SOG Baton Q2 Voted Best New Multitool 2017

Presented by: Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpeners

We are pleased to announce that the SOG Baton Q2 is the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice for Best New Multitool 2017. Votes cast by dealers indicated that other great new tools in this category included the Gerber Center-Drive, Leatherman Juice CS3, and the Rike Slingshot Multitool.

In the multitool space, the standard, folding pliers-based design holds near-total sway. Many manufacturers choose to offer variants on that archetype rather than break away and blaze a new trail. For multitool fans looking for something new, SOG’s Baton series was a breath of fresh air.

The company earned accolades for more conventional multitools in the past, but they broke free of tradition with the Baton series. They chose to forgo delivering an inflated toolset with unnecessary or little-used implements. Instead, SOG worked to incorporate the essentials into four different packages designed for a mainstream, urban crowd. Each Baton model offers a different tool compliment, but for most users, the Q2 strikes the perfect balance between size and utility.

The 2.5-inch blade handles most chores and is easy to sharpen. It’s a perfect backup blade or even primary EDC for light duty days at the office. The bottle opener/screwdriver cover other everyday needs. On the opposite end of the Q2, an LED flashlight further helps differentiate it from other products. Few folding multitools of any kind offer a flashlight, and gear enthusiasts will often carry a separate one in addition to their other tools. The Baton Q2 neatly wraps both into one pen-shaped package.

The Q2 finds creative solutions to age-old multitool issues. More traditional designs often tip the scales at eight or more ounces. Most find themselves relegated to a drawer or tool chest until they’re needed, or in the best case, a user carries them in cumbersome belt sheaths. But the Q2’s slender profile and aluminum chassis make carry in a pocket, book bag, or laptop case completely effortless. It carries like a pen and weighs less than many pocket knives.

According to SOG’s Chris Cashbaugh, the Baton’s success was a team effort. “When we introduced the Baton series we knew we were not only re-thinking our approach on the product side, but also asking dealers to alter their approach to their sales plans,” he tells us. “This award serves as a testament to the hard work it takes to combine design goals, marketing initiatives and sales efforts. We’re incredibly indebted to the dealers for recognizing our Q2.”

Visit KnifeNews.com tomorrow to find out the winner of the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Award for Best Knife Upgrade 2017 (See the nominees below).

NOMINEES FOR BEST KNIFE UPGRADE 2017

Bradford Knives Guardian 3 Sheepsfoot: A utility-oriented edge profile and even more refined ergonomics made this popular EDC fixed blade even better.

CRKT Homefront EDC: Ken Onion’s cutting-edge Field Strip knife saw a budget-friendly iteration with GRN scales and a 1.4116 steel blade.

Kershaw Dividend M390: One of Kershaw’s best 2017 releases received a massive step up in blade steel.

Spyderco Maxamet Manix 2 Lightweight: Spyderco brought one of the most sought-after super steels to the production level with this version of their lightweight, all-purpose folder.

AWARDS SCHEDULE

Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2017 
WINNER: Spartan Blades Hybris

Best New Outdoor Fixed Blade 2017
WINNER: TOPS El Chete

Best New Multitool 2017
WINNER: SOG Baton Q2

Thursday, November 16: Best Knife Upgrade 2017
WINNER: Spyderco Maxamet Manix 2 Lightweight

Friday, November 17: Best New Automatic Knife 2017

Saturday, November 18: Best New High-End Knife 2017 (MSRP of $300 or more)

Sunday, November 19: Best New Value Folder 2017 (MSRP of $100 or less)

Monday, November 20: Best New Manual Folder 2017

Tuesday, November 21: Most Innovative New Knife 2017

Wednesday, November 22: Best Overall New for 2017 Lineup