SOG has come out with a new multi-tool, the Flash MT, which they describe as a street-smart multi-tool that boasts everyday capabilities in a compact package.
Who is this for? SOG says:
For those who value daily readiness, the versatile Flash MT provides an understated and highly functional solution.
They also say that it’s a breeze to carry and that their team heaped special attention on the assisted opening cryo D2 steel blade, making it more practical than most multi-tool knives. Now we’re getting somewhere!
The SOG Flash MT has a unique stainless-steel housing [that] holds seven tools:
- Compound leverage pliers
- Wire cutter
- Magnetic bit holder and bits
- Bottle opener
- Assisted open clip point blade
- Flat head screwdriver
I suppose that the double-ended 4mm hex screwdriver bit counts separately, which brings the tool count to 7 or 8 depending on how you look at it.
The pliers feature SOG’s compound leverage design. I own a SOG tool, and at the least, the compound leverage mechanism helps with quickly opening and closing the pliers.
The knife features an assisted opening mechanism, and what looks to be a liner lock. The blade size is 2.4″, and it’s made from D2 steel. D2 is generally a tough tool steel, and this would indeed differentiate and maybe even elevate the SOG Flash MT from other multi-tools with knives.
This image also shows off a deep carry-style pocket clip.
The SOG Flash MT measures 3.4″ closed, making it a more compact pocket-carry knife.
It comes with a double-sided 4mm hex bit, with Phillips and slotted tips. I would presume that the magnetic bit holder can work with comparably-sized off-the-shelf 4mm hex screwdriver bits.
SOG does not disclose the screwdriver sizes, but they look precision/miniature-sized. It’s sized for… posing next to watches and a beat-up coin pouch or wallet-looking thing.
The Flash MT will be available in urban gray with a cyan blue accent, or silver.
It looks like the cyan accent matches other new SOG releases – a folding knife, and a smartphone PopSocket with one-piece PopGrip multi-tool.
Price: $69.95
Discussion
Not to mince words, I think there’s a disconnect between how the tool is marketed, and what it delivers.
“A street-smart” and “modern styled” multi-tool, as a “understated and highly functional solution” “for those who value daily readiness.”
I can’t help but roll my eyes at this, although maybe I’m a bit grumpy and sensitive about word choices today.
The good news is that it seems SOG did put a lot of thought and care into designing a compact and even minimalist EDC (everyday carry) tool.
They say that its D2 steel blade makes it more practical than most multi-tool knives, and I would agree with this. D2 can be a step up from the 420HC that Leatherman uses for their multi-tool knife blades.
However, D2 is not a stainless steel, making it much more likely to rust, which is presumably why SOG gave the knife a black surface finish. D2 is a good performing tool steel.
The assisted opening mechanism seems like a further attempt to make the Flash MT a go-to pocket tool.
Some multi-tool knife blades are small, less accessible, or clunky, prompting some users to carry a separate folding knife. You probably won’t have to do that with this one.
I was initially put off by the idea of an assisted opening mechanism, but it looks like there’s a safety lock (you’ll see what I mean in the video below). For me, this means the knife opening style isn’t a deal-breaker.
The compound-action pliers are going to be a typical SOG selling point. SOG says that it offers twice the cutting and gripping power of conventional pliers. The Flash MT is a smaller-sized multi-tool, and so the compound leverage feature might be even more beneficial here.
The wire cutter blades are built into the pliers head, but that’s to be expected; you’ll have to spend quite a bit more to get a multi-tool with replaceable wire cutting blades.
The combination bottle opener and slotted screwdriver looks unremarkable, but could be a useful inclusion.
What are your thoughts on the magnetic 4mm hex screwdriver bit holder? To me, this seems slightly out of place next to a 2.4″ D2 knife blade and gear-driven compound leverage pliers.
The standard “micro” bit sizing can allow for some customizations, but how often do you come across smaller-scale fastening tasks when on-the-go?
The SOG Flash MT looks to be a pocket-sized EDC multi-tool that fits in somewhere between keychain-scale and full-sized tools. I’d say there are some good things going for it.
Speaking personally, if I needed another minimalist multi-tool, I’d rather spend $5 more and get a Leatherman Skeletool. But, compared to the Skeletool, the Flash MT does have some differentiating features – the compound leverage pliers, 4mm bit holder and included bit, and D2 2.4″ assisted-opening knife.
Video Intro
GPKnives (a great retailer) has a quick video intro:
