Among SOG Specialty Knives’ earliest historic models, the S2 Trident holds a special place. Inspired by American combat knives and associated with the world of the Navy SEALs, this model is now one of the most iconic Japanese vintage SOG knives and highly sought after by collectors.

The example offered here belongs to the very first generation of the S2 Trident manufactured in Seki, Japan. It is notably distinguished by its black Cordura and leather sheath, marked ‘SOG Specialty Knives – EDM, WA’, a characteristic of this early period and predating the all-Cordura sheaths that accompanied subsequent generations of the S2.

The blade features a spectacular Bowie-style geometry, with a long false edge and particularly pronounced grind lines. Its considerable thickness gives it the characteristic presence of the early large Japanese SOG fixed-blade knives. One side bears the historic square SOG Specialty Knives mark, whilst the other features the inscription ‘SEKI-JAPAN’ accompanied by the emblem associated with the Navy SEALs.

With an impressive blade thickness of 7 mm, the S2 Trident boasts a particularly substantial construction. This substantial section of steel directly contributes to the robustness and reliability for which this model is renowned, having been originally designed as a genuine military utility knife rather than merely a collector’s item.

The polished black Micarta handle is fitted to a full-tang construction. The thin, light-coloured spacers on either side of the handle have naturally taken on a slightly ivory hue over time, a characteristic detail found on the earliest examples.

The intricately shaped metal guard and the solid pommel, pierced to accommodate a lanyard, complete this instantly recognisable design. The knife as a whole bears witness to an era when SOG knives were produced in Seki to manufacturing standards that have played a major part in establishing the brand’s reputation amongst enthusiasts of military and collectible knives.

The appeal of this example lies particularly in its First Generation configuration and its original SOG EDM, WA sheath. This combination allows it to be dated prior to later variants of the Trident S2 and lends it added interest for collectors wishing to trace the early productions of SOG Specialty Knives.

Both the knife and its sheath are in very good condition considering their age, with a few light marks consistent with a vintage item.

A genuine piece of SOG history: Seki Japan, first generation, original configuration and original sheath corresponding to this production period.

Technical specifications of the SOG S2 Trident First Generation Seki Japan Navy SEALs:

Total length of the knife: 28 cm
Blade length: 16.2 cm
Blade thickness: 7.0 mm
Blade steel: AUS-8
Blade profile: Bowie
Blade finish: satin
Knife handle: polished black Micarta
Construction: full tang
Guard: polished metal
Pommel: polished metal, drilled for a lanyard
Blade marking: SOG Specialty Knives / SEKI-JAPAN
Blade emblem: Navy SEALs
Knife sheath: First Generation black Cordura
Sheath marking: SOG Specialty Knives – EDM, WA
Generation: First Generation
Production period: 1980s
Place of manufacture: Seki
Country of manufacture: Japan
Manufacturer: SOG Specialty Knives
Model: S2 Trident