SOBATA-398

Simply put, I love this folder. The sintered titanium is an interesting material for a blade and it is brilliant. It really does hold a fine edge and cuts like a champion. The ultra light design takes some getting used to as this Sobata-398 functions easily as well as the heavier stainless steel knives we’re all familiar with, but weighs a fraction. I’ve collected unique knives from around the world but I’m very intrigued with what Vargo is doing and I hope to see more in the future.

Unfortunately the tip chipped on the first day when I went to use it to whittle some wood. Was a bit bummed out.

Fantastical blade material that stays endlessly sharp without rusting. I am NOT a fan of the ergonomics but I'm willing to put up with them just to use the unique blade-"steel".Please make a small fixed blade version with a 2-2.5 inch blade, using same blade material...

i knew the SOBATA-398 would be lightweight; however, since received I’m still impressed. Most comfortable carry and operates so smoothly.

As an avid knife collector, I like blade material with extensive edge retention and titanium pocket clip with all titanium handle. A very light carry and secure in a pocket. It seems that some extensive research went into the development of this product! I am satisfied with this EDC addition to my collection.

Completely trouble free Titanium. This is a backpacker’s dream knife. It’s so light that you hardly know it is there.

I have to say that I have owned quite a few great knives in my lifetime but this is one of my favorite. It has the durability of a heavier knife, the ability to hold an edge for a long period of time and it is very functional. I have spent much more for some of my other knives but this one, at this price is my daily favorite. Hats off to Vargo Outdoors on this lightweight but yet durable tool!
TR

Excellent Quality-Very Lightweight-Extremely Sharp Blade Edge/first thing I cut was an Aluminum can in half: did not affect the blade edging at all.I was so impressed with the value of this knife I ordered another one a week apart from original knife purchase.I have some high end knives over the years and this knife is truly a bargain at its price compared to some knives I have that I paid 3-4 times more that do not have as good as quality and plus the titanium advantage.This is my opinion and my opinion only!!!!!!!!

The advertised weight for SOBATA 398 states 65 grams is inaccurate. Immediately upon receiving my knife I weighed it on a scale and it weighed 70.63 grams. Even the box it came in says 65 grams. While this minimal, Vargo being a maker of exceptional ultralight outdoor / camping equipment should have tighter weight standards for an expensive knife in this category. A similar Benchmade 940-1 Osborne Carbon Fiber with longer 3.40in blade weighs 68.35 grams and it's advertised weight is 69.17 grams. A much tighter tolerance which is even less than advertised. That said, this is a beautiful knife! My suggestions to Vargo for improvements are get the weight down to less than advertised weight of 65 grams (think of ounce counters and climbers). There are definitely areas were Vargo could be more creative at removing some weight. The cutout for the unlock latch should be made wider not only to remove more handle material to make lighter but also to better highlight the Vargo branding on knife when it is closed. And I don't see a point for the decorative screw on the unlock latch - remove it! This is supposed to be a functional ultralight piece. Its simplicity IS its strength. Why they didn't spend more attention here dumbfounds me. Realize I'm being overly picky on an exceptional knife but feel they should make it even better. Make it a legacy piece someone will be proud to still own 50 years from now.

The Sobata 398 is my new all-time favorite EDC knife. Is has a super minimal profile that maximizes on performance and has a really great aesthetic and feel. I was deliberating for a while on whether or not to buy it, and I'm so glad I did!