POWERASSIST

I've been in and around construction/maintenance for over 20 years and just recently realized the value of a good multi-tool at your side. The ones I usually see are cheaply made or were more trouble to use to be of any benefit. Then I picked up a beat-up SOG Powerlock at a garage sale for 10 bucks.Not realizing what I had it sat for months unused until I did some research on SOG products. I ordered a sheath for it from SOG and it became indispensable. You really do use it more than you think you would. Then I saw the Power Assist! Basically the same as the Powerlock but with the 2 assisted opening blades which are truly awesome and fun to work with. It's truly a one-handed tool as far as the blades and the pliers are concerned. And let's face it the pliers are what most people will use the most. A lot has been said about the compound leverage gears and it's all true. I played with a Leathermen SURGE at a retailer alongside a power Assist before I bought mine. The Surge was VERY heavy and took a lot just to open up the pliers. it was very stiff. Perhaps it needed a little breaking in. The Power Assist by comparison opens buttery smooth. You can flip it open one-handed. Imagine a Hummer doing Tai-Chi! This tool is a "machine" in my opinion. It has gears, it has a precision build to it you have to feel to appreciate. I had already preordered a wood saw to replace the V-cut tool it comes with as this would be more useful to me. (I put the V-cut tool on my key ring to have as an emergency seat-belt cutter where I could actually get to it) Yes, the other tools take a little effort to pull out, but are hardly a reason to pass on such a great product. If you don't care about the assisted blades a regular Power lock will give you a few more tools and options, better yet get them both!August 2012 update: Still going strong! I've been using this five days a week since Nov 2010. Being in maintenance I use this at least four times a day. Nothing has broken on me yet. The power-assist blades still pop out like on the first day of use. I've read quite a few negative reviews about pliers breaking and philips heads snapping. Perhaps SOG got a bad batch of steel, I don't know. Mine has performed flawlessly day in and out. I don't baby it, and actually take pride in the little scratches and wear it gets. The black oxide coating has held up beautifully. It's almost like it's actually black steel, and not a coating. It has worn off a little on the rounded rivets and some edges, more character! I was looking for a lighter weight multi-tool for non-work EDC, and was leaning toward the Leatherman REBAR. They make great products, but for FIVE dollars more I ordered another Powerassist satin finish, a gorgeous looking tool. When you've used the smooth opening pliers, it's hard to go back to the traditional clunky opening ones. Even the extra weight doesn't bother me, it's actually comforting, feeling it on your belt. No other multi-tool is truly as one-handed as this with regards to the pliers and blades, and in an emergency when you may only have one hand I don't trust anything else. One last thing, Leatherman offers a 25 year warranty, SOG tools have a LIFETIME warranty, and if you break the implements you can ORDER new ones and install them yourself! A no-brainer guys (and gals).October 2013 update: Added the 1/4" driver a while back and bought the bit kit from SOG. now I can use any 1/4" bits. Still can't seem to break this thing. Don't baby it at all.

I carry this tool every day and love it. I find myself using it on a regular basis and it always performs. I am a carpenter/contractor which means I already own many full sized versions of the tools included in this piece, but that doesn't mean I have them on my person all the time. If I'm on a job and need to make a quick cut, crimp, turn of a bolt or screw it used to mean wearing my 30lb framers belt all day, or stopping to go the my tool bag or truck. Now, just a flip of the velcro flap on my belt and I'm on to the next thing, saving time and money. This tool has more than paid for itself for this reason alone. The case is very heavy nylon which holds its shape to allow easy deployment and insertion. Also the open sides on the top and bottom prevent debris build up with is very beneficial to me (I pretty much pour saw dust out of my pockets at the end of the day). The compound action of the pliers is amazing. You can cut, crimp, or pinch anything with ease which is rare for most multi tools because of their size and shape. The multiple screwdriving bits are sturdy and effective with the piano key type lockup allowing you to put sufficient force on them without having fear of the bit closing on your fingers or damaging finished surfaces. The 2 blades are very useful as well, and for some may suffice as an EDC set. Though I still carry a dedicated knife for that purpose, it never hurts to have options. I tend to use these blades for tasks that could result in damage to a blade I wouldn't want my pocket knife going through. They both hold an edge very well and sharpen easily. I usually only have to touch them up every week or so. Which brings me to another great design feature of this tool. SOG carries a full line of replacement tools/blades so the fear of breaking a piece and rendering a $60 tool useless is put to rest, as well as giving the option for customization. Some may have an issue with the weight, but between all the other items I have on me 24/7, I don't notice it at all, as well as it being a testimate to its strength and durability. If I could think of any con it would be the sliding locks for the 2 blades. They have a very short throw allowing them to accidentally engage. I noticed this the first day I owned this tool and quickly fixed it with a single drop of super glue to permanently lock them in the off position, as I also feel they're unnecessary with the sprung tension on the blades. I've never had one open on my accidentally. I love this thing and know it will last for years to come, through all the use and abuse I have planned for it.