SOG Hidaka FX: A Tactical Fixed Blade That Feels Both Familiar and New

The SOG Hidaka FX may not be a knife that impresses you at first glance. Unlike many of Kiku Matsuda’s iconic designs, it doesn’t rely on exaggerated shapes or aggressive visual elements. After owning the Hidaka XR, I still decided to add the fixed-blade version to my collection — and over time, I found myself appreciating it more and more. In this video, I take a closer look at the design language behind the Hidaka FX: the restrained silhouette, the compound grind, the organic handle shape, and the balance of proportions that quietly preserve Kiku Matsuda’s signature style. The previous Kiku series made people instantly recognize Matsuda’s work. The Hidaka FX takes a different approach — it feels familiar, yet different. Instead of relying on obvious visual signatures, it hides its identity in the details. I also discuss Matsuda’s approach to compound grinds and how this design philosophy helps balance the traditional trade-off between a strong tactical blade tip and practical cutting performance. This is not just a knife review. It is a reflection on why some designs continue to attract attention long after the first impression has faded.