I'm a retired U.S. Army soldier. I spent most of my career in the infantry, and the rest in the combat engineers. I also specialized in communications. I always carried a multi-tool throughout my military career. I bought a SOG EOD powerlock around 2004. It's by far the best multi-tool I've ever used.
It's got just about everything you could hope for in the field. Pliers, wirecutters, a saw, the all-important knife, screwdrivers, and no fewer than five bottle openers (because hey, that's the one you're going to need the most help finding, am I right?)
What sets the SOG apart is the mechanism that operates the pliers. The whole tool turns inside out using a couple of gears, rather than the pliers sliding out like a Leatherman or Gerber. This makes the pliers much more sturdy, since there's no sliding joint to collapse on you. The gearbox actually gives you a mechanical advantage, making the grip extremely strong. You can use it as an adjustable wrench in a pinch because of that grip strength. Having all the other tools tucked in by a pair of hinged covers provides a superior grip.
The durability is phenomenal. I've used my Powerlock for everything from breaking ice to working on trucks to cutting barbed wire. The needlenose pliers are small enough at the tip to repair jewelry. I've even batoned the knife to cut down small trees. The lock has never once failed on me, although you do need to be aware of the placement of it. It seems it could be possible to accidentally release a tool if you're not careful and hold the multi-tool incorrectly, but I've never seen it happen.
I've carried this thing in the mountains of Afghanistan and the desert of Kuwait, among other places. I've submerged it in salt water, dropped it in the sand, and crossed swamps with the SOG on my belt. I've kept it out in the field for weeks at a time without cleaning or drying it, and it's never rusted on me.
I can't recommend this thing enough, even at triple the price. I think I paid around $70 for mine, and that was a steal.
