SOG PowerLock Multi-Tool- Compound Leverage Technology with EOD Crimper Device, 420 Stainless Steel Body, 18 Lightweight Specialty Tools (B61N-CP) , Black

I own and have owned (and lost) many multitools, I currently have this one as well as 3 other multitools from a brand everyone knows, and I've also owned 3 other expensive multitools from that brand in the past that I've lost over the years but used lots, two of the ones I have now and one of the ones I lost cost 2x as much as this one or more (one I have now was a lot more than 2x) as well as a couple of cheaper ones that broke years ago. I really love this one from SOG, in fact I was shocked how much I liked it as soon as I opened it. Unlike the other big name expensive multitools I have, this one opens and operates so easily and smoothly, the "compound leverage" as they call it works and makes opening and using this smooth as butter. The needle nose part of the pliers are precise enough to tweeze your eyebrows with - literally, but they're still really heavy duty and strong. The one other multitool I have that is this beefy cost me $160, and the needle nose pliers aren't quite as precise as this SOG's are, it's a lot harder to open and close, and it doesn't have the crimpers this one has, which I like.Two things I would like to see on this that would make this the undisputed best multi tool ever:1. I would love it if the wire cutter blades on this one could be replaced similar to how they are screwed in on Leathermans and replacement wire cutter blades can be bought and easily replaced, this would make sure this thing will last for many, many years even if you use your wire cutters a lot2. This is just a personal preference but some Leathermans like the Wave + have the tools accessible while the pliers are closed, they open from the outside of the handle rather than the inside, which is nice when you need your knife or a screwdriver real quick you don't have to open the whole thing up to access it, you can just pull it out and use it.If SOG upgraded this model with those two features, I would absolutely buy another one right away, in fact I honestly like this tool so much I'm going to write to SOG and recommend they implement those two changes into this thing and if they do I'm going to buy one. This thing is already awesome and I use it every single day, I carry it daily and it replaced my more expensive multitools as soon as I got it and saw how much better it was than anything I had previously. In fact when I opened it I was so surprised at how nice it was, but then I realized I've bought a few SOG fixed blade knives, as well as a machete, an E-tool (entrenching tool, if you don't know, look it up) as well as a little folding saw over the years, all of which I used quite a bit while hiking, and I realized everything I've ever bought from SOG was really well made, stood up to lots of use and sometimes abuse, was really well priced, and made in the USA. You can't beat that, and that's why I feel like writing to them about what I think would make this the best multitool on the market, and maybe if other users agree with me they'll either offer those things on this model or put out a new model with those two features, which I would love to have.

There are so many multi-tools out there that it's difficult to get a decent overview of what's available and pick the best one for your needs. But if you do some research, you'll be able to narrow down your choices and select one that meets enough of your requirements that you shouldn't regret your choice later on.Such is the case for the SOG S60-N PowerLock. There are three main reasons I chose this one. I am not saying these features aren't available elsewhere, just that SOG put them together in a package that appealed to me. They are 1) Ability to easily replace or exchange the individual components 2) Socket drive that greatly expands the range of this tool, and 3) Lifetime warranty.SOG uses a hex-head screw and socket assembly to hold all the tool components in each handle. This lets you replace and reconfigure them, which is a major advantage because it means that if you accidentally break a component, you can order a new one (most components run in the $7 to $10 range) and replace it yourself. This feature alone changed my opinion of the practicality of a multi tool. Previously, I never bothered with one because I didn't like the thought of trashing one or more tools, then being stuck with a "disabled" tool. That's not a worry anymore. You can also reconfigure the tool (within limits) to meet your precise needs by swapping components.Since I carry a knife, I really didn't need the partially-serrated knife blade that comes with the tool, even though it is really nice and razor sharp. I ordered the wire stripper component, along with two accessory socket adapters (one is a spare) directly from SOG. Total cost was around $25. The different sizes and shapes of the components limit where you can fit them within the handles, so you have to preplan a bit. The SOG Web site has guidelines for how to do this. For example, the wire stripper must be located on the left side of either handle, so you must remove whatever component is there to install it. I ended up swapping the locations for the file and scissors, but it all worked out, and the new wire strippers make it easier to do electrical work.The accessory socket adapter fits onto the ¼" drive and lets you use any ¼" socket wrench, screwdriver, or other driver commonly available at any hardware store. This adds tremendous flexibility. There may be other multi tools that also offer this, but I like SOG's implementation of it.The lifetime warranty says a lot about how SOG backs their quality. The other tools I looked at from the "leaders" in the multi tool business do not offer a similar warranty. What does that say about them?The PowerLock was more substantial and impressive than I imagined from the pictures. Each component is finely finished and very high quality. The pliers close precisely, and the compound leverage really adds power to the jaws. The saw teeth are almost viscous in their sharpness and configuration (you need to handle the saw carefully; I've been fortunate not to find that out the hard way), and the scissors are clever and work well. All the other tools are pretty much what you'd expect and are well designed. The fold down covers on the handles make the tool easier to hold, yet they are easily popped off should you desire to do that.The piano lock feature securely holds each component open. You do have to make sure the unused tools are retracted into the handle for the lock to secure the tool you have open, and I did notice that I had to pull the file out slightly for the lock to secure the wire stripper, but this is a very minor issue. The carrying sheath is nice.Overall, this is a very high quality and satisfying tool at a good price. If the configuration suits your needs, then I would highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed and it should serve you well for a long time.