Home Hand Tools

5 Responses to “SOG Specialty Knives & Tools B61-N EOD PowerLock, Black Oxide”

1. Saint Richard on April 10th, 2010 at 10:39 am

   This is one of six Multi-tools that I have had regular hands-on experience with. The others I own (or have owned) are the Gerber Multi-Plier Sport 400, an (original) L-Man Wave, an L-Man Charge TTi, a Victorinox Swisstool X and Gerber’s Nautilus (ugh).

   The SOG is probably at least as robust and sturdy as any of these others and in some respects (see below) it is better. I don’t expect to be breaking mine any time soon. But there are trade-offs too and I just don’t like it as well as I would like to like it. This tool is too solid and well built to rate it as a 3 but it falls short of a 5 star rating, IMO, which is too bad.

   First the good news:

   These are the most robust pliers I have ever seen on a multi-tool. I have a hard time imagining that a multitool could have better pliers. The jaws are sturdy, the compound gearing really works and the handle covers make these pliers comfortable to use. When you have to, you can really put the pressure on. If pliers are your top priority and you have big hands (this tool isn’t tiny) the Powerlock might just be your best choice in a multi-tool.

   The other area where the SOG excels is in smoothness… When you fold this baby open it feels GOOD. My Leatherman Charge TTi feels almost clunky by comparison.

   In addition to these strengths are some additional niceties. The V-Cutter seems like it should be useful. I also like the 1/4″ driver, which unlike some others, takes standard sockets. There are also a variety of crimpers on this tool that seem well designed though I haven’t had occasion to use them yet.

   Last of all – and this deserves special mention – the tool can be customized by the user. If you would like to replace the file with an extra knife blade, for example, you can get the components from the SOG Web Site and do your thing. I would expect some users to consider the PowerLock in a class by itself because of this feature.

   But as I said there are also some disappointments, some in function others in form:

   Functionally, it is a disappointment to find just one knife blade and a 1/2 serrated, chisel ground job, at that. I find that serrated blades are great for cutting rope but that a straight edged blade is far more versatile and more easily maintained. The SOG’s file and saw seem pretty decent except for the fact that they could be larger considering this is a big tool – 10 oz. The knife blade is actually rather small too, barely larger than the one on the Gerber Sport 400, which weighs about 6.5 oz.

   There are also some disappointments in the “form” of the tool. One disappointment has to do with accessibility of the inside tools, which another reviewer has described fairly well. Also, the locks on these inside tools don’t feel quite right. They do lock solidly but you have to fiddle with them a bit more than seems necessary. Once you are used to handling the tool, it isn’t really a problem but a learning curve shouldn’t be necessary here.

   Conclusion: The SOG Powerlock mates a superb pair of pliers with a fairly ordinary set of accessory tools that are just a little harder to access than normal. All seems to be solidly built for rugged use, though. If the accessory tools were of higher quality I would consider rating this tool at 5 stars. As it is, 4 stars is the best rating I can offer.

2. Mason Cantar on April 10th, 2010 at 12:18 pm

   SOG is a company that, for the most part, lives up to its name (SOG was a top-secret team in the Vietnam war that performed sabatoge, psyops, and special operations for the CIA). The company consistently produces innovative, effective products (although they don’t come cheap). The B61 is definitely my personal favorite of their line of multitools, the reason being that it is very simple, and very effective. Most multitools like Leatherman and Gerber are like most pliers… essentially two pieces of metal fixed together at a single pivot point (yeah, Gerbers have a pretty cool way of opening up, but they still have the same basic overall design). Now, the average multitool has a leverage ratio of 1:8, meaning that you get 8 pounds of force on whatever is in the plier head’s grip for every 1 pound of force you apply to the handles. With the B61s, the leverage ratio is 1:14. That’s enough to cut through a quarter like it were butter (trust me, I’ve tried… this morning, actually. Don’t ask). The reason for this is that the handles pivot with each other on gears, and the plier head is connected to the handles just below the gears. Now that may not make sense (I’m horrible at explaining things), but you’ll get it if you look at the picture.
   
   The tools within the handles are made of high-quality steal, and after almost a year I’ve never had one break on me, like I did with my previous multitool (a Gerber). The flip-up covers over the tool-side of the handles can occasionally fall off as they are not permanently fixed to the handles to allow the user to remove them, but are easily snapped back on and really do preserve your hands if and when you need to apply some real force.
   
   I only have two complaints with this product… the socket drive and the knife blade. The spring used to keep the socket one the driver fell off within a month. Then again, I’ve never had to use it, and SOG sells individual components if you want to customize/replace your multitool, so it hasn’t been an huge issue. The knife blade, while easily sharpened, isn’t the highest quality. By that I mean it isn’t the main part of multitool and SOG knows this, and gave the blade a simple grind on one side and left the other side flat. I have no issue with this either because I also carry a pocket knife. If you want a multitool with a good blade on it, go for the SOG PowerAssist.
   
   Overall, its a great deal for a tool of this quality, and it hasn’t left my side since I bought it (which is saying a lot).

3. daniel ravenstar on April 10th, 2010 at 1:43 pm

   After owning and loosing several leathermans i wanted some variety, the advertising was good so I leaped and got a sog power lock b-60 and sog 67 power assist E.O.D.
   
   I had the power assist b 67 name engraved soooooooooo I use the b 60 for really hard down in the dirt work,, Do NOT use the tools to pry, as in can openner, and then pry lid up, just don’t do it,, finish the can all the way around,, Do not use the phillips head screw driver as an alighnment punch,, mine broke, customer service was very quick to get me a new driver,, already installed it,( BUT IT STILL BROKE) I have a $13.00 winchester tool for the last 3 years that has only bent under strain, easily fixed at the next passing by a vice,,,,,,hmmmmmmmmmm,,,,, back to sog.. I really like how I can flip the pliers open 1 handed with the b 60, with the b67 I really like the one handed pliers and one handed ambidexterous blade opening and closeing,,,to me, any way the b60 power lock is a back up to my b67, in that due to my work at this time I deal with furniture, making, wraping and unwrapping, so I use the non serrated blade a lot, a few passes with my lansky type sharpenning kit and it’s razors edge again,,,if I were in a true survival/hericane/earthquake aftermath situation this tool would do you very well, like anything, AS LONG AS YOU KEEP YOUR COOL AND THINK IT THROUGH…….

   over all I am very pleased with the b60 and b 67, compared to leatherman, winchester, gerber, wenger ect
   
   ect,,I have some fond memories of all of them, what works for you as the reviewer, get several brands in your hand and put them to hard work tests, you cannot go wrong having several multi tools, keeping our economy rolling,,,

4. A. J. Gnoza on April 10th, 2010 at 1:52 pm

   I used to carry a well known name brand multi-tool myself until I found a couple superior options ( based on 30+ years as a fire fighter, police officer and bomb disposal technician ( EOD ). I have owned a number of multi tools over the years and abused them all ( that’s why the good ones have a lifetime warranty ). The three best for the money are the 1. SOG Powerlock , 2. Victorinox Swiss Army Knife SwissTool RS and 3. SOG Pocket PowerPlier (PPP)- don’t waste your money on anything else – ” Leather Guy ” can’t come close to a SOG or Victorinox in performance, functionality and warranty – in my opinion!!! I do own other brand multitools and have a desk drawer full of them and they are used solely for opening envelopes and packages. When I need a multitool at work I want a `real’ multitool that I can depend on to do the job at hand – the following 3 are my choices, depending on the assignment.

   The first multi-tool worth your money is a SOG Powerlock ( various models are now available to suit your needs). This folding tool isn’t new, a fact that speaks to its highly regarded Compound Leverage mechanism that generates twice the pressure and gripping power of lesser tools. To wit: this thing is the Jaws of multitools. Beyond strength, you’ll love the pivoting handle covers that really do improve comfort and dexterity. All the essential tools are intricately positioned for deployment, including a quarter-inch drive socket, spring-loaded scissors, half-serrated knife blade, saw, several screwdrivers and Phillips-style model, wire cutters, file… and on and on. And for you showoffs out there, the PowerLock’s ability to open with a quick flick of the wrist is undeniably cool. The PowerLock features removable, pivoting handle covers that improve the comfort profile for your hand. More pressure can now be exerted on those tough jobs! Like the rest of the family in the PowerPlier® series, the PowerLock can be opened and closed with a one-handed flip of the wrist. This is a basic requirement from SOG as so often one is holding wires or standing on a ladder and does not have both hands free. All tool components are easy to access and lock in the open position. The Phillips even locks in two open positions. With one of the simplest and safest locking devices ever engineered, just press the back of the lock and close the component into the handle. Included in the handles of this compact tool box is the first foldable 1/4″ drive that will turn sockets or, with a standard adapter, any hex screwdriver tip. It will also turn heads! Scissors can be one of the most used tool components and we have answered that demand with foldable spring-loaded scissors that are extremely sharp. This patent pending marvel only has spring tension in the open position, an additional safety feature. Other components include: plier/gripper, wire cutter, crimper, double toothed wood saw, 1/2 serrated blade, 3-sided file, large screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, 1/4″ drive, awl, can opener/small screwdriver, bottle opener/med. screwdriver, scissors, rulers and lanyard ring. PowerLock also comes with a heavy-duty, dark leather pouch A standard issue with any SOG multipurpose tool is the advantage of hex bolt construction. This essential design element gives you the greatest versatility to clean and change tool components ( additional tool components are directly available from SOG for a modest charge). Features all stainless steel construction ( also available in a black oxide finish) and comes with a heavy duty leather pouch, a Lifetime Guarantee and they are MADE IN THE USA.

   The second multitool in the lineup is a Victorinox SwissTool RS (Rescue and Survival) which comes equipped with both scissors and belt cutter which replace the serrated blade and the metal file and can be life saving in a auto accident. Tools included are: Pliers, Screwdriver (2mm), Screwdriver (3mm), Wire Cutter, Screwdriver (5mm), Bottle Opener, Screwdriver (7.5 mm), Large Blade, Scissors, Seatbelt Cutter, Metal Saw, Wood Saw, Reamer/Punch, Phillips Screwdriver, Chisel/Scraper, Strong Crate Opener, Wire Bender, Wire Stripper, Wire Scraper, Can Opener, Ruler (9 inches), Ruler (230mm), Electrical Crimper, Lanyard Hole . The SwissTool RS has the same features as the original SwissTool with two additional features: seatbelt cutter and scissors – something every first responder needs. Made in Switzerland with a lifetime warranty.

   The most recent addition , a third, that has been added to my arsenal of multitools and I find it adequate to do 95% of the jobs handled by the two mentioned above. Lighter and more compact than the PowerLock, its big brother, the Pocket PowerPlier ( Model #S44 ) is very easy to carry and use. SOG’s Pocket PowerPlier is packed with essential tools that include pliers/grippers, wire cutters, partially serrated blade, Phillips screwdriver, three-sided file, can opener with a small screwdriver, bottle opener with medium screwdriver, an awl, rulers, lanyard and heavy duty leather pouch. Again the PPP’s advantage of hex bolt construction leaves all the other multitools running for cover as this essential design element gives you the greatest versatility to clean and change tool components ( additional tool components are directly available from SOG for a modest charge) not offered by other multitool manufacturers. With the interghangability you can replace the partially serrated blade with a 3″ plain edge blade and I also removed the 3 sided file and replaced it with a serrated line cutter. I find carrying the PPP a benefit because of less weight hanging on my belt ( 5.5 ounces vs 9.6 ounces for the PowerLock) . Also noted is SOG’s Deluxe Pocket PowerPlier ( Model S45) whichs adds a large screwdriver, 1/4 socket drive however it loses the awl as a tool and weighs in at 5.5 ounces – same as he S44 model. Backed by a Lifetime Guarantee and they are MADE IN THE USA.

   ALL 3 multitools have their place in my life, and depending on the assignment for the day one of the three is on my belt and the other two are close by in the truck.
   

5. deadraven666 on April 10th, 2010 at 1:58 pm

   I’d like to start off with saying firsthand that I’ve never purchased a single Leatherman.Every time I had the opporitunity to use one I noticed you had to part both handles and the tools looked weak,which steered me away from the multi-tool industry,especially when you hear a multi-tool user complaining about using a screwdriver or some other tool snapping off from applying too much exertion on the tool.Several years later I stumbled onto SOG Knives and I had my eye on the PowerLock EOD 2.0.I got mine in the black oxide finish which can rub off on your fingers(which is common),I was blown away by the selection of tools it, had-very sturdy and durable.I was also taken by the Piano-Lock mechanism which allows you to lock the tools individually,and the compound leverage system it has lets you put more muscle/pressure into your tools work.Does this mean you won’t break a blade?of course not…you can break a tool on a SOG if you abuse it’s limitations.However,I’ve yet to break a blade on my Powerlock and I must say they are far superior to Leatherman in both engineering design and durability(did I mention you can flip a SOG Multitool open like a butterfly knife,while the Leatherman requires both hands to open it?).Do yourself a favor,find a SOG that suits you best and get rid of your Leatherman.

Leave a Reply

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use