Need Victorinox SwissTool Spirit input

Shadow213

Shadow213

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2005
Messages
1,179
I've been carrying Leathermans for quite a while, since '89, and right now I'd really like to try out something different. I've tried Gerber but wasn't too fond of the opening method that they use. SOG was cool with the compound leverage, I really liked the TiNi Powerlock that I had, but in the end the tool blades weren't too appealing so I sold it.

I've been reading about the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit and was wondering if anyone had any input about this tool. Any pros, cons?

3_0227_Image2_klein.jpg


Thanks :D
 
It's a tough little rascal that's for sure. I use mine daily. My only gripe is the file, I wish it were diamond coated. I really put the phillips to the test last week and seen it "give" some but it popped the screws loose and didn't deform the driver end at all. Plenty satisfied with mine. The sheath is great too.
 
I have both the Spirit and the original SwissTool.

From what I have seen the Spirit is made of the same high robust quality as the original tool. The pliers are more needle nosed than the original.

I am not too impressed with the new scissors, they don't open very wide.

However, I have no issues with the non-pointed serated blade as I carry a SAK as well.
 
Originally posted by klattman,
There are many more reviews here, just do a search or scan though, many are within the last month or so...
Click to expand...

Thanks, but if you reread my first post, you'd see that I have been reading about it.....although I didn't go into detail about what reviews exactly that I've been reading. ;) BTW, your review is quite informative, more so than any that I've read so far...thanks.

However, I was just looking for specific feedback from Vic owners since I'm looking to replace my ST200 for EDC. As I look into it further, I am wondering about the Swisstool as compared to the Swisstool Spirit. :confused: I'd prefer a tool similar to, but not necessarily the same size/capability as the LM.
 
i am still waiting for the arrival of my swisstool spirit plus. i have both the older version of the leatherman wave and the swistool X. i still prefer the toughness of the swisstool. somehow, my wave is a bit dissapointing (thinking of sending it back for warranty)
 
Shadow213 said:
Thanks, but if you reread my first post, you'd see that I have been reading about it.....although I didn't go into detail about what reviews exactly that I've been reading. ;) BTW, your review is quite informative, more so than any that I've read so far...thanks.
Click to expand...
'tis true, you didn't say that you were reading _here_ ;)
Shadow213 said:
However, I was just looking for specific feedback from Vic owners since I'm looking to replace my ST200 for EDC. As I look into it further, I am wondering about the Swisstool as compared to the Swisstool Spirit. :confused: I'd prefer a tool similar to, but not necessarily the same size/capability as the LM.
Click to expand...

I think I can safely say that the old ST and LM Super200 were in the same size class, along with the SOG PowerLock.

The Spirit is definitely in the wave size class and there is NO comparison between my wave and the Spirit. The ONLY thing better about the wave is the one hand opening, but otherwise the Spirit is more solid and has better tools IMHO.

My only concern is the spirit's wirecutters and the multiple notches, which may make it weaker than previous designs (or not, I just don't know yet).

The LM charge is, I think, the only same-size class tool that can compete with the ST Spirit, but it is a different animal so it depends on your needs.

Maybe someone can post the dimensions and weight of the old ST so you can get an idea which size is better.
 
I've been using the Spirit for about two weeks now, and I prefer it to my old-style Leatherman Wave and Supertool, which have been retired to the glove compartments of the cars. It just seems tougher and easier to use the tools.

I dislike the velcro on the pouch - I would prefer a snap.

I also am not liking the knife blade too much. I don't mind the sheepsfoot shape, but I don't care for combo edges and the fact that the blade is only ground on one side makes it awkward to use with my left hand. I just emailed Victorinox to see if they can replace the blade with a conventional SAK one. I'll let you all know what they say.

It's not a deal breaker though if I also carry a folder. I'd just like to get down to one edc tool.
 
I appreciate the input, especially you klattman. Your review alone has pretty much established the Swisstool as being the replacement that I've been looking for. :D I think that the Plus model, with its' extra bits and ratchet, will fit my needs better than any other tool that I've used before.

I had a Charge XTi but, after carrying it along with the bit kit for a while, decided on selling it. This was mainly due to the fact that the ST was/is much stronger for my uses.

Thanks for all the input and now I'm going to see where I can get the best deal....
 
Foilist said:
I've been using the Spirit for about two weeks now, and I prefer it to my old-style Leatherman Wave and Supertool, which have been retired to the glove compartments of the cars. It just seems tougher and easier to use the tools.

I dislike the velcro on the pouch - I would prefer a snap.
Click to expand...
I agree on both counts

Foilist said:
I also am not liking the knife blade too much. I don't mind the sheepsfoot shape, but I don't care for combo edges and the fact that the blade is only ground on one side makes it awkward to use with my left hand. I just emailed Victorinox to see if they can replace the blade with a conventional SAK one. I'll let you all know what they say.
It's not a deal breaker though if I also carry a folder. I'd just like to get down to one edc tool.
Click to expand...

I have taken the serrations off of SAKs before and ground in a V grind instead of a chisel grind. A coarse diamond stone and some patience is all it takes.

You could even drop the spine to make it pointier, but you would need a lot more patience and remember not to remove the nail nick.

(Of course major modifications may void your warranty...)

P.S. I left the serrations on my spirit (I kind of like them on a multi-tool), but on the chisel ground non-serrated part I changed it to V-grind so I can see better for fine work.
 
The only thing I didn't like about the ST Spirit was the fact that it doesn't have a ruler. I actually use that a lot, which is why I bought the ST X instead.

If you have a little patience, try ebay when you decide to buy. I bought my brand new SwissTool X there about two months ago for $43 shipped.
 
scissorhands said:
The only thing I didn't like about the ST Spirit was the fact that it doesn't have a ruler. I actually use that a lot, which is why I bought the ST X instead.

If you have a little patience, try ebay when you decide to buy. I bought my brand new SwissTool X there about two months ago for $43 shipped.
Click to expand...

Good point if you use a ruler often!

FYI, A pocketwrench II (which has a 2" rule - not long enough for everyone) fits in the Spirit PLUS sheath along with the spirit, the ratchet/bits and the CS.
 
i just received the swisstool spirit plus with leather sheath. i liked the curved grips and the size is much smaller than my swisstool X. i noticed that the scissor has smaller opening but i can live with that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top