Pros: Overall Quality, Finish
Cons: Locking
A unique compact multi-tool
I'm a huge fan of multi-tools. My EDC (Every Day Carry) consists of a folding knife which I often use as a multi-tool. However, I only have so many beat up knives that I want to abuse. But most of the multi-tools I'd use are either too heavy or too bulky. A good Leatherman is worth it's price in gold, but when I saw the SOG SwitchPlier 2.0 I did some research and then gave it a try.Overall this is solid. It has some weight, but less than other multi-tools. SOG did a little die-cutting in the frame to lighten the load, but the real feather in the cap is the auto release button which flips out the pliers & the lever handle at lightning speed.Most multi-tools require a two-handed operation, opening the two halves to expose the fold out tools and pliers. Not so with this. However, you have to get used to holding the handle with one side open. At first, the release button was a bit hard to push, but with some practice and lubrication it all became second-nature. Still, when you hand this to someone they will look at it cross-eyed because when it's all folded up it looks like a sci-fi gadget from Star Wars. So it has some curb appeal just on looks alone.But anyone who uses a multi-tool knows the real deal is in all the components. This is where the SOG comes in at just *okay*. The switch button plier release is innovative, but the rest of the tools are standard fare. I'm not saying it's bad, just nothing special. The blade is thin, but it's sharp. I cut my thumb and didn't even feel it. The phillips head, slot head, file and other tools are descent, but you'll have to take another step to fold it into a solid handle for safety. When you deploy the fold out tools the lever handle of the pliers is still open. You can use the tools with the plier handle sticking out, but if you have to get into a smaller space, or just want a solid grip with only the tool you need, then you'll have to push the plier release switch again to fold it back into the compact form. This is where Leatherman has a slight advantage, because once you fold out the tool you want then you can fold the handle back over it to make a solid handle.Still, this is a nice addition for those who want a unique multi-tool and very quick access to a pair of pliers/wire-cutters.Two downsides:(1) The ruler stamped into the metal handle of the pliers is almost unreadable. The cm side is okay, but the side with the inches needs a lot of love.(2) The phillips head and the file do not lock well (at least on mine). Even in the locked position the phillips head still had movement. So if you get one of these check that out on yours. Maybe I just got a bad model.Nonetheless, I really like this multi-tool and I'd recommend it to someone looking for something a little unique.
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