Been looking for a decent multi-tool for EDC and finally decided on the SOG Power Assist. It had the tools I was looking for, in the right price range, and a nice (or so I thought from the pic on Amazon) Black Oxide finish.

Arrived a couple days ago, opened it this morning only to get black “stuff” all over my hands and had to spend 5 minutes wiping it down with dry paper towels until it was “clean” (ar at least not leaving smudges on my hand every time I touched it).

VERY disappointed with the finish in person (see pics below). I have one SOG folder and one SOG fixed blade. Finish quality on both of those are top notch. I get that it is a tool and will show wear over time, but damn shouldn’t it at least start life looking fresh?

Anyone else have one of the SOG black oxide multi-tools? Did yours look this rough coming out of the box?

I expect I will return it on principal, maybe get the non-BO version or maybe I should keep looking...

Front/back showing marks in finish:




Dry paper towels after wiping (three of the seven used):



Link to the Amazon listing:
https://www.amazon.com/SOG-Pow...3&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1



***UPDATE 7/19/19***

Got email from the Amazon seller. They were apologetic and unabashedly placed the blame on Amazon for "sending it out in that condition". Not sure how it was Amazons fault, yes they fulfilled it b ut it came in sealed retail packaging and condition could not be determined until it was opened. I let them know I didn't think it was their (seller) or Amazon "fault" but QC issue from SOG.

So... I stopped by SOG HQ in sunny Lynnwood WA on my way home from work today. Surprised to see they actually have a retail showroom and DO sell product from that location (at full boat retail though...)

I explained the issue to the lady working the counter and she was kind enough to pull two or three other Black Oxide Multi-tools to compare. ALL of them had similar marks and uneven/inconsistent finish/coating. Though none made anywhere near the same amount of mess on my fingers. She didn't seem the least concerned by it and essentially said that's just the way it is with the Black Oxide coating.

Best I can guess, they just figure if they are putting the coating on, no point in doing a quality job since it is getting covered anyway.

I was floored at her casual and entirely unconcerned and unapologetic manner. When I asked, she did show me a stainless, uncoated one for comparison and I found it to be smooth, well polished and with no finish flaws. It looked like what I would expect for something new. No explanation of "why" the BO ones have the scuffs, no offer to swap for a Stainless, etc. No real attempt at customer service at all from why viewpoint.



Looks like I have bought my last SOG product. Return label printed and going back to Amazon. Will continue my search and look at Gerber and Leatherman offerings.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 911Boss,

could it be a counterfeit Sog?

I've gotten stuff off amazon before that was fake.

quote:

Originally posted by pbramlett:
could it be a counterfeit Sog?

Very first thing I thought of. Though the seller does have a high rating. Seems legit.

I find it harder and harder nowadays to trust the things I buy off of Amazon.

It almost looks like it was cold-blued...in China.

SOG has seriously declined in quality over the past ~10+ years.

Seems like it started around the time they went after the Wal-Mart contract, and started stocking the shelves there with low quality Chinese-made SOG-branded gear.

I have found SOG multi tools to be lacking. I was unhappy with one I got years ago, it did not have positive blade retention designed into it. It was chrome, so I don't know about finish issues.

Packaging was all top notch, looked to be factory sealed.

The quality of the tools itself seems legit, solid materials and function. The the only issue is with the finish. Looks like it might had been dropped and kicked across the floor before of after the finish process and then packed dirty.

Never had that kind of muck on anything. Not like a protective coating you would see on a magazine, it was uneven and in some places but not others. None of the marks were visible UNTIL it was wiped down. A cynical person might think the goo was there intentionally to hide them.


SOG corporate is just down the road from me, I guess I could stop by and see what they say. Don’t know if they are able to respond to folks dropping in though.

Heh. Note the warning on their website at https://www.sogknives.com/type...pouch-clam-pack.html

"WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including carbon-black extracts"

Maybe that's their way of telling you "you'll get the black finish all over your hands".

Checking their customer reviews, your problem appears to be, not uncommon.

Never been a fan of SOG
Leatherman is the leader in multi[tools

Having sold Leatherman as a sales rep, coatings on tools can be a problem.

Contact SOG and find out if there was a recall or, issue. Keep your packaging and send your photos.

It looks used to me.

Are you sure it wasn't some return that was sealed back up and re-sold as "new"?

Agree on the decline in quality of SOG. I bought an SOG Folder a year or so back and the blade broke.... Length wise. Never saw that before! I have a couple of older SOGs that are fine. I thought about sending it back but just tossed it.
Leatherman all the way. They stand behind their stuff.

I think you've been hosed

send it back and go to a local gun shop and see what they have on the shelf

try not to buy off Amazon -

Stop by their store in Lynnwood and tell them what you got.

quote:

Originally posted by Gunfan:
Stop by their store in Lynnwood and tell them what you got.

Did just that today, they were considerably less than even slightly interested. See update in OP...

Sorry you are having an issue with this.

I have not purchased a SOG tool in quite some time, but the quality of mine are excellent.

I have a black Leatherman Wave that had a similar issue to your SOG, but not nearly to that degree. Today it is well worn and no longer an issue.

I've got the same tool in my toolbox. Heck, I've beat it around and it's got plenty of marks and experience all over it.

I never considered it something that should be pretty.

I EDC a victorinox multi tool and I’ve owned and do own several brands. The victorinox is the best made and my favorite. Check them out!

Get a Leatherman. I have a Supertool 200 that has been on my duty belt since around 2000. It is still going strong, no broken parts, and has helped me out in a wide variety of situations.