SOG KIKU XR LTE Lightweight Outdoor Ambidextrous Large-Format Folding Knives | CTS XHP Steel Blade | XR Locking Mechanism

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1. Jim Verified Buyer – 9 August 2024

   Lightweight, smooth and easy one-handed opening. That was the single biggest thing I was looking for, and it checks the box. Sharp out the box. Easy to clean. Very pleased
   

2. MHD Verified Buyer – 8 November 2024

   That one’s in the “Satin” color (sort of a greenish Linen Micarta grip and a soft “satin” finish on the blade) and I love it, it’s one of the most beautiful knives in my collection. When I saw the LTE version, I wanted it, too but I wanted it to be in a different color/finish as my first one. This one is “Blackout”. I already have a black SOG knife, the Seal XR but I have to say that I like the finish on this Kiku XR LTE more. It’s softer, a bit more subtle, almost a matte satin finish dark charcoal grey on the modified Tanto blade. The Linen Micarta grip is earthier than a true black color, it’s muted and, again, subtle. This is a great looking knife! The blade is every bit as gorgeous as the one on my Kiku XR, which makes sense as it’s the same blade. Speaking of the blade, this modified Tanto blade was made by traditional Japanese blade smiths and it shows. The grip has the same great feel in the hand and the texture of the Linen Micarta scales makes the handle very grippy. Now to the part that I’m still making up my mind about. Yes, this is appreciably lighter than the Kiku XR due to replacing the steel frame with carbon fiber (which maintains the same strength and structural integrity as the steel). That being said, holding both versions, I see the point that some of the other reviewers have mentioned — that this knife isn’t very well balanced (though I think that with enough handling, I’ll get used to it). The original Kiku XR is an impeccably balanced knife and, honestly, if I didn’t have that one, I may not have found this one to be as lacking in terms of balance. Like all SOG knives, and especially the Kiku XR knives, this knife has an impeccable finish and is extremely well thought out and executed. I’ve attached three photos, two of the knife closed with each side of the scales, including the clip. The third photo shows the Blackout Kiku XR LTE on the left next to the Satin Kiku XR on the right, both open so that you can see the gorgeous blades on both. Now, I think I prefer the Kiku XR to this knife but I’m keeping it. In fact, I’m going to buy another Kiku XR LTE just like this one to give to my brother for Christmas this year.

   

3. Mark, The Florida Cracker Verified Buyer – 10 March 2025

   This knife really ticked off all the boxes for me, CTS XHP steel which I like for my working knives, micarta scales, and the weight, super lite knife I can carry all day and forget about it. This SOG is so sweet in almost everything, that it’s hard to knock it, but I have two problems with it, out of box. First, the micarta scales are so hard they could be G10 as far as the feel, and I don’t want to try this wet. Second, and most importantly is the XR locking mechanism. When it’s locked it feels like a fixed blade, it’s beautiful, but when you pull back the lock, the blade is coming down as fast as gravity will let it, too bad for your fingers. So that makes it a two handed knife for me, not what I’m looking for. I’m sure some will disagree with me on that, but I don’t own knives that bite me while just doing a simple function like closing. I wanted to give you an idea about the size of this knife, because numbers don’t always work as well as pictures, so i have it next to a Spyderco Persistence Lightweight (smallest knife), a Spyderco Para Military 2 – 3.47″ (tan scales), a Spyderco Spyderco Tenacious w/ G10 scales(scratched up blade), and a OFF-GRID Badger, which comes close to it in size the most. Those are just for a size in head to head picture, nothing else.

   

4. Peter Coffee Verified Buyer – 14 March 2025

   This knife is a great piece of gear, with a superb blade and a well-crafted composite handle; the handle is so light, though, that initial feel in the hand doesn’t give an immediate sense of great balance. If you shift your grip forward to a better balance point, your index finger will be wrapping under the edge at a place designed for cutting, not holding – but this is really just a matter of getting used to something different, and after only a few uses I’d trained myself to know how it’s going to feel when I’m holding it right. This is a lot of words for a narrow and specific comment, but sometimes that’s what reviews are for.
   

5. Jerome W Hicks Verified Buyer – 9 April 2025

   Extremely sharp and sturdy edc knife. Great tactical and stylish EDC accessory!