Description
The SOG-TAC XR is the folding knife built for professional use — pulled into shape from feedback by the people who actually rely on a folder when conditions turn bad. 3.4 in. cryo-treated D2 clip-point blade, fully ambidextrous XR Lock, textured G10 handle that grips wet or gloved. Pick Blackout for the tactical/EDC blackout look (carbon-fiber-textured G10) or OD Green for the field/hunting look (machined G10 with a green tone).
Built for Hard Use
- XR Lock — SOG’s flagship lockup. Smooth, controlled one-handed opening with kick-open thumb stud or flipper; rock-steady lockup once deployed; ambidextrous release.
- Cryogenically-treated D2 blade steel — D2 is a tool-steel-grade workhorse with excellent edge retention; cryo treatment further refines the grain structure for better wear resistance and easier re-sharpening.
- 3.4 in. clip-point blade — versatile profile with a useful pointed tip and long cutting belly; flat grind for clean slicing through cord, webbing, tape, packaging, and game-dressing duty.
- Black coating on the blade — reduces glare, adds a corrosion-resistance layer over the D2; “STUDIES AND OBSERVATIONS GROUP” engraving honors the original SOG namesake unit.
- Textured G10 handle scales — composite material with deep texture for positive grip in rain, mud, cold, or with gloves on; checkered diamond pattern
- Fully ambidextrous controls — thumb stud, flipper, lock release, pocket clip all configurable for left- or right-hand carry
- Deep-carry pocket clip — black coated stainless, repositionable for tip-up carry on either side
- Lanyard hole at the butt of the handle for paracord or keychain
- 2-year SOG warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
Where It Shines
- Everyday carry where you want a serious tool — opening boxes, slicing cordage, trimming materials, kitchen-knife duty when you forgot to pack one
- Hunting camp — dressing small game, prepping kindling, cutting fishing line and lures, processing harvested birds
- Worksite utility — drywall scoring, strapping, tape, conduit prep, opening fertilizer or grass-seed sacks
- Tactical / professional duty — law enforcement secondary, EMS / fire utility, military EDC
- Gift for the hunter, contractor, first responder, or new homeowner who still uses a screwdriver to open boxes
Specifications
- Brand: SOG (Studies and Observations Group)
- Model: SOG-TAC XR
- Family: Professional Use Folding Knives
- Blade length: 3.4 in. (8.6 cm)
- Blade steel: D2 tool steel, cryogenically treated, black coated
- Blade shape: clip-point
- Blade edge: plain, flat grind
- Lock type: SOG XR Lock (ambidextrous bar lock, similar to Benchmade AXIS-style)
- Opening mechanism: thumb stud + flipper (one-handed, ambidextrous)
- Handle material: G10 composite, textured diamond pattern
- Pocket clip: deep-carry stainless, reversible tip-up
- Lanyard hole: yes
- Weight: 1 lb shipping (knife alone is lighter; weight includes retail packaging)
Color Options
- Blackout (Model SOG-12-38-01-41, UPC 729857010337) — fully blacked-out scales, carbon-fiber-textured G10 handle, blacked-out hardware. The tactical / EDC look — disappears into a uniform pocket and reads as professional duty gear.
- OD Green (Model SOG-12-38-02-41, UPC 729857010351) — olive drab green G10 handle scales with black blade and hardware. The field / hunting look — disappears into a pack of hunting gear and works well as a gift for outdoor folks.
What’s in the Box
- One SOG-TAC XR folding knife in your selected color, factory-sharpened
- Pre-installed reversible deep-carry pocket clip
- Retail box packaging
Care & Maintenance
Cleaning: Wipe the blade dry after any wet use; for stubborn residue, mild soap and water then dry thoroughly. D2 has decent corrosion resistance for a tool steel but it’s NOT stainless — long contact with salt water or wet pockets will eventually rust the edge. The black blade coating adds protection; touch up any worn spots with light gun oil.
Pivot service: One drop of light machine oil at the pivot every few months keeps the XR Lock action smooth. Don’t over-tighten the pivot screw — just enough to remove side-to-side blade play.
Sharpening: D2 sharpens cleanly on a diamond stone or ceramic rod at ~20° per side. It takes a bit more passes than softer 420/440 steels but holds an edge much longer. A ceramic touch-up rod kept in the truck restores a working edge in 30 seconds.
Legal Note
Carry laws on folding knife blade lengths vary by state, county, and city. The 3.4 in. blade is street-legal in most U.S. jurisdictions but check your local statute before carry. Garoppo’s does not ship knives to jurisdictions where they’re restricted.
Stop by Garoppo’s to pick one up, or schedule local delivery within our service area.








