My 2 cents: SwissTools, SOG EOD Powerlock, and Leatherman Charge

[supratentorial]

SOG PowerLock

* Best Pliers (compound leverage)

Pros
•   Compound leverage pliers
•   Pliers open one-handed
•   User serviceable
•   All tools lock

Cons
•   Typical configurations lack a plain edge blade (available as a replacement direct from SOG)
•   Blade edges face the middle of the tool
•   No one-hand opening blade
•   Tool clumping
•   Contains a large spacer instead of being completely filled with tools (S62)
•   Compound leverage gears dig into hand when using inside tools
•   Access to tools requires opening the pliers and a cover
•   Standard bits require adapter
•   Adapter fits loosely
•   Replacement blade options not widely available (order direct from SOG)
•   2nd heaviest tool on this list



Victorinox SwissTool, SwissTool X, SwissTool RS

* Best Tool Selection

SwissTool X - Best overall tool (tie)

Pros
•   Excellent tool selection and design
•   All tools lock
•   All tools accessible from the outside

Cons
•   No one-hand opening blade
•   Not user serviceable
•   Lacks scissors (SwissTool)
•   Lacks file (SwissTool RS)
•   Heaviest tool on this list



Victorinox SwissTool Spirit

* Lightest and cheapest

Best value

Pros
•   Good tool selection and excellent design
•   Ergonomic handles on pliers
•   All tools lock
•   All tools accessible from the outside
•   All tools deploy easily
•   Lightest tool on this list
•   Cheapest tool on this list

Cons
•   No plain edge drop point blade (the new Spirit S has a drop point blade instead of scissors)
•   No ruler
•   No one-hand opening blade
•   Not user serviceable



Leatherman Charge Ti, Charge XTi

* One-hand opening blades

Best overall tool (tie)

Pros
•   Somewhat user serviceable
•   All tools lock
•   One-hand opening blades
•   Some tools accessible from the outside
•   154CM plain edge blade
•   Diamond file
•   Most tools deploy easily
•   Titanium handle
•   Belt clip

Cons
•   Plier has a smaller workable area due to location of crimper (Charge XTi)
•   Standard bits require adapter
•   Flat driver and bit driver are redundant (Charge Ti)
•   Redundant bit drivers (Charge XTi)
•   Small bit driver isn't the most useful choice of tools
•   Opening and closing the file scrapes the inside of the handle
•   Small scissor (Charge Ti)
•   Lacks scissor (Charge XTi)
•   Might be most prone to rust (based on experience with Leatherman Wave)
•   Most expensive tool on this list

[Grant Lamontagne]

Hard to argue with such a comprehensive list...

Def

[Tom Munch]

I would add that the Spirit is the most comfortable pliers in hand.  That's why I tend to EDC it when I know I'll use it mainly for the pliers that day.  (I'm always a 2-tool guy or a SAK plus tool.)

[Dunc]

Victorinox SwissTool, SwissTool X, SwissTool RS


   Lacks scissors (SwissTool, SwissTool RS)

The RS does have scissors . Sorry to be picky 

Great review 

Dunc

[supratentorial]

Thanks!  I updated the list.  Also I removed "Tools open with excessive resistance" for SwissTools.  I put that on the list because others have complained but it hasn't been my experience.  I find that the tools open as easily as on the SwissTool Spirit.

[665ae]

I've had a Spirit for a couple days now.  I've got to say it has the smoothest opening tools of any multi I've got (which isn't many)  I definately agree about the knife blade though.  I'd prefer a plain edge drop point also.

[J-sews]

Nice summary supratentorial.

[Agreatscot]

I've got two Spirits. One is the stock model with the 'peanut butter' spreader. The other is the Austrian police model (I think?) with a spear point that replaces the sissors. It is so much more useful.

[J-sews]

One is the stock model with the 'peanut butter' spreader.....

That's funny.    I've also heard that blade referred to as a "serrated spatula."  Hee-hee! 

[I'm Still Bison]

 Some people  have commented that the clumping on the SOGs are a positive benefit, especially if you have big hands or working in foul weather,I suppose it tends to be easier to seperate the tool you want from a clump,rather than picking out an individual tool from the handle.
 Frankly I think SOG could offer variants on the replacement tools,or enhanced versions,like a straight edge blade,or in maybe in different flavors of steels...AUS8,154CM...etc.

[Anthony]

I think they do offer a plain edge blade.

[supratentorial]

I think they do offer a plain edge blade.

Yep.  Plain edge, combo, and serrated.  The plain edge has a double bevel or v-grind.  I think the replacements cost around $6 each.  I bought a few plain edge replacement blades recently.  Unlike some of the older chisel-grind plain edge blades, the grind on the new blades was excellent and the blades were razor sharp. "AUS8,154CM...etc." would be nice options though!

I added some photos to the initial post and updated a few points.

This review is a little out dated since the Charge Ti and XTi are discontinued but some of the comments could probably be applied to the new Charge tools (TTi, AL, and ALX).  It's unlikely that I'll buy the new Charges unless they come out with a Charge XTTi.

Between the discontinued XTi and Ti, I prefer the XTi.  I'd prefer a Charge XTi with scissors rather than a small bit driver but that option isn't available.  The scissors aren't that important for me anyway.  The scissors on the Ti aren't much bigger than the scissors on my Victorinox Classic SD.  Since the Classic SD is always on my key chain, I don't really need the scissors on the Charge.  Also, the redundant bit drivers on the XTi are sort of convenient.  Since I never carry the bit kit with me, I'm stuck with whatever is currently residing in the bit drivers.  With the XTi, I always have two bits stored in the tool.  And since the bits are designed so that they are Phillips/Phillips and Slotted/Slotted, it's convenient to have two bit drivers.

[supratentorial]

One of my other favorites is the SOG Pocket Power Plier.  review: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,718.0.html

[Tab]

I've got two Spirits. One is the stock model with the 'peanut butter' spreader. The other is the Austrian police model (I think?) with a spear point that replaces the sissors. It is so much more useful.

The Austrian police uses the Spirit? Interesting, anyone knows of other police forces using the spirit or other multitool models / brands?

[supratentorial]

Interesting, anyone knows of other police forces using the spirit or other multitool models / brands?

I have an Aitor Al-Ligator that was issued to "Policia Nacional Del Ecuador".  I might put it up on the trade forums eventually.



...According to http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/knife_knotes_10.htm, multi-tools from the following multi-tool brands have been issued to US troops:

Gerber
Kershaw
Leatherman
SOG
Red Cross Knife

Here's a quote from that website:
"We have no doubt at all in our minds what is the most popular knife in the US military today… the Multi-tool. It seems you can not go anywhere without seeing this small pouch on a belt. Although the current camo uniform coat covers the belt line just ask and a quick peek will reveal the pouch. Just last week we had the good luck to spend some few days with a company of drives and mechanics from a transportation unit and almost to a man they each wore a Gerber Multi-tool. The majority carried a small flashlight with the tool via a loop on the cordura pouch. These tools were in constant use on and off during the day so we had the chance to observe many on them. From all reports from the field we receive it is also one of the most asked about items. Those in fighting units not close to the big PX will trade just about anything for one. And they are not just belt hangers, many a story has been related to us on what broke and why. In just about every case it was from abuse by the user but in the end it got the fellow out of the jam he was in. Lay it down and it will be gone, now that is quite a compliment to any knife! The majority we have seen are Gerber made but a close second are the Leatherman products. A few of this and that, here and there but for the most part those are the big two."

The "Red Cross Knife" is the tool that the Red Cross was supplying the troops:



They are made in China and similar multi-tools are also sold under the Dakota brand:

[Anthony]

That Aitor knife is cool!

Do the plier jaws fold into the body?

[Anthony]

The "Red Cross Knife" is the tool that the Red Cross was supplying the troops:

(Image removed from quote.)

I literally have that tool sitting at the bottom of my trash can right now, no joke!  Mine is the same except it has more 'tools' instead of that flashlight.  Every tool was useless and it wasn't worth the $2 I paid at the local closeout store.  It's about the size of the Micra, but has an odd shape when folded...

[supratentorial]

That Aitor knife is cool!

Do the plier jaws fold into the body?

Yes they do.

[supratentorial]

The "Red Cross Knife" is the tool that the Red Cross was supplying the troops:

(Image removed from quote.)

I literally have that tool sitting at the bottom of my trash can right now, no joke!  Mine is the same except it has more 'tools' instead of that flashlight.  Every tool was useless and it wasn't worth the $2 I paid at the local closeout store.  It's about the size of the Micra, but has an odd shape when folded...

I'm guessing the Red Cross was going for quantity over quality.  I'd like to see a major multi-tool manufacture donate some multi-tools to the troups.  I'm guessing that Leatherman, for example, could afford it!

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have two versions of that one- both from Sheffield.  I have the small keychain one, and a full sized version as well.  They aren't worthless, but they aren't too far off it.

Def

[WhichDawg]

I'll be getting a Charge very soon and I'll be able to review all of these myself to add here, nice thread.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Always happy to have new reviews!

Which Charge are you getting?

Def

[WhichDawg]

the Charge Ti, tip from here! (rubs hands) and it seems that one is still very popular

[supratentorial]

Nice choice!  BTW, I like the multi-tool slinger smiley! 

[WhichDawg]

ty sup, it was fun to make for here

[CQC-7]

You could just put the Wal-Mart vest on himand he could pass for the greeter at the Walmart where I live.  The greeter always wears a Gerber multitool, I have not asked him which one he carries yet.

[WhichDawg]

funny, the wally world salesman had a gerber too! (they must get good deals) ours had a diesel, I almost got it! but got the Swisstool RS online.

[WhichDawg]

no charge coming for me! but looking over this thread again (which is very good) I can't help think with the flashlights being so small and bright now, it would be nice to see more setups like that Red Cross MT. A very good AAA/rechargeable light that pivots on one side of the tool, good tools on the other side, and good/comfortable handles. I can dream