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Advice on multi-tool for hiking trips in the mountains
- Thread starter Phaselock
- Start date
The Victoniox SwissTool Spirit has more than you would need and it tips the scales at 163g but it has a lot of tools on it while being quite compact and since you carry a fixed blade already, and if it is a plain edge, then the single blunt-nosed serrated blade on the Spirit would compliment it quite nicely. The fit & finish of it is amazing also and is much more rust resistant than Leathermans. Much, much, much more resistant. I've had my SwissTool RS since '97 and it doesn't have a bit of rust on it whereas my LM Pulse is quite rusty and I got it 6 years after the SwissTool. I fully expect my Wave to rust but I'm OK with it. I know it will but it still works and works well. Plus you can get the Spirit for around $50.
The SwissTool Spirit is very nice. Only 163g, I actually thought it was heavier. The price is very good too. But I do not like the blades on it. And I do not like serrated blades since they are not easy to sharpen. Thanks for the tip! The skeletool has all the basic tools I need but I think it is too expensive in relation to the number of tools. It also depends whether it is tough enough.
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- Dec 15, 2008
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I also recommend the SwissTool Spirit. It's a little heavier and a little more expensive than what you're looking for, but it does so much more. It's a pretty small package (it's smaller in every dimension than a Vic one-hand Trekker) but it performs and feels like a full size multi-tool.
There are now 3 flavors of Spirits; the original Spirit with the serrated blade (actually it's a multi-edge with about 2/3 serrated, and the tip is flat rather than pointed), the Spirit S with both a serrated and a spear-point non-serrated blade (which replaces the scissors), and the Spirit X with just a spear-point non-serrated blade (and it still has the scissors). On top of that (just to make it more confusing
), there are oxidized black versions, as well as the Spirit Plus which has a wrench and hex bits, and then the Spirit Plus Ratchet that has a ratcheting wrench and hex bits. It sounds to me like the Spirit X would suit you best. Most of the varieties, and probably the best prices you'll find on the Spirit, can be found here.
The single biggest problem I had with buying a Spirit was that I couldn't find a brick & mortar store that carried them, so I couldn't actually hold it before deciding to buy it. However, I kept reading review after review that recommended it, so finally I just went for it. I got it before the S and X versions came out, and I was weary of the goofy looking serrated blade, but I've come to love it. It's seriously the sharpest blade I've ever had from a factory. It's ok that it doesn't have a sharp point, because it has an awl and a chisel (both of which are better suited to push into something than a knife blade).
The build quality is absolutely amazing. If it gets dirty, just wash in a little soapy water, rinse, and oil it a little. Chances are it will never rust. It's small enough that I EDC it in my front left pocket without a sheath, and I just have to blow the lint off it every now and then. The handle can get a little slippery when wet, but I attached a paracord wrist lanyard to it with a fishing swivel, and it works fantastic.
It also has a decent can opener, a bottle opener, a pretty good wire cutter, a nice file, and an excellent little saw. Also, every single tool locks into place (and you don't know how awesome that is unless you've been pinched hard using a non-locking tool). The only thing I feel it lacks when compared to similar tools is a ruler. The handle is curved so that it's more ergonomic, so it doesn't have a straight edge. I like the feel of the curved handle, so it's a compromise I'll accept.
Well, I've probably rambled on enough about the Spirit, but hopefully it helps you find a multi-tool that fits your needs. If not, maybe it will help somebody else.
There are now 3 flavors of Spirits; the original Spirit with the serrated blade (actually it's a multi-edge with about 2/3 serrated, and the tip is flat rather than pointed), the Spirit S with both a serrated and a spear-point non-serrated blade (which replaces the scissors), and the Spirit X with just a spear-point non-serrated blade (and it still has the scissors). On top of that (just to make it more confusing
), there are oxidized black versions, as well as the Spirit Plus which has a wrench and hex bits, and then the Spirit Plus Ratchet that has a ratcheting wrench and hex bits. It sounds to me like the Spirit X would suit you best. Most of the varieties, and probably the best prices you'll find on the Spirit, can be found here.The single biggest problem I had with buying a Spirit was that I couldn't find a brick & mortar store that carried them, so I couldn't actually hold it before deciding to buy it. However, I kept reading review after review that recommended it, so finally I just went for it. I got it before the S and X versions came out, and I was weary of the goofy looking serrated blade, but I've come to love it. It's seriously the sharpest blade I've ever had from a factory. It's ok that it doesn't have a sharp point, because it has an awl and a chisel (both of which are better suited to push into something than a knife blade).
The build quality is absolutely amazing. If it gets dirty, just wash in a little soapy water, rinse, and oil it a little. Chances are it will never rust. It's small enough that I EDC it in my front left pocket without a sheath, and I just have to blow the lint off it every now and then. The handle can get a little slippery when wet, but I attached a paracord wrist lanyard to it with a fishing swivel, and it works fantastic.
It also has a decent can opener, a bottle opener, a pretty good wire cutter, a nice file, and an excellent little saw. Also, every single tool locks into place (and you don't know how awesome that is unless you've been pinched hard using a non-locking tool). The only thing I feel it lacks when compared to similar tools is a ruler. The handle is curved so that it's more ergonomic, so it doesn't have a straight edge. I like the feel of the curved handle, so it's a compromise I'll accept.
Well, I've probably rambled on enough about the Spirit, but hopefully it helps you find a multi-tool that fits your needs. If not, maybe it will help somebody else.
Thank you! I did not know there were so many different SwissTool Spirit models. Thank you for taking the time to explain the difference between the models and the experience you have with it. Spirit X is the model that fits me best of Spirit models. I have read about several people recommend this because of the quality of the fit and finish. It is perhaps worth a try 
I read that many people have trouble losing bits of the screwdriver on the Wave and Skeletool. That is not a good thing
UPDATE: After reading about the Swisstool Spirit X they are not 160 grams but actually closer to 200 grams. Can anyone please confirm exact weight of the SwissTool Spirit X?
I read that many people have trouble losing bits of the screwdriver on the Wave and Skeletool. That is not a good thing
UPDATE: After reading about the Swisstool Spirit X they are not 160 grams but actually closer to 200 grams. Can anyone please confirm exact weight of the SwissTool Spirit X?
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- Jan 31, 2009
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Swisstool spirit is a great choice, i got its bigger brother the Swisstool X and highly recommend the Swisstool series. Ive googled and come up with 2 weights, either 160 or abit over 200grams. Maybe its with/without sheath?
I´m not sure. Here is where i read it: http://www.trailspace.com/gear/victorinox-swiss-army/swisstool-spirit-x/review/18243/
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2005
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On Amazon.com the Spirit was originally but erroneously described in the specs as weighing 5.75 oz./163 g. This error was spread and persists on many web sites. The Spirit actually weighs, according to a post office scale I used, 7.23 oz./205 g. Although I and apparently many others have advised Amazon and other internet vendors of this discrepancy, there have been no corrections. Quite a few purchasers have been misled by this misinformation and I can't understand why it has gone on so long without having been amended.
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Sorry, I've searched around a bit, and haven't found anything conclusive. If I had a scale I'd weigh mine. My best guess is that the lower weight is the Spirit "naked" and the higher weight is packaged weight or with the sheath... but that's still just a guess.
Many people here have Spirits, so hopefully one of them also has a scale.
edit: oops, I should've read znapschatz' post before I replied. I guess it may be a bit too heavy for you. That's a really odd error to have persist for so long. Even at Victorinox' own site it lists it as 5.75 oz: http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Pages/Product.aspx?category=swisstool&product=53800&
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That explains how Amazon and other retailers got it wrong.
How can a company that is so meticulous in its manufacturing be so sloppy in its product description? How much time and effort would it have taken to correct it?
Just found this forum and this is my first post.
I have a variety of SAKs and Leatherman products and haven't found one that is perfect for every application.
Overall I like the Wave but it is overkill for most EDC applications.
I have a Juice CS2 and my dislike is the knife blade. I can't seem to ever get a good edge.
I also have a Squirt P4 and the pliers broke on it removing a heavy staple. Leatherman replaced it promptly, but my opinion of Leatherman quality is not what it was before this incident.
I have a Wenger SAK with the pliers (can't remember the model name) and the other posters are correct, the pliers are small and not anywhere comparable to the Leatherman's pliers.
I prefer the Wenger scissors to the Victorinox scissors and the Leatherman scissors have been acceptable on everything except the Micra(they were terrible).
I prefer the SAK blades to those on the Leatherman products across the board.
I like the Victorinox Super Tinker and it would be ideal if they could put some really good pliers on it.
My suggestion is to check out as many as you can and find a suitable compromise that meets the majority of your requirements.
Good luck.
I have a variety of SAKs and Leatherman products and haven't found one that is perfect for every application.
Overall I like the Wave but it is overkill for most EDC applications.
I have a Juice CS2 and my dislike is the knife blade. I can't seem to ever get a good edge.
I also have a Squirt P4 and the pliers broke on it removing a heavy staple. Leatherman replaced it promptly, but my opinion of Leatherman quality is not what it was before this incident.
I have a Wenger SAK with the pliers (can't remember the model name) and the other posters are correct, the pliers are small and not anywhere comparable to the Leatherman's pliers.
I prefer the Wenger scissors to the Victorinox scissors and the Leatherman scissors have been acceptable on everything except the Micra(they were terrible).
I prefer the SAK blades to those on the Leatherman products across the board.
I like the Victorinox Super Tinker and it would be ideal if they could put some really good pliers on it.
My suggestion is to check out as many as you can and find a suitable compromise that meets the majority of your requirements.
Good luck.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 138
It sounds all fun to not have pliers until you get off the mountain, go to a public bathroom to do your business and the lock on the stall is so tight you can't open it by hand. That when you use your pliers for nice extra leverage and avoid looking like a right muppet by begging for help. True story.
Most the time though I don't use my pliers unless I am out camping and so on and have my telescopes with me. Up on the mountain hiking I am not sure I really have much gear with me that need the pliers.
Most the time though I don't use my pliers unless I am out camping and so on and have my telescopes with me. Up on the mountain hiking I am not sure I really have much gear with me that need the pliers.