Anyone know where I might pick up a BlackTip??

[mulou]

Got one too. Couldn't resist, lol.
Quality is better than my powerlock. I don't like the powerassist-like stuff too much too, a little clunky for the safety and destroys fingers to pull blade out/in

The blade itself is otherwise nice.. and the pliers.. mwahaha so huge
I like how the needle tip is still relatively small compared to the size of the tool.
The file is also better than the file of my powerlock.

[Cupboard]

If it's good quality and well made, does it matter if it wasn't made in the US? AFAIK, no one complains that Victorinox tools aren't...

[mikekoz]

If it's good quality and well made, does it matter if it wasn't made in the US? AFAIK, no one complains that Victorinox tools aren't...

      That is because the Swiss (As well as the Germans, and companies here in the US) are known to make quality knives. The Chinese are not. Nothing is ever outsourced to China to improve quality, it is to reduce production costs. Therefore you get a tool that is not as well made as it could be.  I am not saying they are all junk. I have several Gerbers that are good quality, but they also all cost me less than $40.00 a piece. This tool is good quality also, and I am happy with it. I was just uninformed and did not realize SOG outsourced some or all of their production. It is because of these factors that I just do not want to put too much money into a Chinese made tool. I will gladly pay $100.00 plus for a Victorinox or a Wenger, and I just did (Ranger Grip), but those companies are world renowned for their quality, and I will pay more for it.

[mulou]

im surprised at the tools quality of the blacktip vs my powerlock. the lock is also a lot better than the powerlock.
I'm guessing the powerassist is as good.
Too bad the assist blades take all the space of the 2nd handle. I'd like a powerlock but with the powerassist/blacktiplock and tool quality ;-)

I suppose buying 2 powerassist or 2 blacktip and mixing handles work but.. meh.