First Look: SOG Reactor

Published by
Ryan Houtekamer

Mixed in with everything else SOG Specialty Knives & Tools came out with this year at SHOT Show was the Reactor Multi Tool. Unlike a lot of multi-tools out there, the Reactor has (imo) what's needed day to day and nothing extra. This leads to a slim lightweight multi tool that doesn't take up more space in your pocket than your typical pocket knife.  Combine that with an assisted opening knife, centered bit holder and the Compound Leverage Pliers and we think you have a real winner.

You can see the gears opening the pliers here as well as the magnetic bit driver on the back side.

You can see the bit storage at the end of the handle on one side that holds the double ended bit.

The assisted opening knife  in the Reactor is engaged by pushing on the cone shaped thumb stud.  Push out instead of up and at an angle and your greeted by the blade rocketing out and locking in place.  Due to the lightweight 420 steel blade it is one of the fastest assisted opening blades we have seen.  While the lock keeps the blade deployed, it does offer some flex.  Even with the flexing forward we've yet to manage to get the lock to fail.  This is likely due to how thin the lock bar is and how long it is (don't judge — it's genetics).

The knife came hair popping sharp and opens in a hurry.

The Reactor also includes a lock to stop any inadvertent opening of the blade

The end of the non knife side handle is the bit storage.  This is not to be used as a screwdriver though.  You would end up separating the sheet metal handle or the bit spinning.  The actual screwdriver bit holder is built into the underside of the pliers.  There is a hexagonal slot in which ou can insert the bit if the pliers are opened slightly. It has two magnets one on each side of the holder that help keep the bit in place.  You squeeze the handles together and it clamps down.  This keeps the bit from rotating while you use the central mounted screwdriver.

When you open the handles of the multi tool the gears of the pliers head swing it open. The pliers feature the regular things you expect to see like wire cutters, nut grippers and a wire crimpers. The last tool that is on the outside of the multi tool is the bottle opener or lanyard hole.

Open the pliers slightly to insert a bit then squeeze down to clamp it into place

You can pick up the SOG Reactor here or from your local dealer.  Expect a full review in a couple months from us on how the Reactor handles daily use.

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Ryan Houtekamer

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