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Buffalohump
01-31-2007, 08:30 AM
I originally posted this in multi-tools but I think more people will see it herre, so here it is!

I just received my second SOG MT today, a PowerPlier, my other SOG MT being a Crossgrip. My wife insisted it was a Valentine's gift, but there was no way I was waiting for 14th to play with this thing ;D.

First off, this is a mid-size MT, that would go up against the likes of the Juice, for example. As such, it carries very comfortably on the belt, due to its compact size and light weight.

Again, I am very impressed with the SOG craftsmanship. The symmetry and smooth finish of the plier head is a thing of beauty. There are no rough edges on this baby. And unlike many so-called needle-nose pliers that resemble a Zambezi bull shark in profile, this is truly a needle-nose point. Other than that there are the usual items on your mid-level MT, including a knife with part serration, a file, three flats, one philips, a bottle/can opener and an awl. Oh, and a ruler. This is not a 'Swiss Champ' MT but rather just offers the essentials. However, it is easier to carry as a result.

The one thing I enjoy is the sheath that comes with the knife. This is a real workhorse of a sheath, made entirely from A-grade saddle leather. It has a very simple yet highly effective snap button to secure the tool. Quality is top-notch. I don't know about you, but my Leatherman Wave sheath is already giving up the ghost. The elasticated sides are starting to unravel - and I've hardly used the thing. Made in China anyone?

That said, I have found the compound leverage gear teeth on this model to be a problem when applying pressure on the screwdrivers, for example. I actually avoid using screwdrivers on multi-tools, if possible, as I always find them hellish uncomfortable. The gear teeth from the compound leverage adds to the misery here, so that's a point off for this model.

Oh, and one other thing. How many of you like the add-on lanyard ring on the Wave (the new one)? Nobody? Personally, I think that was a real stinker on Leatherman's part - making us pony up extra for a lanyard ring. The clip I could understand, but a lanyard ring for crying out loud? And the thing is ridiculously huge.

The ring on the Powerplier is a perfectly decent built-in one of the sort found on the original Wave. Nothing wrong with it, and its included in the package. And a very reasonable package it is too. The price tag on this guy was $39, which INCLUDES the leather sheath, lanyard ring, etc - Leatherman take note!

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/1898/p1270020oi9.th.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1270020oi9.jpg)

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/72/p1270017ja7.th.jpg (http://img120.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1270017ja7.jpg)

ARLutz
04-20-2007, 09:15 PM
I have the SOG Powerlock which I have carried literally every day for the last 4+ years. I got the SOG to replace a Leatherman Supertool which was stolen from me. I liked the size and versatility of the Supertool, as I have in the past broken several Gerber Multi's and even a standard Leatherman. My local fire arms emporium had the SOG, and it was love at first sight.
The gear teeth did/do prove a problem, but one which was easily solved. I took several feet of 550 cord, cobra braided an 8" pull strap to hook onto the lanyard ring, and when using the screw drivers or file/saw, wrap the lanyard across the teeth, no more sharp bite in the palm of the hand. I really do think the SOG, along with a pocketwrenchII (which sits behind the SOG in sheath) and an Inova X1 (yes, I know there are more expensive or brighter flashlights, but this works) all of which fit into an EMT pouch about the size of a large Buck Knife sheath make a really great core of EDC.