: $399.95.
Pros: Stunning knife, you’ll spend time ogling it; everyday carry blade up for most needs while looking good doing it.
Cons: $400 is a bit of a hit, but this blade is worth it. It’s so pretty you’ll want to keep playing with it—don’t slice your fingers off.
The post The Roadside Revelation appeared first on Field Ethos.
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