ST Spirit vs. ST

K

klattman

Joined
May 5, 2004
Messages
1,055
Does anyone have both an older ST and a new ST spirit and can compare?
Many people have said that the ST is indestructible, so I want to know how tough the Spirit should be (not having had the chance or desire to destroy mine yet).

Specifically if anyone can compare the design differences between the pliers and the wirecutters (length, width, thickness, shape etc.)

The thing that particularly bugs me is the warning in the Spirit instructions not to cut wire harder than 40Rc. I have never seen such a warning before on an MT. Did the older ST have such a warning? What kind of wire is 40Rc wire anyway...
 
I could be wrong but I think 40 rc is a mild steel wire like chain link fence.

I have only cut copper wire with mine.

I know Gerber makes one of their needle nose a replaceable insert like that used on professional cuting tools. I still prefer the ST
 
mrblond said:
I know Gerber makes one of their needle nose a replaceable insert like that used on professional cuting tools. I still prefer the ST
Click to expand...

That Gerber would be the Legend 800 Series (I don't have one).

My SOG Powerlock will make short work of steel packing bands/straps and anything else I've tried it on. Just wondering if the Spirit can keep up. They look like similar designs and angles, but the spirit has two notches and a shorter straight section.

Since I've never even held an old style ST, I want to know if the Spirit is a 'lightweight' in comparison to the rave ST reviews here, esp. in the wirecutter dept.

Maybe I just need to find a fence...
 
Ok,

I checked one out a few months ago.

This sample locked the pliers open with more of a snap action. They seemed to click into place in a different manor then the original even though the design is conceptually the same.

They were about 20% smaller over all but I wouldn't call'em lightweight by any measure. The quality was top notch but I still woudn't risk cutting anything but the softest of wire. In other words, like the original, the pliers could stand up to a lot of force but the cutting edges will fold long before the pliers.
 
I have both; the original SwissTool and I just recieved my Spirit the other day.

The pliers on the Spirit are longer nosed than the original ST. One of the complaints I have seen from people on the ST was that it was more a snub nose pliers than a needle nose pliers. While still not as long nosed as a Leatherman, the Spirit is slighly longer nosed than the ST.

Another difference I have noticed is the cutting part at the base of the pliers. The original ST was completly straight edged, but the Spirit has a "tooth" and is more rounded at the bottom (labelled the hard wire cutter, not mentioned in instructions with original ST). I have seen the original SwissTool with this design too, so I assume it must be an improvement that Victorinox has incorporated into all versions of the SwissTool that it now makes.
 
gatch said:
I have both; the original SwissTool and I just recieved my Spirit the other day.

The pliers on the Spirit are longer nosed than the original ST. One of the complaints I have seen from people on the ST was that it was more a snub nose pliers than a needle nose pliers. While still not as long nosed as a Leatherman, the Spirit is slighly longer nosed than the ST.

Another difference I have noticed is the cutting part at the base of the pliers. The original ST was completly straight edged, but the Spirit has a "tooth" and is more rounded at the bottom (labelled the hard wire cutter, not mentioned in instructions with original ST). I have seen the original SwissTool with this design too, so I assume it must be an improvement that Victorinox has incorportated into all versions of the SwissTool that it now makes.
Click to expand...

Interesting...
The 'hard-wire" notch is to keep the wire from slipping off/out of the cutters if it takes a fair amount of force to get through it, and to keep the wire as close to the hinge as possible for more leverage.

My Spirit has TWO notches, one at the very base for "hard-wire" (apparently not harder than 40Rc), and then another notch next to it, for slightly softer wire. (The 'tooth' you mention must be where the notches meet.) Most LMs and other multi's have the single notch right at the base or they simply don't have it at all. I wonder why the spirit has these two notches?

I think the 2nd notch might make the cutter weaker for non-wire stubstances like metal bands etc.

Has anyone really abused their ST (old or spirit) wirecutters on something like steel bands or coins?
I wouldn't suggest you try it, but if you already have, please share.

It's hard to know for sure without testing to possible destruction.
 
Hello Klattman,

I have an original ST (without the hardwire cutting notches) and have cut cyclone fence wire (a.k.a. chain-link fence) without much problems. It took a fair amount of force, but the wire cutters were able to cut thru with one swipe. I have also managed to "bite" through a couple of coins with the ST. Steel bands, I haven't got to try yet.

I notice that there is a slightly noticable "compression" (sorry, I have no other term for it) of the edges of the wire cutting blades. Though the blades are still intact and will still cut fine, stranded wire without bending it, there is a slight "nag" when you slowly open or close the pliers head. I assume this is evidence of slight rolling on the cutting edges. HTH. =)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top