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Wednesday, 10 October 2007 14:59

SOG Kilowatt

Written by

Following the latest trend of “Tool Knives” SOG has released the Kilowatt, which is basically a one handed opening tactical type knife with some wire stripping features. While I was curious, I have to say I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about this one, but then again, electricity has never been my strong suit.

SOG Kilowatt

When it arrived, I was impressed by the size, and also the comfort of the tool. Given all of the extras built into the handle, I expected it to be somewhat uncomfortable. The finger cutouts are nicely spaced, at least for my hands, and the broad spine and thumb ramp are very ergonomic, but unfortunately (at least for right handers) the pocket clip has some pointy corners that dig into your hand.

SOG Kilowatt

The thumbstud is well placed for right handed use, but can be swapped to left hand with a T6 screwdriver. A smaller T5 bit can be used to adjust the tension on the pivot which is a feature that is lacking on too many other folding knives and tools these days. It’s a very nice feature to have.

SOG Kilowatt

It’s hard for me to comment on the wire stripping abilities of this one, or at least to compare it or judge how well it performs it’s duties since I really don’t have much electrical abilities or experience. The only thing I ever succeed in doing with electricity is spiking my hair. I did however try it out on some old coaxial cable I had kicking around, and I also tried cutting some smaller wire in the holes in the handle, and it seemed to perform well enough. I have no doubt that it can strip wire with the best of them.

SOG Kilowatt

The drawbacks to this design strike me as significant. I may not have much experience with electricity but I am familiar with electrical contractors and I can honestly say that I doubt that any contractor or technician would carry this knife, except perhaps in addition to another, better equipped tool.. The blade is a throwback to a tactical or fighting type blade- which is perhaps good for working in bad neighbourhoods, but not all that well suited to utility. I think a screwdriver/prybar tip would have been better suited to a contractor’s tool. Fortunately, the tip is a drop point rather than a clip point, which would be more fragile still.

SOG Kilowatt

The Kilowatt is really only suited to the technician/electrician that already has a suitable tool like the PowerLock that does not include dedicated wire strippers or a one handed opening blade.

SOG Kilowatt

Pros:

  • Comfortable handle
  • Excellent wire stripper
  • Adjustable pivot and thumb stud

Cons:

  • Limited use on it’s own
  • Rough corners on pocket clip
  • “Decoration” is kind of cheesy
Grant Lamontagne

As the founder of Multitool.org Grant has been a collector of Swiss Army Knives and multitools for over 25 years, and a user for over 40 years. 

With a day job working in the field, either out in the woods or on industrial sites, Grant uses tools every day for all manner of different purposes.

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