SOG PowerAssist

[J-sews]

Let me just begin by stating that the SOG PowerAssist may well be the most sophisticated multitool ever made. High tech features abound. Every aspect of this tool is an evolutionary step up from the SOG’s that came before. No portion of the tool can be described as “ordinary.”

On top of that, the PowerAssist is an exceptionally high quality tool. Every individual component is perfectly formed, then given a bright high luster polish. Function is butter smooth without a slightest hint of a flaw. This is clearly the flagship of the SOG multitool line.




A brief tour of the various functions:

Pliers:
The PowerAssist sports the new and improved “2.0” plier head design. The needlenose tips are needlenosier than original PowerLocks, and the wire cutter section is a whopping 3/8” (10mm) in length. Along with the Paladin series (made in collaboration with SOG) these are the only multitools I am aware of that can slice through regular three-wire household romex wire in a single snip.


note larger wire cutter area, twice as large as a Leatherman Wave


Compound leverage has become a signature of SOG multitools, and the PowerAssist is no exception. An interlocking gear drive at the end of the handles gives the user almost a two-to-one compound advantage when gripping something with the pliers, or cutting heavy wire.

Speaking of those interlocking gears, another 2.0 feature well worth mentioning is the new gear covers. Their purpose is protection; protection for the palm of your hand when using the screwdrivers, and protection for the bottom of your pocket when carrying the tool without a sheath.


covers for the compound leverage gears are worthwhile protection


Knives:
The PowerAssist gets its name from the SOG Assisted Opening Technology used on its twin knife blades. Whether you think a multitool needs quick-deploying blades or not, you’ve got to admit this is a cool feature. Coupled with the fact that this is the first model from SOG where you can access the blades without opening up the pliers makes it a winner in my book.


the knife blades in one handle are spring power assisted opening....


So how does it work? In short, the deployment works very well, but folding the knife back up takes a bit of getting used to. To deploy, simply slide the safety switch into the unlock position, then start pushing up on the thumb stud. After a very short distance the assisted opening takes over and FLICK!, in the wink of an eye the blade is fully deployed and locked open. Wow, ready to go!


....but the spring box takes up space where other tools and blades would go.


Refolding requires some nimble hand/eye/thumb/finger coordination. (either that or simply use two hands) First the unlock button needs to be actuated with your thumb, then your forefinger needs to close the blade, then your thumb again to slide the safety switch back into position. It really isn’t so bad once you’ve done it a few times. 

And as a matter of fact, you’d best practice doing it left handed, because the serrated blade mechanism on the left side is an exact mirror image of the plain edge blade on the right. That’s correct, BOTH blades on the PowerAssist are assisted openers.

Other blades/tools:
My S66 model came with a file blade, a combo medium flathead screwdriver/cap lifter, a large flathead/prybar, a #1 phillips screwdriver, a combo small flathead screwdriver/can opener, and SOG’s patented V-cutter. Not a bad compliment of tools really, although I must admit to missing the scissors. All of these tools are standard SOG fare, found on many other models, so I won’t go into detail on them here.


the other handle on the PowerAssist is the same as regular SOG PowerLocks


Piano Locks:
The whole idea here is to prevent blade clumping. Original SOG PowerLock models had a single lever which locked the blades and tools in the open position. The new piano locks work on the same principal, providing a good secure lock, with the additional benefit of applying individual tension to each tool. This helps prevent the entire clump of tools from unfolding when the user only wants one of them.

That being said, some folks actually prefer a clump of tools, and some don’t. To each his own.


piano locks offer individual backspring tension to each tool.


Handle flap:
I’m not a fan, but this flap is better than those on other SOG’s. It is crisply formed, less rounded, and “fits” to the plier handle better than its predecessors. In addition, there are detent bumps out near the end, which cause the flap to snap into place when closed. And lastly, there are little “stops” formed from the handle, which better locates the flap and prevents it from deforming when using the pliers under heavy pressure.
 

the handle flap protects your palm when squeezing hard on the pliers. It is better made than previous SOG handle flaps. A better solution? Make blades and tools on BOTH handles outside-opening, and do away with the flappers altogether.


Impressions:
So those are the details folks. A mighty fine multitool, quality built, and loaded with features. But is the PowerAssist right for you? It depends on the individual. Ask yourself these questions:

Are two assisted opening knife blades worth trading away the other three tools that would have fit in that handle?

Pliers, knife, screwdrivers, other tools. Which do you use most often? Record fast knife blade deployment is fine, but the rest of the tools in the other handle surely set the record for slowness.

Are assisted opening blades even legal in your area?


Dimensions:
Length closed:      4-3/4” (120mm)
Length open:      7” (178mm)
Width closed:      1-5/8” (40mm)
Thickness:      5/8” (17mm)
Weight:                   9.5 oz (270g)

[jzmtl]

Wow I was gona try the review contest but after seeing this I'm not going to bother. 

Something I haven't seen mentioned before, what steel is used in the blades? For something this fancy, I would like to see better than 420. I still think the assissted blades are gimmicky, not really faster/easier than say, wave.

[MultiMat]

Great review Bob ,I am glade we did not have to wait till after Xmas for the review of this Christmas present . The Power assist looks cool.I wonder if I could get one to slip through Oz customs ,spring assisted opening knives are illegal in Oz.

[J-sews]

Wow I was gona try the review contest but after seeing this I'm not going to bother. 

Hold on there pardner, you ain't gettin' off that easy. I'm not in the contest, so there, now you've got no excuses!

[Anthony]

Great review, I like the look of the new plier head.

I'm still not sold on having AO blades on a multi though.  But I am glad SOG isn't just treading water out there and are using new ideas...keeps everyone in competition

[Sea Monster]

The AO blades are about as interesting to me as a peanutbutter hat, but those pics sure are selling me on a regular 2.0 Powerlock (heck, I'd settle for an original) those pliers look meaner than your average croc, plus I like the look of those Stranded wire cutters below - Leatherman stranded wire cutters arn't worth a damn.

That said, I cut Hard Wire three times as often as stranded wire - how does the Powerlock fare in that department? (obviously the leverage is a boon, but are the jaws up to it?)

What do those pliers look like against a Surge and a Swisstool?  (I know there's a plier comparison image around. Someone go fer')

[max6166]

Thanks for the great comprehensive review.

The plier head looks absolutely amazing! 

I'd much rather have more tools than AO blades though...

What are the differences between the PowerAssist and the new PowerLocks (other than AO)? Do they have the same pliers, handle covers, etc.?

[Tarrodemierda]

 

nice review ijndeed and damn good pics too,i like.


and more,i like that tool itself alot.it makse man to think more about the tools u need in it as it does not have space for so many tools if i see correct but the factory set-up seems ok to me as well.although the v-cutter...i have one and i haven used it more than once as i think it gets dull easily and its horrible to sharpen,so id save it for emergeancy uses only,or relpace it with some other tool like saw or somethin.

the plierhead looks top of the line.

i gotta get one.

[hawkchucker]

Bob that is one great review, and a great looking tool! that is something that certainly seemes like a tool that I should look into. I really am looking forward to seeing more reviews to come. It will make me even more broke.

And look a SOG with a real blade!!

[David Bowen]

The blade steel in AUS8 (similar to 440C) and not 420, just for clarification 

Can't wait for my PowerAssist, I am so excited!

After all; when I reviewed the Powerlock on a "long term" look I mentioned at the bottom of the review:
" SOG? You listening? Think Powerlock but one hand opening! "
Seems Spencer was listening to me and my thoughts were manifested into reality 

Here's to the PowerAssist!

[Sea Monster]

Yeah yeah David, you invented the PowerAssist. 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Damn fine review as ever Bob

[David Bowen]

Hey who knows! In 2006 I could have put the spark in his mind that said HEY! maybe this can be done, but lets go the extra mile and put out SAT Technology in it!  

[Anthony]

That said, I cut Hard Wire three times as often as stranded wire - how does the Powerlock fare in that department? (obviously the leverage is a boon, but are the jaws up to it?)

My original Powerlock cuts through hard wire like it wasn't even there.  Only once I can remember having to take a second or third bite into something with the hard wire notch...but it wasn't really wire.  It was a long tightly wound spring that was about 1/8" think...it was like a whip.  Anyways, the SOG cut through it...

[cliosguy]

great review mate , it certainly looks like a cool tool for the collection

[Benner]

Superb review as always Bob. 

I am still very keen on this and can see it being my next multitool purchase.    I like it's uniqueness.

[jzmtl]

The blade steel in AUS8 (similar to 440C) and not 420, just for clarification 

That's good to know. Not as good as I wouldn've liked (SOG switched most of their knife models to VG10) but pretty decent.

[Tarrodemierda]

Superb review as always Bob. 

I am still very keen on this and can see it being my next multitool purchase.    I like it's uniqueness.

it aint handmade custom Ben :twak:everyone can have it so what the heck are you doin with it,CUSTOM GUY

[Benner]

Superb review as always Bob. 

I am still very keen on this and can see it being my next multitool purchase.    I like it's uniqueness.

it aint handmade custom Ben :twak:everyone can have it so what the heck are you doin with it,CUSTOM GUY

I said "next multitool purchase".  How many custom made MT's do you see ey? 

[MultiMat]

Superb review as always Bob. 

I am still very keen on this and can see it being my next multitool purchase.    I like it's uniqueness.

Would it get held up/confiscated in UK customs Ben due to the AO  .
I wonder if there is any mention to AO on the box if not I might be able sneak through OZ customs . It would be a total smurf if you bought something like the PowerAssist only to have it confiscated by customs.

[prime77]

Great review Bob.  How aggressive are the serrations on the other blade? The one serrated blade I have for my PowerLock wasn't very good.

[WhichDawg]

WoW Bob! Nice job boss and nobody takes better hardware pictures (man your good, your ex's must luv you!)
I'd sure like to get one now

[Sea Monster]

Would it get held up/confiscated in UK customs Ben due to the AO  .
I wonder if there is any mention to AO on the box if not I might be able sneak through OZ customs . It would be a total smurf if you bought something like the PowerAssist only to have it confiscated by customs.

might be worth checking if AO is illegal to own or illegal to carry.

[MultiMat]

Would it get held up/confiscated in UK customs Ben due to the AO  .
I wonder if there is any mention to AO on the box if not I might be able sneak through OZ customs . It would be a total smurf if you bought something like the PowerAssist only to have it confiscated by customs.

might be worth checking if AO is illegal to own or illegal to carry.

 (Dangerous Articles and Prohibited Weapons) Regulations 2000.


flick-knife means a knife designed or adapted so that—
(a) the blade—
(i) is concealed when folded or recessed into the handle; and
(ii) springs or is released into the extended position by the operation of a
button or other device on the handle; or
(b) the blade is wholly or partially concealed by a sheath which can be withdrawn
into the handle of the knife by gravity, centrifugal force or by the operation of a
button or other device;
push knife means a blade or spike with a transverse handle that is designed or adapted—
(a) to be held between the fingers or the forefinger and thumb with the handle
supported by the palm of the hand; and
(b) to inflict injury by a punching or pushing movement,
and includes an Urban Pal Knife;

Looks like the AO opening is illegal in South OZ 

[Benner]

AO's over here are not illegal to own and can be carried like any other locker as long as you have a good reason to do so (they are therefore illegal to EDC).

The only issue we get here is with it being classified as a flick knife.  I am not sure, but you MAY get round the whole flick-knife law the same way as we do here.  Part of what makes a flick-knife a flick-knife is the fact that it has a button that you press which then releases the blade.  AO's work differently as they actually require you to push the blade itself out slightly for it to then shoot out.  There is no button mechanism on an AO and it is this that differentiates between the 2 and makes the AO legal (to own) and the other not.

[Poncho65]

Great review as always Boss I just wish my pics would come out looking more like yours Kinda makes me want a SOG now seeing that one Well Christmas is coming up Maybe I can talk her into getting me one

[J-sews]

Thanks for the great comprehensive review.

The plier head looks absolutely amazing! 

I'd much rather have more tools than AO blades though...

What are the differences between the PowerAssist and the new PowerLocks (other than AO)? Do they have the same pliers, handle covers, etc.?

Thanks Max.

The PowerAssist and the latest PowerLocks share the same new plier head and gear covers. The new flap however seems to only be on the PowerAssist and the Paladin multitools. (I'm not 100% certain of that though)

[David Bowen]

For those of you who want to see the new powerassist sheath...here you go.





Tooks pics of it because I love the clip design, biggest part I like the switchplier sheath

Also I took a video of the closing of the Powerassist, it can be closed one handed. Using my right hand it's not bad, possible with my left but will take some practice, Enjoy!

[J-sews]

Nice video Dave, it really shows how those AO blades snap open with authority!

[Freudian Frog]

Thanks for the peek! Boy am I envious...