It's obvious Leatherman has more options for pliers-based multitools than Victorinox, but I'd love to hear from people who have experience using both brands.
I'm looking at investing in a new multitool in the next week or so, and I've used two Leathermans to date. I love Victorinox Swiss Army knives, but I have never had their Spirit/etc in-hand ever. How do they stack up?
Hi Statesevens, I own and use both brands. Uses range from motorcycle maintenance and repair, small engine repair, home/garden work...general stuff that a multi-tool is so handy for. I carry one with me every day, maybe not on me, but within reach if needed.
I don't abuse my tools, but I do use them and take care of them. I have an expectation that they are multi-tools and should not replace the "real" tools (ie. wrench, pliers, sockets, screwdrivers etc etc) and as such are a handy little tool box.
Here are my thoughts broken down by each brand. I am not trying to convince you either way, but just my experience:
Leatherman:
Core - the first multi-tool I purchased from Leatherman. Used for a trip to the Arctic Circle on my motorcycle via the Dempster Highway in Canada including motorcycle maintenance and camping chores. Also used for countless house chores, garden work, car/lawnmower repairs etc.
Pros: Solid, well built, good assortment of tools (plain edge knife, serrated knife, file, screwdrivers, can opener, saw, pliers). Lock back mechanisms for blades and tools, with added security of handle in case the lock fails.
Cons: Not one hand opening, and pliers must open to access blades and tools. Tools clump when I take them out (ie. screwdrivers). It is heavy and bulky. Ergo's while open not very comfortable with the sides of the handles digging into my palms while applying pressure. The pliers have developed side to side "wobble" over the years (don't line up well at the tip any more), and are none adjustable so I may have to send it to Leatherman at some point for repair.
Wave - bought as a lighter weight tool and alternative to the Core. Same uses as above.
Pros - smaller lighter weight, one hand opening blades serrated and plain edge. Access to blades, file and saw without opening pliers. Slightly more ergonomic vs. Core. Inner tools have back lock, again protected by the handle if the lock fails during use. Adjustable pivot torque screws to tighten the tool up (same issue as the Core, pliers developed a wobble). I bought the Leatherman "bit set" which is handy for different types of screws.
Cons - not as solid feeling as the core (smaller size). Liner lock on blades, file and saw. The convenience of the one hand opening was short lived when the liner lock failed on me during use of the blade. Put it down to user error but it was a very close call and I am lucky to still have my fingers. Fortunately I narrowly missed being cut severely and moved my hand when I felt the lock slip (I was piercing a heavy piece of plastic). I am being honest here, I have used knives and tools for many decades and it is the "one time" where you don't think a lock will fail that it does. For this reason alone I simply don't trust the liner lock on the Leatherman's and am VERY cautious with them. Bit set is unique to Leatherman and a modified 1/4" regular bit and an added expense.
Victorinox:
Swisstool - I would compare this to the "Core" in terms of size and weight, but it is slightly slimmer. Same uses as above.
Pros - Tools accessible without opening the pliers. All have individual lock back springs, released with a slide and very solid lock up. Well built with attention to detail and precision fit/finish. Pliers are not as pointy as the "Core" but just as robust. The ergo's are better, smoother and better feeling in the hand vs Leatherman. Hard to explain but more confidence inspiring to use vs. Leatherman.
Cons - no one hand opening. Nail nicks may be difficult to open tools, blades especially when hands are slippery or cold. May be heavy and bulky compared to other Multitools. Pinned construction in pivots so no provision for adjusting blade play, plier wobble, tool wobble...time will tell but no issues yet.
Spirit X - I would compare it to the "Wave" in terms of size and weight. Same uses as above.
Pros - by far the best ergonomics of any of the above. Lighter wt vs Core, Swisstool, and Wave. Tools accessible without opening the pliers. All have individual lock back springs, released with a slide and very solid lock up. Well built with attention to detail and precision fit/finish. Pliers are the smallest of the group and not as pointy as the Leatheman but just as robust. I have the added "ratchet" with an assortment of 1/4" bits which opens up the usefulness and allows for the use of the ratchet and pliers simultaneously (handy when tightening screws/bolts and nuts at the same time).
Cons- not one hand opening, nail nicks may be hard to access. Additional ratchet and bits add to bulk of the leather carrying sheath. Pinned construction in pivots so no provision for adjusting blade play, plier wobble, tool wobble...time will tell but no issues yet.
Well that's it! Good luck choosing.
Personally I reach for and use the Victorinox more often than the Leatherman but still use both.
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