Customer Reviews

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools B61-N EOD PowerLock, Black Oxide

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

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.

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).

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 ( EOD ) technician ). I have owned most every multi tool out there and abused them all ( that's why the good ones have a lifetime warranty . ) and the two best for the money are the SOG Powerlock S60 and the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife SwissTool RS - don't waste your money on anything else - " Leather Guy" can't come close to a SOG or Victorinox in performance and Warranty - in my opinion and EXPERIENCE !!!

The #1 multi-tool worth your money is a SOG Powerlock S60. 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. Features all stainless steel construction and comes with a leather pouch, a Lifetime Guarantee and they are MADE IN THE USA.

The secong 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.

This is an excellent large multitool. I own seven of them (Gerber Legend, Leatherman Wave and Juice XE6, custom Gerber 600, Shrade Tough Tool and Bucktool) and this is the largest.

With the compound leverage on this size tool it has outstanding gripping power. The handle covers make this a great feeling tool with none of the pain one might feel while clamping down on a traditional Leatherman.

All of the tools lock well with the exception that the drive socket and bottle opener can come loose. This is the only reason I gave this tool four stars and I am not sure that it is not particular to just my tool. If someone wants a large tool with the best gripping ability than this is the one to get. This tool also has a great price for the size.

I am very pleased with the SOG B62. I opted to get the v-cutter instead of the scissors and I am happy that I did. The v-cutter is sharp enough to easily cut through sheet plastic and various other materials... except for paper. The knife is very sharp as well as the awl (which has been much more useful than I had anticipated). My favorite feature of the tool is the needle-nose pliers. You can really tell a difference with the compounding force due to the unique hinging and gear mechanism. Also the covers over the tool compartments provide a comfortable grip. Another feature that has proven very useful is the 1/4'' drive. It is solid and the various sockets that I have used on it have fit tight and you are able to apply enough force to get the job done. The black oxide is a neat finish. I have not negative feedback about this product... which rarely happens. The leather pouch is well built and a nice complement to the knife.

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.

Bought the black oxide coated model with power lock and the spike for breaking out windows. Hate it.
The so called pivoting handles snap off nearly everytime I try to open any blade and I have to put them back on again...terrible design.
The file doesn't even file fingernails but will leave a nice strip of the black oxide coating on whatever you try to file. Black oxide coating comes off easily.
Blade is sharp but it is hard to just open one blade or screwdriver as they open together and then you have to unlock them one at a time to put them back before using the blade.
The additional torque offered by the SOG cam system is great but probably for the average joe's use not that big of a deal.
My friends have other brands and I wish I had gotten theirs.

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,,,

I purchased this tool on the brand alone. Sog makes great kit and this was a welcome addition to mine.

Its bigger than my leatherman with a better set of pliers. When closed, the teeth on the pliers fit together so well you could use it like a pair of tweezers. The power grip works. Know your own strength and don't use this on plastic parts or markable surfaces.

My leatherman was a disappointing in the blade department. This tool is razor sharp, but the blade was thinner than expected. Don't expect to be prying anything open with this blade. (Not that you should anyway)

SOG didn't skimp on the case either. No flimsy nylon case here. This tool comes with a heavy(1/8 inch thick) treated leather case.

If you were worried about getting what you paid for, worry not, this is a great tool and well worth the money.

I bought this as a christmas gift for my husband and he has used it everyday since. He said it has come in handy quite a few times at work and he is very happy with how well it is made. He is particularly happy with the fact that the blades lock when they are being used so they can't close up on you like some of the other multi tools do. I am very happy with my purchase.