SOG Pocket PowerPlier VS Leatherman Rebar VS Vic Spirit

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Swampfoxoutdoors

Joined
Jan 23, 2014
Messages
106
I already own a Leatherman Wave and looking to buy another medium sized / duty multi-tool. Whats your suggestions?

I like the looks of both the Rebar and SOG PPP. I do own a number of Vic pocket knives and like the company/ quality. I am considering pocket carrying the tool which ever model I decide. Just need personal opinions if you own or carry one of these tools.

Cost is not a issue and do not mind having to open the tool to access other blades/tools.
 
My recommendations: Vic if you have the cash, and don't mind a heavier tool. They are well built, but being thicker material and stainless, they are a bit hefty.
Rebar, great tool if you are on a budget. obviously not as flash as the vic and needs a little love and care, especially in high humidity/high corrosion environments.
SOG, no experience with the pocket powerplier, but I have a powerlock. Great if you want to custom load your tools, or modify tools (cheaper mistakes). That said, even if you don't modify it, you may need to tweak it a bit, but that is fairly simple, and SOG does sell a shim and spacer kit.
 
I have a Leatherman Wave, Rebar, Kick & Victorinox Spirit X

My Pics:

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If money is not an option look into leatherman tti charge or the leatherman oht , I own both and they are very solid useful tools. Vitornox I have fealt in person and it is kind of big and clunky IMO. The sog is very nice and I like the power assist on the pliers but the fit and finish does not reflect the price tag .
 
SharpestedgeE said:
If money is not an option look into leatherman tti charge or the leatherman oht , I own both and they are very solid useful tools. Vitornox I have fealt in person and it is kind of big and clunky IMO. The sog is very nice and I like the power assist on the pliers but the fit and finish does not reflect the price tag .
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The OP mentioned pocket carrying the tool so the OHT is much to large for that in my opinion.


As others have said if money is no option then go with the Spirit. The fit and finish is excellent on them and everyone should experience a Swiss Made multitool as they truly are superior in my opinion. The Spirit offers a great tool selection and the "X" model offers scissors. The curved handles offer a great feel while using the pliers. The Rebar is a great tool that I find very reasonable to pocket carry. Some might disagree, but as far as full sized tools to pocket carry it will be one of the most comfortable. It offers a great tool selection, but you do not get scissors. This is not a issue for me as I carry a alox Classic every day. The replaceable wire cutters on the Rebar are a huge advantage as if you damage them you don't ruin your whole tool. I would personally steer clear of the SOG PPP. It is a great concept, but the execution was not well thought out and the actual tools feel flimsy and cheap compared to your other options in my opinion. The PPP pliers and handles feel great but again the actual tools feel sub par and there is a feeling of wasted and unused space in the tool. My other problem and most offsetting problem with the PPP is when you deploy a tool and close the handles as one would to use it the gears are positioned to dig directly into your palm during use. It is a common complaint and huge problem that you will immediately experience with the PPP. I sold mine because of this reason. Why have it if you cant even use it without turning your hand into ground beef?

My suggestion "since money is not a issue" is to buy the Spirit and Rebar. Both are excellent tools that offer slightly different advantages depending on your "needs or want's" in a multitool. If you have and specific questions please feel free to ask. :thumbup:
 
Capt. Spaulding said:
The OP mentioned pocket carrying the tool so the OHT is much to large for that in my opinion.


As others have said if money is no option then go with the Spirit. The fit and finish is excellent on them and everyone should experience a Swiss Made multitool as they truly are superior in my opinion. The Spirit offers a great tool selection and the "X" model offers scissors. The curved handles offer a great feel while using the pliers. The Rebar is a great tool that I find very reasonable to pocket carry. Some might disagree, but as far as full sized tools to pocket carry it will be one of the most comfortable. It offers a great tool selection, but you do not get scissors. This is not a issue for me as I carry a alox Classic every day. The replaceable wire cutters on the Rebar are a huge advantage as if you damage them you don't ruin your whole tool. I would personally steer clear of the SOG PPP. It is a great concept, but the execution was not well thought out and the actual tools feel flimsy and cheap compared to your other options in my opinion. The PPP pliers and handles feel great but again the actual tools feel sub par and there is a feeling of wasted and unused space in the tool. My other problem and most offsetting problem with the PPP is when you deploy a tool and close the handles as one would to use it the gears are positioned to dig directly into your palm during use. It is a common complaint and huge problem that you will immediately experience with the PPP. I sold mine because of this reason. Why have it if you cant even use it without turning your hand into ground beef?

My suggestion "since money is not a issue" is to buy the Spirit and Rebar. Both are excellent tools that offer slightly different advantages depending on your "needs or want's" in a multitool. If you have and specific questions please feel free to ask. :thumbup:
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Thanks for the good first hand advice! I will be buying both! Not really sure which one I will buy first probably be the Vic Spirit X then the Rebar later.
 
I own the Leathermam Rebar, Charge Al, SuperTool 300, Skeletool CX, and Sidekick.

Of these, the Charge AL is my go to tool. It's functionally the same as your Wave - just upgrades blade steel and anodize scales.

I picked up the Rebar at Target for $17 when they were clearing them out. It's very much the "classic" style Leatherman design, which I find I don't really like. I much prefer the outside accessible blades/saw/file that they have on the Charge/Wave models.

Fit and finish is definitely a step down from the Charge, but not nearly as bad as the Sidekick.

While I like the replaceable wire cutters, the plier head isn't nearly as refined as the Charge/Wave. Ergo's of the handle are bad - hotspots where you get the edge of the stamped sheet metal.

Considered getting a SOG, but people's reports of declining quality control made me pass.

As for the Victorinox Spirit, I've only heard good things about the quality. A lot of reviews have described the and finish as surpassing Leatherman. Only thing that may detract is the shape of the plier head. It's more blunt compared to the Wave/Charge. If that's not an issue for you, it looks like a winner.
 
Swampfoxoutdoors said:
Thanks for the good first hand advice! I will be buying both! Not really sure which one I will buy first probably be the Vic Spirit X then the Rebar later.
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Great decision. :thumbup:

As to which one to buy first it is really dealers choice. Let us know how you like your purchase. :thumbup:
 
Normally, a Charge TTi is my EDC. However, when the Rebar came out, I was convinced it was the PST I really wanted back when I got my first Leatherman. When I found one cheap enough, I went for it. Nice size, functionally good, but not completely. The lock release levers make the pliers grip really uncomfortable, unless you are very careful or wearing gloves. Now and then I have been carrying mine lately and have been acutely aware of its sharp edges, although it has done the job whenever needed. I'm not sure I'd enjoy sustained use of it, though. Fortunately, that happens seldom in my doings, but still. Overall, it is still a handling improvement over the PST, for which I had to carry a hanky to pad my palm against the thin edges when crunching down hard on something (but not too hard or the tool bends.)
I am Leatherman's biggest fan, but even so, in your situation I would recommend the Spirit. You already have a Leatherman in that general size, so why not go for something made with a somewhat different design philosophy. You might like it.
 
I hear some people on this forum and others complaining about the handles on the Rebar being "sharp" and hurting the hand. I use my Rebar every day and actually tried to hurt myself and could not. Others have agreed with me about the handles NOT being sharp.

I guess it might be a quality control thing with the Rebars or a generational thing?

Maybe you guys just have girly hands. :D
 
Capt. Spaulding said:
I hear some people on this forum and others complaining about the handles on the Rebar being "sharp" and hurting the hand. I use my Rebar every day and actually tried to hurt myself and could not. Others have agreed with me about the handles NOT being sharp.

I guess it might be a quality control thing with the Rebars or a generational thing?

Maybe you guys just have girly hands. :D
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No quality control issues. Only the lock releases dig into my hand when using knife, screwdriver or saw (I misspoke about the pliers :o). I have to grip the handles lower than where they are to avoid discomfort. The rest of the tool is comfortable to use, especially in working the pliers, a big improvement over the PST.
Trying to hurt yourself is a sign of low self esteem. Have you considered professional help? :D
 
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