SOG Knives, which was established by Spencer Frazer in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. His affinity for axes, knives and other hand tools took hold while he was in the Boy Scouts. Between earning merit badges and ultimately launching what would become one of the industry’s foremost knife manufacturers, he graduated from UCLA, established a cutting-edge audio company and worked in a “black projects division” of the aerospace defense industry.
Frazer also became active in the modern art movement, getting an informal education on color and scale from several prominent artists. Majors in science and math, a passion for art and experience in the defense industry collided the day he handled an original Vietnam SOG Bowie for the first time.
He later explained, “The knife was magical in how it looked and felt. You could see the history as well as the functional aspects of the knife.”
SOG Knives began with the S1 Bowie—a commercial version considered nearly identical to those that saw combat in Southeast Asia. The price was $200, a hefty sum back in 1986. Enthusiasts felt the same attraction as Frazer. It sold extremely well, despite that price, and was the first of his company’s many success stories.
The limited-edition 40th Anniversary Fat Guard Bowie is a modern take on that legendary covert fighting knife, which was used by the MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam—Studies and Observations Group). The unit specialized in unconventional warfare behind enemy lines in Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam throughout the Vietnam War.
It is available in a limited run of just 500 individually serialized knives, with numbers one through 500 etched into the butt end. Each feature a 6.1-inch clip-point AUS 8 steel blade that resists corrosion and holds its edge, a protective polished black PVD finish and an ergonomic stacked leather handle.
The knife also comes with a commemorative SOG 40th anniversary Zippo lighter, a rugged black leather sheath that stores the included sharpening stone, a certificate of authenticity and an anniversary plaque. All are presented in a handcrafted pine display case featuring a glass viewing lid.
GSM Outdoors acquired SOG in late 2021, although Frazer’s legacy lives on in the dedication to innovation and craftsmanship.
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