SOG Flash AT Review (2026)

The SOG Flash AT uses SOG's proprietary Assisted Technology to deploy its 3.45-inch clip point blade with minimal thumb pressure, competing directly with the Kershaw Leek and Blur in the budget assisted-opening category. D2 steel is a genuine value add at this price point, offering better edge retention than the 8Cr13MoV found on many similarly priced assisted openers. For users who want fast, reliable assisted deployment without spending up to Kershaw's premium-steel options, the Flash AT delivers solid value.

Check price at SOG →

$45 retail

7.9

/10

TrailCraft Score

What Works

SOG Assisted Technology deploys the blade about as quickly as any assisted opener in this roundup
D2 steel at this price point offers better edge retention than the 8Cr13MoV found on similarly priced competitors
GRN handle keeps weight reasonable while remaining durable for daily carry
Available in multiple color and blade finish combinations
Affordable enough to serve as a low-risk loaner or backup knife

Limitations

Assisted opening is restricted in a small number of jurisdictions — verify local law
GRN handle has less premium feel and grip texture than G10 or metal handles
Liner lock is reliable but ranks below frame locks and AXIS-style locks under stress

Specifications

Weight3.8 oz / 108g

Blade Length3.45″

Closed Length4.5″

Overall Length7.95″

Blade SteelD2 tool steel

Lock TypeLiner lock (with SOG Assisted Technology)

Blade ShapeClip point, hollow grind

Handle MaterialGRN (glass-reinforced nylon)

OriginMade in China (SOG Specialty Knives)

WarrantySOG limited warranty against manufacturing defects

Score Breakdown

Blade Performance

8.0

Build Quality

7.7

Ergonomics & Carry

8.0

Lock Security

7.6

Value for Money

8.8

What Sets It Apart

SOG Assisted Technology functions similarly to Kershaw's SpeedSafe: a spring-loaded mechanism completes the opening motion once the user has moved the blade partway through its arc via the flipper tab. SOG's implementation is tuned for a particularly fast, snappy deployment, which is part of the Flash line's identity within SOG's catalog.

D2 tool steel on a sub-$50 knife is a notable value proposition, since most knives at this price point use simpler steels like 8Cr13MoV or AUS-8. D2's higher carbide content gives it meaningfully better edge retention, at the cost of slightly more attention needed to prevent surface staining, since it is only semi-stainless.

SOG's Assisted Technology deploys a 3.45-inch blade about as fast as any knife in this roundup

Who This Is For

The Flash AT is right for: budget-conscious buyers who want fast assisted deployment without stepping up to premium-steel options, anyone who wants a low-risk backup or loaner knife with better-than-typical steel for the price, and users who have verified assisted-opening knives are unrestricted in their area.

A note on pricing and links: Prices are current as of June 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

How It Compares

See the full comparison

All 20 pocket knives in this category ranked side by side.

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Common Questions

Is the SOG Flash AT legal to carry?

Assisted-opening knives like the Flash AT are legal in most US states but restricted in a small number of jurisdictions that classify them similarly to automatic knives. Verify current local law before carrying, since rules vary by state and change over time.

How does SOG Assisted Technology compare to Kershaw's SpeedSafe?

Both are spring-assisted mechanisms that complete the opening motion after a manual push past a certain point. They function similarly in practice, with SOG's implementation tuned for a notably fast, snappy deployment on the Flash line specifically.

Is D2 steel worth it on a budget assisted opener?

Yes — D2 offers meaningfully better edge retention than the 8Cr13MoV or AUS-8 commonly found on similarly priced assisted openers, making the Flash AT a stronger value pick within the budget assisted-opening category.

What does 'AT' stand for in SOG Flash AT?

AT stands for Assisted Technology, SOG's branding for the spring-assisted opening mechanism used on this model, distinguishing it from the manual-opening original SOG Flash and Flash II models.