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Which SOG to begin with?!

Humppa · 61 · 5093

bavaria Offline Humppa

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Which SOG to begin with?!
on: April 15, 2015, 01:58:29 PM
Hi guys & gals in this subforum.

I´m interessted in SOG multitools. But I don´t own one. So this needs a change. Well, I´m not new into MT, SAKs and knives in general. I own several LMs and the two MTs by Vic. And I have a knife collection of around 300 knives (mostly traditionals).

So I´d like to try out something by SOG. But I don´t know where to start. I have not the possibility to take them in hand try them out. So I need online order. Not great, but ok.

So - I´d like to get a SOG in the size of a LM Wave or Rebar. Vic Spirit would be ok as well. But not as big as the regular Swisstool or the ST300.

I would like to take that one in my range bag and EDC. So nothing that special.

What can expect quality-wise compared to LM / Vic?

Pictures compared to the ones named above would be great and highly appreciated.

What would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!
You can call me Papa Andi

R.I.P. Lemmy Kilmister 24th Dec 1945 - 28th Dec 2015


ch Offline Etherealicer

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #1 on: April 15, 2015, 02:46:35 PM
Ok, I'm not an expert on SOG but here are my three suggestions:

1) STAY AWAY from the PowerAssist. That MT has to many knobs and sharp things that stick out.
2) Go for the PocketPliers. Yes, they are smaller but they are really nice, compact and on the cheaper side.
3) Get a CrossCut, arguably the best scissor based keychain MT, also by far the cheapest

So OK, I ignored the part where you wanted something Wave-sized :D
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bavaria Offline Humppa

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #2 on: April 15, 2015, 04:48:34 PM
Thanks for the recommendation :)

I have absolutelly no idea ;)

Well, size-wise the Wave size would be good, but for the cheap prize, the CrossCut will go on the shopping cart :D  ::)

Much appreciated!
You can call me Papa Andi

R.I.P. Lemmy Kilmister 24th Dec 1945 - 28th Dec 2015


cy Offline dks

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #3 on: April 15, 2015, 05:14:53 PM
any of the powerpliers/powerlock models will be a good starting point
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gb Offline Zed

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #4 on: April 15, 2015, 06:12:47 PM
Paratool
powerpliers
pocket powerpliers

 :tu:


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #5 on: April 15, 2015, 08:04:37 PM
I bought a blacktip as my first SOG to try out the compond levelage, which is nice for cutting tough wires. It is the largest MT in product which makes a nice display.

Then I bought a powerduo, ok but not easy to carry, so it sits in a box.

Power pocket pliers is on my list but have t pull the trigger yet.

I am waiting for the new switchpliers 2.
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #6 on: April 15, 2015, 08:06:16 PM
Overall SOG is much nicer than Gerber, which I had a few but kept none of them.
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


cy Offline dks

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #7 on: April 15, 2015, 08:07:54 PM
avoid the powerduo... (see the relevant threads)
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fi Offline AlephZero

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #8 on: April 16, 2015, 10:20:59 AM
My vote goes for the Powerlock... I happened to win one here little over a year ago and it is in my opinion very solid piece of work  :)
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us Offline ducttapetech

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #9 on: April 16, 2015, 10:54:39 AM
Power Pocket Pliers(PPP) is the size of a Wave or PST. The Powerlock is the size of a Surge or ST300. Both are very nice tools. I tend to lean towards the Powerlock.

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ro Offline Corwyn

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #10 on: April 16, 2015, 01:31:39 PM
Overall SOG is much nicer than Gerber, which I had a few but kept none of them.

Which is not something that hard to do, to be honest  ::)

By the way, if you get a CrossCut, your best bet would be an original, if you can find it around. CrossCut 2 is far worse quality...
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us Offline ace19636

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #11 on: April 16, 2015, 05:32:35 PM
Most anything from SOG is good just be careful with folding knives from them... I have only had one out of 5 work the way it should. Had issues with the twitch, twitch xl, trident and trident elite but I did have good luck with the fielder that came in the value pack at Wal-Mart lol. On the upside I have never had an issue with my power lock or any of my fixed blades from them.


no Offline Medic82

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #12 on: April 21, 2015, 09:52:35 PM
Pocket Power Pliers is a nice tool if you want something that is not that big.
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au Offline gregozedobe

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #13 on: April 22, 2015, 02:45:51 AM
SOG make it easier to change components if you want to.
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us Offline dipti

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #14 on: April 23, 2015, 11:43:38 AM
Toothlock Black Tini(TK-04) is my favorite I saw it online and looking great.
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au Offline TheDude

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #15 on: April 23, 2015, 07:40:03 PM
Personally I like the Power-Assist. It was even my work EDC for a short time. A little too heavy for every day use. But if you were ever attacked, you could throw it at you enermy and easily knock them unconscious. :twak:
« Last Edit: April 23, 2015, 07:43:09 PM by TheDude »
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us Offline buck

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #16 on: May 05, 2015, 03:48:38 PM
No way to one hand open a powerlock blade?
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us Offline Lynn LeFey

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #17 on: May 05, 2015, 04:54:25 PM
Pocket Powerplier would be my recommendation.

I owned a Powerlock and was not impressed.

Corwyn is dead on about finding an older Crosscut if possible. The current 2.0 version is not as good. HOWEVER... it's still pretty good. Not as good as a Leatherman Micra, but pretty darn good, and cheaper than the Micra.

I carried a Corsscut as my only EDC tool for 15 or so years, and it accomplished tons of work. It has one of the best pairs of scissors in the industry, and while slightly diminished in the 2.0, the scissors are still one of the best in the industry, particularly for heavy duty cutting tasks.

Concerning the Pocket Powerplier, I had an old and new version for a while, and did a side-by-side comparison. As with the Crosscut, I prefer the older made-in-America version of the tool.

Here's the comparison.
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,50111.msg841510.html#msg841510


us Offline Demel

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #18 on: May 06, 2015, 03:07:28 AM
Pocket Powerplier would be my recommendation.

I owned a Powerlock and was not impressed.

Corwyn is dead on about finding an older Crosscut if possible. The current 2.0 version is not as good. HOWEVER... it's still pretty good. Not as good as a Leatherman Micra, but pretty darn good, and cheaper than the Micra.

I carried a Corsscut as my only EDC tool for 15 or so years, and it accomplished tons of work. It has one of the best pairs of scissors in the industry, and while slightly diminished in the 2.0, the scissors are still one of the best in the industry, particularly for heavy duty cutting tasks.

Concerning the Pocket Powerplier, I had an old and new version for a while, and did a side-by-side comparison. As with the Crosscut, I prefer the older made-in-America version of the tool.

Here's the comparison.
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,50111.msg841510.html#msg841510
Good job on the review. Very well put together. Everyone talks about the sog components able to be swapped out. How easy (or difficult) is it to do with the PPP? If I wanted to change the blade out for a plain edge, or add scissors? Are the parts drop ins?
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us Offline buck

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #19 on: May 07, 2015, 10:47:23 AM
Per their website there are some size and positioning constraints.

http://www.sogknives.com/knife-tool-care.html#tool5

Quote
HOW DO I CUSTOM CONFIGURE MY MULTI-TOOL COMPONENTS?
SOG multi-tool components can be easily swapped out without voiding your warranty using basic mechanical knowledge. To start, remove the hex nut with a 5/16 hex wrench or 5/64 Allen wrench (depending on production date), and remove the spacer or component to be replaced. Insert new component in desired position, keeping in mind that some components can only be placed in certain positions within the multi-tool. Realign the components with the holes and push the hex nut all the way through. On the powerlock, make sure the component lock groove is in the same position as the other components. You might need to use a nail (or similar item) to help guide the pin through. Next, re-bolt the hex nut and adjust for the proper operating tension (a small drop of blue LocTite on the threads is HIGHLY recommended to prevent the bolt from falling out). If properly installed, the multi-tool should close completely, and components should easily come out yet stay in place when closed.

Component arrangement tips
When customizing your configuration, keep in mind that there are a limited number of "slots" for multi-tool components, and certain components take up more than one slot. Also note the size of each component when selecting your arrangement- Large components MUST go on the outside edges (one per side) and large and medium components work best when seperated by a small component. Scissors and Wirecutters MUST be positioned on the far left side of any configuration, and the Phillips head screwdriver must have small components on either side. Below you'll find a chart of total slots per multi-tool, as well as a chart of component sizes.

* Special positioning required (see above)
† PowerLock/PowerAssist exclusive component
° PowerLock exclusive component

Powerlock   2 x 6 slots
PowerAssist   6 slots
Pocket PowerPlier   2 x 4 slots
Paratool   2 x 5 slots
1/4" DRIVE   SMALL   2 SLOTS
3" 1/2 SERRATED BLADE *   LARGE   1 SLOT
3" SERRATED BLADE *   LARGE   1 SLOT
3" STRAIGHT BLADE *   LARGE   1 SLOT
AWL   MEDIUM   1 SLOT
BOTTLE OPENER & MEDIUM SCREWDRIVER   SMALL   1 SLOT
C-4 SPIKE * †   LARGE   3 SLOTS
CAN OPENER & SMALL SCREWDRIVER   SMALL   1 SLOT
DOUBLE TOOTH SAW * †   LARGE   1 SLOT
FILE (3 SIDED) *   LARGE   1 SLOT
PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER *   MEDIUM   2 SLOTS
ROBERTSON DRIVE   MEDIUM   1 SLOT
SCISSORS * °   LARGE   2 SLOTS
SCREWDRIVER (LARGE)   SMALL   1 SLOT
V-CUTTER * †   LARGE   1 SLOT
WIRE STRIPPERS * †   LARGE   2 SLOTS
« Last Edit: May 07, 2015, 10:52:23 AM by buck »
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sg Offline Dr Hunt

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #20 on: July 28, 2015, 05:39:25 AM
Does the Powerlock suffer in maximum gripping width as compared to other brand MT? And the handles splay been an issue for occasional use?

I am planning to get the PL and Paratool for compound leverage and easy of tools swopping but have concern about the max grip width and large handles splay. I need a MT plier with long nose, decent max grip width and high max grip force on sheet material and rods. Thanks guys. 
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au Offline gregozedobe

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #21 on: July 28, 2015, 07:12:00 AM
The compound leverage SOG pliers are excellent for firmly gripping small/thin objects, but the handles do have to open up significantly wider than conventional design pliers to grasp on larger/thicker objects, so I guess it depends on the thickness/size of the sheet & rods you want to grip (and how large your hands are).
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sg Offline Dr Hunt

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #22 on: July 28, 2015, 07:50:13 AM
The compound leverage SOG pliers are excellent for firmly gripping small/thin objects, but the handles do have to open up significantly wider than conventional design pliers to grasp on larger/thicker objects, so I guess it depends on the thickness/size of the sheet & rods you want to grip (and how large your hands are).

I read that they are good for cutting hard wire too. I'll probably get the PL for potential tools swop since I'm getting the Paratool. Will see how it goes and see if there is a need to try out Vic Swisstool Spirit I or SOG Powerplier. Cheers.
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us Offline Smaug

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #23 on: August 07, 2015, 04:43:26 AM
Sounds like maybe the ideal one to start with is the Deluxe Pocket PowePlier S45N.

I don't see it on SOG's site any more, so maybe it is discontinued. But I just bought this one from ebay: (no affiliation)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SOG-S45-Pocket-PowerPlier-Deluxe-Multi-tool-/201345117810?hash=item2ee11aae72



It is like the S44, but adds the 1/4" socket driver.

It should be about the size of a Wave, but with double the leverage on the pliers, and a one-handed-opening pliers, instead of knife blades.

Can you find one of those in Germany?
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nz Offline zoidberg

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #24 on: November 15, 2015, 01:54:12 AM
I'm moving this here in the hope of getting some advice.

Sounds like I need to try a SOG then.
Yes you do. Best cutters in the MT world.

I've considered the blacktip (big is good right), the west marine pst (marlin spike goodness) and a couple times I almost won auctions for paladin MTs.

What would you recommend I start with? PowerAssist, PowerLock, other?


au Offline gregozedobe

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #25 on: November 15, 2015, 02:21:36 AM
I'm moving this here in the hope of getting some advice.

What would you recommend I start with? PowerAssist, PowerLock, other?

Compact(ish) size:  Paladin PT-510

Regular size:  PowerLock

XXL size:  Blacktip or PT-540 (NB The PT-540 will cost a LOT more than a BlackTip)
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us Offline sawman

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #26 on: November 15, 2015, 02:37:34 AM
I can vouch for the PowerAssist, Powerlock, Paratool and PPP, all most excellent tools. I've also had great experiences with their folding knives. :tu:
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nz Offline zoidberg

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #27 on: November 15, 2015, 02:53:46 AM
I should add that I am most interested in the wire cutter ability.

Which is the most badass?

Gets interesting when looking at the Paladin 540 and 525, how do they compare to the PowerLock and Blacktip?

Secondary is the availability and the cost.

Where does one get a Paladin MT?


us Offline leathermon

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #28 on: November 15, 2015, 03:38:46 AM
I know it's gotten some bad reviews, but for medium duty you might what to look at the powerduo. Wally world has the silver one for 20$.


nz Offline zoidberg

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Re: Which SOG to begin with?!
Reply #29 on: November 15, 2015, 03:50:32 AM
I know it's gotten some bad reviews, but for medium duty you might what to look at the powerduo. Wally world has the silver one for 20$.

Thanks but I'm after heavy duty cutters.   :cheers:


 

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