Leatherman vs. SOK vs. SAK

[o0o]

I've been collecting Leathermans for a long time, and have a couple dozen of them. They've never let me down, but to be fair I am not hard on my tools.

For the first time, I just picked up a SOG multi-tool and SAK SwissTool.

I am VERY impressed with the SOG pliers. They open so easily, and really get the job done. I like the safety and powerassist features for the individual blades. The pliers IMO are better than any of my Leathermans.

The SAK SwissTool seems nicely made, but the pliers don't thrill me. I feel the Leathermans and the SOG have better pliers. Since the main tool I use in Multi-tools is pliers, this would rank third.

For those of you more experienced with the SAK SwissTool and SOG Powerassist, how do they compare vs. Leathermans in durability, reliability, etc?

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

As far as durability and reliability are concerned, SOG and Leatherman are equal in my experience. The difference lies in the design. While I love the SOG's plier jaws, I can't stand the way they set up the internal impliments; the lock is awkward and can sometimes engage only partially if a different impliment is pushed down too far into the handle. I like SOG's awl and saw, but that's about it. Leatherman has it all over SOG in regard to the internal impliments.

Leatherman's screwdrivers are top-notch, the locking mechanism just flat works, and the internal impliments are easier to use since the Leatherman's handles can be deployed individually--unlike the SOG with its gears. Leatherman tools generally aren't finished as well as SOG, but Victorinox trumps them both in this department.

I've settled into carrying a Leatherman Charge TTi everyday. Honestly though, the upgraded blade steel (CPM S30V) is useless to me since I carry Spydercos, and the titanium handles do nothing for function. I think one would be just as well off carrying a Wave and a bit kit.