SOG Team Leader 20CV: $100 Tactical Steal

A $100 blade that promises 30% more toughness than S30V and 80% better edge holding and 20% better rust resistence than 440C? OK I'm interested. This is the first knife I've seen use this 20CV CPM steel and from all indications and preliminary reports, it should be a good performer. High carbide content, lots of vanadium, a chromium-rich matrix (excellent rust resistance), and outstanding sharpness set the 20CV steel SOG Team Leader apart from other blades (it was also offered in AUS8 steel as well). Of course that wouldn't mean much if the knife sucked. But suck it doesn't and in fact its an impressive stainless stell tactical fixed blade offering. Since it weighs in at just 6.8 oz (9.4 oz with sheath) it would make an ideal LBE knife as well (BlackWater MOLLE adaption shown). Handling the Team Leader for me was key in liking it: its balance and feel are superb. The handling characteristics inspire confidence and it would serve in excellent fashion in the tactical or camp knife POU. The DuraTech 20CV willow leaf blade is perfectly sized for such applications and features a full flat grind. It arrives razor sharp unlike some other SOG fixed blades and has decent belly for the slicing chore (it turned out to be an excellent food prep knife). The tip is highly tapered and will achieve excellent penetration in a thrust cut (Boker Deser Dagger compared for reference in vid). Be careful of the somewhat thinned tip: it's probably too weak to hammer on in cold survival situations (in a batoning tasks). The coarse jimping both on the spine and lower finger guards is well-executed and does its job. It's a refreshing find on a stainless steel tactical fixed blade. The Zytel grip is outstanding: palm swells, sharp molded-in checkering, and removeable scales achieve handling excellence. The leather sheath is well made but does not excite me: no QD capability, leather is susceptible to moisture problems, the retention strap is not anchored, and it's not MOLLE capable. On the upside, the provided sheath is well made (quality stitching, riveted) and handsome. The Team Leader then pretty much a plank of 20CV steel with excellent balance, outstanding sharpness and durability (ease of sharpening not assessed), and excellent ergonomics. Even with the promising 20CV steel, I suspect that this Team Leader failed to gain traction in the market at its $275 retail price. But at the $100 price point, I think this now-discontinued 20CV steel SOG Team Leader is a homerun design in the designated POUs and it represents excellent value. Get it while you can. ///////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 8.5 out of 10 (with Kydex sheath and at $119 price; 9.5 of 10)

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[Kylef7735]

@canadianglock22 It means it stays sharp longer as well. And in some situations edge retention is more important than sharpening it.

[canadianglock22]

wear resistance is not a good thing for a knife. that only means its harder to sharpen 

[Kylef7735]

@lucky13driver That is one of the ones in i believe aus8 instead of the 20cv

[bluehulk83]

hay nutn, when you dowin the aqua salt review?

thnx keep up the good work.

[Hypatia1951]

The Pentagon Elite II is a great little folder.

[lucky13driver]

nutnfancy I found one for $79. However it has a nylon sheath. Does it come in any other steels? Or did I find a deal?

[johnwoodz1220]

Nutn. It wouldn't pierce as good as your Boker I don't think. Thats a wicked wicked looking edge put on there. You've backed the angle up as well. Thats one naughty little Applegate/Fairburn. Thanks

[alanalan111111]

where to get the Duratech version for $100?

[PhairChild1337]

I got the tl02.. I love it and hate it hahah... Still a great knife but it has the saw on top witch takes away using the back of the blade for more pressure....

[frankgon4]

@braxtonamour I prefer stainless steel on short blades that don't do any pounding or batoning. I prefer Carbon steel for any full tang knives over 12 inches or any knives to be used for batoning. You don't see any actual use Combat swords , large axes or sledge hammers made out of stainless steel. Stainless steel is too brittle for continuous pounding, but does resist corrosion very well. I gun blue my carbon knives. It may be possible to apply some other type of protection to the blade.