review – I’m always looking for the next best thing in a compact Multitool, when a company offers some innovation for a form factor – I’m obligated to try it out. SOG was recently acquired by GSM Outdoors in December 2021 and made such an offer. The SOG Flash MT has compound lever pliers and assisted cutting that make it stand out from the crowd – but is it enough?
What is it?
SOG’s early product in 2022 is Flash MT.Part of the company’s daily classes, this Electronic data center Multitool oriented borrows some design elements from the discontinued SOG Reactor. The Flash bears the MT (Multi Tool) logo to differentiate it from the rest of the Flash series, which usually consist of an assist opening folding knife.
On paper, SOG Flash MT is very exciting. SOG’s proprietary compound lever pliers and assist opening blade come in a smaller, lighter form than the competition. SOG-branded deep carry clips keep tools comfortably in your pocket, and the drill driver promises to be compatible with standard ¼” hex bits.
At the time of writing, the SOG Flash MT offers seven tools for $70, a direct competitor to the Leatherman Skeletool in the compact multitool segment at this price point.
What’s in this box?
- 1 x SOG Flash MT
- Product Information Insert
Features and Specifications
- Components: Composite lever pliers, wire cutters, magnetic bit holder and bits, bottle opener, auxiliary split tip blade, flat head screwdriver.
- Number of tools: 7
- Product Type: Multitool
- Product Weight: 4.7oz
- Finish: Grey
- Blade Steel Type: Cryo D2
- Blade Length: 2.4″
- Closed Length: 3.4 inches
- Overall Length: 5.6″
- Hex bit: 4mm Philips flat
- Country of Origin: China
impression and performance
Out of the box, SOG Flash MT looks attractive with clean lines and even color application. The cyan and black tones on grey steel are refreshing. This color choice brings some personality to the typical monochrome options available in multitools. Some excess oil was found in the plier hinges and was easy to clean up.
Compound lever pliers and wire cutters are great. The tips of the pliers are symmetrically gathered together for an easy bite. Wire cutters make quick, clean cuts on CAT6 and 12/2 Romex wire.
The execution of the rest of the tools is where the Flash MT spark starts to fade.
Although it is an assisted deployment knife, it requires considerable force to activate. During the closing action, the resistance of the pad lock against the blade friction can be heard and felt. After a few days of opening and closing, it came loose slightly, but the black oxide coating of the blade had started to fade from the friction of the liner lock. The sharpness of the blade itself is average, D2 steel is standard.
As a bit driver, SOG Reactor is designed to cast looming shadows following this tool. To use a bit driver, insert the bit into the cavity of the pliers, which is formed when the tool is closed. A magnet is embedded here to help keep the drill in place. As with the Reactor, using the drill driver requires constant squeezing of the tool – otherwise the drill will spin due to the reaction force of the screw. Releasing your hand allows the process to ratchet, but it also makes the bit more likely to come off. While ¼” technically fits here, it also doesn’t fit securely.
From an ergonomic standpoint, this tool is hard to like. When using pliers, the square wire of the bit holder handle and the bit holder cover itself, dig into the palm of your hand. On the other side of the tool, the knife lock and hinge area also creates pressure points.
what do I like
- Unique color options
- Compound lever pliers and wire cutters live up to their name
what would i change
- Difficulty deploying the tool and causing wear on the insert surface
- bit driver not performing well
- Ergonomics takes work
final thoughts
“There are going to be some mistakes along the way. That’s fine. Because some decisions are being made along the way.”
-Steve Jobs
SOG Flash MT should be applauded for being an attempt at something new. Unfortunately, there’s no way to assemble a worthy supporting cast around the pliers, and that’s where this tool really shines. If SOG leaves the Flash lineup and opts for standard tool deployment, trims some edges of the handle, and finds a way to securely lock the driver bits – they’ll easily compete in that segment. Instead, we have a tool that looks beautiful but falls short in functionality.
Finally, I have to mention some of the issues SOG has faced in recent years with regard to customer service and quality control. I think it’s fair to look at past problems in the name of innovation, and I hope GSM Outdoors’ acquisition of SOG may mark a turning point. I contacted the SOG email address on their contact page with questions about the knife, unfortunately I had to report it after over a week – no response.
Price: $69.95
where to buy: SOG website You can find some SOG gear on it Amazon
resource: This product was purchased with my own funds.
