Another PowerLock Convert

[bquinlan]

SOG has gained another PowerLock convert. I've always liked SOG's multi-tools, but I had been lured away by newer designs from other companies. After hearing all the positive comments about the PowerLock I decided to give it a try.

It took me a lot of searching to find someone who had a TiNi PowerLock in stock, but it was worth the effort. What a great tool! The pliers are by far the best I've used. And who could not love the balisong-style one-handed opening?

The tool selection and the designs of the individual tools are generally excellent. Having covers over the tool wells really makes the grip feel better. This answers my long-standing gripe about folding pliers that put the tools on the outside of the handles when open.

The locking mechanism is great. What can you ask besides simple and strong? Oh yeah, also comfortable.

I love being able to modify the tool selection. I immediately replaced the partially-serrated knife with a plain-edge blade. I also bought the fully-serrated blade in case I decide I want that later.

So far I have only two reservations:

1) The awl seems oddly designed and has no sharp edge. I'll have to see how it works in practice, but I am used to awls with more than just a bevel.

2) The scissors do not seem to be sharp. They work fine on paper, but I had a terrible time cutting some hard plastic with them. Are they supposed to have an edge?

Overall this is an outstanding tool. I've been using it more often than the Gerber Legend it replaced. Kudos to the folks at SOG!

Also, let me just say that SOG's customer service has never been less than oustanding!

--Bob Q

 

[glockman99]

I KNEW that you'd like the PowerLock! About the scissors...Mine are very sharp. If you happen to own a Spyderco Sharpmaker, the scissors will be very easy to touch-up with the Sharpmaker. Also, about the awl...It isn't an awl; It's a very small screwdriver...(At least on MY PowerLock it is.).

Oops...Never-mind the awl comment. I just remembered that I changed the awl in mine for the small screwdriver.:footinmou.

 

[bquinlan]

You were certainly right!

Now I just have to figure out how to sharpen scissors on my Sharpmaker... I've never tried that before.

Thanks for spreading the word. I believe!

--Bob Q

 

[Bobby B]

Originally posted by bquinlan
You were certainly right!
Thanks for spreading the word. I believe!

--Bob Q

I believe too!

 

[glockman99]

Originally posted by bquinlan
...Now I just have to figure out how to sharpen scissors on my Sharpmaker... I've never tried that before.

--Bob Q

The short answer is that you stick one of the rods into the hole at the end of the base, and you only sharpen the bevel side of each blade of the scissors. When done sharpening, slide the non-bevel sides flat against the rod to remove the wire-edge.