What are your thoughts on SOG overall?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Since this forum is one of the less busy ones, I was wondering how many folks had SOG tools and what they thought of them?

I personally have a mini Tool Clip, the full sized Tool Clip (thanks again Evan!), three PowerLocks, a Pocket PowerLock, a CrossCut, a CrossGrip and a SwitchPlier, not to mention soon a Kilowatt in case you consider that a multitool.  I've also owned several SOG knives over the years starting with a Mini Pentagon, which I think was the absolute sharpest knife I have ever owned out of the box, and considering it was a small dagger, was no small feat.

I'm really happy with SOG products, and I'm really looking forward to the PowerLock 2.0 which should be coming out soon.  I just wanted to know what others thought of them.

Def

[Viper]

I love their customisable multi-tools, but I don't like how long it takes to get a tool.

I haven't had a knife yet, but I have my eye on a SEAL, and a Trident is in the mail ;D

[supratentorial]

SOG is one of the more innovative manufacturers in my opinion.  For example, I believe that the SOG ToolClip was the first multi-tool to feature a pocket clip (the Leatherman SideClip was introduced later).  Also, SOG was the first to use compound leverage pliers.  And they are still one of the few manufacturers to use compound leverage pliers (notable exceptions include Stanley and Harley Davidson multi-tools that were manufactured by United Cutlery who probably purchased rights to use the SOG patents).  Another example is the Paratool which has the ability to operate at a variety of angles.  Although it's not my favorite EDC multi-tool, it was a neat innovation.  And parts of the design were incorporated into the BuckTool, one of my favorites.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I would love to see a reissue or even an updated ToolClip.  There are too few fixed plier designs out there and I always liked the ToolClip design.  I think a ToolClip 2.0 with locking implements and perhaps standard interchangeable SOG implements would be a serious contender.

Def

[Viper]

I'd buy one!

[Grant Lamontagne]

Considering I just "designed" it, so would I!

Def

[Anthony]

The Powerlock reminds me of something mass produced during a war out of stamped metal...only in design though, not execution.  It's a simple design refined without making it overly gadgety...sure there's no contours, outside opening blades, no fancy materials, no odd names...and I've never read anything about one breaking either.

[Grant Lamontagne]

True, but then there are very few records of catastrophic breaks of any tools from major manufacturers too...

Def

[David Bowen]

What do I think of SOG? I think they are quite unique and no one else does what they do with tools. In some ways they are humble like the original leathermans. However the customizing feature with the compound leverage make it more than a simple tool, and it's not just a gimmik like other styles (ok maybe the Switch but that's a whole new can of worms....but still innovative) they actually have put some thought into thier designs. Also no one else polishes thier tools like SOG other than Victorinox, I love a tool that you can abuse and still stays beautiful (now if only I could get a TiNi version  ). Granted SOG is not as forward thinking as they could be, but they go with what works, I am slowly becoming a sogman so to speak more and more, I think when the 2.0 and the Assist come out, I will be foaming at the mouth!

I would like to start getting my hands on a blade or two from SOG, never handled one of thier knives and would be a nice combo to go with a tool. Currently my all out favorite knive is the Spyderco Endura CE version, this things is soooo slick.

Anyways, that's my take on them, and if you have any doubts....keep the forum, I like it here.

David

[Grant Lamontagne]

No thoughts on removing the forum- just trying to get some discussion flying!

Def

[zackhugh]

I have an original ToolClip, which I like.  Pretty unique at the time.  One of the few tools I've used and abused (helping dismantle an old sofa--pulling out staples and cutting the upholstery).  It worked beautifully and the blade was scary sharp.  One of the sharpest I've ever seen on a multitool. 

After that, unfortunately, I'd lost some interest in the SOGs.  The Paratool was interesting but I didn't pursue one.  The compound leverage pliers looked kind of interesting, but again, I didn't get one. 

Times have changed, though, and I will likely pick up one or more of SOGs new offerings when available.  The EOD Powerlock, PowerAssist, PowerCut, and even the Kilowatt all look pretty interesting to me.  Now it's a matter of choosing which one(s) and whether to go plain or black oxide.

[665ae]

I've got a ToolClip, a Micro ToolClip, and a SwitchPlier.  Aside from those three models, SOG multi's haven't excited me much.  I'm kind of interested in the new PowerCut though!

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yeah, you and me both.  It's nice that SOG is finally updating their tools- they've been using virtually the same design for almost 15 years now I think.  Of course, so is Victorinox so I guess it's not necessarily a bad thing.

Def

[Spoonrobot]

I love SOG!

They make some very strong tools with well designed implements that are readily user-serviceable. And, as an added bonus they sell for peanuts on the secondary market.

[Tom Munch]

I like SOG, but there is something that keeps me from buying & carrying them.  I'm not sure if it was my first experience with them (Paratool) or that I just don't find their tools visually compelling in the store.  I know their quality is top notch, but somehow I always end up buying something else.

Just my two cents,

Tom

[CQC-7]

I like my powerlock.  My problem is with the blade.  It is at least in my opinion small, thin, and too serrated to be used very much without making it into a little nub that folds into the handle. I am looking forward to the introduction of the Power assist or whatever it is.  The multitool with the assissted opening blade.  Overall, I like SOG I just think that for such a hard use, combat oriented reputation it would have a better blade.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I've handled and lusted after a few of there fixed blades, but there multi's have always seemed to pass me by

Of course it doesn't help that there so expensive over this side of the pond , But fear not a powerlock is on the (very long) list

[CQC-7]

I have one of their fixed blade knives.  I have the SOG Scuba/Demo knife.  It is an exact replica of the most rare U.S. military knife ever issued to troops.  I believe that there were originally 36 produced.  Of those 34 were MIA 1 is in a museam somewhere and the other I believe is in someones private collection.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

This one?

It's a thing of beauty aint it

[eodtech]

Don't leave home without my SOG - MOD01A1 - PowerLock #S62

1. Made in USA
2. Great product - never had a failure
3. Can easily be customized
4. GREAT customer support
5. Leather sheath is primo / quality + BROWN
6. A real life saver

[cryptrick]

(Image removed from quote.)

Don't leave home without my SOG - MOD01A1 - PowerLock #S62

1. Made in USA
2. Great product - never had a failure
3. Can easily be customized
4. GREAT customer support
5. Leather sheath is primo / quality + BROWN
6. A real life saver

I see you've been modding your SOG. I like the combination you've got going, 3 blades, scissors and V-cutter, can't be bad 


I currently have a couple of Powerlocks and like them alot. The compound leverage is awesome. I cut some pretty thick wire which my Charge struggled with, but it did eventually cut it, then tried the SOG and it went through it much easier. My tools tend to clump together when I try and remove one, but it doesn't put me off the tool. I also like the idea of switching the components around and adding different ones. Personally I think SOG should get more attention/credit for their multitools than they are currently getting. They might not be the best maker of multitools but they're not too far away. I think with the new powerassist coming out they will edge even closer.

[David Bowen]

Not too get off subject....this is about SOG after all. Anyone have any experience with thier Flash II? I picked one up from a friend and I have to say that it has it's pluses and minuses. I am not sure I like the lock at all, something like a bar that slides over the knife pivot. Lockup is decent, not rock solid. I have been so use to carrying my Endura that the size is a difference even though it's the same material. Course I know there has to be room for the springs, lock and saftey lock....and that does take up room and make it fatter. On the good side, wicked sharp, nice clip, serrations are out of this world and a grip that lets me control the knife better than my Endura. Anyone here have any thoughts on it?

[J-sews]

I remember prime77 talking about his Flash II several months ago. Dunno if he still has it though.
Prime, are you out there?

I took a video of two knives I have that use SOGs SAT opening to show how well it works.  I'm really excited about the PowerAssist.  The first is a Flash 2, then the Twitch 2, I put in a LM folder to show how well their assisted opening works using no spring.http://youtube.com/watch?v=AWau0C599X4

[David Bowen]

It's funny, I read that SOG made the flash with a locking mechanism that was not a traditional one. They did so in a way, so that the person's fingers would not be in the way when closing the knife. When I first started playing with the knife and the lock I used two hands to use it. Not too long, and some tricky finger work you can close it one handed. It's not easy but it works

David

[prime77]

I like the Flash 2. It has become my yard working knife of choice. My weed eater busted on me early this summer and I only have 5 or 6 trees to go around so I've just been using the Flash 2 to cut the weeds. Those sharp serrations do the job just fine. I agree with your thoughts on the blade lock David. It doesn't lock up rock solid, there is some play but it hasn't failed me yet. One thing I do like allot is the deep pocket clip on it and of course the great assisted opening.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Any pictures of the flash 2, even though assisted opener's are illegal over I can still be curious

[David Bowen]

Here ya go ......

It's a nice knife, just a depature from what I am use to. The serrations are like nothing i have come across yet, makes me think twice about the spyderco teeth.

David

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Here ya go ......

It's a nice knife, just a depature from what I am use to. The serrations are like nothing i have come across yet, makes me think twice about the spyderco teeth.

David

Thanks for the picture mate, are they easy to sharpen?

[David Bowen]

Have not had it long enough to find out, made of AUS8 so it's made of the same steel as my Spyderco Endura. Should be easy enough to sharpen, with my Endura I was stupid enough to break the very tip off when I started using it (before multitools) and well I had to reprofile it. AUS8 is pretty easy to work with and holds a good edge.

David

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Have not had it long enough to find out, made of AUS8 so it's made of the same steel as my Spyderco Endura. Should be easy enough to sharpen, with my Endura I was stupid enough to break the very tip off when I started using it (before multitools) and well I had to reprofile it. AUS8 is pretty easy to work with and holds a good edge.

David

I carried a cold steel voyager for year's so I've got nothing but praise for AUS8, It's a proper real world steel