Victorinox SwissTool RS

B

Bodieism

Joined
Jan 3, 2004
Messages
350
I've been thinking about buying this model and wanted to hear first hand about its quality from someone who has used it. I was also wondering if the saw was a metal saw or wood saw... I read one review on it and the person said it was just a wood saw.
 
I've had one for about six months. It's a solid, sturdy tool. The RS version comes with a wood saw - it does a great job of cutting small branches. I have not tried cutting metal! Two things people complain about the most are the weight and the smooth philips screwdriver.
 
I don't believe that its a metal saw.

I have had an RS for about 18 months and use it all the time. I alternate it with my old style LM Wave.

I like the RS for its strength - it is much more solid than the Wave. The think is built like a tank, has all the right tools. My only gripe with the thing is that the knife blades are not one hand opening. The thing is so right that I used it and a drill to do a major system installation on my boat.

For a comparison - you can really, and I mean really, honk hard on the Swisstool using it as a screwdriver and you won't have a problem. Do the same with your Wave and the thing will twist all over and the blade will probably snap shut on your fingers (the new style should fix the locking blade problem).

That all being said the one handed opening deficiency on the RS is bad enough that I carry my Wave whenever I need to be 'knife centric."

J
 
I wish they would have found a way to put scissors on the standard SwissTool .... saves all this choosing which version to go for crap !!!!
 
Perfectionist said:
I wish they would have found a way to put scissors on the standard SwissTool .... saves all this choosing which version to go for crap !!!!
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I feel the same, but I just carry a regular SAK with scissors in addition to my SwissTool. Of all the multi-tools I've played with the Swiss Tool has been my favorite. I handled a Wave and it felt so light and weak to me. It felt like if you actually used it hard it would break. Hopefully the Charge is built better.
 
Hi Wade, The Charge is built Better than the Old Wave, with better steel in the plain blade (154CM) and better overall construction, but it's one downfall IMO is the bits which are included, specifically the Phillips bit. I have found it too short to reach into some area where I need to tighten a phillips screw. The Wave on the other hand, (the OLD Wave) with its standard Phillips screwdriver works great! This might not be a big deal to some, but I had waited one month to get my Charge, and the first real task I put it to, it fell short due to the Phillips bit. I know Multis are a compromise to the REAL tools, but I would have preferred not having those interchangeable bits on the Charge. Sometimes trying to have too many options sets you up for not being able to perform a simple task! Just my 2 cents worth! :eek:
 
WadeF said:
I feel the same, but I just carry a regular SAK with scissors in addition to my SwissTool. Of all the multi-tools I've played with the Swiss Tool has been my favorite. I handled a Wave and it felt so light and weak to me. It felt like if you actually used it hard it would break. Hopefully the Charge is built better.
Click to expand...

All the new LM's have stronger pliers etc, but the short bits do cause concern.
 
I just ordered a Charge TI. If the twisting is gone along with the clumping then it could be a great tool. The more I use the one handed opening of the wave, the more addicted I get to it. This is literally the on feature that prevents me from carrying my Swiss Tool 100% for EDC.

J
 
One-handed opening devices, such as pocket knives and multi-tools, are illegal outside the US, in many countries.
 
I liked the RS so much I bought a second one. I keep one in the car and the other in the house for quick fixes.

Paul
 
It's a shame to hear the bits are to short to be useful in some situations. I'd say out of all the tools on a multi-tool, SAK, etc, I use the phillips screw driver the most.
 
WadeF said:
It's a shame to hear the bits are to short to be useful in some situations. I'd say out of all the tools on a multi-tool, SAK, etc, I use the phillips screw driver the most.
Click to expand...

This is the only thing stopping me from buying a charge. I use a phillips _almost_ as much as a knife. The old wave phillips had a short reach, but usually enough for most things. Looking at the charge, it may not be able to get to where you need it... I suppose one could make/buy? longer bits?
 
Thank you all for your replies. I think I have decided to go with the SwissTool Spirit instead. I think it will be better for me since its going to be a little smaller than the other SwissTools since I want something I can use as an EDC to go along with my Spyderco... plus I kind of like those curved handles.
 
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