Powerlock for UK legal EDC?

[PLAGUE CELL]

Hi all, just pre-empting dodgy wire cutters on a replacement Paratool I've got incoming, so I've been thinking about buying a Powerlock instead.

Stock it comes with

Side 1 L-R:
File
Can opener
Philips driver
Flathead driver
Awl
Saw

Side 2 L-R:
Scissors
Bit Driver
Bottle opener
Knife

To stay on the correct side of UK EDC laws I'm going to need to remove the knife, saw and awl as they all lock.

I had hoped to add in a V cutter and a wire stripper (sound engineer, so very useful) and I suppose a robertson driver in place of the awl (only other possible accessory without duplication it seems!)

Upon reading SOGs blurb about the various accessories, I hear the scissors, V cutter and wire stripper can only be mounted on the leftmost slot, so it doesn't seem like I can have all three.

I read a thread here saying that this is because they have a washer to give some clearance on one side, so mounting on the right of a handle would squash it up against another tool.

Anyone have any experience modding these parts to mount anywhere other than the left on a Powerlock? Trying to get all three of these unusual tools mounted!

Thanks 

[lowtech]

I have not tried to mount it anywhere, but I have a wire stripper - If you want, I´d trade it for any of teh take-out tools from yopur powerlock.

I would have to pry the Powerlocks out of my brothers hands to test, so I can´t promise anything testwise.
(He has his Powerlock and mine to test out the difefrent tool setups without needing to work on the tools)

[Essexman]

From a law point of view I wouldn't worry about removing the awl and saw.

 In fact seeing as you are a sound Eng I would have thought you could keep the blade too, as you have "good reason" to have a locking blade for work don't you?

[pfrsantos]

OR

... just remove/cut the lock and keep the tools. It can be done, right? I mean if you can remove the tools, you can remove the locks.

 

[PLAGUE CELL]

I haven't got the Powerlock yet, it's more speculative to see if it's going to be worth getting one.

Thanks for the replies so far guys, just trying to remove all possibility of suspicion in case I run into a police officer who's in a bad mood and thinks I'm trying to cause trouble!

@Essexman: I did wonder about leaving the saw in - of course the UK bladed instrument laws concern fears that they might be used as a weapon. It's certainly not possible to stab with the saw, it's blunt and rounded at the end. As for slashing, even a non-locking tool would not fold using such a motion. But I digress, I disapprove of the language that seems to creep into discussions about bladed tools, words like 'wield','stab','weapon' - only serves to perpetuate misunderstanding!

I also work in a school, where even EDC legal blades are not looked upon favourably, which is fair I suppose. I'd like to carry around a MT with no sharp points on it really.

As for working as a sound engineer, I'd have no worries about locking blades there, it's more for my day job at a school and general EDC that I'd like to make it non-threatening.

[PLAGUE CELL]

OR

... just remove/cut the lock and keep the tools. It can be done, right? I mean if you can remove the tools, you can remove the locks.

 

I had considered this, piano key locks mean I could disable a single tool! I wouldn't want to remove the lock completely though, or the tool could probably swing freely.

I thought about using a file to round off the hooked end of the lock so it still snaps into place and is supported there, but is not 'bitten' by the lock so it can still fold by pushing the spine of the blade without pressing a release button on the lock.

Perhaps even a dab of strong epoxy could make the notch small enough so it doesn't lock too.

[Taxi Dad]

I've been playing about with the powerlock idea for similar reasons, although as I've said in many other threads, a snotty police man COULD get funny about the saw or Awl I would think if you had no 'Knife blade' you would be ok. I've said before i'm not too worried about EDCing any multi as I don't get searched (never have) and don't inspire the police to stop me 
I wanted to have a full sized multitool in my 'bag' just in case I was to forget/lose my usual EDC, but would hate to wander into the city/an airport, or some other place where I could get in trouble forgetting it was stashed in my backpack.
I added a large driver bit that I have ground down to make a chisel (I kno I kno sharp and pointy) and a small driver bit (from a LM fuse, it's not great and i'm looking for an alternative ?  ) and I have a v-cutter. I removed the 'knife blade' AND the socket driver (didn't like it, someone else on the forum had it, everyone happy)
I did put the scissors in the other side of the handle BTW (left to Right, if that makes sense  ) if that is what you were asking earlier

[3rdpig]

Will the cops over there really arrest someone who's threatening no one just because he's got a tool with a locking knife blade?  That seems rather....oppressive. 

Heck, someone could run to a tree, break a branch off, then run back and beat you to death before you could get a Powerlock out of the sheath and get the main blade out and locked.

Sorry, I'm not trying to give you guys a hard time or start a fight, I just don't understand the logic behind your laws. 

[kirk13]

Will the cops over there really arrest someone who's threatening no one just because he's got a tool with a locking knife blade?  That seems rather....oppressive. 

Heck, someone could run to a tree, break a branch off, then run back and beat you to death before you could get a Powerlock out of the sheath and get the main blade out and locked.

Sorry, I'm not trying to give you guys a hard time or start a fight, I just don't understand the logic behind your laws.

Aw,that's ok mate...there is no logic

[PLAGUE CELL]

Will the cops over there really arrest someone who's threatening no one just because he's got a tool with a locking knife blade?  That seems rather....oppressive. 

Heck, someone could run to a tree, break a branch off, then run back and beat you to death before you could get a Powerlock out of the sheath and get the main blade out and locked.

Sorry, I'm not trying to give you guys a hard time or start a fight, I just don't understand the logic behind your laws.

Edit: This is a long one and not necessarily directly relevant to the current thread so you don't need to read this unless you like ranting Englishmen!!!

Lemme fill you in on how our knife laws work, it's good for a laugh.

To my knowledge there has been no overarching mandate that specifies a knife must be below 3 inches AND non locking. All our legislation (as far as I'm aware) is from case law, which means we have oddly specific rules.

I forget the names and dates of the case but a little while ago on a specific case a court decided a locking blade is the same as a fixed blade. Now we all know that's not true, there's nothing like the same strength involved once you introduce a joint and remove the tang. However it is now leverage for court cases afterwards that simply reference this earlier case and proceedings can be brought to a close without a great deal of practical, intelligent discussion on the matter.

I also recall reading that some of the higher-ups later admitted they regret dragging lock knives into the discussion, as of course you can save yourself a nasty injury if the blade can't freely fold on your fingers!
Unfortunately for the most part people go 'knife=bad' and a ban is usually enthusiastically encouraged: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/search?q=knives <--- see the results of 'knives' on our official government petition site.
A lot of these guys forget that making all knives illegal won't necessarily stop the people who are out to cause trouble with them. Of course it is sad that people are dying, and I respect the intentions of those creating petitions who have lost a loved one to knife crime, but I am itching to see statistics on the types of knives people are committing crimes with. I wonder if such a thing has been compiled, it would really help. If I see hundreds and hundreds of multitools being used to commit crimes then I shall perhaps be swayed.

I have an opinion that is not always popular as I feel some sort of license similar to a Firearms Certificate might be in order. A background check and possibly a mental health evaluation before being allowed to carry anything other than a sub 3in slipjoint. It's unfortunate it should come to that but I really don't see a complete U-turn on simply letting us carry locking blades, and it's an alternative of minimal hassle.

Anecdotal evidence from the average non-threating man on the street though does suggest that in the vast majority of cases if you don't look or behave like a chav and are courteous to an officer who finds something like a Leatherman about your person then you are often permitted to go on your way. There are of course reported exceptions, but it does seem that surprisingly the courts will err on the side of common sense.

Am I really, really out to cause trouble with a Leatherman Surge I just paid £120 for? No, if I was a chav looking for trouble I'm just gonna pick up a kitchen knife or some scrappy little £5 folder covered in skulls and shiny bits from a dodgy market stall.

I'll stop talking now, the vagaries of knife law is a pet issue of mine...

I'll close by saying that a lot of arguments and alternatives to bans that are pushing for locking blades being allowed are so simple that it's annoying they are dismissed out of hand. Banning is not a way forward, but educating young people certainly is. Vaccinate, don't wait until things start happening and cull everyone just in case.

[PLAGUE CELL]

I've been playing about with the powerlock idea for similar reasons, although as I've said in many other threads, a snotty police man COULD get funny about the saw or Awl I would think if you had no 'Knife blade' you would be ok. I've said before i'm not too worried about EDCing any multi as I don't get searched (never have) and don't inspire the police to stop me 
I wanted to have a full sized multitool in my 'bag' just in case I was to forget/lose my usual EDC, but would hate to wander into the city/an airport, or some other place where I could get in trouble forgetting it was stashed in my backpack.
I added a large driver bit that I have ground down to make a chisel (I kno I kno sharp and pointy) and a small driver bit (from a LM fuse, it's not great and i'm looking for an alternative ?  ) and I have a v-cutter. I removed the 'knife blade' AND the socket driver (didn't like it, someone else on the forum had it, everyone happy)
I did put the scissors in the other side of the handle BTW (left to Right, if that makes sense  ) if that is what you were asking earlier

You raise some interesting points. I myself have never been searched and could have my entire adult life been carrying a locking blade and nothing would have come of it because I don't behave like a fool.

A lot of the anguish stems from the possibility that one day you might just get searched and not have an excuse the officer likes. If the case goes through then people start losing jobs and background checks turn up 'possession of an offensive weapon in public' with no room for explaining what really happened. I understand the strict rules and stiff penalties act as a deterrent and for reasons I've just explained it is working, but we have the law-abiding, non-threatening majority so wary about it that we'd rather have SAKs fold on our fingers and hurt us than carry something that has a safety mechanism.

This thread has mildly derailed, and although some valid points have been made I'm sure this discussion has happened a thousand times before on here so back on topic!

@Taxi Dad: Regarding you saying you put scissors on the other side of the handle, I'll see if I can clarify to see if we're on the same page here:



We of course have two handles. If you open one of the flappy metal grip cover thingies and have the area just uncovered facing you so the tools flip out towards you then apparently a V cutter, scissors or wire stripper can only be placed on the leftmost tool slot. In the picture above that means replacing the file at the back of the left handle there, and we already have one of these specific tools mounted on the nearest edge of the right handle (scissors).

Now SOG's site suggests for example I could leave the scissors in there, happily swap the file for a V cutter, but when I came to adding the wire stripper I couldn't also replace the saw or the knife blade as they're on the rightmost toolslot on their respective handles.

Your earlier post suggests however that you might have been able to mount your scissors in the tool slot on the right? If we were to use the picture above as an example, you're saying you could have done a straight swapping of the positions of the knife blade and scissors? Is this correct?

Sorry for the wordy replies at the moment chaps, I apologise for my tendency to waffle!

[angusW]

I don't have the v-cutter on either of my Powerlocks but on one of them I have scissors on the left side of one handle and the wire stripper on the left side of the other handle as suggested by SOG. I never tried them on the right side. I see where they mentioned the scissors and wire strippers have to be on the left side but I don't see where they mention the v-cutter being on the left side. The scissors and wire strippers take up 2 slots and the v-cutter only takes up one so maybe you'll be able to install it on the right side.

I took out the knife on one of my Powerlocks but for different reasons than you. I do have the Robertson in one of mine but SOG doesn't sell them anymore. I talked with one of their reps and he said that they didn't sell enough of the Robertson's to keep making them.

[tosh]

Hi Plague Cell

I've read parts of your post and understand your concerns. Your Surge is without doubt a fantastic tool, BUT - its knive blades are fearsome (plain/serrated) and I think you're totally right to be apprehensive with regards to using it anywhere outside your own home - it's basically asking for trouble!

The Powerlock would indeed be the answer and after recently researching what optional accessories can be purchased (Heinnie Haynes) you would be spoilt for choice with replacements for both the Powerlock's Blade and Awl - leave the saw in it will be handy as a wall board cutter!

Your admission that you sometimes work in schools set alarm bells ringing with me - I personally think that would land you in very serious trouble were you to be found to be carrying a blade. In the past I did occasional work in schools and colleges and the only blade I would ever dare to take with me was the simple folding box cutter (Blue Rolson - fantastic choice!) that takes regular Stanley blades. That is basically just a tool in anyone's eyes.
I actually remember seeing a clip on one of those real life tv shows where the police decided to stop two suspicious youths, one was carrying such an item - folding box cutter - and the officer  gave it him back!!

I think you're going the right way with the Powerlock idea - good luck


I'll vouch for these box cutters. I've carried one everyday at work for the past 5 yrs!! It's without doubt my most used tool ever. The build quality is just fantastic, so much so that I unintentionally started a bit of a cult with other tradesmen working alongside, they've all started carrying them and  at £5 a pop they're as cheap as chips!!

[PLAGUE CELL]

@angusW: Just had another read of SOGs official page on the matter and it seems you're right! I had assumed the little asterisk next to a component meant left-side only, but the blades have the same asterisk and of course they show up on the right of the handle all the time. Looks like we're approaching a solution! Many thanks.

@tosh: Sorry I may not have been to clear on that - I don't yet own a surge, it was more of an example yet you are right, the blades may seem to have a slightly more aggressive profile to the average person. I'd have no qualms about carrying one if I was specifically on my way to do sound at a gig.

What I originally was trying to accomplish was to put together a non-locking multitool for EDC, yet since then this has extended to wanting to put together a non locking multitool without any knife blades or spike-like impliments at all - this way I could carry it at work at school with no problems. Again to be clear I made no mention of carrying a blade at school, that would be very unwise for sure!

[Taxi Dad]

hi Plague cell
the simple answer (avoiding waffle and rant) is "yes" 
BUT never let it be said I can't waffle !!!! 

I got my powerlock from anther member on here and the scissors and blade were actually mounted in the opposite positions to your pic, I swapped the position of the scissors to where it is in you pic. (hope that make some sense ?)
but it must be said mine is fairly old (more than one person here has owned her at one time) and she doesn't have the 'piano' style lock, I'm not sure if that would make a huge difference  it might so, do more research !

don't get me started on the 'knife laws' ! you don't have long enough time to read all my rants !!!

[AlephZero]

It's a sad sad thing that we have to even worry about this... It is similar case in Finland, basicly, if you have a bladed tool on you when you're searched by police (i've never had the privilege) you could at least get the said tool confiscated...

Who would use a multitool to stab people? Noone...

Still, I'm carrying my Vic Huntsman and LM Skeletool every day, screw them

[tosh]

I also work in a school, where even EDC legal blades are not looked upon favourably, which is fair I suppose. I'd like to carry around a MT with no sharp points on it really.

As for working as a sound engineer, I'd have no worries about locking blades there, it's more for my day job at a school and general EDC that I'd like to make it non-threatening.

"Am I really, really out to cause trouble with a Leatherman Surge I just paid £120 for? No, if I was a chav looking for trouble I'm just gonna pick up a kitchen knife or some scrappy little £5 folder covered in skulls and shiny bits from a dodgy market stall"

Sorry, it was these 2 paragraphs that threw me