Here are my choices in tools:
Gerber Multi Pliers 400 Compact Sport
Don't know this one.
Vic' Swiss Tool in Black Oxide
The Good: Bomb proof, excellent fit and finish, very rust resistant, convenient outside opening of all tools and blades, all the tools I need (with a Micra supplement for scissors).
The Bad: Screwdrivers are "slippy" due to the high polish, not up to those on Leathermen. Plier Jaws stubby. Which kind you prefer depends on your individual needs, but I prefer the Leatherman needle nose pliers. Also, they don't open as wide as the LT's.
The Ugly: Beatifully designed and elegantly executed as the Swisstool may be, I find Leatherman tools and blades easier to access. Vics require more attention to pluck out tools and blades. You need tough, long enough thumbnails to get at each implement. Other people have posted contrary, but that has been my experience. With Leatherman PST, Super Tool and especially the Core, I can get out blades with the flat of my thumb. Even the things that need nails come out easier, I think.
The Good: Great fit and finish, more of a true needlenose pliers with nicely shaped handles, good assortment of tools and somewhat easier to access, lighter weight and smaller, although almost as robust as a full size Swisstool. Good knife blade, if you like serrations and blunt point. Excellent toy for down time boredom relief.
The Bad: Same screwdriver problem as its larger sibling, plier jaws don't open as wide as comparable LT.
The Ugly: Terrible knife blade, if you don't like serrations and blunt point.
These are really in different categories. The Pulse is a bigger, stronger tool. Juices are more for lightweight use. You have to be careful with them, but if you do nothing more strenuous than pulling off butterfly wings (you fiend!), a Juice is more pocketable. If you really need pliers, Pulse is more practical, if larger. Otherwise, IMHO you are better off with a SAK.
Questions:
What order would you place these on your purchase list and why?
Swisstool, Spirit, Pulse, Juice KF4, don't know the Gerber.
Difference in weights, and it's effect on comfort and balance during use?
I find the 10 ounce Swisstool to be a comfortable EDC either in its own nylon pouch or Nite Ize Pockit. No multi-tool is a completely ergonomic package, this Vic included, but all are quite useable for their designed purposes. Although I prefer Leatherman, I could easily make merry with a Swisstool. In fact, based on its construction alone, it could be my first choice in an "if you could have only one" scenario (but really, how often does that ever happen?)
At 7+ ounces, the Spirit takes up less space and weight, a good thing, but is not quite up to extremes of use and abuse. Once, I was able to wrench a stuck valve loose with a Swisstool that had resisted my Spirit. I haven't had either long enough for a thorough trial, but it is a simple matter of physics. The handles are nice, though.
How good scissors work if included?
Worst thing on the Spirit is the scissors, which I find the suckiest ever on a Vic. They don't cut as well as the little Classic, can't even do my fingernails with them except with tiny nips. The Spirit S has an additional plain edge spearpoint knife and loses the nasty scissors, a better arrangement, IMHO.
The Pulse scissors are not bad. I'll stay with the Micra.
How durable overall? rust resistance?, blade sharpness?, useability of the tools when opened (awkward angles once opened, not stable during use, etc)
Of these, the only one that I have busted was the Juice. I crunched down to hard on some thick wire, which sprung the tool. It was fixed by LT warranty service quickly, no charge. The same sort of thing sometimes stymied the other tools, but never caused damage. I still like it, but use the Juice more carefully now. None have ever shown any rust or excessive wear, but I haven't had some of them long enough for a good evaluation.
All blades are as sharp as I can get them and all retain their edges a reasonable length of time, considering the steels used. The cap lifters and can openers in both Vics have worked best, but those on the Pulse are not far off enough to be a deal breaker. The Vic saws are best, although the Juice's is very effective for its size. Once while doing yard work I was too lazy to retrieve a small saw to deal with some small branches, so I turned the Juice saw loose on them. Happiness ensued. Leatherman saws have been steadily improved, I think.
Of the candidates, only the KF4 and Pulse have diamond coated files, way the best. Files on the Swisstools are just okay.
My preference leans towards the KF4 because it has pliers and a multitude of blades so that one will always be ready to use sharp. I'm looking for pliers, a blade or 2 if one is serrated, diamond file, scissors, an awl. I really don't find myself needing a set of screwdrivers or all the rest of the doodads in daily life. Thanks for the replies in advance....
The above are only my personal opinions. Have fun.
