SOG PowerLock Black Oxide coating

C

chrislski

Joined
Dec 22, 2005
Messages
11
I have been looking at getting a new multi tool since somebody stole my Leatherman Wave and the current one I am using is a piece of junk. I work part time as a computer repairman. I have noticed that shiny tools seem to terrify people while black tools don't seem to do so. The current tool is bad quality and the black wore off in places really fast making it look horrible. I was looking at getting a SOG PowerLock because of all the recommendations I have heard.

How resilient is the black oxide coating? Is it likely to wear off at the joints or any areas of frequent use like the screwdriver heads?

Also if there is anyone that knows of a dealer or store that carries SOG products in the Ann Arbor Michigan area I would appreciate knowing about them so that I can get touchy feely with the tool before I purchase it.
 
as you can read here on bladeforums some of Walmart stores have powerlocks for great price

but be aware as the powerlock is quite big (and heavy) - some computers cases don't have so much room in it for you to be able to use powerlock's screwdriver
 
I tried a few of the Walmarts in this area and the people behind the counter just look at me like I am stupid when I ask if they carry SOG knives. They then point at the cardboard cutout demonstration board that is supposed to show everything they carry but I see far more locked up in the cabinets.

I do have smaller screwdrivers for actual disassembly and assembly. I mostly use it so that I can get a quick look at what I am dealing with. I also use it to cut boxes or open packages. This is the reason I want to actually get my hands on one so that I can judge for myself. Thanks for the suggestion though.
 
I just bought a SOG EOD PowerLock with black oxide coat for my father to use on the Indiana State Police bomb squad. I noticed that the the tool was magnificent, but the black oxide coat ended up all over my hands. I plan to purchase a TiNi (gold) Powerlock for myself as a United States Submariner. Perhaps it is just normal for the black oxide to come off. I was only familier with black TiNi coatings on blades before.
Try ebay. Thats where I got his. And I see more on there now.
 
The black oxide coating actually stays better than I imagined. After seen many used ones, the average used one exhibited minimal to 10% wear of coating. The worst ever was about 40-50% wear, but that was rare.

There is a "breaking in" period for the coating for the first several weeks...the coating does minimally come off on ones hands (not too much). I'd suggest handling it a lot before using it on the job (or without wearing a white shirt). Maybe scrub it with a towel for a while to speed up the break in period. It does diminish the more one handles it.

I don't know if SOG is still selling them, but the Gold TiNi versions are very classy and should abeit the fears you've shared. If they are out of production, you should be able to find some second hand (try eBay).

If a "large" tool is what you want, the PowerLock will do you find. Personally, when I work on computers (I'm not an IT professional, but have been around the inside of hundreds of computers), I prefer the Pocket PowerPlier. It's size is perfect for those tight spots, the plier head is the perfect size, has a weight/balance I like, and has all the tools I ever need.

BTW...SOG's compound leverage ROCKS!

I hope this helps.
 
Hi,
I´m from Europe and my English is not that good.:yawn:

So could anyone please explain to me what the difference between the EOD Powerlock s61 and the regular Powerlock s60, is???

I checked out the SOG website but for me they look like the same.

???:confused: :confused: :confused:

thank you very much
B.
 
The differences between the PowerLock (S60) and EOD PowerLock (S61) is the addition of a blasting cap crimper on the inside of the handle near the pivot. Otherwise the tools are identical.

Chris
 
Well the leatherman that I used to carry was the SuperTool 200 which is about the same size so I don't think it will be too big. Its gonna more a general tool to deal with everything out of the computer and a couple of quick things inside it.

I was given a suggestion of a little hunting shop to try so I will check there tomorrow and if not I think I might end up snagging one from an online store since I have seen them about the same price as eBay.
 
I ordered the T60 for $89. And the T50G (CrossCut) for $39. Got $10 off the order. I didn't know that they made a TiNi version of the CrossCut? But that coating should sure help the scissors edge retension.

As for the S60, I see them on ebay for $5-$25. Of course ebay lets small stores sell through them. Like UniversalCutlery which is where I purchased the B61 for $65.
 
Well... I just noticed a multi-tool on sog's site that I had never seen before. In the bottome left of the multi-tool screen there is a link to the PowerPlay. A "Paladin Tool" Made by SOG. Has a lot in common with the powerlock, it'd seem. Including some tools that would be a lot more useful to me as an Electronics Technician Communications Division Submariner. I suppose that I could call SOG in the morning and ask about swapping a couple of pieces? I really want that wire stripper!
 
That Paladin tool looks really nice. Now I am in trouble because I have to make choice and I can't find any quarters.
 
GenKraid

The Paladin tool that you are referring to is a specialized version of the PowerLock that we are making for Paladin Tools. Unfortunately we do not actually sell the tool, that is Paladin's job. Also we are not able to sell the individual components at this point, but that may change in the future.

chrislski

I think that you shoudl go for the PowerPlay (Paladin version), since it has some nice components that may be beneficial to you. I think you can find the tool in Home Depot, but I can not verify that right now. Everyone that i could verify that with is on vacation so if you give me a couple days I'll let you know for sure.

Chris
 
Chris@SOG said:
GenKraid

chrislski

I think that you shoudl go for the PowerPlay (Paladin version), since it has some nice components that may be beneficial to you. I think you can find the tool in Home Depot, but I can not verify that right now. Everyone that i could verify that with is on vacation so if you give me a couple days I'll let you know for sure.

Chris
Click to expand...

That would be great if you could let me know. I'd like to be able to touch one before I actually purchase it and the only multi tools I can find around here are Leatherman or Gerber.
 
Hey Chris, I talked to somebody is warrenty today. Informative, if not overly... pleasant. She did say the tools were propreitary to Paladin. Paladin says that they only talk to distributors, not individuals. So no tools from them, I guess. Thay did say that the tool hasn't even shipped yet though. Not til March or April. The PT-525 does have a few tools I would like... But mainly just the wire strippers. Any chance you guys have a wire stripper option separate from the proprietary Paladin tools?

P.S. I'm sure this is a crazy question, but it there any chance I could send in the blade from my night vision and have you guys send it out to get the gold TiNi coating? I'd pay a higher price than normal! Maybe send it in when you send other stuff if it has to be in bulk?
 
GenKraid said:
Hey Chris, I talked to somebody is warrenty today. Informative, if not overly... pleasant. She did say the tools were propreitary to Paladin. Paladin says that they only talk to distributors, not individuals. So no tools from them, I guess. Thay did say that the tool hasn't even shipped yet though. Not til March or April. The PT-525 does have a few tools I would like... But mainly just the wire strippers. Any chance you guys have a wire stripper option separate from the proprietary Paladin tools?

P.S. I'm sure this is a crazy question, but it there any chance I could send in the blade from my night vision and have you guys send it out to get the gold TiNi coating? I'd pay a higher price than normal! Maybe send it in when you send other stuff if it has to be in bulk?
Click to expand...
Regarding the Paladin tool, your best bet is to keep your inquiries with Chris or the Wholesale Department. They know the most about such tools, because these tools are made specifically for wholesale customers. The Customer Service/Warranty Department, though the best stop for most all consumer questions, won't help as much for this one.

SOG has talked on and off about doing "custom" work, but every time I pushed to do custom work for a customer, I was struck down from the highest level. I don't know if they are willing to do it these days, but ask the Customer Service Department. If they personally don't have the answer, prod them to talk with "managers in the manufacturing department." In all of SOG, they would know the best if it can be done, because it would be on them to get it done. They might need to run it by Spencer.

If SOG won't (they can...it's just if they want to or not), there are a couple companies out there who do it, but I don't know if they do it for end consumers. If you want more information on trying to get it done yourself, post an inquiry in the general blade discussion forum and see if you can get the names of the companies (and contact information) who do it.

I've seen a Night Vision with it's blade and all it's fittings coated in gold TiNi. It is simply stunningly beautiful!!!! WOW!!! :cool: I almost had it done to my knife.

Talking about custom TiNi coated SOG items. Ever seen one of these? ... I didn't think so! :) I've had this for years and it's basically a one of a kind item since it was never put into production. Until recently I thought I'd keep it forever and never part with it (but "never say never"). More images here.

 
I saw Paladin PowerPlay tools sold at Home Depot stores for about $60. The package said Taiwan in small letters on the back side.
 
Sog "Switchplier"
Way Cool:cool:
I want One!!!!!!
Why didn't it go into production?:grumpy:
What material is the black part of the handle made of?:confused:
Is there any chance of them becoming available?:(

Anything else lurking that we should maybe get a look at?

Cheviot
 
I saw the Paladin tool at my local CompUSA store yesterday for about $60. Looks good and definantly a SOG! Thinking about snagging one today if I don't buy a daggert... :o

Heber
So many knives so little money.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top