I have a bit of a soft spot for Karambits. With its long history of martial use, the Karambit is a formidable weapon in the right hands. But the design also has a utilitarian background of harvesting rice and root crops, as well as skinning game. For this reason, the Karambit finds its way into the catalog of many modern knife makers. One of those companies is SOG, with its new Gambit XL.
The SOG Gambit XL
Introduced in 2017, the Gambit Karambit quickly found popularity among the intersection of Karambit and SOG fans. After 8 years of success, the brain trust at SOG decided it was time for the Gambit to have a big brother. The newly introduced Gambit XL takes the original 7.30 inches and extends it out to 8.75 inches overall.
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The XL is constructed of CRYO AUS10A high-carbon stainless steel. Considered a mid-grade steel, AUS10A has a lower wear resistance and corrosion resistance than typical stainless steels (not much lower). However, it makes up for it with high toughness, hardness, and edge stability.
Sporting a more aggressive hawkbill-style blade than the original Gambit, the XL features a 4-inch blade. The skeletonized tang design includes a paracord wrapped handle. This helps keep the Gambit XL down to a lightweight 4.75 ounces. Likewise, with the paracord wrap removed, the .19-inch-thick knife can be carried much more discreetly.
The stonewash finish adds a beautiful aesthetic and highlights the crisp, dynamic lines. A row of jimping runs the top of the spine, starting at the grip and running slightly into the blade. Likewise, the ring includes a section of jimping as well as a thumb ramp and skull crusher for impact techniques.
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The blade features a double-bevel grind, similar to that of a dagger, with the top portion left unsharpened. This creates an aggressive tip that is ideal for cutting and penetration.
The SOG Gambit XL includes a heavy-duty Kydex sheath with a Safe-Lock belt clip for secure attachment. However, the Safe-Lock belt clip is removable. So, you can install the attachment method of your choice, or wear it as a neck knife.
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Availability
The SOG Gambit XL is available now with an MSRP of $129.95.
SOG Gambit XL Specs
| Overall Length | 8.75 inches |
| Blade Length | 4 inches |
| Finish | Stonewashed |
| Blade Material | CRYO AUS10A |
| Handle Material | Paracord |
| Sheath Material | Kydex |
| Sheath Attachment | Safe-Lock Belt Clip |
| Product Weight | 4.75 ounces |
| Edge Type | Straight |
| Blade Shape | Karambit |
| Blade Thickness | .19 inch |
| MSRP | $129.95 |
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