How're we feeling about modern SOG?

[BPRoberts]

I feel like there was a big kerfuffle a couple years ago about SOG getting sold, production moving, etc. The couple SOGs I have have all been good, but I admit to not using them super hard. I need to buy some multis for gifts, and the price point for the Powerlock and Poweraccess Deluxe are very attractive. Are the current ones still reliable enough for me to feel comfortable gifting them?

[Farmer X]

The short answer is: I don't know. If the recipients won't be putting them to hard use, then you're probably okay. Otherwise, wait until someone whonhas extensively tested a SOG chimes in.

[Barry Rowland]

I have had a couple of Powerlocks over the years.  I had an Army issued one and currently have a new one.  It's a tough, smooth multi tool, and is still issued along with the MP600.  It definitely feels like a multi tool designed in the last century, a lot like the PST.  I don't think you could go wrong with either SOG, imo.

[ThisAlarm7]

I've always thought they made good tools, but it's been awhile since I've handled one.

I love the size and toolset of the powerpint, but I refuse to buy and carry a tool made in China so that's disappointing.

[Barry Rowland]

 I believe the Powerlock is made in Taiwan, and the fit and finish are first rate. 

[IMR4198]

I checked with Santa and found out that SOG had a 5 Reindeer rating.   

[powernoodle]

I have several older SOGs, and the quality is good.  I bought some variant of a larger SOG MT in the past couple of years - I don't remember which flavor - and the file had virtually zero bite to it.  They didn't even try to make it function - so I returned it.  The main blade was so flimsy that you could probably snap it in half with your fingers.   I am done with SOG MTs going forward, though I have probably a dozen of them in the special reserve collection so I am good for a few lifetimes.

 

[IMR4198]

   For a gift....great.  Noodle and BP are hard core multitoolistas with high expectations and wide ranges of experience.  I think I would appreciate getting a Roxon or Bibury if it were a gift from a friend.  Or a SOG.  There is a difference in buying gifts (multiple gifts it sounds like) and buying for yourself or for someone who has everything in the multi tool line already and has hard preferences.  If someone thought enough of me to send me a $20 Walmart cheapie, I think I would run out laughing and roll in the snow naked.  Best wishes.  G
 

[Barry Rowland]

Gary, I'm permanently scarred 

[IMR4198]

  Notice I didn't say I would take photos.  Best wishes.  Gary

[Barry Rowland]

 

[Alan K.]

I like my PowerLocks.  Carried one exclusively for a month during a challenge in 2016.  I'd put them up against the SuperTool 300 anytime.  I'm pretty sure mine are both American made before the company sold, but my understanding was that the quality was supposed to be equivalent even though they may have moved production.  It was just the warranty that was no longer as good as it had been under previous ownership.  That's really a shame too, because they used to have a pretty much bulletproof warranty where they would fix it or send you a part if you called and asked.

[Chako]

 

That is it. I really haven't noticed a big dive in quality, but the warranty is well worth examining.

[ThisAlarm7]

I believe the Powerlock is made in Taiwan, and the fit and finish are first rate.

That may be the case, but their site as of yesterday says country of origin is China (I checked for giggles after this thread).

[madfishcat]

Not a big SOG fan, except for the Paratool of course, here's a photo, look at the stamps. On the left is Chinese, then Taiwan in a few versions, a few USA Paratools and I don't remember what it's called.

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