SOG Ultra XR
The lightest knife of 2021.
Photo: courtesy
The Ultra XR is one of the slimmest and most compact knives we’ve ever used. SOG upgraded the original version with a higher-quality stainless steel that prolongs the 2.8-inch blade’s edge without sharpening and resists chipping and corrosion. During six months of use, which included cutting kindling, food prep, and box opening, the Ultra XR never dulled and proved adept at detailed work. An XR lock (SOG’s proprietary mechanism) allows single-handed opening, and doesn’t budge under up to 1,500 pounds of pressure (so claims the product manual; we leaned hard on it without feeling it flex). The carbon-fiber handle is thin (6.5 millimeters) but provides a comfortable grip, and the pocket clip doubles as a credit card and cash holder.