Vic Swisstool vs. Spirit?

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Nov 17, 2007
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I'm looking at purchasing either a Victorinox Swisstool or a Swisstool Spirit.

How do they compare to one another?

Which do you prefer and why?

Which has more versatility?

Which holds up to heavy use better?

Thanks
 
I have the Vic Swisstool X and the spirit X. The Spirit has a more ergonomic handle for the pliers (though both have smooth handles that won't cut into your hands) and also has needle nose pliers compared to the more blunt nose pliers of the swisstool. The tools are pretty close, although I like the scissors on the swisstool better, they open wider and have the more traditional SAK scissors. The swisstool is bigger and heavier, kind of like comparing the Core or Supertool to the wave. The spirit is smaller lighter and makes a better regular edc because of this, while the swisstool has bigger tools, is heavier duty and heavier in general. Both have excellent fit and finish, ones a little more ergonomic and lighter duty the other is heavier duty.
 
Help

I'm looking at purchasing either a Victorinox Swisstool or a Swisstool Spirit.

How do they compare to one another?

Which do you prefer and why?

Which has more versatility?

Which holds up to heavy use better?

Thanks

I think the main difference between them is the size and weight, spirit is a lot more portable... Their strengh are very close too, i think...

If you are looking for EDC, go for the spirit.(though the scissors sucks, lol) If you are looking something for bigger job likes camping, go for the regular swisstool.(i own the RS model...)
 
I love my swisstool. Never used the Spirit. Both are great, I'm sure, but as your post said, if you are looking for the more durable of the two, I can only imagine the Swisstool would be the better choice as it is larger and more robust.

JGON
 
I own both an original Swisstool and a Spirit S. The one I carry is the Spirit S. I don't know which one is stronger, but they are both strong enough. The Spirit's tools are much easier to access for me, due to the bowed shape of the handles. On the Swisstool, I find some of the tools are nail-breakers to access. Also, the size is more compact, it feels more ergonomic to me, and it's a bit easier to carry.

Jim
 
good question! and the answers you got answered it pretty good but...

understand the Spirit is a Swisstool, called the Swisstool Spirit! (I didn't know that at first doh)

but we do know what you mean and I'd say the main difference is size. The main body/chassis is different too but overall similar quality and selection tools in both.

the Spirit versions are smaller, ergonomic grips/handles and the larger Swisstool models are pretty big (about as big as they come) and straight handles/grips.

I have em both and they are my favs, for quality, tool selection, and I like the "Lifetime Warranty!"
 
For my purposes the SwissTool is probably gonna be the choice.

However I prefer needlenose pliers. How blunt are the pliers on the SwissTool?
 
Can't say anything about the Swisstool, but the Spirit has been one hell of a companion. Your dog can die, your woman can leave and your truck can break but your Spirit will never fail you or leave you
 
Can't say anything about the Swisstool, but the Spirit has been one hell of a companion. Your dog can die, your woman can leave and your truck can break but your Spirit will never fail you or leave you

Must get about 15 Swisstools right now. NOW!
 
I have two Spirits , i used to have two Swisstools . Both are great tools , Spirit has 95% of the capability , much more refined and ergonomic package ,

Mike you do not wan't needlenoses , when you are talking cast pliers . Forged is a different kettle of fish , but with cast you want very clean castings and a bit more meat .

Chris
 
For my purposes the SwissTool is probably gonna be the choice.

However I prefer needlenose pliers. How blunt are the pliers on the SwissTool?

on my swisstool the tip of the pliers is 3.5 mm wide and about 6 mm "high" (the tip is vertically rounded)

on the swisstool spirit it is 3 mm wide and 5 mm high

the pliers on the spirit are just a little bit thinner, they have a little less meat behind the tip, but otherwise they are similar.

I personally prefer the spirit because the ergonomics are far better. especially in the plier configuration because the handles are not straight but curved.
 
Sounds like the pliers on either will work just fine.

I have an SOG Powerplier. While it works good for the wire cutter and file its blades stink. You canactualy see the screwdriver blades toquing when you use em.

The multi=tool is an important piece of my improvisation kit. So it has got to offer a lot in terms of both function and durability.
 
You canactualy see the screwdriver blades toquing when you use em.

The multi=tool is an important piece of my improvisation kit. So it has got to offer a lot in terms of both function and durability.

I try not use my multitools for hard use applications, they are not designed for that, not like a dedicated tool, like a hand driver. I've seen and felt my Spirit torque if I apply too much pressure also.

I think if you push any Multitool as hard as a dedicated tool it will fail much sooner.
 
I've carried the Spirit every day for quite some time, but I am moving to the SwissTool CS Plus. I am getting tired of the poor scissors on the Spirit. Weight and size aren't an issue to me. I don't notice a difference on my belt or in my bag.
 
Since I own a few Spirits, I don't carry my SwissTool RS very often anymore. The Spirits are comfortable to use and even during hiking trips, they're light enough to carry on the belt. The RS now mainly stays in the glove box of my car.
 
obviously the larger they come
the more heavier duty they become.
so it boils down to personal preference of portability versus bulk.
they both come with warranties
and i can't imagine breakage on anything but the thinnest of their respective bladetools.
on another question,
does anyone know just how rare the blacken swiss spirits with the swiss military green nylon sheaths are?
 
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