I have the knipex mini bolt cutters and their diagonals. They are both amazing and have held up to everything I but in them. Channellocks not so much.. I would always suggest you go with something that has harder jaws.. ONE item is enough to destroy the jaws on a cutter. I don't see the point in buying something to cut stuff, when it can't cut stuff..
That said., I have lineman pliers and diagonals in over a dozen different brands or models. My knipex stuff is my favorite and hasn't shown any sign of wearing under heavy use. For what I do, diagonals are my most used tool.. Like a Ratchet would be for a mechanic.
To be completely fair, I have the fantastico models of NWS,. They work good but aren't a replacement for standard diagonals. The standard model diagonals with the thin grips from NWS are the only pairs i still want to get. I have them on my wish list with the matching lineman and pump pliers.. Not easy to find, and a bit expensive so I haven't gotten them just yet. I'm sure they will be just as good as my knipex though..
