Supertool Vs. Swisstool

[navihawk]

Which ones better? I would have thought the Swisstool is better,fit and finish anyways.Knives are on the outside, better operating locks.There's one of each on the bay, and Leathermans ahead by 1.

 

[fishtale]

I have both. The Swisstool is the one I usually end up carrying.

 

[navihawk]

I can't get my fingernails into the nail nicks.Otherwise it's a beauty.Needle nose is a little thick also.

 

[znapschatz]

Which ones better? I would have thought the Swisstool is better,fit and finish anyways.Knives are on the outside, better operating locks.There's one of each on the bay, and Leathermans ahead by 1.

A lot depends on how you use them. As an EDC for occasional use, either would do the job. Swisstool fit and finish are great, Leatherman is good enough. There are other things to consider in a functional tool, however. Even though Swisstool implements can be opened from the closed handles, I have found easier access to those on the Super Tool. Because they are not held in place by strong backsprings, it is far less strain on the thumbnails, or you can lift them with the flat of your thumb. This can be an issue if you are going into your tool often in a short period of time, or all day long. That, plus better screwdrivers and true needle nose pliers, tips it toward the Super Tool for me (but if the price were right, I could go for either ).

BTW, is that the original ST or an ST 200 on auction?

 

[navihawk]

A lot depends on how you use them. As an EDC for occasional use, either would do the job. Swisstool fit and finish are great, Leatherman is good enough. There are other things to consider in a functional tool, however. Even though Swisstool implements can be opened from the closed handles, I have found easier access to those on the Super Tool. Because they are not held in place by strong backsprings, it is far less strain on the thumbnails, or you can lift them with the flat of your thumb. This can be an issue if you are going into your tool often in a short period of time, or all day long. That, plus better screwdrivers and true needle nose pliers, tips it toward the Super Tool for me (but if the price were right, I could go for either ).

BTW, is that the original ST or an ST 200 on auction?

Original.I too tend to lean toward the supertool.Not as pretty but when you do use it,they take a beating.The vic has a smallish plier engagement which I think would bend under stress.

 

[frank k]

Here’s a link to a review that I posted on the SwissTool (original full size, not the newer compact Spirit) Vs. the Super Tool 200 Vs. the Sog Power Lock:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275546


Of those three full sized multitools, I liked the SwissTool best, but now would rather have a Core (which had not come out yet when I posted the review).



Frank

 

[parnass]

I have a SwissTool X (with scissors) and original Leatherman SuperTool. They are two of my favorite multitools.

The SwissTool is more convenient because the tools are on the outside and they don't clump together like the SuperTool. The Vic's lock mechanism is much easier to unlock, too. Faster, easier access was the chief motivation for me buying the Vic SwissTool X after using the SuperTool for many years.

The SuperTool's screwdrivers are better because they require less clearance and the phillips doesn't slip as does the Vic. The SuperTool also has a better lanyard attachment point.

The SwissTool has a better fit and finish than the SuperTool. But, the old SuperTool is no slouch -- it has better fit and finish than the newer model Leatherman tools.

 

[tholiver]

Does Leatherman even make the Supertool anymore? i don't see it on their website.

 

[navihawk]

Does Leatherman even make the Supertool anymore? i don't see it on their website.

It's in their retired tools section.

 

[tholiver]

Just found the supertool 200 in Leathermans "retired tools" section.
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/retired-tools/super-tool-200/default.asp

 

[znapschatz]

Original.I too tend to lean toward the supertool.Not as pretty but when you do use it,they take a beating.The vic has a smallish plier engagement which I think would bend under stress.

I've had both. Although I favor the Super Tool, it isn't because Swisstools don't hold up. The pliers are pretty tough, just too blunt for my liking. Have you considered a ST 200 or Core? They turn up at a good price from time to time. Eventually, opportunities come to those who are patient .

 

[navihawk]

I like the looks of the core. Hows the locks on it?

 

[znapschatz]

I like the looks of the core. Hows the locks on it?

After ten years of great service from my Super Tool, I retired it to the car console in favor of a Core. I hadn't been looking for a replacement, but couldn't resist a blowout price at Target last January at a post holidays sale.
Functionally, the Core has been equal or better than the ST. The implements are even easier to access, and unlocking them is a breeze, compared to the awkward arrangement on the earlier model (for me, never a dealbreaker. There is virtue in mechanical simplicity).

Supposedly, the Core's longer blades and redesigned pliers provide some advantage over the ST, but in practice I haven't noticed a difference. The locks seem to be secure, but in less than a year haven't been stressed enough to find out how they hold up over time. I wasn't much of a fan of the lock release levers on the ST 200, but those on the Core are simpler and easier to manage under extreme conditions, like wet, cold, or when your thumbs refuse to work.

Overall, I consider the Core a worthy evolution of the Super Tool, in itself a great design, and I am not enough of a multi-tool snob (a pretty funny idea, if you think about it ) to fuss about the finish. The thing works, and that's what is needed in a tool.

 

[navihawk]

I like that longer phillips.The awl instead of the scissors is a plus also.I though the locks were different I was thinking of the pulse.He had to get rid of the sharp edges. Best design change he ever did.