CrossCut Multi-Tool (CC51)

A full size multi-tool is very handy to carry around on a job site, in the shop, or out in the bush. But on your down time - at the cottage, tinkering around the house, or simply enjoying a round of golf - small, unobtrusive and lightweight is the way to go.

The SOG CrossCut (CC51) is about as diminutive and inconspicuous a multi-tool as you're likely to find. At 3/8" thick, 3/4" wide, 2-1/2" long, and a paltry 1.7 ounces in weight, it fits neatly in shirt or pants pocket, takes up barely any room in purse or handbag, and blends in beautifully on a key chain. Compare this to the 5" long, 8.6 ounce Diesel Multi-Plier and you'll see what I mean.

CrossCut (bottom) compared to the Gerber Diesel

Lanyard ring

As you might expect, the CrossCut does not come with case, carabiner or belt clip. However, it does have a lanyard ring so that you can attach it to a key ring.

The body and 9 of its 10 tools are made of stainless steel, so you don't have to worry about the rust. The pick is made of plastic.

Knife, medium flat screwdriver, tweezers

Small blade is easy to control

SOG lists 10 tools for the CrossCut. The tools hold firmly in place when opened. On one arm is a 1-1/2" knife, medium flat screwdriver, and tweezers. A shallow depression has been milled into the top back portion of the knife and screwdriver, providing a place to rest your thumb or forefinger, when using the tools. The small slot on the knife enables you to use a finger nail to open the knife. The screwdriver can handle screws up to about 1/4" wide.

The two arms of the tweezers are not the same length

File/nail cleaner, pick, bottle opener/small screwdriver

The two legs of the tweezers aren't the same length, which means they don't work well for fine work - for example, pulling splinters. One option is to grind the longer leg so that it aligns with the other arm.

On the other arm of the CrossCut is a combination file/nail cleaner and plastic pick (handy for personal grooming tasks), and a combined bottle opener/small screwdriver. The screwdriver has a 1/16" tip. It's too big for tightening the screws found on eye and sunglasses, but might come in handy for other purposes. I used it as a mini pry bar to open up battery covers on electronic equipment. Still, I would dispense with the small screwdriver and add a nail clipper, which would really enhance the CrossCut as a personal grooming tool.

Spring-loaded scissors and compound leverage gear

1/8" scale marks

When you open up the CrossCut you get a handy 1-3/8" spring-loaded scissors that feature SOG's patented Powerlock compound leverage gear. This gear design enables you to generate twice the force with the same hand pressure - making for easier cutting through thicker materials. Along with the knife, I think the scissors are the most usable tool on the Crosscut. They're sturdy, sharp, and useful for a wide range of tasks - opening blister packs, cutting thin gauge wire, twine and rope, and snipping cockleburs from Rover's fur.

There is a ruler scale imprinted on the surface of the CrossCut, graduated in eight's of an inch. However, in all but perfect lighting it's barely useful.

If you're looking for a mini multi-tool then check out the CrossCut. Stainless steel, a great pair od scissors, a decent selection of tools that will come in handy at some time or other, and a lifetime warranty.

Reviewed January 2012