Swisstool Spirit vs. Spirit +

B

Buck268

Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
1,864
Ok, I don't get it, whats the difference? They have the exact same tools according to NGK, but a $15 price gap. I'm confused, does the + have different steel or something? Couple somebody help me out here as I'm real confused.

Also, how does the blades and wood saws compare to those are a regular SAK?
 
The Plus version comes with a ratchet or wrench and driver bits.

The tools are similar to those on the knives. The scissors are different and the blade is a non pointed and serrated. If you need the standard spear point blade then get the "S" version, however the spear point replaces the scissors.
 
Reading some reviews and what not, a common complaint with all the swisstools are the screw drivers. Are they really that bad? Also, I would assume the bit holder fits in the belt pouch? If so, that is great because you could stick a few extra bits in that.
 
Buck268 said:
Reading some reviews and what not, a common complaint with all the swisstools are the screw drivers. Are they really that bad? Also, I would assume the bit holder fits in the belt pouch? If so, that is great because you could stick a few extra bits in that.
Click to expand...

I have seen some complain about the screwdrivers, but I have never had a problem and in fact prefer them to those found on othet multitools; they don't cut into your hand. The complaint this the because they are so polished that they slip easily when in use - I have not had this problem and have been using Victorinox tools for more than 25 years. I guess it is a matter of personal preference.

Yes the bit holder does fit in the pouch that comes with the tool. There several versions; wrench or ratchet, leather pouch or nylon pouch. The older kits came with an attachable corkscrew and the newer kits replace this with a wrench/rachet extension. As you noticed the bit holder is not fully populated with bits, so if you can add to them if you wish.
 
Buck268 said:
Reading some reviews and what not, a common complaint with all the swisstools are the screw drivers. Are they really that bad? Also, I would assume the bit holder fits in the belt pouch? If so, that is great because you could stick a few extra bits in that.
Click to expand...

You can square up the flat blade screwdrivers easily, but I don't know how to make the SwissTool and Spirit Phillips blades grip better. The SwissTool and Spirit Phillips drivers are different than the Phillips drivers on my Victorinox Swiss Army knives.

I used a Spirit when replacing a motion detector light switch recently. The Phillips blade kept slipping out of the screw heads when applying a small amount of torque. This distorted the screw heads so I replaced the screws and finished the job with a different Phillips driver.

I haven't had this problem when using the Leatherman SuperTool, PST, and SOG PowerLock.

No multitool is a clear winner in all categories and I usually prefer to carry the Vic SwissTool or Spirit despite their less than stellar screwdrivers.
 
One thing you should know about the Spirit. I've sent two back to VIcotorinox becuase the locks failed. Other folks here haven't had any problems but check the lock up when you get it. YMMV
 
My Spirit has been my main edc for about two years now. I find that it's size, tool array, and build quality are ideal for me. I disliked the serrated sheepsfoot blade, but it was quite easy to grind the serrations off and them sharpen it as a plain edge on both sides. I have gotten used to the lack of a point (if I need to poke something, I use the awl). I have never had a problem with the screwdrivers; sure, they're not as good as a real screwdriver, but they work just fine.

I find a scissors very useful, so I'll stick with the Spirit rather than a Spirit S (of all things, why did they delete the scissors?!).
 
Foilist said:
I find a scissors very useful, so I'll stick with the Spirit rather than a Spirit S (of all things, why did they delete the scissors?!).
Click to expand...

So they can release the SwissTool Spirit X version with scissors & a spear point blade replacing the serrated sheepsfoot blade. :D At least that's what I'm waiting for! :D
 
I have a NIB Spirit I bought to compare to the old Swiss Tool I've carried for years and my newest M/T that I just got the Leatherman Wave. I find the one hand opening blades of the Wave have me spoiled and the scissors seem better to me than the Spirit. But the Spirit seems to be a very well built, precise instrument. It is very comfortable in the hand, and the tools lock up solid and feel very good. They do work quite well.

I'm getting ready to list my new one for sale though because it won't replace the Wave. I do like the pliers better on the Spirit over the 10 year old Swiss Tool I have though. FWIW.

STR
 
Just got my Spirit from STR... Very impressed! The pliers snap solidly in place, so no sticking issues where the handles try to fold up like in the leathermans I have used. Tools lock up great an the blade and scissors are very sharp. I really like the blade, actually. Its basically like a straight razor with light serrations; I think it will be very useful. Looking forward to trying out all the tools in their time, especially the saw as I've heard some good things about it...

All in all, very well thought out and well made tool, might have to drop the spyderco as EDC for this.


The *only* grip I have is, well I tend to trim my finger nails with my knife when I'm bored... which makes it a little trickier to open up the tools, but not a big issue as most multtools offer me this problem to varying degrees.
 
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