What are your thoughts on BO multi tools?

[lovenhim]

Hello everyone. I do not own a BO multi but somehow I still want one.  I am curious as to how well the finish holds up.  I know that it will get nicked up and bit and come off over time.  From the pics I have seen of a BO tool they just look nice and I like the black finish.  What are your thoughts on a BO multi and how well they hold up?

[Multitaskertools]

i love black tools 

the BEST finish is QPQ (aka Mellonite), but it's expensive; on our tools we only use it on the pliers, the rest is normal black oxide.

[Chako]

Well...

From what I understand there is a hot and cold Black Oxide process. Therefore there are different BO finishes. What I do know is that on some BO tools, the finish will come off when you get a new tool. This will get all over your hands, clothing, etc... It is customary to clean a new BO tool with a damp rag to take off the excess black oxide.

Black Oxide tools do look very nice, and look nicer worn and used. BO tools tend to build character when worn. The finish will not wear evenly, giving your tool some character. Some like this some don't.

I must say, a BO Victorinox Swiss Tool seems to have a different finish to all other BO tools. The finish is ultra beautiful when worn. This is something you have to see to believe.

So overall, BO tools only give you a different look, and can be messy depending on the process used to coat them. For civilians, it is a fashion statement. For the military, a necessity I would imagine.

[lovenhim]

Thanks for the replies.  I certainly do not need a BO multi however I do want one.    My next dream multi would be a Swisstool.  Maybe one day. 

[yud]

I have never owned one but I think they look awsome

[Paul]

Just returned from the good old USA with this (and a few other shiny things) and it's a week or so old and wearing in nice. It's a kind of dirty black - like that evil looking truck from the film "Duel" - even brownish in the bright light. I really like it. It looks and feels like a beast 

[Zack]

I only use BO tools if a I have choice.  I find they give a little better grip than the SS, and helps keep rust at bay, since thats what it is basically is controlled rust.  The BO that its on the Swisstools and the Spirits is very nice as well.

[AHB]

Just returned from the good old USA with this (and a few other shiny things) and it's a week or so old and wearing in nice. It's a kind of dirty black - like that evil looking truck from the film "Duel" - even brownish in the bright light. I really like it. It looks and feels like a beast 

That's some excellent pics Paul.. 

[Styerman]

I like em , don't have any ATM . I'm planning to buy a black Spirit S .

Chris

[DaveK]

I have loads, but don't have a strong preference for BO, coated, shiny or matt finishes on tools tbh

That said, I still think this is my coolest looking multi:

[jim guy]

I think they are dirty, nasty, ugly things that dont belong in anyones collection. That being said I will post my addy. So everyone can send them to me and I will safely lock them up.

[Chako]

Nice try. 

Here is an older photo of some of my BO Leathermans.

[Mercury]

I have never owned one because I love the shinyness of SS tools, and I am not conducting any covert night ops, so glint off my steel is not a concern.  I've heard that some of them just make your hands dirty, and  I just don't think they are very nice looking.  I'm sure that will change, just like my newfound love of lighter MT's.  If you are really curious, buy one and fiddle with it.  I'm sure someone on this forum would be willing to buy it off you for a good price if you don't like it, or you could trade it for something you want.

[Ben X]

My first Spirit is Black Oxide, I've had it for a month, carrying it everyday, and to my surprise, with rugged use everyday, none of the "silver" is shining through. It's the strangest thing, if you do scratch it it will glisten for a bit, but later I look back and it's back to dull black. It's like it's self-regenerating Anyway, for durability so far I give it an A. For aesthetics, I rather like the polished stainless look as well, it's a tough call on whether to buy a second in stainless and check it out or not. I kind of wonder if it would look less intimidating as well

[AHB]

It's like it's self-regenerating

Swiss Elf Magic.. 

[ryan1835]

i only have one but think its pretty cool id like a more modern bo tool though

[lovenhim]

I still think I would like to own a BO multi, just not sure which one.  Matbe a BO Powerlock or Swisstool 

[Chako]

If you want a very nice finish...go Victorinox Swiss Tool.

[AHB]

If you want a very nice finish...go Victorinox Swiss Tool.

Or Bo Powerlock...  

[Mercury]

 

It's like it's self-regenerating

Swiss Elf Magic..  

 what else do they know??? 

[Deere Man]

I like the look of a BO tool and I like that they show more character with age and use.  However, I don't have one so far because I can't justify the extra cost just for the fashion statement, and the SS models are more readily available at reduced prices.  More importatly, I think it would be a lot harder to find a BO tool if you drop it on the ground or loose track of it then a nice shiny SS tool.  I've lost several BO or black handled pocket knives lately and I'm in no hurry to loose a multi.   

That said, one or two BO tools are on my wish list, so I might get around to picking one up one of these days.