BO Rust Resistance

[cody6268]

For some reason, the 420HC Leatherman uses seems to be really prone to rust.  Both my Super Tool 300 and Leatherman 6 (my only "modern" Leathermans I regularly use) have developed rust spots at one point, which were cleaned off.  I blame the bead blasted finish, as the old tools, which were highly polished have never rusted on me. I've had the urge to purchase a black oxide Leatherman, but not just because it looks cool. 

Do the black oxide versions of the tools resist rust any better than those without that coating?

[Poncho65]

For some reason, the 420HC Leatherman uses seems to be really prone to rust.  Both my Super Tool 300 and Leatherman 6 (my only "modern" Leathermans I regularly use) have developed rust spots at one point, which were cleaned off.  I blame the bead blasted finish, as the old tools, which were highly polished have never rusted on me. I've had the urge to purchase a black oxide Leatherman, but not just because it looks cool. 

Do the black oxide versions of the tools resist rust any better than those without that coating?

I am actually thinking that the black oxide is a controlled rust that they subject the stainless to with an acid Someone will be along shortly that may know better than me  I have never seen a BO tool with regular rust on it come to think of it though so the process must be pretty effective

[Aloha]

See TattooSteves response
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=34962.0

[captain spaulding]

Black Oxide is a form of rust and will indeed help prevent rust on a Leatherman.

Kind of the same thing as putting a forced patina on a blade.

[Poncho65]

See TattooSteves response
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=34962.0

I either got lucky with my response or I read that thread an subconsciously got the idea put in my head

[Aloha]

I've not had any issue with LM rust.  Have I seen rust on LMs?  Yes but those were tools at the flea market and had appeared to not been taken care of.

I've seen rust on a badly treated Swisstool as well.  I'd imagine any tool that isn't coated runs a risk of rust.  I love my BO tools but not because they wont rust.     

[NKlamerus]

Recently I've had some terrible experience with rust.

Using my Wave at the beach I noticed within an hour the teeth were rusting. Ended up swimming with it in my pocket.

Got home and scrubbed the crap out of it and soaked it in T9 Bioshield.

Still some rust spots on the plier pivots.

I had an OHT, and the sea spray alone created some spots.

Personally, I would choose polished and lubed over BO.

[Australia]

Starting to get random rust spots on my Australian issue BO swisstool , but a lot of humidity where I am would not help,

[Wanimator]

One of the purposes of a coating is to retain oil better than the bare steel to prevent corrosion. Corrosion can still occur under most coatings.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_oxide