Few questions on SOG MTs

[Dr. Bahn]

I am going to visit southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) with my girlfriend for about three months next year and want to take a SOG MT with me. First question is, how fast do the uncoated SOG MTs rust under humid (jungle) conditions? I already own a BO Paratool but a few days ago I recognized that SOG changed from hex screws to Allen screws which would imo be a great advantage for this trip because I wouldn´t need "big" hex wrenches but only small Allen wrenches to disassemble it. Because I already own a BO Paratool I think about getting a new and uncoated one now, so that is why I am asking about the rust issue.

The other option would be a new Pocket PowerPlier, also with the new Allen screws. But I read somewhere that its handle might twist when using the inner tools. Is that correct? And it seems that SOG doesn´t offer a BO version of the new Pocket PowerPlier anymore...?!

Thank you for your help in advance and sorry for my english!   

[thebullfrog]

Your English is perfect, better than most of our moderators from the country that invented the language 

For what it's worth I have never had even the slightest hint of rust on any of my SOGs, but then I don't use mine in the jungle either. For the most part I imagine it would probably be okay, just make sure to wipe it down and keep it oiled regularly.

[Dr. Bahn]

Your English is perfect, better than most of our moderators from the country that invented the language 

For what it's worth I have never had even the slightest hint of rust on any of my SOGs, but then I don't use mine in the jungle either. For the most part I imagine it would probably be okay, just make sure to wipe it down and keep it oiled regularly.

Thank you for the kind words and your response!     I wasn´t sure if my long sentences make any sense to anybody but me. 

One thing just came in my mind; Maybe rubbing my hands through my face and then rubbing them on the MT and its tools might already do the trick?! It is not like we are going to do any kind of survival trip where the tool will be wet all the time. Just some traveling through the jungles and the kind. But depending on the steel SOG uses, that might already cause rust. If I remember right the blade steel is AUS6M, is that correct?

[sawman]

Welcome to the forum and if I might say the paratool is one of SOG's best multitools   I recommend the Paladin 510 or the PPP due to it's compact size and ability to customize.  I have not had any rust issues with any of my SOG products, so I can't tell you if the black oxide helps or not.  I would also suggest seeing how you might modify your paratool to better suit your needs - it takes most components although some require modification.

[Dr. Bahn]

Welcome to the forum and if I might say the paratool is one of SOG's best multitools    I recommend the Paladin 510 or the PPP due to it's compact size and ability to customize.  I have not had any rust issues with any of my SOG products, so I can't tell you if the black oxide helps or not.

     
Thank you very much!     I own 7 Leatherman now but the Paratool is still one of my favorites!      I am not yet sure which tool, PPP or Paratool, I would prefer for the trip. The PPP has the Compound Leverage but might not be as pocketable as the Paratool because of the open gears. Plus I like the design of the Paratool much better. Difficult decision...

I would also suggest seeing how you might modify your paratool to better suit your needs - it takes most components although some require modification.

Been there, done that!   When I bought my Paratool about two years ago I immediately added a second plain edge blade for always having a sharp one left. If I should really decide to buy a second one I will add a second plain edge blade again, change the serrated blade to a serrated line cutter and the file to a woodsaw. Only thing I miss is a long small screwdriver...

[sawman]

I've had mixed feelings about the geers and the geer covers.  I think I prefer the open gears not only because IMO it looks better but also to keep the tool compact.

[Dr. Bahn]

I've had mixed feelings about the geers and the geer covers.  I think I prefer the open gears not only because IMO it looks better but also to keep the tool compact.

Good point!

Do you own a PPP yourself? If yes, do the handles really twist when using the inner tools?

[Benner]

I've had mixed feelings about the geers and the geer covers.  I think I prefer the open gears not only because IMO it looks better but also to keep the tool compact.

But without they literally chew up your hands.  I was a big fan of the PL until I actually had to use the thing.  I don't use the words "bloody awful" very often, but I feel they are of a fitting place here. 

[scrappy]

The handles on my tool flex a little but they won't break, not before it tears my hand apart. I edc a sog every day with my charge. The sog is a loaner and abuser. I abuse the blade and pliers but I never use the screwdrivers. They hurt too much. I use the charge much more, on light and medium tasks and any task needing a screwdriver.

[thebullfrog]

I honestly have never understood how someone can prefer not having the covers. Okay, the gears look cool, granted. But it's a tool that gets used. And pressing on those gears sucks bad, or pinching your skin between the teeth like I've done a couple times. The covers add basically zero weight and bulk to the tool and keep your hands and pockets from getting shredded.

[sawman]

I've had mixed feelings about the geers and the geer covers.  I think I prefer the open gears not only because IMO it looks better but also to keep the tool compact.

Good point!

Do you own a PPP yourself? If yes, do the handles really twist when using the inner tools?

I own the Paladin 510 which is pretty much the same thing but with gear covers.  You're going to get a little twisting as a result of any heavy use of the tools - and yes the gear covers do save your hands some grief!  But I just find them so bulky to the tool - it's as if it is wearing ear-muffs or something 

[Dr. Bahn]

At first, thanks a lot for all replies!     

I think I am going to stick with my first plan and get myself the new Paratool with the Allen wrenches. I really want to get a SOG MT with the compound leverage but the Powerlock is too big and heavy for my Asia trip. So I will probably get one later next year after the trip. The PPP is completely out of the race because of the missing gear covers. Don´t want to hurt myself at the wrong place in deepest Asia and I also don´t want to kill my pants or what is inside. 

What do you think about the configuration I posted earlier in this thread? I am not sure if I really need the serrated line cutter? But it looks so cool!     Maybe keeping the file would be a wiser idea... Idea is to change the serrated blade for a second straight blade, add a saw and maybe change the file for a serrated line cutter.

[sawman]

The Paratool is one multi I have not messed with as far as configuration, but I recall in another thread there are various possible options.  I happen to like it's setup just the way it is.

[scrappy]

I imagine it is doable. I added a bit driver and saw to my paratool

[Mercury]

The gears hurt something awful when you are using the tool as a screwdriver.  I tried it once with a friends older PL and I immediately understood the complaints.  It really takes away from the tool's effectiveness.  Gear covers are a godsend.

[Dr. Bahn]

Here are some pics of my "old" Paratool when I got it new:





It looks more used now though... 

[Medic82]

The only tool that I have encountered rust on is my Leatherman SURGE and I carry my tools year round and I have used them in all kinds of weather that we have in Norway. What I will do if any tool have been used when it’s wet outside is just take them out of the pouch and let it air dry, have it been in contact with salt water then I will rinse it in fresh water. The only SOG that I have encountered rust on is a Paratool that I bought used on eBay and I don’t know what the previous owner did when it came to maintenance, but that cleaned up pretty nicely. So in my experience SOG’s don’t rust that easy, but I don’t know how it will hold up in a high humid environment so I will hope that some of our friends in that part of the country will chime in with their experience.

[Dr. Bahn]

I have some more questions: 

1.) Do the handles of the PPP twist in the hands when using the inner tools?
2.) Do scissors fit into a PPP? SOG´s hp says no but FOX Knives Military Division offers a PPP with scissors...  http://www.fkmdknives.com/fast/k/en/eur/products/v/61
3.) Are SOG´s scissors any good? I read different opinions in this forum...

Thanks for your help in advance! 

[J-sews]

1) I've never noticed any excessive handle twist when screwdriving with a PPP. I think you'll find it to be stiffer than your Paratool that way.

2) WH867 Dennis added a set of scissors to his PPP here: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,4433.0.html It took a bit of modifying if I recall, but not much.

Thanks for the Fox Knives link by the way. They look to have some pretty cool stuff. (and it looks like they have a slightly different plier head on the PPP's they have shown)

3) The SOG scissors do work okay enough, but they aren't as slick and nice as most everyone else's scissors.

[Medic82]

1) I've never noticed any excessive handle twist when screwdriving with a PPP. I think you'll find it to be stiffer than your Paratool that way.

2) WH867 Dennis added a set of scissors to his PPP here: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,4433.0.html It took a bit of modifying if I recall, but not much.

Thanks for the Fox Knives link by the way. They look to have some pretty cool stuff. (and it looks like they have a slightly different plier head on the PPP's they have shown)

3) The SOG scissors do work okay enough, but they aren't as slick and nice as most everyone else's scissors.

+1

[Dr. Bahn]

1) I've never noticed any excessive handle twist when screwdriving with a PPP. I think you'll find it to be stiffer than your Paratool that way.

2) WH867 Dennis added a set of scissors to his PPP here: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,4433.0.html It took a bit of modifying if I recall, but not much.

Thanks for the Fox Knives link by the way. They look to have some pretty cool stuff. (and it looks like they have a slightly different plier head on the PPP's they have shown)

3) The SOG scissors do work okay enough, but they aren't as slick and nice as most everyone else's scissors.

Thank you for your help, J-sews!      I am again thinking about buying a PPP but not sure if I like the FKMD or common one better. 

And yes, I also think that they have some cool stuff! I really like the Parang but unhappily I don´t need such a knife. 

[J-sews]

1) I've never noticed any excessive handle twist when screwdriving with a PPP. I think you'll find it to be stiffer than your Paratool that way.

2) WH867 Dennis added a set of scissors to his PPP here: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,4433.0.html It took a bit of modifying if I recall, but not much.

Thanks for the Fox Knives link by the way. They look to have some pretty cool stuff. (and it looks like they have a slightly different plier head on the PPP's they have shown)

3) The SOG scissors do work okay enough, but they aren't as slick and nice as most everyone else's scissors.

Thank you for your help, J-sews!      I am again thinking about buying a PPP but not sure if I like the FKMD or common one better. 

And yes, I also think that they have some cool stuff! I really like the Parang but unhappily I don´t need such a knife. 

That puppy looks like a real zombie slicer alright!

[yud]

I would say, get the FOX, then plan on buying more parts

[NutSAK]

Dr. Bahn, have you used a PPP?  If you're used to the Paratool, you're most likely going to find the handles of the PPP uncomfortable when using the pliers.  I much prefer the Paratool over the PPP, mainly for this reason.  I'm not a fan of SOG's compound leverage though, so I feel that the Paratool is still their best offering.

[Dr. Bahn]

Dr. Bahn, have you used a PPP?  If you're used to the Paratool, you're most likely going to find the handles of the PPP uncomfortable when using the pliers.  I much prefer the Paratool over the PPP, mainly for this reason.  I'm not a fan of SOG's compound leverage though, so I feel that the Paratool is still their best offering.

I have never handled a PPP before but other similar mt and I see your point. But normally I don´t have to cut a lot of thick wire so I guess I would be fine with it. And as a collector I want at least one of SOG´s mt with the compound leverage system. For heavy wire cutting tasks I can use my ST300 anyway.    But thank you for the hint! 

I got my silver ParaTool for my Asia trip btw and will post pics as soon as I have installed the ordered parts. 

[Santos]

Maybe a little late but i needed to chime in

I have a stainless 'silver' paratool that stays in a ripstop canvas tool roll in my Suzuki. The tool roll gets wet often and stays damp for days on end. Neither my Paratool or Victorinox OH Gak ever get rust... sure the winters are cold but the summers are pretty hot and humid here in sydney.


I didnt really read all they way through your configuration but i can tell you two things

1) if you put 3 long blade layers (ie knife, saw, file etc) it will fit but the plier head doesnt close 100% (at first i tried this and it closes but leaves a bump) If the second plain edge is a backup you could try finding someone with an old sog with a small plain edge blade on the old sog powerpliers etc

2) the sog scissors plain suck, after having some on my powerlock for over a year i haven't sucessfully used them once. i do like the spring on them etc but i get better results on a range of materials with a victorinox executive scissors (but now i use my wenger one more often) Just get a slim 'taschenmesser' to keep your paratool company... that way you have a back up plain edge blade 

85mm WENGER Classic 02/Wenger standard (german seller on ebay has these for euro$14)
91mm Victorinox compact (has a micro screwdriver pen and a combo can tool but i say the saller wenger with a victorinox corkscrew screwdriver!)

or just a 64mm Wenger Esquire/Executive the scissors are bigg enough for most tasks)

Anyway better late then never right?

[Dr. Bahn]

Maybe a little late but i needed to chime in

I have a stainless 'silver' paratool that stays in a ripstop canvas tool roll in my Suzuki. The tool roll gets wet often and stays damp for days on end. Neither my Paratool or Victorinox OH Gak ever get rust... sure the winters are cold but the summers are pretty hot and humid here in sydney.


I didnt really read all they way through your configuration but i can tell you two things

1) if you put 3 long blade layers (ie knife, saw, file etc) it will fit but the plier head doesnt close 100% (at first i tried this and it closes but leaves a bump) If the second plain edge is a backup you could try finding someone with an old sog with a small plain edge blade on the old sog powerpliers etc

2) the sog scissors plain suck, after having some on my powerlock for over a year i haven't sucessfully used them once. i do like the spring on them etc but i get better results on a range of materials with a victorinox executive scissors (but now i use my wenger one more often) Just get a slim 'taschenmesser' to keep your paratool company... that way you have a back up plain edge blade 

85mm WENGER Classic 02/Wenger standard (german seller on ebay has these for euro$14)
91mm Victorinox compact (has a micro screwdriver pen and a combo can tool but i say the saller wenger with a victorinox corkscrew screwdriver!)

or just a 64mm Wenger Esquire/Executive the scissors are bigg enough for most tasks)

Anyway better late then never right?

Thank you for your help, too! 

I only want to put 2 long blade layers in them anyway, because I already realized that they won´t close properly with 3 layers. 

But now I am a bit confused about which PPP to get again... If the scissors are really bad the only reason left why I would buy the FKMD PPP is the black coating. Plus it would cost me 10,- Euros more which isn´t much but still money. Maybe we should start a poll since there will be more people who might be confused about getting a SOG with or without scissors.

[CENTURION]

Sadly, I'd have to agree with Santos about the scissors. I really want to like them, and the action and size are great, but they just don't really cut that well (at least on things that aren't paper, they do fine on paper) 

[Dr. Bahn]

Reminds me on my CrossCut which cuts paper fine but cloth or anything else....No way!   

[NutSAK]

Reminds me on my CrossCut which cuts paper fine but cloth or anything else....No way!   

It's not really worth it is it?  Most people cut paper straighter with a sharp blade than with a pair of short scissors anyway.