Shared DNA ? SOG Toolclip & Al Mar 4x4

[MultiMat]

Even before I was exceedingly lucky enough to own a Al Mar 4x4. I had thought there was significant similarities between SOG's Toolclip & Al Mar's 4x4. I have a suspicion Al Mar's Bull may well have visited SOG's top paddock  . Both tools were proudly made in the famous Japanese knife making city of Seki & the basic layout of both tools is very similar. I have talked to Bob about this & Bob sent me this cool patent for SOG's Toolclip http://www.google.com/patents?id=N70qAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&dq=338386#PPA1,M1 . The Al Mar 4x4 is listed on the first page second column 1&2 lines  . Some pics of the two relatives 


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302733.jpg[/img]]


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302735.jpg[/img]]
The 4x4 is the fatter of the two. Thanks to the Kershaw A100 for keeping them together for the pic   


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302736.jpg[/img]]
The SOG's pliers are far more purposeful , were as the 4x4 are more petite 
I wonder how many Al Mar multitools were returned with broken or damaged pliers . You only got a 12 month warranty with the Quickclip & 4x4

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302737.jpg[/img]]
Main blades, both great knives


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302740.jpg[/img]]
Secondary serrated blades . The SOG's is unusual looking I have not seen square like form on any other knife?


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302741.jpg[/img]]
The SOG's serrated blade also includes a wire stripper & a file. I am not so sure how practical a file on a knife is , as you run the risk of inadvertently cutting whilst filing one way or run the risk of having the knife fold back onto your hand if you file with the blade up  .


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302742.jpg[/img]]
The 4x4 combined straight screw driver/file. SOG you get a driver, cap lifter & another wire stripper.


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302744.jpg[/img]]
Secondary drivers seem more of a after thought than practical tools. The 4x4 gets a phillips head but the SOG does not.(even though the SOG does win the total tool count battle  )


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302745.jpg[/img]]


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302746.jpg[/img]]
The bails , SOG pure function 4x4 pretty 


http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/Al%20Mar/S6302738.jpg[/img]]
"Are we brothers or just neighbors." ??


I love both these tools both exceptionally handsome tools that are around 15 years old. Both are large awkward tools to carry but I love them.
Toolclip is beautiful in a rugged way.
The 4x4 is just beautiful 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Certainly a lot of similarities there

[rp252]

They are really nice tools.  Really nice pics

The do share alot of similarities don't they.

[cliosguy]

Really nice now i really need a toolclip

[J-sews]

I like the comparison pictures Mat! And I do agree that the two are closely related. We know they both came from Seki, but I wonder if they (or perhaps some of their parts) were made in the same factory?


Hmmm, and I wonder if there is a prototype SOG ToolClip in Japan somewhere, cousins to the Al Mar QuickClip, sporting a thumbstud knife blade with liner lock?!


 

[Poncho65]

  They do seem to be very closely related Good call MM

[jim guy]

I never cared for the Almars I had one way back when they were new, I thought the pliers were too small.

[MultiMat]

They are beautiful looking tools & wonderfully well made. Practical tools  .
Sharpest tools I have owned from the factory & the wire cutters cut paper like a Leatherman  .
Probably more for collectors than users 

[jim guy]

yeah almar and sog both know how to sharpen a blade, Ive had knives from both, very sharp!

[J-sews]

Thanks for bringing this one back to the top guys - an absolutely excellent set of side by side comparison shots Mat!

[Pacu]

Im guessin the Almar is harder to find than the Toolclip?

[MultiMat]

Im guessin the Almar is harder to find than the Toolclip?

You would be guessing absolutely right 
Toolclips are not exactly falling out of the sky , but still more readily available than  Al Mar MT's 

[turbov21]

yeah almar and sog both know how to sharpen a blade, Ive had knives from both, very sharp!

+1 for SOG.  I was running a finger along the side of my Toolclip's blade, trying to wipe off a smudge, and suddenly realize I'd started to cut into my finger.  It was so sharp, I almost didn't feel it.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have said it before, and I'll say it again- the sharpest blade I have ever had, out of the box, was a SOG Mini Pentagon.  They also seem to rank among the best for consistency for sharp blades too, at least in my experience.

Def

[J-sews]

Im guessin the Almar is harder to find than the Toolclip?

There's a cheap Al Mar listed on eBay at the moment: http://cgi.ebay.com/AL-MAR-Knife-multi-tool-pliers-amk-leatherman-gerber_W0QQitemZ160379205689QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2557587839