Thinking about switching to SOG

S

SpydieNative

Joined
May 31, 2009
Messages
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I have been a die hard Leatherman user for 15 years. I'd never thought I'd say this, but I think I'm paying more for less now. Now I'm not trolling. I have some legit reasons that I would like to discuss. Nor am I trying to find out how many people have problems with Leatherman just to prove a point. Thus I will not try to rail on Leatherman because I still respect their older tools. I have never had to send an older LM back to the company and, with all do respect, shouldn't have to send the new ones back either.

This is a list of the Leathermans that I have had great success with, meaning no problems at all (most of them are older models):

PST
PST II
Supertool
Supertool 200
Side Clip
Old Wave
Juice S2

Now here is a list of my currant Leathermans with problems:

New Wave - I have had two of these and have so far been through three sheaths (the leather ones). Poor edge retention on the main blades. Within a year the diamond file is worn down in most spots (that is from minimal use). The diamond file on my old Wave was still full after a year use before I sold it two years ago doing the same work I am now. Lastly, the bit holders loosen up with only a few months into use.

Core, Blast, Fuse, Kick all had poor edge retention compared to my older Leatherman models.

Skeletool - somewhat better edge retention, but the bits don't hold in the driver. Honestly I don't think this tool was worth the money. Though I'm not one to complain about the weight of my tools. I'd rather carry a Multi that weighs more, gives me more and costs less.

So I've handled a Swisstool Spirit S and SOG Powerlock. I'm leaning more towards the SOG because of the gears and the options to buy extra tools. The gears really give some power behind those pliers. What are your views on these tools? I have read the reviews on Multitool.org, but would like to here more personal thoughts.

SN
 
SOGs OK, so's Swisstool. I carried a Powerlock for a while before the gear teeth digging into my hand when using the screwdrivers made me crazy. Being able to customize the tool layout/replace a worn tool was nice. I've got a new one with the gear covers on-deck for EDC, but I've been carrying a Swisstool X for a couple of years and I'll probably stay with it a bit longer. It's a tank of a tool. The Spirits are a little small for my needs.
 
I have only had Leathermen (?) until recently, but recently got a SOG Powerlock. I thought the pliers on the Leatherman tools were pretty good until I got the SOG. The SOG pliers are hands down 100% better than the Leatherman tools. I do like the one-handed opening option on the blades of the Wave, Skeletool, etc, but the Powerlock is definitely a solid tool.

I have an extra one up for trade right now, if you're interested let me know.
 
I carried a LM Pulse for about 8 years, before switching to a powerlock, mostly as the pulse was just wearing out. I haven't been a fan of the newer LMs and couldn't be sure I 'd get a pulse back, so I didn't send it in.
My dad has used LM PSTs in very extreme conditions, killed a couple of them, but has been very happy with them. He wasn't too happy with the plastic handled replacement he got after one warranty return.
I liked the pulse more due to the perfect size and loadout, fit and finish etc, but the powerlock is doing just fine for me after a tool swap. and I realise I'm not going to find a tool at the same price with the fit and finish one expected 10 years ago
 
I don't own either but I have played with them both. The Spirit is just a very solid tool with a great fit and finish, don't be put off the whole "Victorinox drivers slip" nonsense I find that it's massively overstated.

The SOG is also well put together and works really well. To watch out for are the gears; I'd do my best to make sure is has the newer gear covers, the old exposed gears are uncomfortable to hold when using the drivers.

As to the compound pliers they work really well, the grip you can generate is scary. The only drawback is how far you have to open your hand when using them. To get the jaws around a large nut means the handles can end up so far apart you have to use two hands. Most of the time it isn't a problem but worth keeping in mind.
 
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Your complaints about LM are mine as well. I used a PST and a ST200 and an older Wave with much success. In 2004 I purchased a NEW wave to replace my aging ST200. I was not blown away. The jaws stuck when closing the tool and the finish was more bead blasted than polished.

I gave that one to my friend. My wife bought me a Surge as a wedding present back in 2005. While I love the idea of this tool, the useless tiny driver bent under use because of the tool weight. Also, more sticking jaw issues. The final nail in the coffin was that the springs that held in the bits sprung out of the tool making the drivers useless. Upon contacting LM, I was told that I was going to have to send in the tool to get that fixed. While not a big deal...still off putting that I couldn't get 2 3 cent springs mailed to me. I'm just going to keep the tool in the drawer until I find enough sub par tools to make it worth sending in:rolleyes:

Now, I have been very pleased with my Skeletool CX and my Fuse. While I still think that a plain blade on the CX would be of better use and wish that the edge had not been ground to an axe profile, it is very polished and well made. Zero bit retention problems. I would still like to get a plain one since the new Free Style took all the tools out of a multi-tool:rolleyes: I digress.
The Fuse has also been a pleasant surprise. It still has the same rust attracting bead blast finish. However, for the price it has been a very serviceable tool. All the tools lock and there is not jaw jamming:thumbup: If it had a pocket clip, the Skeletool would be gathering dust.

I have been carrying an older SOG Powerlock for the better part of 2 or 3 years now. I'm very pleased with it. Great polish of the "permanent" parts and very reasonably priced replacement tools. Also, as mentioned, the compound leverage is the bee's knees. :thumbup: I'm still debating on getting the Assist. It's on my short list.
 
Thanks for the responses guys. I gave in and bought a Powerlock this morning and used it at work. Wow! What a workhorse.

abiggs, your right about those pliers. Great set of needles, but they are modified from some on the internet that I saw. More pointed, which is great. Must be a new mod by the company. Also, they have way more cutting room the the LMs cutters. When I grab something with those pliers. It feels like a pitbull latched on and won't let go.

Overall I think they quite comfortable. Think about grabbing a remote control, grab the tool the same way and the gears are less painful. Well, my hands a calloused so I hardly feel anything really.

I am still getting used to those flaps for accessing the tools. The V-cutter is excellent for rope.
One thing that really makes me happy is the sheath. The leather is just over 1/8" thick. Wow! And it was oiled.
After its first day of good use I think this tool is a keeper. I'm glad I went this route and tried something new. Thank you everyone for listening. I really thought I would be labeled a troll or something. Thank you for understanding that trolling was not my intention. After all Leatherman is the creator of this unique inovation and deserve much respect.

Steely Gunz, don't tempt me on that Power Assist. Lol! Next paycheck maybe :p

SN
 
abiggs said:
I have only had Leathermen (?) until recently, but recently got a SOG Powerlock. I thought the pliers on the Leatherman tools were pretty good until I got the SOG. The SOG pliers are hands down 100% better than the Leatherman tools. I do like the one-handed opening option on the blades of the Wave, Skeletool, etc, but the Powerlock is definitely a solid tool.

I have an extra one up for trade right now, if you're interested let me know.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer, Buddy. I don't think I have anything that I want to give up.
 
Ill stick with leatherman as ive always had good service from their tools.Dont hesitate to send them in for repair.They are fast with their service and what comes back is outstanding and perfectly adjusted.I just sent in a Kick with a snapped blade and got it back in about 15 days.I have a new Wave with pocket clip and a 154CM blade that should last me well.
 
I've heard some rumblings about quality control issue in newer examples of the gerber legend, but absolutely love mine.. The best part is the spring-loaded pliers, which are super convenient to use. I wish some other multi tool manufacturers would do this.
 
Congrats SpydieNative! The Sog is a fine MT as you know now, best pliers in the business! They have tried to remedy the gears and covers, they are better now.

Many are wondering about the company buy-out now, hopefully they will continue giving us a quality product (fingers crossed).

I've read often, Sog, Leatherman, Victorinox and even Gerber have very good
customer service.
 
I should also point out that I do have the older sog powerpliers with the exposed gears, and those, plus the goofy flip-open metal guards, are the only negative things I have to say about the tool. Very beefy and robust multi-tool, and a good assortment of tools inside.
 
Thanks, Dantor! I have been using it well. Along with a new tool that I could not resist buying, The Power Assist. I am not as happy with the tool selection on the PowerAssist than I am with those on the PowerLock, butit is a tough, fun tool nonetheless.

MustardMan, I can see how the gears can be a downfall for some. The gear covers though on my PowerAssist make a big difference.

I think I'll stick with SOG. I'm sure these two will last me years.
 
I recently picked up a Powerassist, my first multi-tool.
I handled a lot of MTs during the shopping phase, including Leathermans and Gerbers. The Powerassist didn't have as many tools, but it had the screwdrivers and the bottle opener, which is what I need most. The bali-style opening is cool, but it was the compound leverage that won me over - this thing can cut pennies in half! The assisted knives rattle a bit, but they're great since you can use either a fully straight or fully serrated edge without opening the pliers. I love my straight edged knives, but I know the fully serrated ones have their use. This way I get both.
Nice tool. It's got my vote. I've had it barely a day, and now the GF wants to get one too.
 
missin_hobo said:
I recently picked up a Powerassist, my first multi-tool.
I handled a lot of MTs during the shopping phase, including Leathermans and Gerbers. The Powerassist didn't have as many tools, but it had the screwdrivers and the bottle opener, which is what I need most. The bali-style opening is cool, but it was the compound leverage that won me over - this thing can cut pennies in half! The assisted knives rattle a bit, but they're great since you can use either a fully straight or fully serrated edge without opening the pliers. I love my straight edged knives, but I know the fully serrated ones have their use. This way I get both.
Nice tool. It's got my vote. I've had it barely a day, and now the GF wants to get one too.
Click to expand...

As for the blades rattling, you can fix that by tightening the nuts. They are only 1/4 inch. You have to work with it a bit, but the blade play can be fixed and you can still snap 'em open.

Enjoy,

Mora
 
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