Vic Swisstool vs Spirit? Your opinions please

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Nikkogi

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Jan 19, 2009
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Hey guys, I was wondering, what do you prefer the smaller Spirit tool or the heavy duty SwissTool?

For me, I think the Spirit is an improved SwissTool. This is because first off, it's lighter. I have no problem carrying around a SwissTool but the Spirit is unnoticeable on the belt. Next, the lockup on the Spirit is dead tight. On the SwissTools (I have had over 30 pass through my hands) they all had up and down play when you have an implement locked. There's nothing on the Spirit, no up/down or side/side movement at all! Next, the pliers are more needle nosed. This is good from a utilitarian standpoint as they are more versatile and they are still stronger then more needle nose pliers (ala LM Charge) for any kind of twisting of the pliers. Next, the tool is a lot more comfortable and contoured then the SwissTool.

What do you think? SwissTool or Spirit and why
 
The Spirit is almost as capable , and doesn't give away much in tuffness , so it gets the nod . The Swisstool is more of a manbag carry , at least for me .

Chris
 
The swisstool isn't as pretty. as much as it's a tool it's also a status symbol like a nice watch. the spirit looks classy where the swisstool looks utilitarian. It's the same reason i carry a more gentlemanly folder than a tactical one. I want people to say "my what a cool tool" or "is that a titanium handle?" and i can be proud that the tool in my hand not only does what it's supposed to but it can look good too. It's a bit narcissistic but that's the point.
 
The Swiss Tool is the heavy duty beast. The Spirit is nice but not as heavy duty. Its still pretty tough though. I personally don't care for the curved handle on it but the one thing it does have going for it as I recall is that the pliers on the Spirit are more tapered so in my opinion the needle nose pliers of the Spirit are better and probably more useful overall than the blunt nosed Swiss Tool pliers. So in that regard the Spirit has pliers more competitive with the Leatherman. That is unless they've changed it since I saw the ones I was looking at.

STR
 
I have the Spirit and love it. You will not go wrong with either, but the Spirit gets my vote.
 
Hey,

I feel exactly how you do Nikkogi. I bought a Swisstool Spirit and loved it, then for some reason I sold it because I wanted a Swisstool. When I received the Swisstool, I wasn't nearly as impressed as I was with the Spirit. One of the main reasons being the lockup, just like you said, the Spirit's lockup was perfect but the Swisstool's wasn't. So I sold the Swisstool and now I want to buy a Spirit again.
 
Yeah, the Spirit is just a more refined SwissTool. I truly believe it's the strongest <9 oz multitool on the planet.

Victorinox needs to make more multitools to compete with Leatherman. I truly believe the SwissTool/Spirit tools are light years above anything Leatherman puts out (IMO of course).

I would love to see a Victorinox Spirit with a textured titanium frame, a diamond file, 2x OHO blades (one PE and one SE, like on the Dual Pro), normal 91MM scissors, and the same exact tool set that is currently on board the Spirit. That would be my ideal multitool. Oh, not to mention a pocket clip, more needle nose pliers, and a true lanyard attatchment. I would be in HEAVEN!
 
My favorite is the Spirit X because it has a spear point,plain edged blade. Built almost as tough as the Swisstool and is easier to carry and more comfortable in use. Original Spirit is the same,except for the non-pointed,mostly serrated blade. Just couldnt warm up to that type of blade.
 
Between the two, I vote Spirit. Although in the end I went with Leatherman, I have spent a fair amount of time with each as EDC candidates. Both impressed me as well designed and made, but there were several deal breakers. Among them; the implements are accessed by nail nicks, not convenient while wearing gloves, as I often do when working. Barehanded is okay, but under cold and wet conditions, it becomes a real challenge to operate the Swisstool. Clubby, softened thumbnails are useless against the stiff springs. On one occasion I had to lift a screwdriver with my Rambler nail file. The Spirit is much easier on the draw. They are both good tools, I can see why folks sing their praises, but the Charge is just a better fit for me.
 
I really like the swisstool, but like Znapschatz, I seem to like the LM ease of use with gloves or when wet or "nail impaired"
 
Nikkogi said:
Yeah, the Spirit is just a more refined SwissTool. I truly believe it's the strongest <9 oz multitool on the planet.

Victorinox needs to make more multitools to compete with Leatherman. I truly believe the SwissTool/Spirit tools are light years above anything Leatherman puts out (IMO of course).

I would love to see a Victorinox Spirit with a textured titanium frame, a diamond file, 2x OHO blades (one PE and one SE, like on the Dual Pro), normal 91MM scissors, and the same exact tool set that is currently on board the Spirit. That would be my ideal multitool. Oh, not to mention a pocket clip, more needle nose pliers, and a true lanyard attatchment. I would be in HEAVEN!
Click to expand...

That would awesome. I totally agree on the diamond file, bigger scissors, and finer pliers. The only aspect where I might disagree with you is in the 2 OHO blades. I would love it if they could keep the ergos on the Spirit right, however I think leatherman messed up because I feel their ergos are not what they should be because of the 2 One hand opening blades.
 
I had both for awhile, and they are both excellent. I did give away the Swisstool eventually though. The Spirit has been my go-to for several years now. It is just as tough as the original Swisstool but is not such a brick to carry around.
 
MH13750 said:
My favorite is the Spirit X because it has a spear point,plain edged blade. Built almost as tough as the Swisstool and is easier to carry and more comfortable in use. Original Spirit is the same,except for the non-pointed,mostly serrated blade. Just couldnt warm up to that type of blade.
Click to expand...


I gave my original Spirit a serration-ectomy and beveled both sides of the cutting edge not long after I got it, which improved the blade for my tastes. I would like to get a Spirit X, but I can't rationalize the purchase since my original Spirit is still going strong.
 
Nikkogi said:
Hey guys, I was wondering, what do you prefer the smaller Spirit tool or the heavy duty SwissTool?

For me, I think the Spirit is an improved SwissTool. This is because first off, it's lighter. I have no problem carrying around a SwissTool but the Spirit is unnoticeable on the belt. Next, the lockup on the Spirit is dead tight. On the SwissTools (I have had over 30 pass through my hands) they all had up and down play when you have an implement locked. There's nothing on the Spirit, no up/down or side/side movement at all! Next, the pliers are more needle nosed. This is good from a utilitarian standpoint as they are more versatile and they are still stronger then more needle nose pliers (ala LM Charge) for any kind of twisting of the pliers. Next, the tool is a lot more comfortable and contoured then the SwissTool.

What do you think? SwissTool or Spirit and why
Click to expand...

LM123,

I like the Spirit better for the reasons you listed also. The Swisstool I have has blade play also. I have a Black Oxide spirit and its feels great in the hand.

I EDC the Spirit and the Swisstool stays in my car emergency bag.
 
Get both! :p

No really, I have the SwissTool RS and the regular Spirit. I EDC the Spirit and the SwissTool RS is in my "go bag". 2 different classes of MT's really as the SwissTool is a heavyweight and the Spirit is a middleweight.
 
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