SOG multis

[Magic Bus]

I've had loads of MT's by Leatherman and Vic over the years but have never had a SOG multi. Out of curiosity which model would make a good user with decent cutters and drivers?

[AimlessWanderer]

The OLD ones have great pliers, but the inner tools can be a bit lacking. Quality seems to have dropped off the cliff lately though too from what I've seen. Feel free to try them out though and see what you think to them. Another thing to note is their #1 Phillips is OK on #1 screws but particularly useless on #2 screws

I'd prob suggest trying out a PPP and tweaking the loadout to suit your needs if you do want to try them

[kirk13]

If you can get them at a good price,either a PPP,or a Paratool,for my money are the pick of the bunch. If the idea of a PowerAssist tickles your fancy,pm me

[Magic Bus]

Thanks Al. I've read a lot on here about the PPP, it seems a popular model. Nonetheless am I right in thinking they are a bit marmite?

[Magic Bus]

If you can get them at a good price,either a PPP,or a Paratool,for my money are the pick of the bunch. If the idea of a PowerAssist tickles your fancy,pm me

From what I've read about the Powerassist I don't think it's my cup of tea 

[kirk13]

If you can get them at a good price,either a PPP,or a Paratool,for my money are the pick of the bunch. If the idea of a PowerAssist tickles your fancy,pm me

From what I've read about the Powerassist I don't think it's my cup of tea 

Wise man

[Magic Bus]

That bad eh 

[3rdpig]

If you can get them at a good price,either a PPP,or a Paratool,for my money are the pick of the bunch. If the idea of a PowerAssist tickles your fancy,pm me

From what I've read about the Powerassist I don't think it's my cup of tea 

Wise man

I don't know, I love to get mine out and impress my friends with a tool that's got two assisted opening blades, pliers and has screwdrivers and can open a can of hash and pop the top off that beer.

And then when I'm done impressing my friends with it, it goes back in the box because in real life use it rather bites.

[AimlessWanderer]

Thanks Al. I've read a lot on here about the PPP, it seems a popular model. Nonetheless am I right in thinking they are a bit marmite?

If one of the gang who has access to ebay can nab to a Paladin PT-510, they are very nice. It's a PPP with better plier shape (IMO) and gear covers which make it a massive improvement on ergonomics for using drivers. Uo'll pretty much need a whole set of new tools to go inside though, and the PT-510 is getting hard to get hold of. The biggest problem in my mind with the PPP is the stabby gears when using awls/drivers etc. I think on the whole the SOG line might not be best choice for you if drivers are a key tool (unless it's a PT-510 with new loadout) - sorry Chris 

[Magic Bus]

[/quote]
And then when I'm done impressing my friends with it, it goes back in the box because in real life use it rather bites.
[/quote]

Ought to have a smiley for that really. 

[Magic Bus]

Thanks Al. I've read a lot on here about the PPP, it seems a popular model. Nonetheless am I right in thinking they are a bit marmite?

If one of the gang who has access to ebay can nab to a Paladin PT-510, they are very nice. It's a PPP with better plier shape (IMO) and gear covers which make it a massive improvement on ergonomics for using drivers. Uo'll pretty much need a whole set of new tools to go inside though, and the PT-510 is getting hard to get hold of. The biggest problem in my mind with the PPP is the stabby gears when using awls/drivers etc. I think on the whole the SOG line might not be best choice for you if drivers are a key tool (unless it's a PT-510 with new loadout) - sorry Chris 

Thanks Al. Drivers are important to me but what really annoys me about certain multis is where the drivers are almost an afterthought. I just prefer tools where all the implements are useful 

[AimlessWanderer]

Have you tried a MP400? You'd need to see if the drivers would be long enough. I've never really had an issue, but we don't all walk the same path in life  Check out the threads where a few of us have converted them to knifeless (search for MP425, MP426 or MP475  )

[AHB]

Any of the "older" tools will do great..  PPP, Powerlock, Power Plier ect..

I'd prob suggest trying out a PPP and tweaking the loadout to suit your needs if you do want to try them

I rarely get the chance to post this pic, so thanks Al.. 

[Magic Bus]

Have you tried a MP400? You'd need to see if the drivers would be long enough. I've never really had an issue, but we don't all walk the same path in life  Check out the threads where a few of us have converted them to knifeless (search for MP425, MP426 or MP475  )

Not an MP400 although I've had a couple of 600's. I'll check it out, I think Dunc rates them too.

[Magic Bus]

Nice pic Allan. To me they look like a no nonsense tool but I appreciate the gears might well be a pain in the hand when using a driver.

[rdub934]

I have a PPP and love it for what it is. The cutters are as big as those on a Wave, the drivers are pretty good, and it is very light and super compact. The only bad thing I can say about it is that it doesn't have ANY outside access tools or a pocket clip. The gears are a little in the way, I suppose, but they don't bother me.

[CanadianLMfan]

The Crosscut is like the Micra but with bigger scissors.

[Philthy]

I like the SOG Paratool, it's a good size and weight.  Although it is somewhat annoying to secondary tools out.

[Monrogue]

I'm considering getting a PPP actually.  I like the old school look of it, and the fact that it's customizable.

[16VGTIDave]

Don't be taken in with the customizable thing like I was. The optional tools are as pathetic as the ones already installed. Most of the tools are made so their nail nicks or whatever are in the same position. You will end up with 3 tools that have to be extended together and the 2 you don't want closed. Try that with gloves on, because the handles and tool covers will make you want to wear gloves when using this MT. The optional tools are often thinner than the one you are replacing, and getting washers from SOG is an exercise in frustration. I haven't yet found a local source for washers as they are an odd size, and I want stainless steel so they don't rust. Heck, even the leather sheath is poorly designed - it is too top heavy.

SOG products are the epitome of marketing BS coming before R&D and engineering. I have regretted the purchase of every SOG product I've ever owned and have made myself a promise to never buy another one.


Sent from my iPad2

[sawman]

I agree, the new china made Sog is garbage and should not be purchased.

[dks]

... but to add, the new China SOG, are not garbage just because they are made in China 

The pliers on the SOGs are impressive - the compound leverage works well.
All compound leverage models are good, in that department.
The paratool has no compound leverage but it has the cool flip out feature.

None of the drivers of a SOG have impressed me.


I do like the powerduo idea, and the blade and pliers are good enough (though the pliers gears are less solid than the old ones). Additionally it looks good, but check it before buying.
Short answer, buy a SOG for the pliers, not the drivers.

[sawman]

... but to add, the new China SOG, are not garbage just because they are made in China 

The pliers on the SOGs are impressive - the compound leverage works well.
All compound leverage models are good, in that department.
The paratool has no compound leverage but it has the cool flip out feature.

None of the drivers of a SOG have impressed me.


I do like the powerduo idea, and the blade and pliers are good enough (though the pliers gears are less solid than the old ones). Additionally it looks good, but check it before buying.
Short answer, buy a SOG for the pliers, not the drivers.

The jaws of the PL cannot handle the pressure of the compound leverage. This is why I sheered off a set of jaws while performing some minor tasks with my PL. This should not happen. I sold all my Sog MT's after that and haven't owned any since. For the record, I like the classic ParaTool.

[Magic Bus]

Some pretty big negatives there    As a matter of interest which models are made in China please?
Edit:- Just had a quick look at their website which says the PL, PPP and PA are assembled in USA.

[Monrogue]

Yeah, some negatives to think about for sure.  Unfortunately, too late for me as I already had ordered a PPP a couple days ago.  Oh well, I have read some positivity towards SOG though, and the PPP in particular, so I may luck out.  I got it more out of curiosity anyway.  If the drivers really are that bad, I have them on my SAKs anyway in most cases, so I'll have backup   I don't do a lot of hard screw torquing typically in my daily life, so I should be fine.

[ducttapetech]

I love my Sog folders. Have yet to try there multi. I really want to, but I need some cash.

sent from my mobile

[comis]

I am very much in the same boat as Magicbus.  I too have been a Victorinox/Wenger/Leatherman fan, and wanted to expand my horizon.  I have read some bits and pieces here, and watched a good number of reviews on youtube.  And now I am officially confused...

I know I like something that is similar in size to Vic Spirit and/or Leatherman Charge.  I think instead of asking what people like about their tools(which there are always fans for each tool), is there some kind of SOG tool or features that I should avoid or you don't like about?

So far I have read that some 'piano lock' don't match with the tool blade(which is something I really don't like), or some rants/complains about the piler head not strong enough for the "compound leverage" to work.

[Gareth]

Thanks Al. I've read a lot on here about the PPP, it seems a popular model. Nonetheless am I right in thinking they are a bit marmite?

Yes, it is.

Nice pic Allan. To me they look like a no nonsense tool but I appreciate the gears might well be a pain in the hand when using a driver.

There was my main issue with the PPP, I use the screwdriver a lot and I found the gears to be a real pain.  Also the awl seemed to be designed to fold under pressure and try and take a finger off.

The pliers are great (and so is the sheath) but other than that I just didn't get along with the PPP and sold mine on a while ago.

[Magic Bus]

Thanks for your input Gareth   

[Gareth]

The pliers really are nice though.