SOG Powerlock vs Leatherman Charge: Charge's the Champ Part 1

[@fivespeed3026]

I use my SOG Power Plier daily. It was a gift given to me in 1999. It needs tightening every once in a while, but that's because I use it so much. I broke the plier tip once, but I wrote SOG a letter telling them I'd prefer repair over replacement since it has sentimental value. Not only did they repair it for free (including shipping), they wrote me a personal apology for their product breaking. SOG customer for life.

[@plchrist]

I was a Navy Brat myself. It sucked when my dad would go out on deployment. But consider that making these vids is a passion for NF. He makes time to do these however possible. Just be thankful he does.

[@Wilky1120]

I got a full sized Leatherman as a gift for graduation from the fire academy. In the the 18 months I spent as a volunteer firefighter I used the heck out of that thing and it never failed me. I fully recommend them to anyone and everyone.

[@majormerger5588]

I would like to inform everyone that there is a new model of the powerlock that has piano locks or individual springs also it has rubber over the gears so it looks more appealing. They sell for about 60 dollars on Amazon. If this comment helps any viewers, please like it an have a good spring break.

[@idrive99dodge]

I'm a Combat Engineer in the Marine Corps and I own a few mt's including both of these. Both are great tools, but I personally like carrying the SOG with the C4 spike in the field. It's quicker to use and deploy for me. With the SOG you only need to crimp blasting caps one time because it crimps it evenly and cleanly. Others I've used like the Gerbers, leathermans, and actual EOD pliers you have to crimp more than once which can cause the cap to go off.

[@coolmixes]

The other thing is the size of the charge. It has its a Pos & Neg's for me. I love its portability but my hands are huge and I usually bust everything that goes into my hands (No Lie!!) But this little charge has held up great and with its 25 year warranty you cant go wrong. I will add I have done construction and many different jobs & this tool would have saved several walks back to the truck, store & saved time. The all in 1 Charge tool Rocks. It now comes to every DJ Gig world wide.

[@MISCUBAdiver]

I have had the Leatherman Charge for years and just recently purchased the SOG PowerLock for an outstanding price. The Leatherman is by far my favorite; the blades deploy quickly, there are two of them, they're larger, and they feel more solid when locked. I do like the pliers on SOG better than the Leatherman but other than that, I agree with Nutn - the Leatherman Charge is the champ.

[@lastblack80]

Huge fan of the SOG powerlock. I've had mine since OIF I and it's still rocking. I love how you can take it apart tighten it up. Love how you can easily change the tools to the mission. I love the gear action and leverage you get from it. I have used and carried leatherman and gerbers. I like the SOG, then the Gerber, and lastly the leatherman. For what I do the SOG is the beast that will handle anything.

[@Mini-Hakkero]

All tools coming out at once is really personal preference if you think about it, i personally like just pulling on a tab, nick, whatever you call it.. and being able to pick what i want. But it is all personal preference, good vid.

[@lazadar]

Just bought a Leatherman Charge XTi from work because it was on clearance for about $60 so I have both the SOG and the Leatherman featured here so I will enjoy using them both.

[@cobra792k]

I have to agree with nutnfancy here, the Charge ALX I bought 4 months ago is everything I had wanted from a Multi-Tool. As for the "Lifetime Warranty" some of you might want to get out your manual/paperwork and see just how long SOG considers a "Lifetime" to be. Also unless you are blind drunk quality is hard to miss(aka metal instead of plastic).

[@RichAllfieldnohit]

This has got to be your funniest MT vid, wish you had the part 2, would love to watch it. Thinking actually about the Power Assist which has one of those goofy covers.

[@dvrapant]

Why does everyone complain so much about the covers? They flip right off. Don't use them if you don't want them. I chose the SOG because the power assist is awesome. It grabs tight and cuts like butter without the struggle. The model i have has the blade access without opening the tool like the Charge does. They are both great tools... I just prefer the pliers and cutters on the SOG. It can cut through chain link and barbed wire without a sweat and the blades are sharp as hell right out of the box. Open it up and tools are accessed easily and all lock into place. Came nicely oiled and everything is smooth. Great tools.

[@recurveninja]

i bought my first multi-tool two hours ago ^-^ its a leatherman blast, came with a leather belt sheath and a collectors tin, got it at target for $50 ^-^ i love it.

[@AZNwannabe06]

Great review nutn. I just wish your gerber multi-tool reviews that I recently watched were this good. Not sure why emotions seem to be running high in the comments on this video... seemed like a thorough and objective review to me!

[@deebs1596]

You can pop the tool covers off the powerlock. I popped them off mine and it has made it easier to get the tools out quicker

[@jawbone83]

also, one thing i really like about the SOG EOD is it fits perfectly into a .45 cal single stack mag pouch. it makes it easy to strap onto your gear.

[@MAlford65]

Man, I'm looking up some MT's and I got a blast from the past! 2008! Multitools AND nutnfancy have both come a long way haha

[@vioalas1]

I don't know the sog warranty, but Leatherman's is legendary.25 years, you can beat your MT to Hell and back, and if it breaks, they have your back.

[@sgtrock68]

Looks like the Charge is the same as the Wave I just lost. Trying to figure out what to replace it with. I was all into this SOG, but the blades just have to be on the outside. I like the gearing on the SOG and the one handed pliers deployment. The Wave has the important tools on the outside and the pliers need some assist to get out with one hand, like your thigh, a tree, even an elbow. I'm going to to have to rethink this and not get distracted by cool flat black finish.

[@SirJabsAlot]

I'm in the market for a new multitool. I have a crappy Coleman multitool I bought on clearance. Looks like I'll have to pick up a Charge, I like the easy tool deployment. Then again that SOG seems pretty hardcore. Nice series.

[@coolmixes]

2 other other things about the charge I will mention. If you have seen the video where the lock clip/belt clip comes out someone has modified saw blades to lock into this Charge. Great Idea very cool. My thought was to create an adapter so you could fit any standard saw blades into it. As you can see the possibilities go on. I will take one of those adapters for my Idea if any of you decide to create one. :)

[@piccolo181]

In my personal experience with both tools the SOG only shines where the pliers are involved. There is more lateral play in the mechanism and less leverage in the Leatherman. In all other respects the leatherman is more or less superior.

[@piccolo181]

@teknifix I think that you have a good point there, but the size of the knife and file may be closer to the size of the charge rather than the Supertool. My critiques are that the powerlock runs about $60 and the Cabela Charge runs bout $120. I also think that he's being a bit harsh on the Powerlock's handle cover, as in my own experience I find that over time the covers make the Powerlock much more comfortable to use than the charge.

[@GabeMacDonnell]

I love the Charge, but the SOG has a major advantage: you can replace individual tools for a custom set. FWIW, Jeff Randall, (ESEE Knives,) recommends SOG.

[@NVRLONF]

Nutnfancy, I use the SOG powerlock as my EDC MT. I feel like the SOG blows the leatherman out of the water. The SOG is much more bulletproof...maybe it takes slightly longer to deploy some of the tools, however the stoutness of the pliers and the fact that the SOG can and will take a beating makes it my choice. Yeah its bigger and weighs more, but its not a sissy tool, its made to be used in the field repeatedly, the leatherman, overtime, could not stand up to the SOG.

[@nutnfancy]

Thanks for the input. Seeing is how I have viewers worldwide I will start using both measurements.

[@josephp3271]

what is funny is that the movie "The Hurt Locker" uses a SOG powerlock up until it is time to use something other than the plier head then it uses a Leatherman Wave.

[@thepupils209]

the SOG compound gearing sprocket's can be used to open a can of chili. My buddy was drunk camping and couldn't find the can opener (as you can see how hard the knife was to find in the video) and just said "fuck it" and pounded the sprockets into the top and wheeled it around the top. it worked & the SOG was not damaged in any way. Can't do that with the Leatherman!

[@franktheweinerburke]

You can very easily open a can with a leatherman...

[@gtspaceii]

I've had the SOG Powerlock EOD for over 6 months now. Besides the cumbersome way to deploy the tools, my biggest gripe with this mulit-tool is how weak the Philips bit is. I work on aircraft and use the Philips & flat blade drivers a lot. Unfortunately, if you apply too much torque on the Philips bit, it snaps right off (looks weak to begin with). The SOG Co. was quick to send me replacement bits free of charge but, to this date, I have gone through 5 of the bits so far. Very frustrating!

[@thewolfen45]

SOG Rocks! I gave all my Leatherman Multi tools a way. all hype!not worth the price ,just pretty. SOGS are built to last,and upgrade.

[@RJcur]

On this SOG, I hate that the blade is on the top handle when open, if you get me. On the Charges it is facing down from the bottom, much easier to use.

[@sterlingo.7340]

Sog is a superior tool. You can change out the tools and customize it. I have owned a leatherman since 1994. I have the utmost respect for the company. Btw I haven't used my sog handle covers for years. I ditched them you only need them if you have girl hands.

[@bluesy92]

@mjmont92 He may prefer the charge, but that's the product, not the brand. For example, it seems he would much prefer a SwissTool over a SuperTool 300 in his videos, because of the external blades that are easy-access, rather than the "traditional" SuperTool. He isn't biased towards Leatherman, he just likes the charge as a multitool.

[@victor4flores]

I in my like the leatherman charge tti because it has those quick access blades. But the size does disappoint me, because I like a heavy duty full size dependable multi tool. But they should make a knife with the compound leverage and you should be able to customize your knife with the tools you would use in your situation or your crisis. Overall I would go with the leatherman charge.

[@teknifix]

I've never seen an actual powerlock, they're uncommon in Canada. I've held a charge. I think that this comparison is apples to oranges in some ways. The main example being the one handed opening tools. This would be a bit more fair if it was powerlock vs. supertool or powerassist vs. charge.

[@eliteteutonicknight1]

The durability on the SOG is very impressive, it may surpass the Charge TTi, and it is cheaper. And if pliers are what you use the most, the SOG might be better for some people. It may not have the design elegance of the Leatherman tools, but it is built like a tank, and still has plenty of tools at your disposal. The Charge TTi may have easier tool selection and rolled handles, but it is bound to have those features given the high price for it. I have the SOG, totally love it! ;)

[@KaBarred]

I prefer the surge over the charge. Its a little bigger, but I'm a big fan of the awl tool and the changable saw (from experience, the saw is the weakest link of the leathermans).

[@KaBarred]

and, the blade on the charge is superior to the blade on the surge, as far as the steel used, but I also carry a dedicated blade, so the blade on my surge is more of a backup.

[@Prometheus1111]

i just took the handle covers off of my powerlock. it worked great after that. never had a leatherman yet so i wouldn't know how good they are, but i do think the sog was a fine tool, unfortunately i say was because i left mine under my hood when i drove off and never saw them again.

[@crimsonwarriorz]

The SOG EOD is just that. EOD. I use it as a Combat Engineer, its fantastic for demo. its not bad for mild weapon maintenance either.

[@ledmondh]

I have a newer model of the SOG power assist, with the knife blade on the outside with the spring assist. I absolutely love it for carrying everyday. It's got the nylon sheath/carrier with the over-the-top belt clip which makes it easy to carry and easy to move from belt to bag and back again. I'd love to see part 2 of this but can't seem to find it. Have you checked out the new models? You totally called it with with manufacturers putting their tools on the outside. Maybe you can do an update?

[@JLUnit416]

I picked up a Powerlock EOD based on this and cutlerylover's review. I think my model is a bit newer than his because the compound leverage gears on my tool have more cover and protection. The tool clumping issue also seems to be fixed because they've placed washers between certain tools.

[@jfthrash]

one thing the sog has that the leatherman doesn't have is the gears for a wicked impact device when its closed :)

[@Orthrus]

You know, on the topic of the Charge models, have you considered checking out the Wave? I got one recently and I absolutely love it, and after looking at all this, I don't see a lot of difference between the Wave and the Charge. Same tools, same setup, just a different body and different feel. Leaves me wonder which you'd prefer. I'd say charge sheerly because it has a titanium body, right on :P

[@eurokid83]

Sog is better quality than Leatherman. You can tell the Leatherman is more mass produced, where as the Sog seems to have more attention to detail. The Sog is more corrosion resistant as well.

[@lachie10]

i ordered a leatherman charge tti, should be coming soon. cant wait! by the way shouldnt the main blade on the sog face the other way? the handles might get in the way?

[@TheHarrison19]

Hi Nutnfancy,great video,i have one of these cabelas charges sound a bit fussy but i've found the coating is coming of the handles a bit,could you recomend a touch up paint which might work.

[@VinFizHighway]

I own both of these tools. The Charge TTi lacks the ability to cut stranded wire, and also does not have an electrical crimper. I got in a real jam with my Charge TTi because of this limitation. If you are purchasing a MT for the cutting ability then its Game-Set-Match SOG.

[@LuckyNut76]

the sog is the EOD version leatherman has a charge EOD version also but he just wansnt comparing it to that one

[@MGRodriguez1]

i just purchased the SOG S69N for 49.99 w/free shipping no tax. I've used Leatherman for yrs. I like the smooth action when deploting t

[@gearsNtools]

I think the Leatherman Wave would be a better reference tool. Not sure what a charge cost when you did this review but it normally sells for over 100 bucks these days, the Wave is almost the exact same design in stainless at a price point that is equal to most of these multi tools you review. As always a good review.

[@BushcraftNoob]

The ends are now rounded by the way. Also the SOG's pliars are stronger. I still don't know which I should get :P Both have + and -

[@hakaduka]

Based on your videos I ended up with the Charge Tti and am quite happy with it, but not before I tried (and retunred) a Wave and a Juice S2 - I also tried out the Powerlock S60 and love it - the pliers are a modern marvel in my opionion. The rest of the parts are not quite up to par with the Tti but pretty close, I also really like the finish of the SOG. The "flippy" deployment is a win too although I can basdh a knuckle if I'm not careful.

[@Iamthewalrus3200]

The handle covers can be removed from the tool itself, making the components much easier to acces

[@ChrisMakSH]

Uh oh, my SOG PowerAssist straight edge is broken, blade steel I gotta say is a bit on the weaker side. But at the moment the biggest problem is probably something with the heat treating or welding of the blade retention bar which broke off completely, so once i slide the blade lock back it opens like an automatic

[@benkempf]

wife bought me the sog b61 for xmas.. it wil replace my gerber 400 sport... can't wait to put it to use... the gerber 400 was a great every day pocket tool. the sog is obviously more heavy duty and as an outdoor, camping, electrician I will be sure to put it throught the ringer.. its amazing how many times I put the gerber to usen on an everyday basis, I don't know how people live without one

[@clinmo]

I've read stories about the Phillips driver shearing off after a few uses. also that the file was no good and or the blk oxide finish came off the tools easy. have you come across this while using this SOG?

[@zyerian]

i agree the gears on the sog that stick out when its closed got jacked up on mine and now it cant open and all the tools are on the inside its screwed i bought the wave the other day but im still waiting to get it in the mail

[@glocker199]

FWIW, the handle covers on the Powerlock are easily popped off if you don't like them.

[@CryptoDachshund]

Beware of the Philips head tool on the Powerlock. Just snapped mine right off working on an interior door. The tool is not covered under warrantee, and for the life of me, I couldn't find it listed as a replacement purchase on the site. It is only 1/16" wide, so in retrospect, I can see why it broke off so easily. When using it, make sure not to torque a screw too tightly, because it can easily break.

[@FFSteveEMT]

You can take off the protective covers on the SOG Powerlock

[@SavageShooter93]

I think leatherman is A multi tool brand and SOG is a knife company and thats why leatherman has the multitool down pat, Even though SOG claims it was the first to make the multi tool leatherman brought the "perfected" multitool to the masses, i think the leatherman is a better all purpose tool the SOG is a great set of pliers but falls short in every other category the leatherman is an average set of pliers but excels in every other way I use the "Core" for EDC and the "Wave" camping

[@fartx211]

i was thinking of getting a multitool, i have one question really. we dont get SOG's down here in australia, so im tossing up my choices between the leatherman Blast, Fuse or Kick. they cost 180, 140 and 100 respectively. i had a look at all the tools they each had, and found that the fuse lacks a file, and the kick lacks the file and scissors. so how useful is having the file and scissors?

[@blankthree]

I own both the powerplier and the leatherman crush. I like the powerplier alot better.

[@TigerRagFishingTeam]

I picked up a SOG EOD powerassist. Much easier deployment of regular blade and serrated blade from the outside closed configuration. Blades snap out fast with the power assist. Other ancillary tools still access by folding it out and open the cover. Keep in mind that the cover is removeable. Picked the SOG up at Botach for a little under $50. Still though, the Swiss Tool is my favorite. Been using them for at least 10 years and love them.

[@528HemiRT]

Hmmm, wheres part 2??? Searched all through youtube, let me know!! Always the last place im sure ...... Thanks!

[@carmas54]

where is part II?

[@coolmixes]

I have seen several of your videos on knives that are great. I like how you compare but as far as your friends thought and your decision on toughness!! This Sog as many vrs the charge I feel your wrong. I have seen this Sog destroyed . There are videos on this, but the Charge not only is stronger but has a 25 year no questions warranty. Go with the charge. its a no-brainer.

[@RFord2]

I second the wave recommendation. That or the super tool 300 is a beefy option too.

[@tellmepodcast]

Hey nutnfancy, Im a novice diver looking for a multi tool...do you think the Leatherman Charge TTI would be durable enough for dives in salt water? Thanks!

[@carlantaya175]

Not going to break out a ruler... Lol you got a multi tool with a ruler on it!!!

[@teknifix]

How do the pliers stack up against the supertool 300? Would the comparison be a little more "fair" if it was the SOG vs. Supertool?

[@RonaldTrinh]

Hi, Veri. I just have one question, I love nutn's videos and I'm a huge fan, but how come he doesn't answer the comments? I'm just a bit curious

[@ToDoNoHarm]

I'll trade you the Cabela Charge for a 24k gold plated Surge that was given to me by the President of Leatherman.

[@aru05001]

Almost 150k views....this video deserves a part two that we can see....

[@KingJohnGalba]

I love that limited edition camo! So collectible!

[@BelairUSN]

The handle covers on the SOG are just for comfort while using the pliers. You can remove them if you don't like them. And if you usually wear gloves (Military types, and probably yourself Nutn), sharphish corners aren't a problem.

[@roccit]

Biggie is having the blades, etc on the outside. I've used a SwissTool for years and they've done that same thing.

[@kamendez38]

I like that leatherman better than the leatherman skeletool cx i have.

[@piccolo181]

I agree completely.

[@clinmo]

I'm looking to spend some money on a MT, but don't want to buy a lemon. I've been looking at SOG PL(EOD V-cut), LM skele CX (straight 154cm), and one or two others. I would like to use it for EDC/Camping. Plus looking to replace my busted Gerber clutch, however not completely sold on the squirt or juice lines. side note I like the SOG style of can opener...Any help in choosing would b awesome thank you.

[@actionjksn]

Why can I not find part 2 of this review? They should be grouped together. Does part 2 have a different title or did it not get done?

[@zengmingde]

I've used the SOG in the army... something similar to it is issued to the Singapore army. I found that it had horrible rust resistance, poor blade material (the tip snapped off under low loads). Handle covers did not fit well and closed with an unsatisfying and cheap scratching sound. I would very much prefer the wave variants as getting a knife out with one hand is invaluable. The SOG needs one to open the tool, pull out the handle cover, and pull out the knife. Leatherman would win this imo.

[@colsoncustoms8994]

SOG "PowerAssist" review in the future?

[@inuyashacoolieo]

Well, as far as the camouflage leatherman goes for use in the woods. in the words of the great Ted Nugent "I don't need no camouflage knife...No Sir" that is to say that it is much easier to get lost.

[@boogerwhopper]

Goanddo, Does that mean you found part 2 of this video?? I couldn't find it, so MY ability to judge this review can't be justified yet...I love Nutnfancy also but without being able to watch the second part, I kind of feel like I'm left hanging. IMO. Frank

[@VinceFull]

I'd give name my first born TNP for part 2 of this.

[@JoannaJedrzejczyksForehead]

When it comes to multi tools, there is the best (Leatherman), and the rest (SOG, Voctoronox, Gerber, Stanley, etc)

[@sreagle9430]

Try the SOG Power Assist, Great tool and the blades on outside. with that said I like the SOG for several reasons #1 when using the #2 Philips it has 3 times the removal strength as compared to the Leatherman not Only that most of the time when I am using a multi tool I tend to need both the Pliers/Stripers/Crimpers and typically the #2 Philips and or other tool with the SOG once opened, with the SOG I have both and no need to close anything to use them, I could go u get the Idea "SOG is Best

[@MoonVision_1]

if Tim will let you borrow one, could you do a review of the 40,000 dollar 18 carat gold Charge TTi please.. worth the money ?

[@Tyw569]

@LovetheVayne I was thinking the exact same thing about the Powerassist

[@goanddo2371]

@blatantevil7 From where you are coming, valid points (made probably after consuming inordinate amounts of caffeine). However, these are the exact two tools I am currently deciding between so this is not only the PERFECT review for me, but well-done to boot! Thank you, Nutnfancy... 2 thumbs up.

[@vicoll135]

NO part 2. You can actually open the Charge with one hand. Read up on it!

[@chadwick1472]

is the gerber evo tanto blade a good knive

[@Gadgetnerdly]

SOG's warranty is better. To prove this take a SOG MT apart and then take a LM MT apart. Now loose a piece to each one of them. Now call the manufacture of each tool and tell them you lost a piece to the MT. SOG will happily send you the replacement parts for free. LM will void you warrant because you dared to take apart THEIR multi tool.

[@Max11Seven]

The SOG multi tool looks much stronger.. I'm looking for something i can thrash on.

[@chemicallust77]

its not a tactical blade...so deployment speed is really not an issue.....id take an SOG over the leatherman any day...i absolutely agree with dungchewer...the leatherman has been mass maketed for the cheaper chains(wal-mart,target,k-mart)...SOG targets their marketing towards the ppl willing to spend the xtra $ on a quality tool

[@MrPHATSPEED]

Just got a sog power lock. Good multi tool. I like the pliers better. Other tools can be a bitch to deploy but not a bad tool. I'll carry it. I also have a leatherman wave. Love the blades on the outside.

[@goanddo2371]

I'm surprised at how many people want comparisons between things as similar as possible. Actually, in today's society maybe it's not so surprising. But, sometimes people compare things that are different! If someone is looking at a Rezound phone would you call them to the carpet for not comparing it to a Galaxy Nexus, or would it be "fair" enough to compare it an iPhone 4S? He is comparing to tools he likes, not two tools that are going to double for each other in a movie!

[@otterpat]

can you take the handle covers off?