SOG Fatcat

I spent many days mulling over the Tomcat vs. the Fatcat and finally decided to pull the trigger on the big beauty. The extra price caught my attention, but as I can afford it I put that to the back of the mind. I own three other SOGs (including a Twitch XL) and had lost a 4th in a boating accident. This is my third large folder -- I also own a Browning 708, and a special boating knife -- Wenger Alinghi.I received the Fatback a few days ago and I have been becoming acquainted with it. WOW -- this knife is simply awesome. The precision of it is something you would expect from German engineering or a fine Swiss watch. I don't care from what angle you examine it, it is 100% precise, and as an engineer, I don't offer that kind of praise unless it is deserved. It only takes a few minutes to master the slick opening and closing of the arc-lock system via simple wrist action. I have since added a small amount of Hoppe's #9 gun oil to the blade tang and arc-lock mechanism. Before doing, I didn't think I could improve on the smoothness, but I was wrong.The main purpose for owning this knife is going to be primarily as a backup self-defense weapon and it will be added to my belt. But also, I'll never have to struggle again opening cartons or boxes as this thing cuts through them like a hot knife through butter. I don't hunt anymore, so that is not in the cards, but I still hike in the woods quite often, so this knife will be welcome on the trail.I do not understand the complaints about the lack of a pocket clip, but perhaps there is something I am missing? This knife is so big, that I can't imagine carrying it in any pocket. IMO, the ballistic sheath is perfect to house the knife. In fact, when the knife is folded and in the sheath, it doesn't look or even feel too terribly big or menacing. But once deployed, there is no doubt as to who's in the driver's seat.Also, complaints about the handle material (textured Kraton) did not deter me. Now that I can actually hold and handle it, I must say I love the feel of the Kraton and the way the knife fits my large hand. Maybe someday when this is handed off to my grandson, it might show some wear, but I am sure SOG will take care of that accordingly.The titanium bolster and liners, integrated with the Kraton is not only extremely attractive, but has to make this folder one of the strongest knives ever constructed, and yet it is not overly heavy, and the balance is superb.Finally, I am not anywhere near enough of an expert on various blade materials to the extent that I could criticize the TiNi VG-10. I have seen some discussions among purists, but it sure seems top of the line to me.If you have waded through most of these reviews, then for sure you are on the hook. Go ahead, take the plunge -- you will not regret it.One year updateI am careful where and how I use this knife, so I admit it has not been abused in any manner. As I own a number of very good quality folders and fix blades, I am still amazed at the sharpness of this VG-10 steel. Without question, it is my sharpest knife along the whole edge. Performs the paper test, on the narrowest of angles, like nothing you have ever seen. Beautifully sharpened from the factory, which usually is only mediocre.I usually put some kind of lanyard on all my folders -- and the Fatcat is no exception. However, quality lanyards are kind of rare. SOG doesn't make any and Spyderco just happens to make a whole bunch of different styles and this is the one I purchased for the Fatcat,http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Pewter-Lanyard-Silver-Black/dp/B00AG6QMHI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1437933836&sr=8-3&keywords=spyderco+lanyardI know -- color me a non-purist. As a SOG fan, I have gone to the "enemy". It sure looks good on the Fatcat though and only someone who really knows his stuff would spot the deception.