SOGKIKU XR LTE Lightweight Outdoor Ambidextrous Large-Format Folding Knives | CTS XHP Steel Blade | XR Locking Mechanism

That one's in the "Satin" color (sort of a greenish Linen Micarta grip and a soft "satin" finish on the blade) and I love it, it's one of the most beautiful knives in my collection. When I saw the LTE version, I wanted it, too but I wanted it to be in a different color/finish as my first one.This one is "Blackout". I already have a black SOG knife, the Seal XR but I have to say that I like the finish on this Kiku XR LTE more. It's softer, a bit more subtle, almost a matte satin finish dark charcoal grey on the modified Tanto blade. The Linen Micarta grip is earthier than a true black color, it's muted and, again, subtle. This is a great looking knife!The blade is every bit as gorgeous as the one on my Kiku XR, which makes sense as it's the same blade. Speaking of the blade, this modified Tanto blade was made by traditional Japanese blade smiths and it shows. The grip has the same great feel in the hand and the texture of the Linen Micarta scales makes the handle very grippy.Now to the part that I'm still making up my mind about. Yes, this is appreciably lighter than the Kiku XR due to replacing the steel frame with carbon fiber (which maintains the same strength and structural integrity as the steel). That being said, holding both versions, I see the point that some of the other reviewers have mentioned — that this knife isn't very well balanced (though I think that with enough handling, I'll get used to it). The original Kiku XR is an impeccably balanced knife and, honestly, if I didn't have that one, I may not have found this one to be as lacking in terms of balance.Like all SOG knives, and especially the Kiku XR knives, this knife has an impeccable finish and is extremely well thought out and executed.I've attached three photos, two of the knife closed with each side of the scales, including the clip. The third photo shows the Blackout Kiku XR LTE on the left next to the Satin Kiku XR on the right, both open so that you can see the gorgeous blades on both.Now, I think I prefer the Kiku XR to this knife but I'm keeping it. In fact, I'm going to buy another Kiku XR LTE just like this one to give to my brother for Christmas this year.

Lightweight, smooth and easy one-handed opening. That was the single biggest thing I was looking for, and it checks the box. Sharp out the box. Easy to clean. Very pleased

I almost lost another SOG I own that has sentimental value to me one day, so instead of continuing to carry that one I decided to get the Kiku XR LTE as the knife I'd always keep on me. Honestly I couldn't be happier with this knife.As far as the pros go and the specific reasons I bought this knife, there are very few other edc knives that meet all my requirements as perfectly as this one does. I wanted an EDC with a deep carry pocket clip, check. Guard so you never have to worry about what you're doing, your fingers won't slip up on the blade, check. Super high quality blade steel, check. Super lightweight, can barely notice it in the pocket, check. Great feel when held for any kind of use you could need an EDC for, check. Also I want to note that the grips feel really grippy and have a great feeling texture. The way they did the intentions really works well for holding it in any position with confidence.As far as the cons, they're only preferences of mine, but I do have a few. First off for my large hands the size could be slightly larger. It is near perfect but definitely on the smaller side, but I'd say it doesn't matter much as far as the overall practicality of using the knife. The only other slight complaint I have is that since the handle is so lightweight the heavy-ish blade makes it feel a little imbalanced. You might find yourself having to grab the handle harder than normal because if you flick it hard enough the handle can be harder than normal to keep ahold of. Now that I'm used to it though it's not much of an issue.Given that I already had a SOG edc beforehand I did a lot of shopping other brands, but ultimately SOG pulled me back in. In my opinion you can't find better designed knives from a usability standpoint than what SOG makes. Keep em coming!

This knife is a great piece of gear, with a superb blade and a well-crafted composite handle; the handle is so light, though, that initial feel in the hand doesn't give an immediate sense of great balance. If you shift your grip forward to a better balance point, your index finger will be wrapping under the edge at a place designed for cutting, not holding – but this is really just a matter of getting used to something different, and after only a few uses I'd trained myself to know how it's going to feel when I'm holding it right. This is a lot of words for a narrow and specific comment, but sometimes that's what reviews are for.

Extremely sharp and sturdy edc knife. Great tactical and stylish EDC accessory!