Sport, Military and Collectible Knives | Coltelleria Collini

PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED AND USED KNIFE, FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Acquired from a private individual, previously purchased and used
* Condition: Good overall condition, with evident signs of age and use
* Commercial availability: Discontinued
* Sharpening: Resharpened
* Marks on blade: Present, with scratches, abrasions and surface dulling consistent with age and use
* Marks on handle: Present, with natural patina and signs of use on the stacked leather washers
* Box: -
* Sheath: Present, original leather sheath, heavily used and showing signs of age
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: -
* Inspected and Certified by our in-house laboratory

The SOG S1 Bowie Vietnam 5th Special Forces Group is one of the most representative knives in the history of SOG Specialty Knives and the model with which the American brand began its production during the second half of the 1980s. Made in Seki, Japan, the S1 was created as a tribute to the famous knives used by members of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) during the Vietnam War.

It is important to distinguish the S1 from the original “sterile” military knives actually used operationally during the conflict: the commercial SOG model instead reproduces the commemorative configuration of the famous MACV-SOG Bowie, featuring the U.S. Army Special Forces crest on the blade together with the marking “VIETNAM 5th SPECIAL FORCES GROUP”. This strong historical identity, combined with the quality of Japanese manufacturing, has made it one of the most recognizable and sought-after vintage SOG knives among collectors.

Production was entrusted to Ichiro Hattori in Seki, one of the most important names in Japanese knifemaking. The substantial Bowie blade is made from SK-5 carbon steel, hardened to approximately 57-58 HRC, with the characteristic dark gun-blue finish combined with polished surfaces. The handle uses traditional stacked leather washers stabilized with epoxy resin, completed by a sturdy metal guard and pommel.

This example features the classic SOG Specialty Knives logo on one side of the ricasso and, on the opposite side, the markings “SEKI-JAPAN”, the Special Forces crest and the inscription “VIETNAM 5th SPECIAL FORCES GROUP”. It is also accompanied by its original black leather sheath, complete with sharpening stone pocket and a large Special Forces crest embossed on the lower section. The original period identification label is still present on the back of the sheath.

The example offered here comes from a private collection and has actually been used. The blade shows scratches, abrasions and surface marks, both on the blued and polished areas; the leather handle has developed a noticeable patina and shows wear consistent with its age. The original sheath is also heavily used, with leather wear, marks and widespread abrasions. Its condition should therefore be considered good in relation to its age and nature, but it should not be compared with a display-grade or NOS example.

These very characteristics tell the story of an authentic SOG S1 made in Seki: a knife that, regardless of its cosmetic condition, retains all the appeal of one of the founding models of the brand and today represents a particularly significant piece for a collection dedicated to American military knives and Japanese SOG production from the 1980s and 1990s.

Intended use: Military / Collection
Production type: Industrial
Model: S1 Bowie - Vietnam 5th Special Forces Group
Country of manufacture: Seki - Japan
Model production period: 1986 - 2005
Blade: SK-5 carbon steel
Hardness: 57-58 HRC
Blade finish: Gun-blue / polished
Blade profile: Bowie
Edge: Plain
Handle: Stacked leather washers stabilized with epoxy resin
Guard and pommel: Metal
Blade length: Approx. 159mm
Blade thickness: Approx. 7.1mm
Overall length: Approx. 273mm
Weight: Approx. 349g
Sheath: Original black leather sheath with sharpening stone pocket and Special Forces crest
Notes: Previously purchased and used knife, from a private collection

KNIFE PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED, FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Acquired from a private individual, previously purchased
* Condition: Like new
* Commercial availability: Discontinued
* Sharpness: Factory-sharpened, could be improved
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Included
* Sheath: Included
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: Included
* Inspected and Certified by our in-house laboratory

The SOG Forge FG01-L is a knife of extraordinary beauty and build quality, combining Japanese craftsmanship with modern production techniques.

The blade, forged using a hammering technique, features a unique texture that is one-of-a-kind for each piece. It is made of San Mai steel, with a VG-10 cutting edge and 420J2 outer layers, a combination that ensures an excellent balance between sharpness, edge retention, and durability.

The glass-reinforced nylon (GRN) handle is designed with perfectly contoured inserts to provide optimal balance and a secure, comfortable grip. The knife is complemented by an elegant premium leather sheath, enhanced with a colored fabric insert and a button closure.

Manufactured in Japan, the SOG Forge FG01-L evokes an era when honor and master craftsmanship were fundamental values. An object that is not merely a tool, but a true collector’s item destined to stand the test of time and be passed down from generation to generation.

Intended Use: Collectible / Sport

Production Type: Industrial
Country of Origin: Seki - Japan
Blade: SanMai laminated stainless steel with a VG-10 cutting edge and 420J2 outer layers, featuring a concave grind
Blade Finish: Hammered and Brut de Forge with a satin-finished portion of the cutting edge
Handle: Three-dimensionally shaped GRN (Glass Reinforced Nylon)
Blade Length: 160mm.
Blade thickness: 5 mm.
Overall length: 275 mm.
Weight: 290 g.
Sheath: Leather, with an insert of fine Japanese fabric, which varies from sheath to sheath
Packaging: Cardboard box with SOG logos
Notes: Knife from a private collection, previously purchased

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased
* Condition: Like new, NOS (new old stock), never used or removed from its original box
* Available on the market: Out of production
* Sharpness: Factory sharp
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Present
* Sheath: Present and perfect
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: -
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Created in 1986 as the second official model of the newly formed SOG Specialty Knives, the S2 Trident is not just a knife, but a bridge between the past and the present. Designed in honor of the Navy SEALs and special units that operated in Vietnam, it draws direct inspiration from the legendary MACV-SOG knives of the 1960s, “sterilized” and lethal tools used in the most secret missions of the conflict.

Produced during the company's golden age in Seki, Japan, the Trident combines elegant lines and combat functionality: a thick, balanced AUS-8 steel Bowie blade with impeccable satin finish; ergonomic and durable black micarta stacked washer handle; and the engraved Navy SEAL symbol, a seal of belonging to an elite group. The leather sheath with sharpening stone completes a package designed for operators and collectors.

The S2 Trident is the most refined tribute to SOG's operational past: a homage to the military tradition of Vietnam reinterpreted with Japanese craftsmanship. Today, with a very high rarity index, it is considered one of the most sought-after pieces by military knife collectors, not only for its build quality, but for the history embodied in its blade.

Intended use: Military / Collection

Type of production: industrial
Country of production: Seki - Japan
Blade: AUS-8 stainless steel
Blade finish: Satin
Handle: Stacked micarta rings
Blade length: 160mm.
Blade thickness: 6 mm.
Total length: 278 mm.
Balance: rearward, 1 cm from the guard
Weight: 312 g.
Sheath: leather with pocket for sharpening stone (included)
Notes: previously purchased knife from a private collection

Intended use: Tactical / Military

Production: Taiwan
Blade: AUS-8 stainless steel 57/58 HRC
Handle: Zytel
Blade length: 125mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5mm.
Overall length: 240mm.
Balancing: backward
Weight: 158g.
Sheath: Belt, Nylon, with front pocket

Based on the Vietnam Tomahawk, the Tactical Tomahawk is an extreme evolution of the original which was considered one of the more unusual weapons of its day.

KNIFE WITHDRAWAL FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously purchased - knife no longer in production since
* Condition: in excellent condition, like new
* Commercially available: difficult to find
* Sharpening: factory sharpening
* Marks on blade: no marks
* Marks on the handle: no marks
* Box: original Sog box
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: -
* Checked and certified by our internal laboratory Coltelleria Collini

Intended use: Sports / Collection

Type of production: Industrial
Production Lama: Japan
Blade: VG-10 stainless steel
Blade treatment: -
Handle: GRN
Blade length: 74mm.
Blade thickness: 2.5mm.
Closed length: 114mm.
Total length: 178mm.
Thick when closed: 7mm.
Balancing: -
Weight: 113g.
Closure: Arc-Lock Pendulum
Clip: Stainless Steel
Sheath: -
Packaging: Cardboard box with SOG logos
Note: -

Destinazione d'uso: Tattico

Tipo di produzione: Industriale
Produzione Lama: Taiwan
Lama: in acciaio AUS-8 HRC 57/58
Trattamento Lama: TiNi
Manicatura: Black Zytel
Lunghezza lama: 180mm.
Spessore lama: 5mm.
Lunghezza totale: 310mm.
Bilanciatura: -
Peso: 292g.
Fodero: Nylon, compatibile MOLLE
Confezione: Scatola di cartone con loghi Sog
Note: -

SOG - Seal Pup Elite - Black TiNi - E37S-K - knife

Intended Use: Tactical / Military

Blade: AUS-8 stainless steel 57/58 HRC
Treatment Blade: nitriding titanium
Handle: Zytel
Blade length: 125mm.
Blade Thickness: 4.5mm.
Length closed:-mm.
Total length: 240mm.
Balance: back to 1 cm. the branch of lower guard
Weight: 158g.
Closing: -
Clip: -
Sheath: Nylon
Notes: -

Sog - Bowie II - S1T-L - knife

Intended Use: sports / tactical / hunting

Type of production: industrial
Blade: AUS-8 stainless steel
Treatment Blade: nitriding titanium
Handle material: leather rings
Blade length: 160mm.
Blade thickness: 6mm.
Length closed: -
Total length: 278mm.
Balance: backward, at 1 cm from the branch guard
Weight: 298g.
Sheath: tactical leather
Notes: -