AfterSHOT: Kiku Matsuda Grinds for SOG

Seki, Japan is hallowed ground for master bladesmiths. There is a tradition forged only through experience that helps produce some of the finest pieces of metalwork on the planet. It takes nearly a lifetime to master these techniques and Kiku Matsuda is one such master. He has spent more than 40 years perfecting the art of knife and sword making. This year at SHOT SHOW 16, Matsuda was displaying his line of signature knives with SOG. We were very lucky to get to spend a few minutes with him talking about his craft.

Depending on who you talk to, SOG’s reputation is either highly regarded for their value and strength or dismissed in lieu of very high priced knife makers. We have found that they balance their line very well in these regards.

The collaboration with Matsuda is special for SOG, and the introduction of these new fixed and folding blade options lend credence to the fact that SOG wants to play in the high end knife game.

Having worked for companies like Spyderco and William Henry, Matsuda’s skill is regarded far and wide. Because of his experience, Matsuda can grind in any style but with the SOG line, his signature is a hollow grind with a recurve that switches into a convex grind towards the end of the blade. This additional thickness on the drop point not only adds durability, but allows you to use the end of the knife for extremely precise cutting. The folders are finished with a Tanto point. Both models strike the balance between elegance and aggression.

Available in a variety of sizes in silver or black satin finish, the knives are made of AUS-8 stainless steel with a hardness of RC 56-58. The linen micarta handle is scalloped with a recurved center channel that feels sophisticated in the hand, and with a weight of just north of 11 ounces, the fixie felt very well balanced. We were told that with use, the linen micarta will develop a patina specific to the user.

The large fixed blade has length of 5.6” (overall 10.76”) and has an MSRP of $218.

The large folder comes in at a blade length of 4.6” with an MSRP of $190

As the relationship between SOG and Matsuda continues, you can expect to see more signature knives down the line.

You can view all the specs, models, and finishes at the SOG website or on Facebook.

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What is the NSSF SHOT Show?

The NSSF SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) and Conference is an annual event held by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Typically attended by thousands of people from all 50 states and over a hundred countries, it is (quite rightfully) described as the “…world's premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, law enforcement, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, and related products and services.
Imagine the Worlds' Fair, but packed with everything from mini-guns and every breed of body armor, bows and boots; from eye pro and ear pro to optics and ordnance, socks to swords…you get the idea. If you'd like to see a sampling of the companies who will be showing at this year's SHOT, there's a live map right here, though it doesn't reflect the organizations set up elsewhere, in hotel suites, etc.
View imagery from our coverage of last year's SHOT Show right here.
SHOT Show is online here; check out the videos from SHOT Show TV right here.
2016 SHOT Show
January 18 — Media on the Range (numerous shooting facilities in and around Las Vegas)
January 19–22, 2016
Sands Expo and Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hours:
Tuesday, January 19 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 21 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 22 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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