SOG Vs. Leatherman

C

Colt

Joined
Nov 15, 1999
Messages
73
Just wanted to get some input on these two tools in regards to workmanship, toughness and quality. Also if given a choice which one would you choose. Paratool vs the leatherman PST II.

Thanks,
Colt
 
Swisstool. Then Gerber (Sentimental reasons only) then SOG. I care little for the old leathermen, and haven't used the new ones. I dislike the swisstool's locking mechanism, especially in glove-wearing leather. I prefer these multi-tools without a lock. The _old_ gerbers would pinch one's hand very readily, but the less old ones fixed that. The new ones lock, and I repeat my lock statement. The SOG, I've used little, but those I know that have one prefer it to the leatherman.

Stryver, who wishes people would stop asking to borrow the leatherman that he's never carried, and come to see the other tools are better...
 
I like my old Gerber multi-tool. I've got a Wave, NIB from Mercata, but just haven't felt it was worth using. I guess it depends what you're doing, but the Gerber works for me!

~Mitch
 
i too use a gerber. it is by far the easiest to use the pliers, which are the most used on my multi-tool since i always carry a few knives. i got the wave from mercata too. it was nice, but the main advantage, the blades on the outside, didn't really appeal to me for the reason above. gave it to my dad and he loved it. any comments on the leatherman supertool vs. the sog power-lock? i'm looking for a REALLY heavy duty multitool and they seems to fit the bill. don't bother recommending the swiss-tool. handled it a few times and just didn't like it.
 
In regards to Leroy's question about the SOG vs. the Supertool. The supertool has thin edges that dig into the palm of the hand and fingers when gripping and using the pliers, the SOG doesn't. Try opening a Supertool and then compare it to the SOG. The SOG is super smooth opening and you practically need to pry the Supertool open. I sell both and have a personally have a Supertool but I would trade it for the SOG in a heartbeat.

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I own the pocket power pliers. They are comforable to use, and the butterfly knife-like one handed opening feature has come in handy a couple times. The tension on the hinge pin for the fold out tools is adjustable, and can work loose. This can get exciting if you are whipping them open by the wrong handle and the blade starts to come out. Overall they are a little rough, but I like them. Plus I drive past SOG everyday, and feel like I'm supporting a local business (like that really matters?).


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E. Larson
Edmonds, WA


 
I know I speak sacrilege in a roomful of Gerber fans but I have seen the new gerber multitools and I was far from impressed no lock on the knives, no seperate blade for serrated and plain edge wasn't available. I carry a Wave and it has served me faithfully. I would like to see one thing added to future multi-tools and that is a marlinspike to undo tight nots and a few allen wrenches. I like the look of the SOG which sports the scissors that look a bit to have the cutting power of tin-snips.
I also like the fact that all this comes in a very small package. I have been considering buying the SOG Scissors and the Wave at the same time.

[This message has been edited by justin (edited 01-20-2000).]
 
Justin,

Try using the awl/punch for those tight knots. It serves the same purpose as a marlin spike.



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Travis Autry
My knives are just like rabbits---they keep multiplying!!
 
Don't get a SOG Paratool. Get the Power Pliers. I knew my Power Pliers were better then the Gerber, when a friend asked to use my pliers cause his Gerber kept slipping off a nut. The Power Pliers made a difference.


Blades
 
smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Blades (edited 01-20-2000).]
 
Hello,

I am a diehard Leatherman fan and have carried a PST since 1993. It has never let me down. When I damaged the small screwdriver by using it for something it was not intended to be used for, I sent it back to Leatherman and they not only fixed the screwdriver but also updated the tool to their current specs - all for free with no questions asked. Leatherman also hardens all of their tool blades to the proper Rc for the function they were intended to perform (awl/punch hardenend different than the knife blade, etc.). Others may also do this but I am not sure.

I have heard the complaint about the handles "digging into my hand" many times before. IMHO, most Leatherman tools are based on a pair of needlenose pliers, and I don't count the pair of "full sized pliers" embedded in the needlenose. This implicitly makes it a light duty tool - something ideal to pull out staples, do electrical wiring, etc. If you're squeezing so hard on a nut as to cause discomfort, it's probably time to put down the multitool and go find a Craftsman or Snap-On for the job. If you're in the middle of no-where with no other choice, you should be happy you have anything to work with at all and accept a little discomfort. Leatherman also has many more choices available today that cover everyone from the office clerk to the auto mechanic.

For a comfortable Leatherman, go with a Wave or a Crunch (I hear the new Leatherman Pulse [based on a PST II design] is also quite comfy), For a heavy duty workhorse, go with a Crunch.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against SOG multi's. I have handled them in the past and they are fine tools. By nature I am very loyal to my brands and if I had bought a SOG instead of a Leatherman I would probably be singing it's praises.

Later,

MBS

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Nevermind the dog...beware of owner!
 
How is the SOG Crosscut (the little scissors model)? How does it compare to the Leatherman Micra?
I have a Micra but haven't carried it in a long time. The tools clump when I extract them, and the joint is loose and wobbly. It's nice, don't get me wrong. But I find I like the looks of the SOG. Except the gear-like projections around the joints when it's closed. Could those tear up a pocket?
Jim
 
Justin, What were you looking at? I am holding the standard Gerber 600 in my hand right now and not only does it have a very solid bolt action lock on every tool and blade, it also has a fully serrated sheepsfoot blade, and a completely plain edged drop point blade. If you were talking about the really new Gator jaws at the shot show, it was my understanding that had a lock on all blades and tools also. Maybe you were looking at the military tool, it has a slip lock and less tools than the 600. I don't like it, but the 600 is great I don't leave home without it.The 600 is what gets my vote for multi tools. GO to byo.gerberblades.com you can desgin your own.
As for the SOG. I would go for it over a wave. I think you have the option of changing tools in it if you go to their website and order the kit.The wave is an intersting idea, but I have heard some complaints from those who bought it.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
I have owned carried and used daily 3 of the above. An original Leatherman, and loved it. But its been improved upon. Next the gerber If you need it primarily for the pliars/cutter then fine but nothing else on it was up to the quality of the others(this was one of the original needlenose one's.) It corroded/froze to often and the tools are a pain to get at. The SOG Paratool was the it thing for a time. Once really broken in a simple shake on one side or the other would give access to any tool. I did crack one of the handles using it as pliars, but they fixed it NQA and free. The Wave is my new favorite ,and I do use most everything on it. No complaints so far.
John

 
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