SOG Specialty Knives & Tools *S31-N Paratool
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools *S31-N Paratool
Customer Review: An Anachronism
Summary: 3 Stars
I finally bought the SOG paratool after sitting on the sidelines for more than 5 years. Each time I handled a paratool in a store, I was struck by how awkward (if not dangerous) its design seemed. In the end, I bought one because Amazon had it for the right price (do NOT pay full price for this), and I was curious.
The paratool has remained virtually unchanged since it was first introduced in the 1990s. Its central feature, a truly peculiar set of pliers that fold out from the handles without fully opening the handles, is something of a fossil among today's multitool offerings, as it was designed to provide smooth-handled pliers (the original Leatherman did not have comfortable handles). There are literally dozens of multitools from various makers that now have both comfortable handles and more normal pliers.
It's difficult to describe the way in which the SOG paratool opens without using a video. So, I recommend that interested parties search youtube for examples. The critical thing to mention, however, is that the design results in uneven pressure on the pivot points of the pliers.
This stool is made of stainless steel, which is great, and it's got a fine set of tools. It's also lightweight (less than 7 oz.), which is also great. However, there are some serious flaws: the tools don't lock, which was normal when the tool was introduced in the 1990s, but which is not acceptable today. Also, the complicated method of opening the pliers increases the chance of being pinched.
The final verdict:
This tool is a must for multitool collectors; it's unique and an interesting example of the ingenuity that has gone into the American multitool industry since it was begun by Leatherman. It's also an appropriate tool for those who want a lightweight, all-steel tool with a modest set of pliers with comfortable handles and decent set of blades and tools. It is also awkward to open and close--if not dangerous!--and the pliers are the weakest made by SOG (and perhaps the weakest ones produced by any maker).
I should add one more thing: SOG allows the owner to modify the assemblage of tools of the paratool (as SOG does with all its high-end multitools).
Customer Review: Another mediocre multitool...
Summary: 3 Stars
I am a network technician and like all tech's I carry a multitool.I just bought a paratool and this is what I found. The tilting plier heads are a nice idea but when they are at an angle you can't really use it because it DOESN'T LOCK at an angle so you can't put any force on it without causing the tool to close. In other words the tilting plier heads don't work well. Opening the tool requires two hand's, unlike the leatherman tool's that you can whip open single handedly like a butterfly knife. This is a hassle. The wire cutter's are to small to easily cut Cat-5 cable. All of the blades are removable, which is a cool idea, but SOG does not offer any real "variety" of replacement blades so this feature is kind of worthless. This knife is built very solid and is extremely comftorable to hold, but I could not recommend that anyone buys it. My advice would be to stick with a leatherman.Customer Review: Best of the non locking pocket pliers tools
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the tool I carry day in and out because of the hex bolt feature I've customized by removing the straight blade (There is still a serated blade) and replaced it with a saw and a seatbelt cutter. I sail competively and the seatbelt cutter gives me a safe way to cut a line. With the hook end on the blade the line won't come off until its fully cut through. (Oh yeah, the basic knife comes with one open slot for customization.)This is one of the best designs for the pliers. As you can see in the photo the smooth part of the handles is on the outside so when you bear down on the pliers the handle doesn't cut into your hand. Also as you can see the head tilts. You can get some pressure at the tip at this angle, and you can pick up those little screws that dropped behind the exhaust manifold without burning your fingers.
Disadvantages: No sizzors. The file blade dosen't have that grove for sharpening hooks, the tab for popping out the plier head pokes holes in my pockets so I have to wear it on my belt. Because the handles don't do that "leatherman T" the ruler is short, just the length of one of the handles. I did a sawing test in the woods one day and a 3" blade is too short for firewood. I've kept it incase I need to cut away something while sailing. Otherwise you'll still need a regular saw.
The sizzors problem I fixed by getting a leatherman Micra. The rest I just live with.
Customer Review: Durable, very useful...and yes, it does open with one hand.
Summary: 5 Stars
I just bought my second Paratool to replace one I left overseas with my father-in-law. I also have a SOG PowerLock. Both the Paratool and the PowerLock have been completely durable and reliable and perform like new. When I still had both, I always carried one with me - the larger, heavier PowerLock in the outdoors or while traveling, and the smaller, lighter Paratool on more "formal" occasions where slipping in into a pocket or less bulk on the belt was called for. My wife still calls me "SOG-Man" now and then (the mythic superhero with the power to repair). Now that I only have the one, I find I miss having the Paratool.To open the Paratool one-handed, simply press on the lanyard ring/tab with your thumb and the pliers head pivots up and out to where your thumb can press it down into position. As far as the pliers head not locking - that's an asset not a liability. I've fished out many a small part from tight places where the head's ability to pivot was "mission critical".
I carry a SOG with me for those times when I'm not near a tool box or when something just pops up that needs doing/fixing. If I'm planning to do a specific job - say remodel the kitchen, drop the transmission out of the car or wire a network with CAT-5 cable, I assemble a proper tool kit for the job.
I highly recommend the Paratool or the PowerLock.
Customer Review: Next to my car keys, it's the best thing in my pocket
Summary: 5 Stars
I carried a Leatherman for years and liked it. I got the SOG for Christmas about 6 years ago and love it even more.1.-The handle design puts the smooth part on your palm when using pliers. Very nice.
2.-You can take the whole thing apart to change tools and clean it. Very nice touch, especially after you spill anything sticky all over it.
3.-Good customer service. I managed to snap the plier head on mine. (Was not easy to do, mind you.) Sent it in to SOG. They sent it back cleaned, sharpened and with a new head.
4.-USEFUL. My kids and friends know I carry it and treat it as an extension of me. I smirk when my wife asks me if I have my paratool. I ALWAYS have it on me unless I'm asleep. I use it daily. Cut, screw, crimp, bend, twist, open, tighten. It's great. I've fixed everything from my car to my computer with it at some point.