History: Days End Fowl Necker Multitool
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| In continuous production for over fifteen years, the ParaTool was the first multitool from SOG to be manufactured in the USA. Its unique design allows the pliers to be operated at various angles, reaching into areas that other multitools can't. However, this very ability which defines the ParaTool is not without shortcomings. |
Jaws
The plier head on the ParaTool pivots thru 180 degrees of arc, from fully closed to fully open. This allows it to be "bent" around obstacles and other hard-to-reach areas. (see top picture at right)Jaws are standard needlenose profile, with fine serrations to the tips, a gripping area below that, and wire cutters near the pivot. No hard wire notch is included.
Starting a trend that exists to this day with SOG multitools, the jaws on the ParaTool are of the opposite "hand" than most other pliers. Presumably this is so that when loosening a bolt with the jaw tips, they will be less likely to deform and result in crossed tips. (Victorinox recognized this also, and in 2002 reversed the "hand" of the SwissTool plier heads.)
Handles/Frame
Handles on the ParaTool fully enclose one side of the tool, but are open on the other side to accept the pivoting plier head. The enclosed side has an inch scale on one handle and a metric scale on the other.A series of small lightening holes exist along the spine of each handle, presumably for increased grip.
Blades and Tools
ParaTool S31
Black Oxide B31
Yellowhorse S31YH
- plain-edge knife blade, 2.5" long (64mm)
- can opener (later combined with small screwdriver)
- medium flathead screwdriver (later combined with cap lifter)
- awl
- three-sided file
- sheepsfoot serrated blade
- large flathead screwdriver
- phillips screwdriver
- small flathead screwdriver
Locking Mechanism
None of the blades or tools lock open.
Other Features
An attached tab allows the plier head to be flipped open. The tab has a ring on the end for a lanyard attachment.
As with most SOG tools, the pivot screws are standard hex head, allowing the user to change or replace blades as needed. Accessory blades are available direct from SOG.
Sheath
Standard sheath for the ParaTool is a woven nylon affair with velcro closure. It can be carried either vertical or horizontal. Also available was a molded plastic carry pouch, form fitted and made especially for the ParaTool.
Dimensions
- Folded length = 4.4" (111mm)
- Unfolded length = 6.4" (162mm)
- Thickness = .63" (16mm)
- Weight = 6.4 oz (180g)
Variations
The earliest ParaTools were provided with a matte finish. (Tumbled, not bead blasted) Later S31 stainless models were highly polished, probably as an added measure against corrosion.
A B31 black oxide finish was also available.
In 1995, custom knife maker David Yellowhorse modified 250 serial numbered tools and offered them for sale in a velvet lined walnut presentation case. These S31YH models featured jigged and polished handles with inlays of turquoise, sterling silver, and exotic desert hardwoods.
History
Based upon an original concept by the reknowned cutlery designer Blackie Collins, the ParaTool was further refined by SOG before introduction in 1992. It is still in production over 15 years later.
Related Knives
None.
More Info
History
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| ParaTool S31 | |
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Black Oxide B31 | |
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Yellowhorse S31YH |
- plain-edge knife blade, 2.5" long (64mm)
- can opener (later combined with small screwdriver)
- medium flathead screwdriver (later combined with cap lifter)
- awl
- three-sided file
- sheepsfoot serrated blade
- large flathead screwdriver
- phillips screwdriver
- small flathead screwdriver
Locking Mechanism
None of the blades or tools lock open.Other Features
An attached tab allows the plier head to be flipped open. The tab has a ring on the end for a lanyard attachment.As with most SOG tools, the pivot screws are standard hex head, allowing the user to change or replace blades as needed. Accessory blades are available direct from SOG.
Sheath
Standard sheath for the ParaTool is a woven nylon affair with velcro closure. It can be carried either vertical or horizontal. Also available was a molded plastic carry pouch, form fitted and made especially for the ParaTool.Dimensions
- Folded length = 4.4" (111mm)
- Unfolded length = 6.4" (162mm)
- Thickness = .63" (16mm)
- Weight = 6.4 oz (180g)
Variations
The earliest ParaTools were provided with a matte finish. (Tumbled, not bead blasted) Later S31 stainless models were highly polished, probably as an added measure against corrosion.A B31 black oxide finish was also available.
In 1995, custom knife maker David Yellowhorse modified 250 serial numbered tools and offered them for sale in a velvet lined walnut presentation case. These S31YH models featured jigged and polished handles with inlays of turquoise, sterling silver, and exotic desert hardwoods.