leatherman vs Victorinox pro's and not many con's

F

Ford1911

Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Messages
366
I purchased my first leatherman last year and was not impressed. I did a review here. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1192980-My-Vic-Handyman-vs-LM-Juice-CS4?highlight=juice+cs4

After doing some reading I was considering trying another leatherman. This time a Wave. I EDC a SAK and was also interested in the Swisstool models. I ended up buying both. Or in this case 3.

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I just got them all today so I won't be able to put them to much of a test until I return to work Monday.

The first thing I want to say is that I am thrilled with the quality of the Leatherman. I had low expectations after the Juice.

The Swisstools are a cut above in how smooth they are but the Leatherman seems more than adequate.

Since this topic has been beaten to death I will just give a quick pro's and con's on the Leatherman vs the Swisstool's

Leatherman Pro's
One hand opening blades
Blade shape of the knives
Diamond file
scissors open wider than those on the Spirit
changeable bits

Victorinox Pro's
All tools open on the outside
Swisstool models, it seems as it will be harder to pinch your hand. Especially on the Spirit
more tools
longer extensions
better fit and finish
Spirit is lighter weight

My plan as of right now is to use the Leatherman Wave at work and the Spirit any other time.
I wear gloves and the one hand opening is easier. Although the Spirit model isn't a problem opening any tools with my work gloves on. The Swisstool has a couple tools that are difficult to open with gloves on.

Honestly it is a toss up between the Spirit and the Wave. It would be hard to go wrong with either. The Swisstool is nice too, as of right now I prefer the Spirit and Wave over it.

I give the edge to Victorinox in Fit and Finish and the edge to Leatherman in design features.

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I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a Vic swisstool, but having my wave for about 2 months, I don't see any gain. I do like the plier profile on the Wave more than the Vic. Although, as an aside, my Pioneer flat screwdriver tool came in extremely handy on Sunday afternoon. My Wave flat was too big. ( I do carry both on the job, glad I do) Thanks for the comparison post!
 
If one hand opening isn't a must for you, I bet you fall in love with a Spirit. :) Also, get one with the leather sheath. Don't know how it will hold up but it sure looks nice.
 
I am a huge life long fan of everything Victorinox. However the Leatherman Wave is an excellent tool. I prefer some of the individual tool designs of Victorinox's, but the Wave's one handed operation is hard to beat.
 
I was looking at a Wave at Home Depot today. Must be a high theft item, it was sealed inside some kind of wire basket. It was pretty expensive but looked good.
 
I have the original model Wave and I still like it - great MT.
I also have a SwissTool X and like that too.

For harder use with more pressure required the Pliers are better on the SwissTool IMO. I've pinched skin using the Wave the same way.
I really like the tools all opening on the outside and all locking on the SwissTool.

On the Wave the file is the one stand out feature, better overall than the file on the SwissTool.

Otherwise both are really nice and can handle many everyday tasks without issue.
 
Great work! I usually just carry a dedicated set of pliers with my Super Tinker if I'm going afoot and afar. My Leatherman pinches my hands when I try to use it and I don't trust liner locks.
 
The other day I bought 2 Wave MTs and 2 Charge Ti MTs so everyone in my immediate family has a MT. I was really disappointed with the stiffness and grinding feel of them compared to an OLD SuperTool and Crunch I have. So I started just working the tools by opening it and closing it many times. Now my Charge Ti is much smoother. I love these tools and I thought about buying a Victorinox, but I've been happy with Leatherman for a long time. BTW the Wave is nearly as nice a tool as the Charge Ti, but for lots less $.

My first post.
 
Welcome to the forums, ScottsBad! Thanks for some info about your multiple new multitools. :thumbup::thumbup:

- GT
 
If you like one hand operation, take a look at the Buck Utility X-Tract. I have the Fin (needle nose pliers). Some models have an LED light also. All open/close and lock with one hand operation.
Rich
 
EricJ
I've often thought the dedicated pliers plus SAK was a good solution for several reasons. May I ask what style pliers you chose? Thanks.
 
I have a Wave and a Spirit. Both are quality tools, but wait until the Wave bites your hand while using the pliers. Mine is in the drawer after giving it too many chances. Spirit is the one to carry.
 
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