SOG or Leatherman?

Starfish

Starfish

Joined
Jun 14, 2001
Messages
1,256
Had to hang a whiteboard in my office today, and found out that my Leatherman Micra isn't a good hammer nor a particularly good Phillips screwdriver (for driving screws into walls) :)

I'm looking now at getting a beefier multitool that I can still carry in slacks or jeans, and I am soliciting the opinions of my esteemed fellow members of this forum. Yes, that means YOU :D

So, I'm considering either Leatherman or SOG. In the Leatherman camp, I'm thinking either the PST, PST II, or the Pulse. In the SOG camp, I'm considering the PowerPliers.

What are your thoughts on these choices? And do these two manufacturers offer a multitool that you feel is a better choice than the ones I've listed above? I am particularly interested in hearing about the other choices from SOG, since I have zero experience with any of the SOG tools.

One note before posting: I do not need a multitool for my occupation (electrical engineer, but not a field engineer); I just like to carry a multitool for convenience. So, I'd like to restrict any recommendations to those tools that can be carried easily in slacks/jeans, and can be abused as necessary from time to time, i.e., not everyday use :)

Thanks,

Matthew
 
Originally posted by stjames
The Leatherman Juice series might be right for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion. I actually got a chance to look at these in a local mall knife store. Looks are pretty, and felt solid as well. It seems that the Juice series offers a slightly smaller form factor but increased weight. Is that correct?

Does the Juice series offer anything substantial over the other choices I listed besides anodized aluminum handles?

Thanks again,

Matthew
 
The Juice seems to offer less in size but keep a variety of features, including the pliers. I wouldn't be comfortable carrying any of the models you mentioned in my pocket but the smaller Juice models might fit the bill. I kind of wish they came without the colored handles.
 
Originally posted by stjames
I wouldn't be comfortable carrying any of the models you mentioned in my pocket but the smaller Juice models might fit the bill. I kind of wish they came without the colored handles.
Click to expand...

Interesting comment about the comfort of carry - in choosing the models I mentioned I looked for something which was about the size of a small Sebenza (4 inches, closed) and no heavier than about 6 oz (twice the weight of the small Sebenza). I overlooked the width of the tool, however, and that information is not readily available online. I also don't know of a local store where I could easily examine each of those models.

Why don't you like the colored handles?

Thanks,

Matthew
 
Dude ~ I kinda liked the SOG for its compound leverage features.. Leatherman has a better selection in term of tools for wide variety of needs.. :D

Sam
 
Matthew, I think even the larger Juice models will weigh down a pocket, but at just over three inches and 4-1/2 oz. I’d prefer them for in the pocket carry. I guess I just prefer neutral colors for my tools, I’m glad to hear they are marketing them in plain gray.

James
 
I really like the compound leverage on SOG's tools, but I have traded up to larger tools that ride in belt pouches. When I want to pocket carry a multi-tool I take along a Leatherman Juice S2. The Juice series really are enough smaller and lighter than even the smaller "full-size" tools to feel better in the pocket.

You may consider whether you need even that much of a tool. One of the smaller SAKs or something like the SOG CrossGrip might do everything you need with a lot less weight and bulk. Leatherman is also coming out with a couple of even smaller Juice models called "Squirts" in the fall.

--Bob Q
 
Starfish , Of the tools you mentioned (PST,PSTII, PULSE) I'd recommend
the Pulse.

I ,too, work in an office where attire is important and have found that
the Black Nylon pouch that Leatherman offers is a very worthwhile investment.
I carry a Pulse or original Supertool in these pouches and find that not an eyebrow
is raised. They can be washed to keep them clean and being black with with Leatherman
logo on the flap they are fairly stylish. Since you're an elect' engine'r there is some merit
to having a full sized tool at hand.

While I like the PST the Pulse fixes all of the gripes I had with the PST. As to the juice
I'm not to sure that you would like any of them as they are "close but no cigar" to a real working
tool. Good luck on your search, mate.
 
Originally posted by Tightwad
While I like the PST the Pulse fixes all of the gripes I had with the PST. As to the juice
I'm not to sure that you would like any of them as they are "close but no cigar" to a real working
tool. Good luck on your search, mate.
Click to expand...

Tightwad, is it your opinion that the Juice series is not "tough enough" for useful work, or that the tool selection is lacking?

Also, a general question: when using Leatherman's Tool Comparison, I see that some of the tools are listed as having 4 screwdrivers, but these four screwdrivers are detailed in two different ways. For example:

Juice xe6: XS, S, M/L, Phillips
Pulse: XS, M, L, Phillips

Does this mean that the Juice xe6 has a flathead screwdriver that fits both medium and large screw heads, sort of?

Thanks,

Matthew
 
Starfish, If you can lay a sample of a juice next to a Pulse and you will
see the size difference in the tools themselves. Can a juice be used for
"hard" work? Yes maybe, just not repeatedly. Keep in mind that the juice
was not ment nor engineered to "replace" any of the larger tools ,just to
expand the line into pocketable SAK turf. So make the comparison
then decide what's best for your needs. For what is worth tho I still think
you'd be better off with a Pulse. That way you will never again be in the
delimma you are now with your present Leatherman of needing a "bigger" tool.
A bit to big maybe ,but on the other hand NEVER to little ......................

Good Luck ,mate.
 
I gotta chime in here. Of the list that you gave Starfish I would pick the Pulse. It's a great tool, not to heavy and the tools all lock. If you don't need tools that lock and are concerned about weight the Juice tools will work but they really are not designed for heavy work IMO but would probably work just fine in an office. I carry the S2 (Orange one) and I hardly notice it. I have a SOG Powerlock and it's well made but heavy. I think the Leatherman Pulse is a better design for the weight and size. If you're concerned about office wear, I saw a nice leather sheath that held both a cell phone and a Leatherman. I don't remember where but any good leathersmith should be able to fix you up. Enjoy the hunt!
 
if you need aftermarket leather everyone is quick to recommend g2 (gary grayley)(sp?). he really does nice work. Personally i loved my cs4 juice (blue) until i lost it, and i think i'm going to get another one soon. personnally i really just like the feel of hte juice, but let us know what you decide on.

- Pete
 
I know that you didn't mention the Leatherman Wave, Starfish, but I thought that I'd give you this suggestion anyway.
First of all, the length when it is closed is only 4 inches, just like the original PST, and PST II. The weight may be a little more than what you would like, at an even 8 ounces. As far as features go, it has a total of fifteen.

1. Can Opener
2. Wire Stripper
3. Lanyard Attachment
4. Phillips Screwdriver
5. Lg. Screwdriver
6. Serrated Knife
7. Saw
8. Wire Cutters
9. Scissors
10. Md. Screwdriver
11. Sm. Screwdriver
12. XSm. Screwdriver
13. Diamond File
14. Clip Point Knife
15. Pliers

The weight may be a bit more than what you're looking for, HOWEVER, the Wave comes with a stylish black molded nylon pouch that you can carry comfortably on your belt. If leather is more to your liking, a similar molded leather pouch is also available from leatherman.com. These pouches are unlike anything that Leatherman has come out with before and they are molded for the Wave to fit just right. I guess that it depends where you look for the Wave that will determine the pouch that comes with it.

With two choices of belt pouches, the Wave can be carried in the office or in the field without raising eyebrows. Having quick access to the main blades is also very convenient. You mentioned that you wanted a "beefier" multitool, well, in my opinion, this is it.

Anyway, I just wanted to put my two cents in...

:D Good Luck.
 
SOG or Leatherman? Go Leatherman. Better tool. Great warranty. I own the Wave and the Micra, and I just bought the Mini.

I would advise taking a closer look at the Wave as well. What sold me was the one-handed opening on the two blades (plain and serrated) as well as the rounded handles that fit your hands comfortably. In the sheath, you barely know you're wearing it.

Otherwise, the Pulse looks pretty appealing.

For sheaths, go nylon over leather. The nylon will dry faster when wet. It won't lose its shape or stretch like leather will.
 
Couple of points about the Wave that should be mentioned in fairness.

None of the tools / blades lock and from my experiance with a Wave fold
easier than any of the other non locking Leathermen. This makes extending
the reach of the tools by extending the handles a bit dicey.

The other point is that the blades are not lefty friendly. Really a shame to as
one handing a knife blade open is very handy.

It's true that the Wave is a marvel of engineering complete with comfy grips. It just
is a little to specific in some features while compromising other features. It lacks the
true universalness of the rest of the Leatherman line.
 
I carry a Supertool 200 in my back pocket next to my wallet daily. I find it very comfortable as long as the locking levers are turned away from my ass cheek.

Have had Waves and Pulses and they are both great. The Pulse's weak spot is the dinky scissors. If they had the Wave/PSTII scissors, it would be the ultimate.

I have had the tools on a Wave fold up on me and it is aggravating. It is a bit thick but very comfy to use those pliers. Wish it had graduations on the side like all the other Leathermans.

Re: Juice: Had a Glacier and hated it. My scissors cut poorly. The pliers handles were too small to be of real usage. At least not comfortably. YMMV, blah blah, etc.

I like my Supertool 200 for the extra long screwdrivers and general robustness of the tool. Still, I mostly use the pliers on it, as my Delica and Victorinox Cybertool 29 complete most of my other daily tasks.

Let us know what you decide.

Clay
 
Here is another vote for the Wave. It has one hand open blades and they lock along with the saw and file. The other tools snap into place well enough and are kept from folding up on your fingers by the handles when they are sqeezed together.

Don't use any of these tools for a hammer. That will bend precision fittings. Just my opinion.
 
Thanks for all the opinions so far. I took a little trip down to Wally World yesterday to look at the Wave, the Supertool, and the PST.

The Supertool was well....:eek: a lot of TOOL! :eek: :) I just don't see this one as front-pocket carryable. Much too long and thick in my opinion.

The Wave was a super-slick tool, with nice styling (can't believe I'm saying that about a multitool :rolleyes: ). However, that too seemed a little thick.

The PST was a good size, but eh, it lacks that certain je ne sais quos that makes me want to buy it...

At this point, being really honest with myself, I realize that what I really need is a multitool I can carry on me for the jobs I normally encounter, and a separate, heavy-duty multitool for my briefcase. So, at this point, I'm leaning more toward the Juice series for pocket carry, specifically the Cs4 (Glacier) and the Xe6 (Thunder). For the separate, heavy-duty multitool, I'm leaning toward the Supertool.

One good thing about all this - I've learned a lot about multitools and their advantages and shortcomings. For example, as BoyNHisDog pointed out, I probably should not use the tool as a hammer - most expensive and least effective hammer I will own :). As well, I believe the reason the Micra's Phillips screwdriver wasn't up to the task of driving the screw in is probably due to the fact that it isn't a true Phillips driver.

Now, if anyone has any opinions on the two Juice models I mentioned :) or alternatives to those...keep 'em coming!

Thanks!

Matthew
 
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