SOG has recently released a new line of multi-tool products known as Batons. Being a long-time fan of SOG and their knives, I was very eager to give the Baton Q3 an in-depth look to see how it holds up against my small arsenal of multi-tools.
First, we need to talk about what the Baton is and what it is designed for. SOG has created the Baton series of multi-tools as a way to provide for the functionality that you see in everyday tools, while being custom designed with the modern user in mind. In short, each Baton series (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) is made for a different user and their individual lifestyle. Each series is made of an anodized aluminum body, which is very sturdy.
In short, the Q1 is designed for office and admin functions, the Q2 for urban emergencies, the Q3 for basic wilderness and urban essentials, and the Q4 for advanced wilderness and urban essentials. Regardless of the toolset, each Baton features a very sleek and streamlined design that looks nothing like what you’d expect of a multi-tool. I believe the Batons are designed with the minimalist in mind.
For my review, I am focusing on the Baton Q3, which is for basic wilderness and urban essentials. The Baton is about the same size and dimensions as the common ink marker. To open, you grasp either end of the tool and pull it apart, which then folds down to reveal the shape of a folding multi-tool that you are familiar with. A handy pocket clip allows you to carry the Baton as you would a pocket knife, which is much more comfortable than I imagined it would be.
At 5.8” in the closed configuration, and 6 oz. in weight, the Baton Q3 is a handy tool to have in most urban and outdoor situations you may find yourself in. There are 13 tools, which include:
- Awl
- Bottle Opener
- Medium Flat Screwdriver
- Philips Screwdriver
- Straight Edge Blade
- Soft Wire Cutter
- 3-Sided File
- Bolt Grip Channel
- Can Opener
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Small Flat Screwdriver
- Chisel
- Jewelry Driver
The straight edge blade is made of 5CR15MOV steel, which will allow you to easily sharpen it whenever you start to wear it down. Although it’s just my opinion, I wish the steel was of a slightly better quality, however, it is still more than sufficient for your daily use.
The only other complaint that I have of the Baton Q3, and I imagine it to be the same with the Q1 and Q4, is with the pliers. Since the Baton is meant to be unfolded from the closed position, there is a slight issue with one side of the pliers trying to slide back into the closed position during use. I only noticed this when I was trying to tighten a bolt during a work project. It’s a minor annoyance, but I wish that SOG would have added a mechanism that allowed the pliers to lock into the open position. It’s not a major flaw, but it’s something to be aware of when you are using the product and it can be seen in the picture below.
You can purchase the SOG Baton Q3 from their website for $94, but I’ve also found it for around $60 on the major knife websites. Be sure to check out the video below for a short overview of the Baton family.
Author – Rodney Pointer is a former Army Infantryman. After graduating from Airborne School, he was ruthlessly assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana to live out his days as a dirty leg. He served with the 2nd BN, 30th Infantry of the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Following his deployment to Afghanistan, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Operations. He currently works as a nuclear security contractor.
