Opinions on the Victorinox SwissTool vs Leatherman & others?

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Gadgetaholic

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I currently EDC a Victorinox Cybertool 34 & a Leatherman Wave - these are 10 1/2 years old & 10 years old. I have bought 4 more SAKs recently, but none of them can replace my Cybertool - I'm a computer tech and that SAK is f'n brilliant for my EDC needs!

So, the Wave . . .
Well I like the LM Wave and have enjoyed carrying it for the last 10 years, but it isn't perfect. The pliers are decent enough and the outer tools are good but there are negatives . . .

The serrated blade is the only serrated blade I own, but I never use it. I keep all my plain edge blades sharp enough to cut through damn near anything. The only things my PE blades can't cut tend to require a saw or file/metal saw.

The internal tools:
I love the scissors, they are really good.
The rest I never use! They clump together really badly, making them a pain to open. The can opener is rubbish compared to the Victorinox one. By this I mean that it is MUCH easier to open a can with the Victorinox can opener, so why would I bother using the LM Wave one?
The screwdrivers aren't a patch on what I have available on my Cybertool.
The fact that the tools are less accessible makes it a better option to reach for the SAK instead.


So, now I'm thinking of trying a Victorinox SwissTool X.
This seems to have the tools I want to carry and I like that the tools are all opened from the outside of the SwissTool. It seems that it features a stronger beefier pair of pliers too.
I have a lot of faith in the Victorinox quality standards and believe that this tool would last at least a decade, probably much longer.
I understand that the tools don't clump at all and are rather like beefier versions of what is on their SAKs. This sounds pretty good to me.


So yeah, the SwissTool X looks like something I'd like.
Another option would be the SwissTool Spirit X - a lighter version. Has anyone here used both? Opinions?
I really do like the EDCing of a SAK + MT as this covers my needs in so many situations, but if I'm lugging these tools around then they may as well be as close to perfect for me as I can get them.
I'm especially keen on thoughts from people that have used a SwissTool as well as other MTs - pros & cons, likes & dislikes, etc.
 
I have a Spirit.

(I also have a Wave, Charge TTi, Super Tool 300, Skeletool CX, Juice S2, and a few others — Vic, Leatherman, and more.)

For the weight, I think the Spirit is the best mid-size tool for EDC, if there isn't a deal-breaker for you in its feature set. The quality is just better than Leatherman.

The Spirit has pretty narrow openings on its scissors, and they're small: much smaller than on a full-size SAK. That said, they do little trimming and cord-cutting jobs just fine. I believe the full-size SwissTool has larger scissors.

The blade on the Spirit is a front-serrated butterknife-style blade; I find it to be a great complement to the conventional knife I carry. The knife blade also is not a one-hand opener.

The full-size SwissTool and the Spirit X have a regular SAK-style spearpoint blade, and there's another variant of the Spirit that has both styles of blade without the scissors, so you have some flexibility on this count.

The only advantages to me of the Leatherman Wave/Charge/etc. (in this size range), which you can view as deal-breakers for the Spirit if you need them:

* One-hand blades.
* Pocket clip available.
* Better scissors.
* Diamond file (on some models). Apparently the SwissTool X's file is different to the Spirit's, so I can't really comment on that.
* Built-in bit driver (on some models)… granted, it's a half-width Leatherman one, but better than nothing! The SwissTools have an optional ratcheting driver, which in retrospect I should have bought.

In every other respect, the Spirit is better: smoother opening, better locks, better standard drivers, more comfortable, better tools (cap lifter, can opener, awl, chisel). I'm ignoring features from, say, the Super-Tool — if you want replaceable cutters, then you're not going to be pocket-carrying this thing!

I usually don't need a bit driver (if I do, I have a real one in my bag), can make do without a pocket clip, and I have a one-hand knife with me, so I enjoy carrying the Spirit. Sometimes I'll clip the Charge to my pocket if one of those deciding factors changes, or I'll drop down to a Juice if I don't want the weight of the Spirit and just want to have something with me, just in case. The Juice rides much better in a shirt pocket!

If I were a belt holster guy, the Spirit would win easily. For me, the absolutely fantastic feel of how the Spirit's tools open and close means I can hardly bear to use my Leathermans; they seem cobbled together and ill-fitting. It's like a 90s American car versus a BMW.
 
Thanks holygoat, it's good to get an opinion from someone that has used a Victorinox multi-tool as well as various others.

I really would prefer larger scissors and a plain edge blade.

The only advantages to me of the Leatherman Wave/Charge/etc. (in this size range), which you can view as deal-breakers for the Spirit if you need them:

* One-hand blades.
* Pocket clip available.
* Better scissors.
* Diamond file (on some models). Apparently the SwissTool X's file is different to the Spirit's, so I can't really comment on that.
* Built-in bit driver (on some models)… granted, it's a half-width Leatherman one, but better than nothing! The SwissTools have an optional ratcheting driver, which in retrospect I should have bought.
Click to expand...

I'm not too worried about one handed opening and I prefer not to have a pocket clip.
I do like the diamond file on my Wave, but that's probably not a deal breaker.
My Wave is the older model without the bit driver, but I've read some negative reviews on the newer Wave which has the bit driver. This isn't that big an issue to me since my Cybertool has a bit driver and is enough to build a PC from scratch.


I guess the only issue I have is with the US$90 it costs to buy a new SwissTool X, my finances aren't great and my spare money is pretty limited. I might need to just wait for a 2nd hand one to come up for sale.
 
I own several multi-tools: Gerber, Paladin (SOG), a Victorinox 'SwissTool'. Of these three brands, the 'SwissTool' is by far the 'hands-down' winner in sheer quality. The SOG would definitely take 2nd place, but does have the compound-leverage feature on it's pliers. The scissors though are kind of cheap looking. Gerber's are at best a very 'light usage' stop-gap tool, when nothing else is available, plus they have Fiskars scissors in the cluster. Most of Gerber's other cluster tools are made of some kind of 'cheap' pot metal, which isn't heat-treated very well IMO. The Leatherman's look equal to the 'SwissTool' in quality and construction. I'll probably buy a 'Crunch' to augment my SAK EDC, and then, move into a heavy-duty 'Super Tool 300'. The '300' will most likely see a regular rotation with my SwissTool, as I like the 'removable' wire-cutter blades. The 'warranty' of the Leatherman is just another consideration for the quality-conscious buyer.
 
Zephyr One/Zero said:
The 'warranty' of the Leatherman is just another consideration for the quality-conscious buyer.
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Is it any better than the warranty on the Victorinox? I mean in the sense that Victorinox give a lifetime warranty their tools from faults (but not abuse). Since I don't abuse my gear I doubt this would be an issue.
After 10 1/2 years of EDC my Cybertool has not had a single part broken or lost - the pen still writes, I still have all 4 bits, tweezers, stainless steel pin, toothpick and the little screwdriver that lives in the corkscrew.

I'll definitely leave Gerber out of consideration, it doesn't sound like a tool I'd want to own. Generally I like to buy quality and have it last me for decades.
 
How about Leatherman Juice?
compared to Spirit X, Juice has...
More finer pliers
Much longer scissors
Longer knife
Weights and costs significantly less.

It also has better can opener then your old leatherman. Scissors and knife open from outside and don't clutter b/c they open from different pivot point.

Spirit is awesome tool (I own one) but to go with your cybertool, Juice seems better option.

IMO, both of their warranties are almost the same. Practically speaking, warranty's years have little effect on what happens after 25 years.

Checkout nutnfancy's reviews on Juice and Spirit. Should give you better idea.

Even if you go with Spirit, you won't go vastly wrong. So not lot to gain or lose b/w these two.
 
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The LM Juice looks like a really nice multi-tool, but I'm thinking that I'd rather complement my Cybertool with something much more different in capability. I watched Nutnfancy's revue of the Juice & SwissTool Spirit & SwissTool and I still think that the SwissTool X is the one that I'd like to try carrrying. I really don't care if it is a bit heavier than my LM Wave and I like that it is a really strong solid tool.
 
Ive got a Leatherman Wave, Juice CS4, Knifeless Fuse and Kick. I also had the Charge Ti but i sold that one when i got the Wave. Also have a Gerber MP600 and a Victorinox Swisstool X.

My Swisstool is my fav tool by far. Only minus is that its too heavy for pocket carry, so i carry mine in my pack. If you like the scissors on your Wave, then youre going to fall in love with those on the Swisstool X.

I prefer the hardwire cutters on the Wave though, as they have a longer cutting surface, but the Swisstool gets the job done just fine.

Holygoat said everything else i wanted to say, so im not going to repeat what he said. IF you have any specific questions let me know, and ill do my best to answer them.
 
Gadgetaholic said:
The LM Juice looks like a really nice multi-tool, but I'm thinking that I'd rather complement my Cybertool with something much more different in capability. I watched Nutnfancy's revue of the Juice & SwissTool Spirit & SwissTool and I still think that the SwissTool X is the one that I'd like to try carrrying. I really don't care if it is a bit heavier than my LM Wave and I like that it is a really strong solid tool.
Click to expand...

Yup SwissTool is stronger. It's meant for heavy duty.
I have Spirit S not the SwissTool but I know it won't fail you. GL.
 
I got the swisstool rs and couldn't be happier.I love leatherman but I just love this swiss tool a tad more. Shhh don't tell Leatherman. :D
 
I own a Vic Spirit Plus (a regular Spirit and a wrench+ bit kit in a larger sheath).

It's about the same size as the Wave. The full sized Swisstool is pretty big.

The scissors are pretty small and don't open very far, though. They are completely open in most pictures you will see.
 
Well, I'm still set on getting a Victorinox SwissTool X if I can get one at a good price. But in typical BF fashion I now would also like to buy a Leatherman Juice & a Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X. You guys should get jobs wearing devil's outfits and sitting on people's shoulders!

Unfortunately I can't afford to buy everything I want so I'll see what I can find in a reasonably priced SwissTool X and leave the Juice & Spirit X for later.
 
I am a big Leatherman fan. I have owned legit every single model at one time but with trades and such I don't have the full collection anymore. But, I look at it like this. I like my Victorinox multitools (Swisstool and Spirit) for camping and outdoor use whereas I like Leathermans for around the house, glove box, and just actually using the screwdrivers and pliers. It's no secret that the Leatherman drivers are superior to those on Victorinox MTs. But, I like the awl, can opener, saw, chisel, and the rust resistance of Victorinox multitools for camping, hiking, and so fourth. So I would say a Leatherman is best for the tradesmen, laborers, and workers whereas Victorinox is for outdoorsman, explorers, and so fourth. That is purely my opinion but as you read, I have a lot of valid reasons for my conclusion.
 
Gadgetaholic said:
so I'll see what I can find in a reasonably priced SwissTool X
Click to expand...

I was bidding on a new one on ebay, but the price went above what I wanted to pay in the last few seconds. I checked for others on ebay, but they were no cheaper than Amazon's price. I checked Amazon (again) and apart from $89.99 new there were also 6 new from $84.99 and 1 used for $61.99. The used one was described as being 'as new condition' and I hope that is accurate, because I've bought it.

I'll try carrying it and see how it goes, I still have my Leatherman Wave (old model) and I can always use whichever one I don't carry around home, keep it in the vehicle or put it in a BOB.

Now I just have to wait for the free shipping to CA followed by consolidation with a couple of other packages and shipping to NZ.
 
Congrats on the purchase! Hopefully it arrives soon!

I carried a LM Wave everyday for 3years and loved the thing. Eventually I picked up a Victorinox Farmer and the quality of that thing got me interested into getting on of the plier based Vic's. I ended up picking up the SwissTool Spirit X and couldnt be happier with that purchase.
 
Leatherman Wave for me (although I don't own one of the SwissTools). I've got the original Leatherman, the Supertool, the Wave, and now the Charge TTi. The Wave is the one that I like the most, even over the Charge. Add the bit kit and it is darn near perfect.
 
I might be able to help ya . I have owned a Swisstool X , I own a Spirit X and a Wave . IMVHO , the Wave and Spirit ( in no particular order ) are the best middleweight Multi's out there . I prefer the Spirit by a narrow margin , mostly due to it's great implement quality , and ergonomics . ( feels like steel bewbies in the hand + superb F/F ) .

As far as I'm concerned the Spirit has 95% of the Swisstool's capabilities in a smaller nicer package . The Swisstool maybe stronger , but for my applications , that's pretty theoretical .

I have to admit , I like serrated blades for dirty workplace type cutting ( nasty stuff liker fibreglass re enforced banding tape , cardboard etc ) . That was one of the tools I used most on the Wave . I don't care for partially serrated , or serrated folders , but the dedicated serrated blade on a multi is cool by me .

Chris
 
cdf said:
I have to admit , I like serrated blades for dirty workplace type cutting ( nasty stuff liker fibreglass re enforced banding tape , cardboard etc ) . That was one of the tools I used most on the Wave . I don't care for partially serrated , or serrated folders , but the dedicated serrated blade on a multi is cool by me.
Click to expand...

That's the interesting thing with knives, SAKs & Multi-tools - things that one person doesn't like & never uses can be another persons favourite & most used thing.

I've carried my LM Wave for a decade and never yet needed the serrated blade, there is just nothing that I do that requires it and I've never found the plain edge blades lacking. I do keep my PE blades sharp and I touch them up at night if I've used them during the day - even if they are still plenty sharp enough.

When I looked at the standard & X & RS models I knew that the 'X' version was the only one that appealed to me. I want scissors, I want a file/metal saw & I want a plain edge blade.

Does anyone else often need to cut cable ties (zip ties)? I have found that the best tool for that job is a pair of side-cutters (which I don't carry) and the 2nd best tool is a pair of scissors. A knife is really not very good at all for that task. The scissors on my Cybertool are a little small for the job, the scissors on my LM Wave are better - but I have to open my Wave up and then open the scissors, I think scissors that open from the outside of the tool would be much better.
It is often necessary to cut several cable ties to be able to remove a faulty PSU from a computer - I look forward to testing out the SwissTool X for this task.

The RS version really doesn't appeal to me at all - I never have to cut seatbelts so I am not going to carry a tool that has a blade specifically for that purpose, especially if I lose another useful tool to gain a tool that I never use. If I ever find myself at an accident and have to help someone trapped in a car by cutting a seatbelt then I'll just do the best with one of my PE blades - my guess is that I could do the job just fine with any of my SAK or MT blades.
I can understand someone like a paramedic or other rescue type worker buying a RS tool, but for me there is no reason to choose that variant.

As far as the Spirit goes - I'm concerned that the scissors don't really look like they would be any better than my Cybertool ones and may be disappointing compared to my LM Wave ones. The SwissTool Spirit X actually looks pretty good and I'd be keen to buy one if I didn't already have a Wave, but since I do have a Wave then I have doubts about whether it would be enough different to make it worth making the change.

Maybe I'll decide that the SwissTool is too heavy and I don't want to carry it - if that happens I'll probably store it in the vehicle and go back to the Wave. If I ever need to replace the Wave then I'll consider buying a Spirit X instead of a new Wave.
 
I think it's a function of occupation , I use serrateds a lot for stuff like panneling , drywall , cordage , you name it. I never use Multi scissors on cable ties , as I carry a pair of Kline electrician's scissors in a belt sheath . The Spirit scissors mostly get used for hangnails , , trimming lables , and delicate work .

I like the RS , the curved blade is devine for rope and webbing . In all honesty the scissors on your Cybertool are superior to the Spirit ones . Gotta admit I'm quite satisfied with the ones on the spirit . I've never liked , or in fact used the scissors on the Wave .

To be totally honest I often pack the wave in non permissive enviroments as a tactical substitute , it gets 0 attention on a tradesman's belt .

Another great feature is the scraper /slitter/chisel thingy - got me out of a lot of jams . The bottle opener being capable on light prying on both the Swisstool and Spirit is also a big plus .

Horses for Courses .

I think you will like the Swisstool .

Chris
 
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