The SOG Parashears is an 11-tool professional multi-tool purpose-designed for first responders, EMTs, paramedics, and tactical medics. Combining medical shears with a strap/seatbelt cutter, glass breaker, oxygen wrench, tweezers, and six additional mission-critical tools in a single 4.8 oz package, it is constructed from 3Cr13 stainless steel with GRN (glass-reinforced nylon) handles, leverages SOG's proprietary Compound Leverage technology for superior cutting power, and is manufactured from autoclave-compatible materials for full sterilization. Available in Black (SOG-23-125-01-43) and Red (SOG-23-125-02-43), each with a nylon belt sheath.
Key Features
All 11 Included Tools
| # | Tool | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shears (Compound Leverage) | Clothing removal, dressing exposure, patient access |
| 2 | Line / Strap Cutter | Seatbelt cutting, pack strap removal, entanglement |
| 3 | Glass Breaker | Vehicle window access in MVA scenarios |
| 4 | O2 Wrench (Oxygen Wrench) | Opening oxygen tank valves without separate tool |
| 5 | Tweezers | Splinter/debris removal, fine motor patient care |
| 6 | Rope / Cord Cutter | Rescue line cutting, cordage removal |
| 7 | Medium Flathead Awl | Piercing, improvised access, utility |
| 8 | #1 Phillips Screwdriver | Equipment maintenance, pack/kit repair |
| 9 | Bottle Opener | Utility / field use |
| 10 | Inch Ruler | Wound measurement, clinical documentation |
| 11 | Centimeter / Millimeter Ruler | Metric wound measurement |
Product Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SOG Specialty Knives & Tools |
| SKU — Black | SOG-23-125-01-43 |
| SKU — Red | SOG-23-125-02-43 |
| Overall Length (Open) | 7.30 inches |
| Closed Length | 5.13 inches |
| Thickness | 0.85 inches |
| Weight | 4.8 oz |
| Blade Steel | 3Cr13 Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material | GRN (Glass-Reinforced Nylon) + Stainless Steel |
| Finish — Black | Black Oxide (Hardcased) |
| Finish — Red | Red + Polished |
| Tool Count | 11 |
| Cutting Technology | SOG Compound Leverage (~2× conventional shear power) |
| Autoclave Compatible | Yes — kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores |
| Sheath | Nylon (included) — accommodates open and closed carry |
| Color Options | Black, Red |
Who Is This For?
The SOG Parashears occupies a specific niche: the professional medical responder who recognizes that a single pair of fixed trauma shears is not enough, but doesn't want the bulk or non-medical focus of a general-purpose multi-tool. It is engineered for:
- EMTs and paramedics — who need shears, an O2 wrench, and a glass breaker on every call, and who can now carry all three (plus eight more tools) in a single 4.8 oz package that fits in a uniform cargo pocket.
- Tactical medics (Special Operations, SWAT, 18D, 68W) — for whom weight and space are at a premium and every item in the kit must earn its place. The Parashears replaces multiple single-function tools with one integrated platform that passes through autoclave sterilization between uses.
- Law enforcement patrol officers — who increasingly carry personal trauma kits and are first on scene at MVA and assault incidents. The strap cutter and glass breaker address the extrication scenarios they routinely encounter before EMS arrival.
- IFAKs and first aid kit builders — the Parashears is a compact, purpose-specific tool upgrade that adds significant functional breadth to any mounted or dismounted trauma kit without significant weight penalty.
- Prepared civilians, overlanders, and outdoor enthusiasts — who want medical and rescue capability (shears, glass breaker, strap cutter) in a rugged, compact format that functions as a quality multi-tool for non-emergency use as well.
Operational Use and Care
Why the Parashears vs. a Standard Pair of Trauma Shears
Standard trauma shears are single-purpose, non-autoclavable (plastic handles), and provide no additional tools. They are lightweight, inexpensive, and appropriate as backup or disposable instruments — but inadequate as the primary cutting tool in a professional kit that must perform across a full range of prehospital scenarios.
The Parashears is designed as a primary carry instrument for the professional who understands that extrication, oxygenation, and splinter removal happen on the same call as hemorrhage control. The Compound Leverage mechanism specifically addresses a documented failure point of standard trauma shears — the inability to cut efficiently through thick denim, webbing straps, or multiple layers of tactical gear — by mechanically multiplying handle force.
| Feature | SOG Parashears | Standard Trauma Shears |
|---|---|---|
| Tool Count | 11 | 1 (shears only) |
| Cutting Power | ~2× via Compound Leverage | Standard hand force |
| Autoclave Compatible | ✓ Full sterilization | ✗ Plastic handles melt |
| O2 Wrench | ✓ Integrated | ✗ |
| Glass Breaker | ✓ Integrated | ✗ |
| Foldable for Carry | ✓ 5.13 in. closed | ✗ Fixed length |
| Blade Steel | 3Cr13 Stainless | Varies (often unspecified) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the SOG Parashears be autoclaved with standard hospital sterilization cycles?
Yes. All Parashears components — blade, frame, handles, and hardware — are manufactured from autoclave-compatible materials. Standard steam sterilization cycles that reach 134°C / 273°F will kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This makes it one of the few production multi-tools suitable for clinical-grade reuse between patients.
What is SOG Compound Leverage and how does it improve cutting performance?
SOG's patented Compound Leverage technology uses a multi-pivot mechanism that increases the mechanical advantage of the shear action. Each handle movement produces greater blade movement and cutting force than a single-pivot design. The net result is approximately twice the cutting power of conventional trauma shears — enabling cleaner, faster cuts through thick clothing, tactical gear, webbing, and dressings with significantly less hand fatigue.
What is the difference between the Black and Red color variants?
The Black (SOG-23-125-01-43) has a black oxide hardcased finish on the blade and frame, providing a low-profile, non-reflective appearance suited for tactical and low-visibility environments. The Red (SOG-23-125-02-43) features red GRN handles with a polished finish — the high-visibility red coloration makes it faster to locate in a cluttered kit, on a trauma bay floor, or when dropped at a scene. Both are functionally identical.
Does the Parashears include a belt clip or only the nylon sheath?
The Parashears ships with a nylon sheath that includes a belt loop for duty belt or waistband carry. There is no integrated belt clip on the multi-tool body itself. The sheath can also be mounted on MOLLE webbing on a plate carrier, pack, or medical pouch. For pocket carry, the folded Parashears fits in a cargo or shirt pocket without a sheath.
Is the strap cutter the same as the shear blade or a separate tool?
The line/strap cutter is a separate, dedicated hook-style cutter that locks in the deployed position and is released by pressing its lock button. It is designed specifically for fast-cutting of seatbelts, gear straps, and cords without the risk of point contact with the patient — unlike the main shear blade, which requires a gap between the blade and the material being cut. Having both tools available provides flexibility for different cutting geometries.
Where does the Parashears fit in a MARCH-based kit setup?
The Parashears is a trauma tool — it enables access to the patient and their injuries, not a direct intervention in any MARCH category. In practice, it is used in the Massive Hemorrhage phase (clothing removal to expose injury) and throughout all phases of care where patient access, dressing management, oxygen delivery support, or extrication is required. It belongs in the tool pouch or top-access pocket of any IFAK or EMS bag build.
Is the SOG Parashears made in the USA?
The SOG Parashears is manufactured in China. SOG designs all products in the United States and maintains quality control across its global manufacturing partners. The 3Cr13 stainless steel and GRN construction are held to SOG's documented specifications and are validated for autoclave sterilization compatibility.
Available Options:
- Black
- Red
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.
