Swisstool Spirit Serrated Blade?

[Keith M]

I was considering getting a Spirit, but the one thing that has me a little hesitant is the shape of the blade (I want scissors, so I don't get the standard SAK blade in there). How does the blade handle? Can it be used as a second "saw"? What are your impressions of it?

Everything else I've read on this tool has been glowing. The blade's the only unknown as far as I'm concerned

 

[blackviper91]

That was the main reason I haven't picked one up yet. I have heard of alot of people just reprofiling the serrations off, which is much more preferable.

 

[supratentorial]

Some people say it grows on them but I've had mine for a while and I still don't like it. It's sharp but I'd definitely prefer the plain edge drop point blade. If the serrated butter knife won't work for you, you might consider taking a step up in size and buying the SwissTool X. It has scissors and a drop point blade. Or buy the SwissTool Spirit S and a small Swiss army knife with scissors.

 

[znapschatz]

I was considering getting a Spirit, but the one thing that has me a little hesitant is the shape of the blade (I want scissors, so I don't get the standard SAK blade in there). How does the blade handle? Can it be used as a second "saw"? What are your impressions of it?

Everything else I've read on this tool has been glowing. The blade's the only unknown as far as I'm concerned

Give it a chance. Although starting out with doubts about the blade, with a little experience I got to appreciate it. Serrated blades come into their own on fibrous material and none of them makes a really good saw. If you need one, there is a saw provided. Serrations at the front end and plain edge toward the heel seems to work well for the variety of situations I encounter (the serrations, btw, are ground on the right side of the blade, which makes the cut more controllable for right handed people). You might like it too, but if not, modding is no major problem. The problematic feature on the Spirit, IMHO, is the scissors. The blades are tiny and open scarcely wider than those on the Classic. I'd rather have the S model with its plain blade and carry a Micra for scissors.

 

[Foilist]

I am by no means an expert sharpener, but I was able to remove the serrations from mine and bevel both sides to a conventional plain edge profile in about a half an hour. I prefer a plain edge and I didn't like the one-sided bevel since I often use a knife with either hand.

 

[Keith M]

Some people say it grows on them but I've had mine for a while and I still don't like it. It's sharp but I'd definitely prefer the plain edge drop point blade. If the serrated butter knife won't work for you, you might consider taking a step up in size and buying the SwissTool X. It has scissors and a drop point blade. Or buy the SwissTool Spirit S and a small Swiss army knife with scissors.

Heh, butterknife actually was what came to mind when I saw the blade for the first time. I actually had considered the SwissTool X, as well. The fact that it's already heavier than my Charge TTi (which is probably going to be relegated to my truck's tool box; love the tool, but the crimper kills it for me. Don't feel like spending 100 USD on an AL or ALX) is a little daunting.

Of course, I also haven't really looked at other brands yet (outside of Vic, Wenger's SwissGrips, or other LMs), so maybe I'll take a look at SOG and a couple others. I hear good things about the PowerLock

 

[Buck268]

I like mine. Granted, I don't use it as a primary blade but its got a good look; like a serrated straight razor. And its just the ticket for food prep!

 

[choubbi]

I like this blade, since I always carry another SAK and at least 1 spyderco folder on me, this blade shape brings something else to my EDC.

I didn't like it at first and used it for dirty jobs, but the day I saw it cut through a (roughly) 1/2" wide shielded cable (something like 20 strands or 10 twisted pairs inside), almost like through hot butter, I learned to respect that blade shape. I consider it complementary to the regular SAK blade, which is better for fine and clean cuts. Anyway if I had to carry only one with my PE Spyderco folders, I'd choose the blunt serrated blade over the pointed plain blade.

Just give it a try if you can, you'll see it's a good blade.

 

[bindibadgi]

I've learned to respect old Moby Dick too. At first I thought it was just silly, but it has served perfectly every time I've needed it. Granted I've only had it a month now, so it's yet to meet lots of other tasks.

But anyway, as others have said, don't we all carry another knife as well? I know I do. So give it a chance and you may come to like it.

My gripe with the spirit is also the scissors. It looks to me like there's enough room there for them to have included the regular scissors, but they chose these tiny ones. Pity really. They kind of work, but sometimes you just need to open the blades out more.