New SOG multis?

[rdub934]

I saw a topic on a different forum, a fellow said he talked to some SOG exec at Blade Expo and he told him to be expecting new and improved multi-tools from them in 2015. Anyone on here heard anything? Do you think they will let the cat out the bag at SHOT? I normally don't bite on Internet hearsay but the SOG forum here at MTO could use something like this to stir up some convo, lol

[ducttapetech]

Would be nice to see SOG upgrade there Power lock.

Nate

[Etherealicer]

I hope its some power-pliers with all outside tools and a comfortable grip when using the pliers.

[captain spaulding]

I have not heard anything, but this does peak my interest. I assume they might release some info at SHOT if they really are planning something.

[rdub934]

I agree with both of those assessments. SOG is so close to being a great MT producer, but they have a bunch of little issues (comfort, reliability, old designs, etc...) that pretty much make them lower tier than Leatherman and Gerber. And the fact that they haven't released a new multi in 3 or 4 years really hurts them, as well IMO. I found a link to the convo:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1192294-SOG-2015-Multi-tools-%28New-Models%29

[rdub934]

A quick trademarkia search did not produce any new applications, although I have a hard time searching that place.

[AimlessWanderer]

SOG used to be a contender, but just needed to up their game a bit. Instead they went completely in the other direction and started making some utterly abysmal tools and reducing the quality of the ones that were formally contenders. They shipped production outside of their control, and quality went down the pan. I really hope they have learnt from their mistake and are bringing some proper tools back to the fold rather than just offering gimmicky "stocking fillers for the dad that has everything". Time will tell, but I'm not holding my breath that there's going to be anything on offer for folks who actually know their tools

[tosh]

Like most here, I too have numerous old SOG's, fabulous quality. But their recent stuff ie Crosscut, Crossgrip and Powerduo just leave me cold - they are all without exception pure and utter China junk. (I say that in the cliche sense, as China are more than capable of delivering fantastic quality when given the budget to do so)

SOG simply assumed that the consumer would recognise the brand name and buy regardless - BIG mistake. They now have a huge mountain to climb if they are ever to pull customers away from their competitors.

I think manufacturers should wake up and realise that today's consumers are far far more savvy than their previous buyers.

I too resort to my smartphone if I'm in a shop/online making a purchase to find out both good and bad on that particular product - I used to do it stealthily, but now in full view of the shop staff. I work hard for my money, if I'm parting with it I want to be sure I'm getting what "I" want - and not just listen to the blurb of the staff eager to shift stock or the would-be promise in the marketing hype!!

[Act2uToo]

Check this out:

http://www.sogknives.com/switchplier-2-0.html

A reincarnation of the SwitchPlier

[AimlessWanderer]

Check this out:

http://www.sogknives.com/switchplier-2-0.html

A reincarnation of the SwitchPlier

I'll not get too excited till someone has taken one apart and posted ...

This one lists compound leverage, but the previous ones were really weak and all the forces applied on a tiny little cast spigot on one side of the head. It would be BRILLIANT if they have fixed it, but their quality has been on a severe decline over the last couple of years and they have been plagued with manufacturing defects and design issues. I'm also struggling to see how this uses their patented compound system AND has the switchplier mechanism BUT also let you just lift a handle to addesss the other tools.

I'm interested ... but I'll let someone else go first 

.... and this one apears to have a pocket clip too 

[Etherealicer]

Love the look of the SwitchPlier 2.0.
It appears that there are many changes, lets hope its not just design / cosmetics. Honestly, this one has my name on it

[Gareth]

Good to see they are bringing out something new.  Time will tell what the quality is like.

[enki_ck]

They put the can opener in the middle position again like on the Powerduo rendering it useless.

[Higgins617]

They put the can opener in the middle position again like on the Powerduo rendering it useless.

Not that it makes it less foolish, but it looks like maybe it wouldn't fit with the long tools towards the middle? Still horrible design work, but maybe that's why?

[Act2uToo]

Well there has to be a short tool on either side of the Phillips, but if the can opener were swapped with the bottle opener, it would be closer to the edge than it is in the picture.

[Etherealicer]

Take the can opener out, replace it with the bit driver.

[enki_ck]

They put the can opener in the middle position again like on the Powerduo rendering it useless.

Not that it makes it less foolish, but it looks like maybe it wouldn't fit with the long tools towards the middle? Still horrible design work, but maybe that's why?

The can opener has to be in the most outside position to work and so it can catch the rim of the can. Check all your other tools and SAKs, it's always on the outside layer.

In this one handle config they'd have to loose one of the long tools to make it work but they decided to add it to the middle anyways, probably just for the total tool count.

Take the can opener out, replace it with the bit driver.

Bit driver is twice the thickness. 

[Etherealicer]

Take the can opener out, replace it with the bit driver.

Bit driver is twice the thickness. 

That is great, then you can loose the bloody can opener too...

Probably won't work, because of the Phillips, so you either would have to loose the Phillips or the awl.

[JBW1]

Deep pocket carry it looks like! 65 $ is kinda too high for a gamble for me tho.

[Mr. Whippy]

One of my biggest complaints about SOG's (besides those wacky covers) is that the tools are too bendy.  It's really too easy to twist the can opener, bottle opener or awl.  Oh, and I kept losing the little spring on the 1/4 driver (which I otherwise really liked).

[Kampfer]

Look s good, i am going to get one to try out.
It doesnt say how much it weights.

[enki_ck]

One of my biggest complaints about SOG's (besides those wacky covers) is that the tools are too bendy.  It's really too easy to twist the can opener, bottle opener or awl.  Oh, and I kept losing the little spring on the 1/4 driver (which I otherwise really liked).

Heat shrink tube it.

to parnass


http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,39195.msg629021.html#msg629021

[rdub934]

Count me in. Compact, one hand access springy pliers, and it has a pocket clip! I will replace the blade at some point and it will be my new best friend. Way to go SOG

[Etherealicer]

Just checked, they only sell to the US and Canada

[rdub934]

Deep pocket carry it looks like! 65 $ is kinda too high for a gamble for me tho.

It'll be a lot cheaper online or in stores. All the SOG stuff is listed way higher on the SOG website.

[Etherealicer]

Deep pocket carry it looks like! 65 $ is kinda too high for a gamble for me tho.

It'll be a lot cheaper online or in stores. All the SOG stuff is listed way higher on the SOG website.

Yeah, I know. But I suddenly felt like ordering one and they are the only ones that have it (as far as I found, not that I checked that thoroughly).
Also I currently get a 15% strong Swiss Franc discount

[rdub934]

I figured by the sounds of the conversation that dude from bladeforums had with the SOG exec, that it would be a revival of either the switchplier of the toolclip (or whatever that thing was called).

Looks like the tools lock. Did they on the original?

[Kampfer]

I will wait until retailers have them in stock to order one.
Don't want to pay MSRP ordering from SOG directly.

[AimlessWanderer]

I figured by the sounds of the conversation that dude from bladeforums had with the SOG exec, that it would be a revival of either the switchplier of the toolclip (or whatever that thing was called).

Looks like the tools lock. Did they on the original?

Yes, everything locked on the original tool 

[rdub934]

I am curious as to how 2.0 compares to the original. I am not familiar with the original tool so I won't have a reference point. What needed improvement on it? Looks like this one carries more tools.